19 Day Leisurely Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang Suitable for All Ages with a Relaxed Pace Summary of Official Registration Methods and Recommended Itinerary Prices
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send the itinerary and quotation.
Exploring Northern and Southern Xinjiang:A Comprehensive Guide to a 19-Day Leisurely Journey for All Ages✨
On the vast land of Xinjiang, the northern and southern regions each boast unique characteristics. Northern Xinjiang is renowned for its magnificent natural scenery, while Southern Xinjiang attracts countless visitors with its profound historical and cultural heritage. For travelers of all ages seeking a relaxed and in-depth experience of Xinjiang’s charm, a leisurely 19-day journey through both regions is undoubtedly the ideal choice. Below, we will provide a detailed introduction to the highlights, itinerary, pricing information, and registration method for this route.
Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations🌄
[Northern Xinjiang Section:Symphony of Snow-Capped Mountains, Lakes, Forests, and Grasslands]
Heavenly Lake of Tianshan Mountains: As the starting point of the itinerary, this alpine lake at an altitude of 1,910 meters is hailed as the “Fairy Pool on Earth.” The clear waters are surrounded by mountains, creating a picturesque scene. In 2026, the scenic area will implement a real-name reservation system with a maximum daily capacity of 27,000 visitors, open from 08:00 to 20:00. You can take a boat tour of the lake or hike to the Mayashan Viewing Platform for a panoramic view, experiencing the grandeur and tranquility of nature.
Kanas and Hemu: Kanas Lake attracts countless visitors with its mysterious “water monster” legend and the breathtaking beauty of the “Three Bays” (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay). Hemu Village is known as “God’s Private Reserve” for its primitive Tuvan wooden houses and stunning morning mist scenery. In 2026, the scenic area has optimized its shuttle bus routes to reduce queuing times, and new intangible cultural heritage experiences of the Tuvan people have been added in Hemu Village, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture.
Sayram Lake: From June to August, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, and the lake’s sapphire-blue waters are known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic.” The scenic area is open from 10:00 to 20:00. You can cycle around the lake or take a sightseeing bus, stopping at attractions like the Commanding Platform and Hydrophilic Beach to capture unforgettable moments.
Nalati Grassland: As one of Xinjiang’s representative grasslands, Nalati Grassland forms a beautiful picture with its vast grasslands, distant snow-capped mountains, and leisurely herds. In 2026, the scenic area introduces a “48-hour, two-entry” policy, open from 08:30 to 20:00. You can ride a horse across the aerial grassland, overlook the snow-capped mountains and herds, or participate in home visits with local people of various ethnic groups to experience life on the grassland.
Exploring Northern and Southern Xinjiang: A Comprehensive Guide to a 19-Day Leisurely Journey for All Ages✨Duku Highway: This epic highway, where you can “experience all four seasons in a day,” is expected to open in mid-June and close in mid-October in 2026. The itinerary will traverse the northern section (from Qiaerma to Nalati) and the middle section (from Nalati to Bayanbulak), showcasing canyons, snow-capped mountains, and alpine meadows along the way, allowing you to feel the wonders of nature.
[Southern Xinjiang Section:Millennium Dialogue Between Desert Ancient Cities and Plateau Lakes]
Kashgar Old Town: This millennium-old key town on the Silk Road retains its complete traditional street layout. Strolling through the old town feels like traveling back in time. In 2026, a new “Century-Old Tea House” experience has been added in the old town, where you can enjoy tea while watching live performances of ethnic musical instruments, experiencing Kashgar’s unique charm.
Pamir Plateau:The itinerary will pass by Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, with a distant view of Muztagh Ata (altitude 7,546 meters). The lakes on the plateau are crystal clear, with snow-capped mountains reflecting in them, creating a stunning scene. Here, you can feel the grandeur and mystery of nature.
Simple Itinerary Arrangement📅
Days 1-2:Gathering and Rest in Urumqi
Upon arrival in Urumqi, check into a hotel in the city center. For free activities, we recommend visiting Lingguan Lane to taste special snacks like baked buns and pilaf, adapting to Xinjiang’s time difference and climate.
Days 3-5:Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan Mountains → Fukang → S21 Desert Highway → Burqin → Kanas → Hemu Village
On the vast land of Xinjiang, the northern and southern regions each boast unique characteristics. Northern Xinjiang is renowned for its magnificent natural scenery, while Southern Xinjiang attracts countless visitors with its profound historical and cultural heritage. For travelers of all ages seeking a relaxed and in-depth experience of Xinjiang’s charm, a leisurely 19-day journey through both regions is undoubtedly the ideal choice. Below, we will provide a detailed introduction to the highlights, itinerary, pricing information, and registration method for this route.Focus on hiking the Three Bays of Kanas and photographing the morning mist in Hemu, experiencing the grandeur and tranquility of nature.
Days 6-8:Hemu → Sayram Lake → Nalati Grassland → Bayanbulak
Tour around Sayram Lake, participate in home visits with local people of various ethnic groups on Nalati Grassland, and photograph the sunset over the meandering river in Bayanbulak, capturing unforgettable moments.
Days 9-11:Bayanbulak → Southern Section of Duku Highway → Kuqa → Kashgar
Traverse the southern section of Duku Highway, visit the Tianshan Grand Canyon in Kuqa, and explore the old town and Id Kah Square in Kashgar, experiencing the historical and cultural heritage of Southern Xinjiang.
Days 12-14:Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan
A permit is required in advance. Focus on experiencing plateau lakes and home visits with local people of various ethnic groups to understand local life and culture.
Days 15-17:Taxkorgan → Kashgar → Turpan → Urumqi
Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations🌄Visit Flaming Mountains and Karez Wells in Turpan to experience the oasis civilization, and finally return to Urumqi to conclude the tour.
Days 18-19:Free Activities or Departure from Urumqi
Based on your flight schedule, enjoy free activities or shopping, concluding the itinerary. You can visit the International Bazaar in Urumqi to purchase some unique souvenirs to take home.
Pricing Information💰
The price for a 19-day group tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 2026 varies depending on the departure date and room type. Here are some reference prices for selected tour dates:
June Tour Dates (including Dragon Boat Festival):
Premium Gold Diamond (3-person compartment):69,999 yuan/person
Royal Gold Diamond (4-person compartment):63,999 yuan/person
[Northern Xinjiang Section: Symphony of Snow-Capped Mountains, Lakes, Forests, and Grasslands]Platinum Gold Diamond (5-person compartment):58,999 yuan/person
Third and fourth persons in the same compartment:30,000 yuan/person
October Tour Dates (Southern Xinjiang Populus euphratica Forest Theme):
Royal Gold Diamond:49,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond:44,999 yuan/person
Price Includes: Full-trip dedicated train berths (one berth throughout the journey based on the selected room type), four-star/four-diamond or higher hotel accommodations during ground tours, first admission tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary (such as Kanas, Sayram Lake, Kuqa Grand Canyon, etc.), breakfast and some main meals throughout the journey (main meals consist of eight dishes and one soup for 10 people per table, catering to both northern and southern tastes), professional tour guide services and onboard staff, and travel insurance.
Price Excludes:Personal expenses, round-trip transportation costs, self-paid items within scenic areas (such as horse riding, boat tours, etc.), and additional expenses due to force majeure factors.
The above prices are for reference only. Actual costs may vary due to changes in departure dates, room types, and policies. The final price will be based on the signed travel contract between both parties.
Heavenly Lake of Tianshan Mountains: As the starting point of the itinerary, this alpine lake at an altitude of 1,910 meters is hailed as the “Fairy Pool on Earth.” The clear waters are surrounded by mountains, creating a picturesque scene. In 2026, the scenic area will implement a real-name reservation system with a maximum daily capacity of 27,000 visitors, open from 08:00 to 20:00. You can take a boat tour of the lake or hike to the Mayashan Viewing Platform for a panoramic view, experiencing the grandeur and tranquility of nature.Registration Method📝
You can register for this 19-day leisurely journey through Northern and Southern Xinjiang through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, provide the names and valid ID numbers of the travelers, secure your seats, and confirm the availability for the selected departure date. Fees may vary due to changes in departure dates, room types, and policies. The final price will be based on the signed travel contract between both parties.
Fee Explanation and Service Description📋
The items included in the fees have been detailed above, including transportation, accommodations, meals, admission tickets, and tour guide services. Additionally, we provide the following services:
Professional Tour Guide Services:Experienced professional tour guides will accompany you throughout the journey, providing detailed explanations of the history and cultural background of each attraction.
Onboard Staff:Each tour group is equipped with onboard staff responsible for coordinating various matters during the itinerary, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey for you.
Travel Insurance:Travel insurance is purchased for each tourist to provide protection.
For specific service content, accommodation standards, vehicle configurations, etc., please refer to actual consultations and signed contracts. Both parties can reasonably modify the itinerary through mutual agreement to cope with weather, road conditions, and other force majeure factors.
For solo registrants, our agency will do its best to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation. We are committed to providing a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for each tourist, allowing you to create beautiful memories during your journey through Northern and Southern Xinjiang.
The 19-day leisurely journey through Northern and Southern Xinjiang is not just a geographical crossing but also a mobile lifestyle of in-depth dialogue with nature and culture. From the snow-capped mountains of the Altay Mountains to the lakes of the Pamir Plateau, from the forests and grasslands of Northern Xinjiang to the desert ancient cities of Southern Xinjiang, the vastness and diversity of Xinjiang deserve to be measured at a slow pace. For more details or customization requests, welcome to consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. We look forward to embarking on this unforgettable journey through Northern and Southern Xinjiang with you!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send the itinerary and quotation.
