2026 8 Day In Depth Self Drive Tour of Southern Xinjiang with Full Loop Covering Kashgar, Aksu, Korla in a 5 Seater SUV Latest Quotes and Registration Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Southern Xinjiang Scenic Loop:An 8-day in-depth customized vehicle tour in 2026 exploring Kashgar, Aksu, and Korla across Southern Xinjiang
🌄 Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination
Southern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Tianshan Mountains and the Taklimakan Desert, attracts countless travelers with its unique natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. In 2026, an 8-day in-depth customized vehicle loop connecting the three core cities of Kashgar, Aksu, and Korla has become a popular choice for exploring Southern Xinjiang. This route not only covers the magnificent snow-capped mountains of the Pamir Plateau and the winding oases of the Tarim River but also delves into ethnic minority settlements to experience the blend of traditional craftsmanship and urban life.
Kashgar: As the gateway to Southern Xinjiang, the Kashgar Old City is a national 5A-level scenic spot where earthen architecture clusters and century-old bazaars intertwine to create a rich Silk Road ambiance. Open daily from 08:00 to 22:00 with no general admission fee, but small attractions inside such as the Id Kah Mosque and the Xiangfei Garden require separate tickets.
Pamir Plateau:Heading west along National Highway G314, the blue waters of Baisha Lake contrast beautifully with the snow-capped peak of Muztagh Ata, while Karakul Lake offers the best vantage point to admire the “Father of Glaciers.” Relevant travel permits must be obtained in advance to enter this border control area.
Aksu:The Danxia landforms of the Wensu Grand Canyon and the millennium-old murals of the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves narrate the glory of the Silk Road. The narrow gorges and red rock cliffs of the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon create stunning visual spectacles.
Korla:As China’s largest inland freshwater lake, Bosten Lake irrigates thousands of acres of fertile farmland in the Konqi River basin. The lotus world by the lakeside and the poplar forests along the desert highway showcase the ecological wonder of “coexisting sand and water” in Southern Xinjiang.
🚗 Simple Itinerary Arrangement
Southern Xinjiang Scenic Loop: An 8-day in-depth customized vehicle tour in 2026 exploring Kashgar, Aksu, and Korla across Southern XinjiangDay 1:Urumqi—Korla (approximately 600 kilometers, 8 hours by car)
Depart from Urumqi in the morning and traverse the Tianshan Gangu along the Lianhuo Expressway, enjoying the “white forest” of the Dabancheng Wind Power Station along the way. Arrive in Korla in the afternoon to visit the Lotus World of Bosten Lake and experience the vastness of the “Western Sea.” For dinner, try Korla pear-stewed mutton, a local specialty.
Day 2:Korla—Lop Nur Village—Luntai (approximately 300 kilometers, 5 hours by car)
Venture to the edge of the Taklimakan Desert to visit Lop Nur Village, exploring primitive desert villages and experiencing the thrill of camel rides across sand dunes. In the afternoon, head to Luntai to visit the Tarim Poplar Forest Park (if visiting in autumn, admire the magnificent golden poplars).
Day 3:Luntai—Kuqa (approximately 200 kilometers, 4 hours by car)
Visit the Kuqa Grand Mosque in the morning to appreciate the solemnity of Southern Xinjiang architecture. In the afternoon, explore the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves to admire mural art from the 3rd to 8th centuries AD and learn about the spread of Buddhist culture in the Western Regions. In the evening, stroll through the Kuqa Old City and sample Kuqa naan and grilled stuffed buns.
Day 4:Kuqa—Wensu Grand Canyon—Aksu (approximately 150 kilometers, 3 hours by car)
Spend the day exploring the Wensu Tomur Peak Grand Canyon, hiking through plank roads between red rock cliffs, and photographing canyon crevices and peak forests. In the afternoon, head to Aksu to visit the regional museum and learn about the history and ethnic cultures of Southern Xinjiang.
🌄 Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or DestinationDay 5:Aksu—Kashgar (approximately 460 kilometers, 6 hours by car)
Head west along the Turpan-Hotan Expressway, traversing the Southern Xinjiang hinterland where deserts and oases intertwine. Arrive in Kashgar in the evening, check into a hotel near the old city, and for free activities, recommend visiting the Kashgar Night Market to sample roasted pigeon, pomegranate juice, and other local snacks.
Day 6:Kashgar—Pamir Plateau (approximately 300 kilometers, 6 hours by car)
Depart early for Taxkorgan County, stopping along the way at Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake to photograph the reflections of Muztagh Ata. In the afternoon, visit the Stone City ruins and Golden Grassland to experience the vastness of the plateau grasslands. If time permits, challenge the more than 600 hairpin bends of the Panlong Ancient Road.
Day 7:Taxkorgan—Kashgar (return trip approximately 300 kilometers, 6 hours by car)
Enjoy free activities in the morning, recommending visits to ethnic minority villages to experience eagle flutes and dances of various ethnic groups. Return to Kashgar in the afternoon, stopping at the Bandir Blue Lake (Xiabandi Reservoir) to photograph its Tiffany-blue waters. Arrive in Kashgar in the evening to visit the Central and Western Asia International Trade Market and shop for Aidelaisi silk and Yingjisha knives.
Day 8:Kashgar—Urumqi (return trip)
According to your flight or train schedule, enjoy a half-day tour of the Kashgar Old City at your leisure, focusing on visiting the Gao Tai Folk Residence and the Craftsmen’s Street to observe traditional crafts such as pottery making and copper forging. In the afternoon, transfer to the station/airport to conclude your trip.
Southern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Tianshan Mountains and the Taklimakan Desert, attracts countless travelers with its unique natural scenery and profound cultural heritage. In 2026, an 8-day in-depth customized vehicle loop connecting the three core cities of Kashgar, Aksu, and Korla has become a popular choice for exploring Southern Xinjiang. This route not only covers the magnificent snow-capped mountains of the Pamir Plateau and the winding oases of the Tarim River but also delves into ethnic minority settlements to experience the blend of traditional craftsmanship and urban life.💰 Pricing Information
The cost of an 8-day customized vehicle tour in Southern Xinjiang in 2026 varies significantly depending on the vehicle type and season. The following are reference ranges (including vehicle usage fees, fuel costs, tolls, parking fees, and driver service fees, excluding admission tickets, accommodation, and meals):
5-seater SUV (e.g., Toyota RAV4, Haval H6):
Low Season (November—April):1000—1500 RMB/day
High Season (May—October):1800—2500 RMB/day
7-seater商务车 (e.g., Buick GL8):
Low Season:1200—1800 RMB/day
High Season:2200—3000 RMB/day
Kashgar: As the gateway to Southern Xinjiang, the Kashgar Old City is a national 5A-level scenic spot where earthen architecture clusters and century-old bazaars intertwine to create a rich Silk Road ambiance. Open daily from 08:00 to 22:00 with no general admission fee, but small attractions inside such as the Id Kah Mosque and the Xiangfei Garden require separate tickets.14-seater Minibus:
Low Season:1800—2500 RMB/day
High Season:2800—3800 RMB/day
Note:Prices during the high season may increase by 30%—50%, subject to the contract or confirmation on the day. If you require inclusion of driver accommodation, multilingual guides, or customized specialty meals, additional negotiations and inclusion in the contract are necessary.
📞 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for detailed itinerary plans and real-time availability information.
Fee Explanation and Service Description
Fees Include:Vehicle usage fees, driver service fees, fuel costs, tolls, parking fees, and basic insurance.
Pamir Plateau: Heading west along National Highway G314, the blue waters of Baisha Lake contrast beautifully with the snow-capped peak of Muztagh Ata, while Karakul Lake offers the best vantage point to admire the “Father of Glaciers.” Relevant travel permits must be obtained in advance to enter this border control area.Fees Exclude:Admission tickets to scenic spots (e.g., small attractions in the Kashgar Old City, Wensu Grand Canyon, etc.), accommodation fees, meal fees, personal expenses, and other fees not mentioned.
Service Standards:Compliant commercial vehicles are provided, with drivers familiar with road conditions in Southern Xinjiang and equipped with basic emergency support equipment. In the event of uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, or policies during the itinerary, reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made through mutual agreement.
Special Reminders:For solo registrants, efforts will be made to coordinate room-sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation. All service content, prices, and itinerary details are subject to actual consultation and the signed contract, complying with relevant regulatory requirements.
📌 Precautions
Document Preparation:To visit the Pamir Plateau, relevant travel permits must be obtained in advance; the travel agency can assist in preparing materials.
Altitude Sickness:Taxkorgan is approximately 3000 meters above sea level; it is advisable to carry anti-altitude sickness medication and avoid strenuous exercise.
Climate and Equipment:Southern Xinjiang experiences large temperature variations between day and night; prepare sun protection items, windproof jackets, and warm clothing. Signal coverage may be weak on some road sections; it is advisable to carry a small amount of cash.
Cultural Respect:When visiting villages or settlements, respect local customs and avoid wearing revealing clothing or taking photographs of people without permission.
The vastness of Southern Xinjiang lies in every frame of scenery along the way. Choosing a compliant vehicle paired with an experienced local driver not only avoids the limitations of public transportation but also allows for flexible responses to temporary changes on plateau road sections. In 2026, why not embark on your own exploration journey in Southern Xinjiang through an in-depth customized vehicle tour?
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
