North and South Xinjiang Group Tour Experience Snowy Scenery and Enjoy Desert Frost in Winter 16 Day Scenic Route Registration Travel Cost Inquiry Summary Recommended Route Price

Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:A 16-Day In-Depth Experience: Snowy Realms and Desert Wonders in Winter
As the snowy plains of Northern Xinjiang don their silver attire and the poplar forests of Southern Xinjiang glisten with rime ice, a winter journey across the Tianshan Mountains awaits nature-loving travelers. In winter 2026, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency presents the ’16-Day Snowy Realms and Desert Wonders’ scenic route, connecting snow-capped mountains, lakes, deserts, and canyons. Experience the vibrancy of life amidst temperatures as low as -20°C.
Highlights of the Itinerary:A Symphony of Ice and Fire
Northern Xinjiang:A Fairy-Tale World of Snow
Kanas Lake:In winter, Kanas sheds its autumn hues, and the frozen lake surface forms a blue ice spectacle. Occasionally, ‘ice pearls’ formed by frozen bubbles can be seen beneath the ice. The rime ice along the lakeshore transforms pine branches into crystal palaces, while Tuvan wooden houses shrouded in morning mist resemble scenes from a fairy tale.
Hemu Village:Hailed by Chinese National Geographic as a ‘hidden gem,’ Hemu Village receives up to 50 cm of snow in winter. Ascend the Haden Observation Deck at dawn to watch smoke curl from snow-covered houses as horse-drawn sleighs carry visitors through snow-laden forests.
Sayram Lake:Xinjiang’s highest alpine lake, with ice layers reaching up to 1 meter thick in winter. The ice bubble spectacle is a unique feature, with bubbles frozen in strings within the ice, as if the earth is breathing. Self-drive around the lake to encounter wild swans playing in the unfrozen waters.
Southern Xinjiang:Miracles of Ice and Snow in the Desert
Taklimakan Desert: The world’s second-largest shifting desert reveals a gentle side in winter. Sand dunes covered in thin snow present a ‘creamy dune’ landscape of gold and white at sunrise. Traverse the desert sea in a 4×4 to visit thousand-year-old poplar forests, where ice formations adorn withered branches like jade and crystal.
Baisha Lake:Located on the Pamir Plateau, this ‘blue tear’ lake forms a striking color contrast between its white sand shores and ice layers in winter. The snow-capped peak of Muztagh Ata reflects on the ice, creating a surreal combination of ‘snow mountains + desert + lake.’

Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: A 16-Day In-Depth Experience of Snowy Realms and Desert Wonders in WinterTianshan Secret Grand Canyon:Red-brown cliffs appear even more timeless in winter, with sunlight creating ever-changing shadows. The snow-covered valley floor contrasts sharply with exposed rock walls, making a hike feel like a journey through time.
Simple Itinerary:16 Days of Immersive Experience
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and transfer to a downtown hotel by private car. Enjoy free time in the evening. We recommend visiting the International Bazaar to savor baked buns and pilaf, experiencing the fusion of ethnic cuisines.
Days 2-4:Exploring the Snowy Realms of Northern Xinjiang
Urumqi → Heavenly Lake on Tianshan:Visit the ‘Jade Pool’ at the foot of Bogda Peak. In winter, experience ice hiking on the frozen lake surface.
Heavenly Lake → Kanas:Travel along the Altay Mountains, stopping in Burqin County for a cold-water fish feast. Upon arrival in Kanas, stay in a scenic area cabin and experience traditional Tuvan heated kang beds.
In-Depth Kanas Tour:Hike the Three Bays in morning mist, overlook the panorama from Guanyu Platform, and enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides across snowy plains.
Days 5-7:Hemu Village and the Devil City
Kanas → Hemu:Capture stunning snowscapes in ‘China’s Most Beautiful Village’ and participate in fun activities like snow soccer and water-freezing challenges.
Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: 16-Day Featured Scenic Route for Winter Snowscapes and Desert Rime Ice Observation. Registration, Travel Costs, and Summary _ Recommended Itinerary Pricing. Image 2
As the snowy plains of Northern Xinjiang don their silver attire and the poplar forests of Southern Xinjiang glisten with rime ice, a winter journey across the Tianshan Mountains awaits nature-loving travelers. In winter 2026, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency presents the ’16-Day Snowy Realms and Desert Wonders’ scenic route, connecting snow-capped mountains, lakes, deserts, and canyons. Experience the vibrancy of life amidst temperatures as low as -20°C.Hemu → Urho Devil City:Cross the Gurbantunggut Desert to explore the Yardang landform cluster. When winter winds howl, the rock formations emit eerie sounds like a devil’s whisper.
Days 8-10:Sayram Lake and Guozigou
Urho → Sayram Lake:Self-drive around the lake to search for ice bubble spectacles and feed wild swans at their habitat.
Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge:Travel through the Ili River Valley, admiring the ‘First Scenic Spot of Ili’ with its snow pine forests and cliff-hugging roads.
Days 11-13:Culture and Nature of Southern Xinjiang
Yining → Kashgar:Fly over the Tianshan Mountains to reach this southern Xinjiang hub. Visit the Id Kah Mosque and listen to tambur performances in a century-old teahouse.
Kashgar → Baisha Lake:Follow the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to capture stunning shots of snow mountains and lakes on the Pamir Plateau.
Baisha Lake → Taklimakan Desert:Venture deep into the desert heartland for camel riding and desert stargazing camping.
Days 14-16:Return Journey and Summary
Desert → Kuqa:Tour the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon and explore the thousand-year-old murals at the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves.
Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: 16-Day Featured Scenic Route for Winter Snowscapes and Desert Rime Ice Observation. Registration, Travel Costs, and Summary _ Recommended Itinerary Pricing. Image 3
Highlights of the Itinerary: A Symphony of Ice and FireKuqa → Urumqi:Traverse the southern section of the Duoku Highway, enjoying ‘four seasons in one day’ landscape changes. A closing ceremony in Urumqi awards ‘Silk Road Cultural Ambassador’ commemorative certificates.
Pricing Information:Multiple Options to Suit Different Needs
The winter 2026 schedule offers economy to luxury room options, with prices fluctuating based on schedule, room availability, and other factors. Specific prices are subject to the signed travel contract. Reference price ranges are as follows:
LeXiang GuiGe (Economy Quad):Upper bunk: 8,480 RMB/person, Lower bunk: 9,280 RMB/person
Xiongmao GuiGe (Standard Quad):Upper bunk: 15,980 RMB/person, Lower bunk: 16,980 RMB/person
Xiongmao YaShe (Deluxe Quad):Upper bunk: 26,980 RMB/person, Lower bunk: 27,980 RMB/person
Xiongmao YueFu (Deluxe Double):59,980 RMB/person
Fees Include:
Transportation:Soft sleeper accommodations on the special train (with private bathrooms) and local air-conditioned tour bus transfers
Accommodations:15 nights of unique stays (including scenic area cabins, desert tents, and star-rated hotels)
Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: 16-Day Featured Scenic Route for Winter Snowscapes and Desert Rime Ice Observation. Registration, Travel Costs, and Summary _ Recommended Itinerary Pricing. Image 4
Northern Xinjiang: A Fairy-Tale World of SnowMeals:15 breakfasts and 30 main meals (including 8 special dinners: Tuvan family feast, Kashgar Uyghur cuisine, desert roast whole lamb, etc.)
Admission Tickets:First entrance tickets and shuttle bus fees for all attractions in the itinerary
Services:Professional guides and cultural lecturers, travel accident insurance, and special train liability insurance
Fees Exclude:
Personal expenses (e.g., souvenir purchases)
Optional activities (e.g., Sayram Lake helicopter tours, desert 4×4 upgrades)
Additional expenses due to force majeure factors
Registration Method:Professional Consultation for a Hassle-Free Start
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for details on schedules, availability, and room options. Registration requires submitting valid ID copies 30 days in advance to obtain permits (required for the Pamir Plateau region). Each 2026 tour is limited to 120 participants (divided into 3 train cars), so early booking is recommended. Solo travelers will be accommodated with room-sharing arrangements whenever possible; special cases require separate negotiation.
Pricing and Service Information:Transparent and Compliant for Peace of Mind
Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: 16-Day Featured Scenic Route for Winter Snowscapes and Desert Rime Ice Observation. Registration, Travel Costs, and Summary _ Recommended Itinerary Pricing. Image 5
Kanas Lake: In winter, Kanas sheds its autumn hues, and the frozen lake surface forms a blue ice spectacle. Occasionally, ‘ice pearls’ formed by frozen bubbles can be seen beneath the ice. The rime ice along the lakeshore transforms pine branches into crystal palaces, while Tuvan wooden houses shrouded in morning mist resemble scenes from a fairy tale.Transportation Arrangements:The special train features customized carriages with climate control, panoramic windows, private bathrooms (select rooms), a medical room, and communal lounge areas. Daily travel does not exceed 4 hours to avoid fatigue.
Dining Services:A fusion of regional flavors balancing nutrition and taste. Daily menus adapt to local specialties, such as hand-grabbed meat and hot pots in Northern Xinjiang, and pigeon soup and baked buns in Southern Xinjiang.
Health and Safety:Each tour includes 2 general practitioners with AED defibrillators, oxygen generators, and other emergency equipment. Cold-weather gear rentals (e.g., snow boots, ice cleats) are available during scenic tours.
Cultural Experiences:Daily activities include Tuvan intangible cultural heritage displays, ethnic song and dance performances, and desert bonfire parties. The itinerary features ‘Culture Corner’ sessions led by local scholars on Silk Road history.
Senior-Friendly Design:Carriages include non-slip floors, widened aisles, barrier-free handrails, and ergonomic mattresses. Electric cart transfers are provided during scenic tours to ensure comfort for elderly travelers.
Important Notes:
The itinerary may be reasonably adjusted based on weather, road conditions, or scenic area policies, subject to mutual agreement.
Xinjiang’s vast geography features significant temperature variations between day and night. Pack windproof and warm clothing (e.g., down jackets, fleece pants) and sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen).
The itinerary covers diverse terrains like plateaus (Pamir), grasslands, and deserts. Assess your health condition reasonably and consult a doctor if necessary.
Specific service details, meal arrangements, and room configurations are subject to actual consultation and contract agreements.
This 16-day winter journey through Northern and Southern Xinjiang is not merely a geographical crossing but a mobile lifestyle blending nature, culture, and comfort. Aboard the ‘Snowy Realms and Desert Wonders Special Train,’ immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes by day and rest in a moving ‘five-star living space’ by night, waking to snow mountains and lakes and sleeping beneath starry skies. If this travel style appeals to you, contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to embark on your legendary 2026 Xinjiang winter adventure!