2026 North and South Xinjiang Group Tour 15 Day Exclusive Itinerary to Watch the Plateau Dawn and Populus Euphratica Sunset Glow Check the Latest Market Prices Recommended Route Pricing
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Shining Tianshan: A 15-Day In-Depth Scenic Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:A Visual Feast from Snow-Capped Mountains and Lakes to Golden Euphrates Poplars
I. Itinerary Highlights: Experience All Four Seasons of Xinjiang in One Trip
The 15-day itinerary for northern and southern Xinjiang, newly upgraded for 2026, is designed with the concept of a ‘mobile observation deck.’ It connects the Altai Mountains in northern Xinjiang with the Taklimakan Desert in southern Xinjiang, covering seven major ecosystems: snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, wetlands, gobi deserts, canyons, and plateau lakes. The itinerary includes special arrangements for capturing morning mist over Kanas Lake at dawn, watching the sunset over Muztagh Ata on the Pamir Plateau in the evening, and creating works during both morning light and sunset glow at the Tarim Euphrates Poplar Forest, satisfying photography enthusiasts’ pursuit of superior light and shadow.
Along the way, it includes six World Natural Heritage candidates: Koktokay National Geopark, Kanas Lake Ecological Zone, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Bayinbuluk Wetland, and Tarim Euphrates Poplar Forest National Park. In terms of cultural landscapes, it offers in-depth visits to the ancient city of Kashgar, Kuqa Grand Canyon, the Loulan cultural site, and the Hotan jade trading market, allowing travelers to experience the diverse cultural blend of the Silk Road.
II. Itinerary Planning: An Immersive Experience of Day and Night Alternation
[Core Itinerary]
Days 1-2:Gather in Urumqi
Visit the Xinjiang Museum, focusing on the ‘Exhibition of Cultural Relics Unearthed from the Niya Site’
Taste authentic local cuisine on Lingguan Lane:Baked stuffed buns, hand-pulled rice, and original grilled meat skewers for three yuan each
Days 3-5:Natural Wonders of Northern Xinjiang
Travel along the S21 Desert Highway and photograph the sunset over the Gurbantunggut Desert
Hike the three bays of Kanas Lake (special session for photographing morning mist at Fairy Bay)
Stay in a starry sky cabin in Hemu Village and experience the Tuwa people’s Chuer flute performance
Shining Tianshan: A 15-Day In-Depth Scenic Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: A Visual Feast from Snow-Capped Mountains and Lakes to Golden Euphrates PoplarsDays 6-8:Flower Sea in the Ili River Valley
Cycle around Sayram Lake and encounter swans
Take an in-depth tour of the aerial grasslands of Nalati Grassland and participate in home visits with people of various ethnic groups
Travel through the northern section of the Duoku Highway, experiencing four seasons in one day
Days 9-11:Cultural Exploration in Southern Xinjiang
Attend the opening ceremony of the ancient city of Kashgar and experience the workshop of Aidelais silk
Visit homes of people of various ethnic groups on the Pamir Plateau and taste hot naan with jujube honey
Photograph the twin lakes of Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake and wait for the sunrise illuminating Muztagh Ata with golden light
Days 12-14:Symphony of Desert and Oasis
Travel through the Taklimakan Desert Highway and visit villages in the desert hinterland
Photograph the morning light at the Luntai Euphrates Poplar Forest and experience the poplar dugout canoe
Receive a special lecture at the Ruoqiang Loulan Museum and experience jujube picking
Day 15:Return Day
I. Itinerary Highlights: Experience All Four Seasons of Xinjiang in One TripLight hike at Tianchi (Tianshan Heavenly Lake) and enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Burqin cold-water fish
[Special Arrangements]
Provide wake-up calls one hour before sunrise each day and arrange exclusive photography guides
Add the Tangbula百里画廊 (Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery) creation point during the Duoku Highway’s open period (June-September)
Add a Hotan Yurungkash River treasure hunting experience and a Shache Twelve Muqam performance for the October departure
III. Pricing System: Three Vehicle Types to Meet Diverse Needs
In 2026, the New Orient Express will offer three types of custom carriages, with prices fluctuating based on travel dates:
[Summer Departures (June-September)]
Noble Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages):67,999-71,999 yuan per person
Royal Joy Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages):62,999-65,999 yuan per person
Platinum Joy Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages):56,999-59,999 yuan per person
Third/Fourth Person Traveling Together:30,000 yuan per person
[Autumn Departures (October)]
Noble Gold Diamond:44,999 yuan per person
The 15-day itinerary for northern and southern Xinjiang, newly upgraded for 2026, is designed with the concept of a ‘mobile observation deck.’ It connects the Altai Mountains in northern Xinjiang with the Taklimakan Desert in southern Xinjiang, covering seven major ecosystems: snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, wetlands, gobi deserts, canyons, and plateau lakes. The itinerary includes special arrangements for capturing morning mist over Kanas Lake at dawn, watching the sunset over Muztagh Ata on the Pamir Plateau in the evening, and creating works during both morning light and sunset glow at the Tarim Euphrates Poplar Forest, satisfying photography enthusiasts’ pursuit of superior light and shadow.Royal Joy Gold Diamond:39,999 yuan per person
Platinum Joy Gold Diamond:36,999 yuan per person
Third/Fourth Person Traveling Together:20,000 yuan per person
Price Includes:
Soft sleeper compartment accommodation on the special train (including bathroom)
Full-course meals (including special dishes such as Burqin cold-water fish and Sayram Lake high white trout)
First entrance tickets to scenic spots and shuttle bus fees
Professional photography guide services
Basic travel accident insurance
Price Notes:
The above prices are reference ranges and are subject to the daily quotation from Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, upon inquiry
June-August is the peak travel season, and it is recommended to book 60 days in advance
October departures have limited availability and require daily monitoring of inventory updates
Along the way, it includes six World Natural Heritage candidates: Koktokay National Geopark, Kanas Lake Ecological Zone, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Bayinbuluk Wetland, and Tarim Euphrates Poplar Forest National Park. In terms of cultural landscapes, it offers in-depth visits to the ancient city of Kashgar, Kuqa Grand Canyon, the Loulan cultural site, and the Hotan jade trading market, allowing travelers to experience the diverse cultural blend of the Silk Road.IV. Registration Method: Professional Team Escorts You Throughout the Journey
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which provides the following service guarantees:
Before Travel:Send the ‘Material Preparation Checklist,’ ‘Altitude Sickness Response Guide,’ and ‘Photography Equipment Protection Suggestions’
During Travel:Provide dual tour guides (1 licensed commentator + 1 life concierge)
After Travel:Establish a tourist service file and provide priority recommendations for subsequent itineraries
V. Fee and Service Details
[Fees Included]
Special train seat fee, full accommodation fee, meal fee
Scenic spot entrance tickets and shuttle bus fees
Ground transportation transfer fees (including off-road vehicle travel through desert sections)
On-tour medical support services
[Fees Not Included]
Round-trip transportation fees to Urumqi from various locations
II. Itinerary Planning: An Immersive Experience of Day and Night Alternation. Secondary consumption such as battery-powered vehicles within scenic spots
Personal consumption and meals during free activities
Additional expenses incurred due to weather or policy changes
[Service Commitments]
For single registrants, we will do our best to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation
If unforeseen factors are encountered during the itinerary, both parties can reasonably modify the itinerary by mutual agreement
All service details are executed in accordance with the ‘Tourism Law’ and related regulations
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing
VI. Travel Tips:
Document Preparation:Bring original valid documents. For border areas, apply for a pass in advance
Clothing Suggestions:In summer, bring a thin down jacket for high-altitude areas. In autumn, prepare a windproof sand mask
Equipment Protection:For desert sections, equip cameras with dust covers. For high-altitude areas, prepare spare batteries
Special Reminders:The Pamir Plateau is over 4,000 meters above sea level. It is recommended to take anti-altitude sickness medication in advance
This itinerary effectively reduces travel fatigue caused by Xinjiang’s vast geography through the ‘mobile hotel + in-depth tour’ model. Daily core scenic spot tours last no less than 6 hours, with a 2-hour rest arranged at noon to help tourists maintain a good condition. The newly added ‘morning and evening dual-session creation’ service in 2026 allows photography enthusiasts to avoid repeatedly traveling to the same scenic spot, greatly improving shooting efficiency.
For inquiries about specific departure availability, carriage configuration details, or customizing personalized itineraries, please consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Staff will provide professional advice and itinerary matching solutions based on your travel time, number of people, and preferences.
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
