2026 19 Day In Depth Self Drive Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang Hemu, Baihaba, Hotan Jade Bazaar Car Rental Cost Real Time Inquiry Recommended Itinerary Prices
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
19-Day Exploration of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:In-Depth Custom Vehicle Tour of Hemu, Khabahe, and Hotan Jade Bazaar
Comprehensive Analysis of Itinerary and Destinations
The 19-day custom vehicle tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang is a classic route that combines natural wonders with cultural charm. From Kanas, Hemu, and Khabahe in Northern Xinjiang to Hotan Jade Bazaar and Kashgar Old Town in Southern Xinjiang, the journey covers diverse landscapes including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, Gobi deserts, and sandy deserts, while connecting the unique cultures of various ethnic settlements.
Northern Xinjiang Section:A Mysterious Land Where Nature and Culture Intertwine
Kanas Lake:Known as a ‘picturesque wonder on earth,’ the lake changes colors with the seasons, surrounded by pristine forests and snow-capped mountains reflected in its waters, creating a breathtaking scene. Visitors can take shuttle buses within the scenic area to explore core attractions such as Guanyu Platform and Fairy Bay.
Hemu Village:Referred to as ‘God’s private reserve,’ Tuwa wooden houses are scattered among birch forests, and the village shrouded in morning mist resembles a fairy-tale world. Private vehicles are prohibited in the village; visitors must transfer to scenic area shuttles or explore the surrounding grasslands and streams on foot or horseback.
Khabahe Village:Located in…, it is famous for its primitive wooden houses, border setting, and golden birch forests. A permit must be obtained in advance, and visitors must comply with border management regulations to avoid crossing boundaries.
Southern Xinjiang Section:A Clash of History and Modernity
Hotan Jade Bazaar:One of the most distinctive markets in Southern Xinjiang, open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, gathering various types of jade such as river-worn jade, mountain jade, and seed jade. Visitors can observe the jade trading process and learn identification skills but should exercise caution when purchasing high-value items.
Kashgar Old Town:With a history spanning over two millennia, its earth-yellow architectural complex and labyrinthine streets retain a strong Silk Road ambiance. Visitors can explore Id Kah Mosque and the High Platform Residences while sampling local specialties like roasted stuffed buns and pot-cooked meat.
Taklimakan Desert Highway:Traversing the world’s second-largest shifting desert, the route features multiple supply stations and offers excellent opportunities for desert photography. If time permits, extend the journey to Taxkorgan to visit Muztagh Ata and Baisha Lake.
Simple Itinerary Plan
19-Day Exploration of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: In-Depth Custom Vehicle Tour of Hemu, Khabahe, and Hotan Jade BazaarDays 1–5:Northern Xinjiang Kanas Loop
Day 1:Urumqi – Heavenly Lake – Fuyun
Travel along the Beijing-Xinjiang Expressway in a 7-seat business vehicle, visiting Heavenly Lake en route, and arrive in Fuyun County for overnight accommodation in the evening.
Day 2:Fuyun – Koktokay – Colorful Beach – Burqin
Explore Koktokay National Geopark, enjoy the sunset at Colorful Beach in the evening, and stay overnight in Burqin.
Days 3–4:Burqin – Kanas Lake – Hemu Village
Venture deep into Kanas Lake Scenic Area, take shuttle buses to explore the Three Bays, and head to Hemu Village the next day to stay in Tuwa wooden houses and experience life in a primitive village.
Day 5:Hemu – Khabahe – Habahe County
Obtain a permit before entering Khabahe Village to explore the Sino-Kazakh border landscape and observation deck, returning to Habahe County for overnight accommodation in the evening.
Days 6–10:Ili Valley and Duku Highway
Day 6:Habahe – Urho Ghost City – Karamay
Cross the Gurbantunggut Desert to visit Urho Ghost City and experience the awe-inspiring Yardang landform.
Comprehensive Analysis of Itinerary and DestinationsDays 7–8:Karamay – Sayram Lake – Fruit Valley – Yining
Drive around Sayram Lake, pass by the Fruit Valley Bridge, arrive in Yining City in the evening, and savor hand-grabbed mutton and roast whole lamb.
Day 9:Yining – Nalati Grassland – Bayinbuluk
Explore Nalati Sky Grassland, arrive in Bayinbuluk in the evening, and photograph the sunset over the meandering river.
Day 10:Bayinbuluk – Duku Highway – Kuqa
Traverse the southern section of the Duku Highway, admiring the Small and Big Dragon Pools and the Secret Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains along the way, and stay overnight in Kuqa City.
Days 11–15:Southern Xinjiang Cultural and Natural Exploration
Day 11:Kuqa – Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves – Aksu
Visit the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves to learn about Western Region Buddhist art and arrive in Aksu City in the evening.
Days 12–13:Aksu – Kashgar Old Town – High Platform Residences
Tour Kashgar Old Town, visit Id Kah Mosque, experience traditional handicrafts of various ethnic groups, and stay overnight in a guesthouse within the old town.
Day 14:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Muztagh Ata – Taxkorgan
The 19-day custom vehicle tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang is a classic route that combines natural wonders with cultural charm. From Kanas, Hemu, and Khabahe in Northern Xinjiang to Hotan Jade Bazaar and Kashgar Old Town in Southern Xinjiang, the journey covers diverse landscapes including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, Gobi deserts, and sandy deserts, while connecting the unique cultures of various ethnic settlements.Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, passing by Baisha Lake and Muztagh Ata, and arrive in Taxkorgan County in the evening.
Day 15:Taxkorgan – Panlong Ancient Road – Kashgar
Challenge the Panlong Ancient Road, known for the saying ‘After traversing all the winding roads today, life will be smooth sailing henceforth,’ and return to Kashgar City in the evening.
Days 16–19:Hotan Jade Culture and Return Journey
Day 16:Kashgar – Hotan
Fly or take a custom vehicle to Hotan City, enjoy free time after checking into the hotel, and explore the Hotan night market.
Day 17:Hotan Jade Bazaar – Yurungkash River
Visit the jade bazaar to observe jade trading and head to the Yurungkash River in the afternoon to experience jade picking (with caution).
Day 18:Hotan – Qiemo
Take a custom vehicle to Qiemo County, admire the Taklimakan Desert scenery along the way, and check into the hotel after arriving in the evening.
Day 19:Qiemo – Korla – Urumqi
Return to Korla City and take a flight or train back, concluding the in-depth tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang.
Northern Xinjiang Section: A Mysterious Land Where Nature and Culture IntertwineCustom Vehicle Costs and Model Selection
Vehicle Models and Average Daily Reference Prices (including basic fees)
5-seat economy sedan (e.g., Buick Excelle):600–900 yuan per day, suitable for short trips for 2–3 people, capable of traveling on lightly unpaved roads such as the Yizhou Highway.
5-seat city SUV (e.g., Honda CR-V):900–1,200 yuan per day, with higher ground clearance, suitable for driving around scenic areas like Kanas and Hemu.
4WD off-road vehicle (e.g., Toyota Prado):1,500–2,000 yuan per day, designed for complex terrains such as the Duku Highway and Panlong Ancient Road in Taxkorgan, with prices potentially rising during peak seasons.
7-seat business vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8):1,200–1,800 yuan per day, suitable for teams of 4–6 people, equipped with adjustable seats and luggage compartments to enhance long-distance comfort.
15-seat minibus (e.g., Coaster):2,000–2,500 yuan per day, suitable for teams of over 10 people, with lower per-person cost sharing.
Included and Excluded Items in Costs
Included:Vehicle usage fees, fuel costs, road and bridge tolls, driver labor fees, and basic insurance.
Excluded:Personal expenses of tourists (meals, admission tickets, accommodation), driver meal and accommodation allowances (reference standards: 100 yuan/day for meals, 200 yuan/day for accommodation), and additional expenses due to weather or policies.
Notes
Prices are influenced by season, vehicle model, and itinerary duration, with specifics subject to the contract. Due to complex road conditions in Southern Xinjiang, custom vehicle costs are 10%–15% higher than in Northern Xinjiang.
Kanas Lake: Known as a ‘picturesque wonder on earth,’ the lake changes colors with the seasons, surrounded by pristine forests and snow-capped mountains reflected in its waters, creating a breathtaking scene. Visitors can take shuttle buses within the scenic area to explore core attractions such as Guanyu Platform and Fairy Bay.Registration Method and Service Instructions
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for details on the itinerary, vehicle model selection, and cost breakdown. All service content, cost breakdowns, and refund/change rules are subject to the contract signed by both parties.
Cost Instructions and Service Guarantees
Transparent Costs:Custom vehicle costs are charged per day with no hidden fees. If route changes or additional attractions are needed during the itinerary, reasonable adjustments can be made after mutual agreement.
Service Standards:All vehicles possess legal operating qualifications, and drivers are certified, familiar with Xinjiang road conditions, and receive regular training.
Emergency Support:In case of vehicle breakdowns or emergencies during the itinerary, the travel agency will coordinate backup vehicles to ensure the smooth progress of the journey.
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
Travel Tips
Document Preparation:A permit must be obtained in advance to visit Khabahe, which can be processed at the household registration location or the transfer center of the Kanas Scenic Area.
Clothing and Gear:Xinjiang experiences significant temperature variations between day and night; even in summer, bring a windbreaker and thin down jacket. For hiking, wear non-slip mountain boots.
Cultural Respect:When visiting ethnic settlements, abide by local customs and avoid randomly photographing people or cultural sites.
Reminder:Desert areas are windy and sandy; bring a windproof face mask. When trading at the jade bazaar, do not easily believe in promotions of ‘low-priced high-quality goods.’
The 19-day custom vehicle tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang is a cultural and natural journey spanning both sides of the Tianshan Mountains. From the lakes and mountains of Kanas to the jade culture of Hotan, from the Silk Road charm of Kashgar Old Town to the desert grandeur of the Taklimakan, every scene is worth savoring. Choose Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to let our professional team plan your itinerary and embark on an unforgettable exploration of Xinjiang!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
