2026 Autumn Limited Special Train 11 Day Tour of Populus Euphratica Forest and Pamir Plateau Scenery One Stop Itinerary with Special Discount, Book Now Recommended Route Price
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
Autumn Secret Realm Journey:11-Day In-Depth Exploration of Populus Euphratica Forest and Pamir Plateau by Special Limited-Edition Train in Autumn 2026
🌄 Highlights of the Route:An Autumn Scroll Through Time and Space
When the autumn breeze sweeps across the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang transforms into a multi-layered oil painting. In autumn 2026, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency specially launches the ’11-Day Special Train Tour of Populus Euphratica Forest and Pamir Plateau.’ This tour, guided by the concept of ‘slow travel,’ connects the golden poplar trees along the Tarim River, the snow-capped mountains and lakes of the Pamir Plateau, and the vibrant atmosphere of the ethnic communities in southern Xinjiang. This route avoids the rush of conventional tour groups by connecting scattered attractions via a special train, allowing tourists to switch scenes in a moving ‘observation carriage.’ It is especially suitable for photography enthusiasts and travelers seeking in-depth experiences.
🚂 Transportation Upgrade:Combination of Special Train and Land Travel, Saving Time and Effort
The special train operates on an ‘overnight departure, morning arrival’ schedule, traveling between major cities such as Urumqi, Korla, and Kashgar at night, and arranging visits to core attractions during the day to maximize time utilization. For example:
Urumqi to Korla Section:Depart at 8:00 PM, arrive at 7:00 AM the next day, and proceed directly to Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest Park after transfer;
Kashgar to Tashkurgan Section:Travel through the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway in a 7-seat business vehicle, with stops at Baisha Lake and Muztagh Ata Observatory along the way;
Return Special Train:Depart from Kashgar at 9:30 PM and arrive in Urumqi the next morning, avoiding the fatigue of long-distance driving.
The special train carriages are equipped with charging ports, large observation windows, and a simple snack bar, allowing tourists to enjoy Xinjiang milk tea while admiring the changing autumn scenery outside. Please note that seats on the special train must be reserved 30 days in advance, and remaining seats are subject to contract confirmation.
Autumn Secret Realm Journey: 11-Day In-Depth Exploration of Populus Euphratica Forest and Pamir Plateau by Special Limited-Edition Train in Autumn 2026📅 Simple Itinerary:Unlock the Autumn Codes of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 11 Days
Days 1-2:Gathering in Urumqi – First Encounter with the Western Regions
Upon arrival in Urumqi, check into the hotel (breakfast included). Recommended free activities in the afternoon:
Xinjiang Museum:View ‘unique folk customs’ mummies and artifacts from the Niya Site;
International Bazaar:Taste baked buns and hand-pulled rice, and shop for Aidelai silk scarves.
Take the special train to Korla the next morning, enjoying the Gobi Desert sunset along the way.
Days 3-4:Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest – A Golden Ocean
After arriving in Korla by special train, take a 2-hour drive to Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest Park. Currently (2026), the park is open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with a reference ticket price of 120 yuan per person and a shuttle bus fee of 40 yuan per person (subject to park announcements on the day). Suggestions:
Photograph the reflections of poplar trees in the morning mist;
Take a small train through the 40-kilometer primitive forest area in the afternoon;
🌄 Highlight of the Route: An Autumn Scroll Through Time and Space. In the evening, ascend the observation deck to overlook the intertwined scenes of the golden forest sea and the Tarim River.
The next day, head to the Luobu Village in Yuli County to experience camel riding in the desert, canoeing on the Tarim River, and tasting red willow-grilled meat.
Days 5-7:Kashgar Old City – Memories of the Millennium Silk Road
After arriving in Kashgar by special train, check into a hotel near the old city. Highlights of the itinerary:
Kashgar Old City Opening Ceremony (10:30 AM/6:00 PM):Watch artists from various ethnic groups sing and dance;
Gaotai Folk Residence:Visit pottery workshops and traditional residences of people from various ethnic groups;
Id Kah Mosque:Learn about the culture (visits allowed when non-folk cultural activities are taking place).
On Day 7, take a bus to Tashkurgan, traveling along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway with stops at:
Baisha Lake:Photograph the ‘blue eyes of the plateau’ where snow-capped mountains reflect on white sands;
When the autumn breeze sweeps across the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang transforms into a multi-layered oil painting. In autumn 2026, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency specially launches the ’11-Day Special Train Tour of Populus Euphratica Forest and Pamir Plateau.’ This tour, guided by the concept of ‘slow travel,’ connects the golden poplar trees along the Tarim River, the snow-capped mountains and lakes of the Pamir Plateau, and the vibrant atmosphere of the ethnic communities in southern Xinjiang. This route avoids the rush of conventional tour groups by connecting scattered attractions via a special train, allowing tourists to switch scenes in a moving ‘observation carriage.’ It is especially suitable for photography enthusiasts and travelers seeking in-depth experiences.Muztagh Ata:Overlook the ‘Father of Ice Mountains’ from the shores of Karakul Lake;
Shitoucheng Ruins:Touch the ancient beacon towers on the Silk Road.
Days 8-9:Pamir Plateau – Journey to Snow-Capped Mountains and Lakes
During the two days in Tashkurgan, focus on experiencing:
Jincaotan Wetland:Photograph yak herds and Shitoucheng together in the morning;
Khunjerab Pass (requires advance permit):Overlook the Pakistan border (currently, tourists are allowed to visit according to policies, subject to border control notifications);
Home Visits to People from Various Ethnic Groups:Learn the eagle dance, taste yak hot pot, and listen to intangible cultural heritage inheritors play the eagle flute.
Days 10-11:Return Journey – Take a Piece of Autumn with You
Take the special train back to Urumqi, reviewing photos taken and organizing travel journals along the way. On the last day, you can engage in free activities according to your flight schedule, with recommendations to buy dried figs, almonds, and other specialties.
💰 Price Description:What Does the Special Discounted Tour Fee Cover?
🚂 Transportation Upgrade: Combination of Special Train and Land Travel, Saving Time and EffortThe reference tour fee for 2026 starts at 6,980 yuan per person (children not occupying a bed deduct 1,200 yuan), including:
Transportation:Hard sleeper on the special train starting and ending in Urumqi, local air-conditioned tour buses, and 7-seat business vehicles in Tashkurgan County;
Accommodation:8 nights in comfortable hotels (breakfast included) + 2 nights on the special train carriage;
Admission Tickets:First entrance tickets to Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest, Kashgar Old City, Shitoucheng, etc.;
Meals:10 breakfasts + 8 main meals (including red willow-grilled meat in Luobu Village and yak hot pot in Tashkurgan);
Services:Chinese-speaking tour guide explanations and travel accident insurance.
Self-Paid Expenses:Environmental protection shuttle bus on the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway at 80 yuan per person, Khunjerab Pass permit processing fee (approximately 50 yuan), personal consumption, etc. Prices may fluctuate depending on the tour date and are subject to the contract signed by both parties.
📝 Registration Method:How to Secure Your Seat?
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency by providing your name, valid ID number, contact information, and special needs (such as single room, dietary restrictions). Staff will confirm remaining seats and send an electronic contract within 3 working days. Due to limited seats on the special train, it is recommended to make a reservation at least 45 days in advance, especially for tours during the National Day Golden Week.
The special train operates on an ‘overnight departure, morning arrival’ schedule, traveling between major cities such as Urumqi, Korla, and Kashgar at night, and arranging visits to core attractions during the day to maximize time utilization. For example:🔍 Fee and Service Description:Transparent Consumption, No Gimmicks
Items Not Included in the Tour Fee:Round-trip transportation to Urumqi, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, personal consumption, etc.;
Explanation:Single registrants will be coordinated for room sharing as much as possible. If room sharing is not possible, an additional fee of 1,200 yuan per person will be charged;
Policy Change Notice:In case of temporary closure of attractions, traffic control, or other force majeure factors, both parties can reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement;
Contract Signing Notice:Specific service content and refund/change rules are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Avoid verbal commitments.
💡 Travel Tips
Document Preparation:Valid ID, permit (requires advance processing in the household registration area or Kashgar for the Tashkurgan section);
Clothing Suggestions:Large temperature differences between day and night on the Pamir Plateau require a windbreaker and warm hat;
Photography Equipment:Telephoto lens for poplar details, polarizing filter to reduce lake surface reflections;
Respect Customs:Avoid wearing revealing clothing or making loud noises in the homes of people from various ethnic groups.
Autumn in Xinjiang is like a palette overturned by the Creator. This special train journey is not just a visual feast but also a deep dialogue with nature, history, and the cultures of various ethnic groups. Consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, to start your autumn secret realm journey!
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
