Special Train Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang 12 Day Lake Scenery Tour with Visits to Bosten Lake and Karakul Lake, Complete Travel Cost List and Recommended Itinerary Prices
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Icon Prefix:⭐【12-Day North and South Xinjiang Special Train Round-the-Lake Deep Tour: A Poetic Encounter with Bosten Lake and Karakul Lake】⭐
If you yearn to traverse North and South Xinjiang in 12 days, connecting lakes, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and culture through a round-the-lake journey, this specially designed 2026 North and South Xinjiang special train route will fulfill all your imaginings of the Western Regions’ scenery. From Bosten Lake, the “Pearl of the Oasis,” to Karakul Lake at the foot of the “Father of Ice Mountains,” the train will unlock the dual charms of Xinjiang’s lakes while covering classic lake landscapes such as Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain and Sayram Lake, creating an immersive “One Lake, One World” travel experience.
Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination:A Symphony of Lakes and Humanity
【Bosten Lake:A Seasonal Poem of China’s Largest Inland Freshwater Lake】
As Xinjiang’s eighth national 5A-level scenic spot, Bosten Lake boasts a water area of 1,646 square kilometers, making it the largest inland freshwater lake in China. Not only is it an important fishery base in Xinjiang (abundant in carp, crucian carp, and grass carp), but it is also listed in Xinjiang’s important wetlands directory due to its unique wetland ecosystem. The lake area is divided into a large lake zone and a small lake zone: the large lake zone offers vast, shimmering waters perfect for boat tours, while the small lake zone, dense with reeds, is a paradise for birdwatchers (where migratory birds such as swans and grey cranes inhabit from November to March each year). In 2026, a new “Golden Beach Water Park” project will be added to the lake area, allowing visitors to experience water sports like jet skiing and banana boating, feeling the vibrancy of “Xinjiang’s Hawaii.”
【Karakul Lake:The “Mirror of the Sky” at Muztagh Ata】
Located on the Pamir Plateau, Karakul Lake is named the “Color-Changing Lake” for its waters that shift between blue, green, and black with the changing light. At an elevation of 3,600 meters, the lake faces the 7,546-meter Muztagh Ata across the water, forming a magnificent tableau of “ice mountains and lakes.” In 2026, the scenic area will upgrade its viewing facilities: the newly built “Ice Mountain’s Eye” observation deck will be equipped with high-powered telescopes for clear observation of Muztagh Ata’s glacial fissures; the “Yurt Experience Zone for Ethnic Groups” by the lakeside will allow visitors to taste local dishes like pilaf and milk tea while listening to local stories about the “Father of Ice Mountains.”
【Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain:The “Jade Pool” of the Queen Mother of the West Today】
As the first stop on the special train, Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain represents Xinjiang’s lakes with its combination of “alpine lake + snowy mountain forest.” In 2026, the scenic area will launch a “Morning Mist Photography Special Line”: every morning from 6:00 to 8:00, visitors can take a dedicated sightseeing bus to Mayan Mountain to photograph the reflection of Bogda Peak and Heavenly Lake in the morning mist. Additionally, the newly added “Queen Mother of the West Cultural Exhibition Hall” will use holographic projection technology to recreate scenes from the “Classic of Mountains and Seas,” suitable for interactive experiences for families with children.
Simple Itinerary:12-Day Round-the-Lake Deep Tour
Icon Prefix: ⭐【12-Day North and South Xinjiang Special Train Round-the-Lake Deep Tour: A Poetic Encounter with Bosten Lake and Karakul Lake】⭐【Day 1-2:Assemble in Urumqi, Begin Your Western Regions Journey】
Arrive in Urumqi from across the country and check into a 4-diamond-rated hotel online. The next day, visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar to taste delicacies like baked stuffed buns and hand-grabbed mutton, storing up energy for your journey.
【Day 3:Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain – Beitun】
Tour Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain in the morning, then take the special train to Beitun in the afternoon. The train is equipped with “starry sky sleeper berths,” saving time by traveling at night and allowing for more efficient sightseeing during the day.
【Day 4:Kanas – Jiadenyu】
Venture deep into the Kanas scenic area to visit the three core attractions: Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Crouching Dragon Bay. In 2026, the scenic area will open a “Tuwa Village Special Line,” allowing visitors to take horse-drawn sleighs to Hemu Village to experience the morning mist and wooden house scenery of the primitive village.
【Day 5:Colorful Beach – Yining】
Tour the Colorful Beach with its Yardang landforms, then arrive in Yining in the evening. After checking into the hotel, you can freely visit Liuxing Street to taste special snacks like handmade ice cream and Russian列巴 (a type of bread).
【Day 6:Sayram Lake – Nalati】
Tour around Sayram Lake, checking in at attractions like the “Command Platform” and “Swan’s Playground.” In the afternoon, head to Nalati Grassland to experience the vastness of the “空中草原” (Sky Grassland), with optional paid activities like horseback riding or helicopter tours.
If you yearn to traverse North and South Xinjiang in 12 days, connecting lakes, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and culture through a round-the-lake journey, this specially designed 2026 North and South Xinjiang special train route will fulfill all your imaginings of the Western Regions’ scenery. From Bosten Lake, the “Pearl of the Oasis,” to Karakul Lake at the foot of the “Father of Ice Mountains,” the train will unlock the dual charms of Xinjiang’s lakes while covering classic lake landscapes such as Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain and Sayram Lake, creating an immersive “One Lake, One World” travel experience.【Day 7:Bayinbuluk – Kuqa】
Cross the southern section of the Duoku Road to tour the meandering Bayinbuluk Grassland. Arrive in Kuqa in the evening to visit the Kuqa Royal Palace and learn about the history of the Qiuci culture.
【Day 8:Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon – Kashgar】
Explore the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon formed during the Cretaceous period, then take the special train to Kashgar in the afternoon. The train offers “Southern Xinjiang Special Meals,” including dishes like roasted pigeon and rose jam nang (a type of bread).
【Day 9:Karakul Lake – Taxkorgan】
Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, passing by Baisha Lake and Muztagh Ata, to reach Karakul Lake. Check into a hotel in Taxkorgan in the evening to experience home visits with ethnic groups and enjoy eagle dance performances.
【Day 10:Stone City – Golden Grassland – Kashgar】
Tour the ruins of the Stone City in Tashkurgan and stroll through the Golden Grassland wetlands. Return to Kashgar in the afternoon to visit the Id Kah Mosque and feel the prosperity of the “Pearl of the Silk Road.”
【Day 11:Bosten Lake – Korla】
Tour Bosten Lake all day, with optional paid activities like boat tours or participation in water park projects. Arrive in Korla in the evening to taste special dishes like fragrant pear stewed mutton.
Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination: A Symphony of Lakes and Humanity【Day 12:Lop Nur Village – Urumqi】
Visit Lop Nur Village to experience activities like desert camel riding and Tarim River rafting. Take the special train back to Urumqi in the afternoon to conclude your journey.
Price Information:Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees Throughout
【Special Train Room Types and Reference Prices】 (Subject to contract, may fluctuate by departure date)
Blue Diamond Four-Person Room (Bunk Beds):Starting from 16,999 yuan per person
Blue Diamond Two-Person Room:Starting from 24,999 yuan per person
Silver Diamond Presidential Suite (with viewing window, smart temperature control):Starting from 42,888 yuan per person
【Fees Included】
Transportation:Special train sleeper berths + land air-conditioned tourist buses
Accommodation:6 nights in 4-diamond-rated hotels online + 5 nights on special train sleeper berths
【Bosten Lake: A Seasonal Poem of China’s Largest Inland Freshwater Lake】Meals:10 breakfasts and 20 main meals (including special meals: Sayram Lake high white trout banquet, Kashgar fruit banquet)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets and shuttle buses for all attractions in the itinerary
Services:Full-time tour guides + local ground guides + medical staff accompanying
【Fees Not Included】
(Single travelers will do their best to coordinate room sharing; special circumstances require negotiation)
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, etc., in the hotel)
Optional paid activities (such as helicopter tours in Nalati, horseback riding in Kanas, etc.)
Registration Method:Professional Services, Effortless Departure
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency for the latest 2026 departure dates, available seats, and discount information. Registration requires providing your name, valid ID number, contact information, and signing the “Domestic Tourism Contract” supervised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Fee Information and Service Descriptions:Rights Protection, Worry-Free Travel
As Xinjiang’s eighth national 5A-level scenic spot, Bosten Lake boasts a water area of 1,646 square kilometers, making it the largest inland freshwater lake in China. Not only is it an important fishery base in Xinjiang (abundant in carp, crucian carp, and grass carp), but it is also listed in Xinjiang’s important wetlands directory due to its unique wetland ecosystem. The lake area is divided into a large lake zone and a small lake zone: the large lake zone offers vast, shimmering waters perfect for boat tours, while the small lake zone, dense with reeds, is a paradise for birdwatchers (where migratory birds such as swans and grey cranes inhabit from November to March each year). In 2026, a new “Golden Beach Water Park” project will be added to the lake area, allowing visitors to experience water sports like jet skiing and banana boating, feeling the vibrancy of “Xinjiang’s Hawaii.”【Service Commitments】
Official Fleet:All vehicles are 7-seater business vehicles or air-conditioned tourist buses with tourism operation qualifications, undergoing regular annual inspections and fully insured.
No Hidden Consumption:No mandatory consumption points are set up during the itinerary, and no optional paid activities are recommended (except for clearly marked optional experiences).
Flexible Changes:In case of uncontrollable factors such as weather or road conditions, both parties can agree to make reasonable changes to the itinerary.
【Refund and Change Policy】
Subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties, striving to protect tourist rights.
【Warm Tips】
Xinjiang has a 2-hour time difference with the mainland; meal and activity times in the itinerary are based on local time.
Prepare anti-altitude sickness medication in advance for high-altitude areas (such as Karakul Lake, Taxkorgan) and avoid strenuous exercise.
Photography in scenic areas must comply with regulations; drone flying is prohibited in some areas (such as Bosten Lake wetlands, Kanas core area).
Conclusion:A Deep Dialogue Between Lakes and Humanity
From the reed marshes of Bosten Lake to the ice mountain reflections of Karakul Lake, from Sayram Lake, the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” to Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain, the “Painting-like Scenery of the Jade Pool,” this North and South Xinjiang special train route takes you through Xinjiang’s lake secrets in 12 days, feeling the dual shock of nature and humanity. In 2026, let us embark on a poetic journey of “One Lake, One World” with the special train as our boat and the lakes as our mirrors!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
