2026 Private 11 Day Southern Xinjiang Tour Without Shared Transport Korla Kashi Taxkorgan Loop with Flexible Stops Rental Price Inquiry Recommended Itinerary Cost
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation.
Icon prefix:✨【2026 Southern Xinjiang 11-Day Private Deep Loop Tour】Korla → Kashgar → Taxkorgan | Stop Anywhere for Photos · Highland Lakes · Ancient Path Secret Realms✨
I. Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations
The 11-day private loop tour in Southern Xinjiang starts from Korla, connecting the edges of the Taklimakan Desert, the core area of the Pamir Plateau, and the cultural corridor of Kashgar, forming a trinity landscape belt of ‘desert-snow mountain-ancient city’. The route covers three core areas:
Around Korla:The Peacock River flows through the city, surrounded by Bosten Lake (China’s largest inland freshwater lake) and the Lop Nur Village (an original village where the desert meets the Tarim River). Visitors can experience desert off-roading, boating on the lake, and other activities.
Kashgar Cultural Area: The 5A-rated Kashgar Old City retains its 2,100-year historical texture, with labyrinthine streets and alleys. The century-old teahouses, pottery workshops, and Id Kah Mosque form a living folk museum. Sites like the Xiangfei Garden and the High Platform Residential Area require separate ticket purchases, with specific prices to be announced by the scenic area on the day of visit.
Pamir Plateau Route: Traveling along National Highway G314 (China-Pakistan Friendship Highway) into areas above 4,000 meters above sea level, connecting popular spots such as Baisha Lake (lake reflecting Baisha Mountain), Karakul Lake (reflection of Muztagh Ata Glacier), and Panlong Ancient Road (64 hairpin bends), ending in Taxkorgan County (Taxkorgan), where visitors can explore the Stone City Ruins, Golden Grassland Wetland, and villages of various ethnic groups.
II. Simple Itinerary
【Day 1】Gathering in Korla
Afternoon:Visit the Bosten Lake Lotus World Scenic Area, take a boat to view thousands of acres of naturally growing water lilies, and in the evening, head to the Lop Nur Village to experience desert camel caravans and Tarim River rafting.
Accommodation:Boutique hotel in Korla
【Day 2】Korla → Aksu (5-hour drive)
Morning:Traverse the northern section of the Taklimakan Desert Highway, stopping at the Tarim Rest Stop along the way to photograph the Desert Highway Monument.
Icon prefix: ✨【2026 Southern Xinjiang 11-Day Private Deep Loop Tour】Korla → Kashgar → Taxkorgan | Stop Anywhere for Photos · Highland Lakes · Ancient Path Secret Realms✨Afternoon:Upon arrival in Aksu, visit the Wensu Grand Canyon, hike through the red Danxia landform group, and photograph the canyon sunset.
Accommodation:Comfortable hotel in Aksu
【Day 3】Aksu → Kashgar (6-hour drive)
Morning:Head to Kashgar via the southern section of the Desert Highway, stopping at a scenic overlook near Sanchakou to photograph the Gobi Desert scenery.
Afternoon:Upon arrival in Kashgar, apply for the Border Management Area Pass (bring valid identification in advance), then freely explore the Kashgar Old City, visiting popular photo spots such as Bayi Lord’s House and the Hanging Garden.
Accommodation:Boutique hotel around Kashgar Old City
【Day 4】In-depth Tour of Kashgar
Morning:Visit Id Kah Mosque to learn about Southern Xinjiang’s folk culture; stroll through the Craftsmen Bazaar (handicrafts market) to watch non-heritage displays such as copperware making and wood carving.
Afternoon:Recommended free activities: listen to live music at the Century-Old Teahouse, taste roasted pigeon/cylinder meat in Lingguan Lane, and photograph pottery workshops in the High Platform Residential Area.
Accommodation:Kashgar
【Day 5】Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Taxkorgan (6-hour drive)
Morning:Head towards the Pamir Plateau along National Highway G314, making a brief stop at the Aoyitake Red Mountain (free Danxia landscape).
Afternoon:Arrive at Baisha Lake (ticket 40 yuan), photograph the reflection of Baisha Mountain and the lake from the north shore viewpoint; continue to Karakul Lake (ticket 45 yuan) to overlook the Muztagh Ata Glacier.
I. Detailed Introduction to Routes or DestinationsAccommodation:Comfortable hotel in Taxkorgan
【Day 6】Taxkorgan Loop
Morning:Photograph the sunrise at the Golden Grassland Wetland in the early morning, then tour the Stone City Ruins (the capital of the ancient ‘Puli Kingdom’ during the Han Dynasty).
Afternoon:Traverse the Panlong Ancient Road (limited to vehicles with 7 seats or fewer), take a photo at the sign ‘Today, I’ve traveled all the winding roads’; stop at the Bandir Blue Lake (free attraction) to photograph the Tiffany blue lake water.
Accommodation:Taxkorgan
【Day 7】Taxkorgan → Muztagh Ata Glacier Park → Kashgar (6-hour drive)
Morning:Head to Muztagh Ata Glacier Park (ticket 40 yuan + shuttle bus 50 yuan), with the option to ride a horse (100 yuan/person) to get close to the glacier tongue.
Afternoon:On the return trip to Kashgar, make a second stop at Baisha Lake or Karakul Lake for photography, and in the evening, upon arrival in Kashgar, enjoy free time.
Accommodation:Kashgar
【Day 8】Kashgar → Hotan (8-hour drive)
Full Day:Traverse the southern section of the Taklimakan Desert Highway, stopping in Minfeng County for lunch, and in the evening upon arrival in Hotan, stroll through the Hotan Night Market to taste special snacks such as roasted baozi, red willow roasted meat, and rose jam roasted nang.
Accommodation:Boutique hotel in Hotan
【Day 9】Hotan → Kuqa (7-hour drive)
The 11-day private loop tour in Southern Xinjiang starts from Korla, connecting the edges of the Taklimakan Desert, the core area of the Pamir Plateau, and the cultural corridor of Kashgar, forming a trinity landscape belt of ‘desert-snow mountain-ancient city’. The route covers three core areas:Morning:Visit the Hotan Museum to learn about history; then head to Kuqa, traversing the Gobi Desert along the way.
Afternoon:Upon arrival in Kuqa, tour the Kuqa Royal Palace (ticket 55 yuan) and visit the exhibition recreating the living scenes of the last Kuqa King.
Accommodation:Boutique hotel in Kuqa
【Day 10】Kuqa → Southern Section of the Duku Highway → Bayinbuluk (5-hour drive)
Morning:Traverse the southern section of the Duku Highway, stopping at the Upper and Lower Dragon Pools (free attractions) to photograph the alpine lakes.
Afternoon:Arrive at the Bayinbuluk Grassland, take a shuttle bus to tour the Nine Bends Eighteen Turns, and wait for sunset to photograph the miracle of nine sun reflections.
Accommodation:Hotel in Bayinbuluk Town
【Day 11】Bayinbuluk → Korla (5-hour drive)
Morning:On the return trip to Korla, stop at the Gongnaisi Forest Farm to photograph the spruce forest and snow-capped mountain scenery.
Afternoon:Upon arrival in Korla, transfer to the airport/train station based on flight/train schedules, concluding the itinerary.
III. Pricing Information
【Vehicle Configuration and Daily Rental Reference Prices】 (2026 market public prices, subject to contract)
Around Korla: The Peacock River flows through the city, surrounded by Bosten Lake (China’s largest inland freshwater lake) and the Lop Nur Village (an original village where the desert meets the Tarim River). Visitors can experience desert off-roading, boating on the lake, and other activities.7-seat business vehicle (Buick GL8/Maxus G10):
Standard model:1,100-1,800 yuan/day (suitable for regular small groups)
High-end model:1,500-2,300 yuan/day (with aircraft seats and onboard refrigerator)
9-seat modified 7-seat model:1,800-2,500 yuan/day (with full-vehicle aircraft seats)
Fees Include:Vehicle usage fee, fuel fee, toll fee, parking fee, driver service fee, and basic insurance.
Fees Exclude:Scenic area tickets, meals, driver’s accommodation (negotiable for inclusion), excess mileage fee (2 yuan/km for daily excess of 400 km), and overtime fee (100 yuan/hour for exceeding 8 hours).
【Seasonal Fluctuations】
Peak Season (June-October):Prices increase by 20%-30%, and vehicles must be booked 30 days in advance.
Off-Season (November-April):Prices decrease by 15%-20%, and some high-altitude attractions may be closed due to heavy snow.
【Special Route Surcharge】
Pamir Plateau Section (towards Taxkorgan):An additional daily surcharge of 300-500 yuan is applied due to passport verification and high-altitude driving subsidies.
IV. Registration Method
You can register and inquire through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide personalized plans based on team size, travel dates, and vehicle preferences.
Kashgar Cultural Area: The 5A-rated Kashgar Old City retains its 2,100-year historical texture, with labyrinthine streets and alleys. The century-old teahouses, pottery workshops, and Id Kah Mosque form a living folk museum. Sites like the Xiangfei Garden and the High Platform Residential Area require separate ticket purchases, with specific prices to be announced by the scenic area on the day of visit.V. Fee and Service Descriptions
Fees Include:Vehicle usage, driver service, basic insurance, and bottled drinking water within the itinerary.
Fees Exclude:Personal expenses, secondary consumption items within the scenic area, and driver’s meal fees (if included, settled at 80 yuan/day/person).
Service Guarantees:
All vehicles are正规 (regular) tourism operation vehicles with 7 seats or more, equipped with GPS positioning and emergency tool kits.
Drivers are licensed, familiar with Southern Xinjiang’s road conditions and high-altitude supply point distributions, and can assist with border pass applications.
No shopping stops are arranged during the itinerary, and游览 (sightseeing) time is at the discretion of the tourists.
In case of extreme weather, road closures, or other force majeure factors, both parties can reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement.
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
VI. Precautions
Altitude Sickness:Taxkorgan has an average altitude of 3,200 meters. It is recommended to prepare Rhodiola and oxygen bottles in advance (available for purchase along the way, 15-30 yuan/bottle).
Travel Documents:To travel to Taxkorgan, apply for the Border Management Area Pass in advance. Bring valid identification to the Kashgar Municipal Government Service Center for a free application.
Photography Tips:The Pamir Plateau section has dramatic light changes. It is recommended to bring a polarizing filter to eliminate lake surface reflections; a wide-angle lens is required for photographing the Panlong Ancient Road.
Dining Tips:Southern Xinjiang’s cuisine mainly consists of beef and mutton. Those with sensitive stomachs are advised to bring probiotics, montmorillonite powder, and other common medications.
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation.

