2026 6 Day Off Road Self Drive in Southern Xinjiang Deep Crossing of Unpaved Roads in Tasha Ancient Road Quotation Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
Starred Icon: Exploring the Heart of Southern Xinjiang:2026 6-Day Custom Off-Road Adventure Through the Tasha Ancient Road
The grandeur of Southern Xinjiang lies hidden in the folds of the Pamir Plateau and amidst the gravel of the Tasha Ancient Road. This millennia-old path was once a perilous route for Xuanzang’s return journey westward and has now become a ‘classic challenge’ in the hearts of off-road enthusiasts. In 2026, join a professional team to traverse the Tasha Ancient Road and unlock the most primitive natural and cultural secrets of Southern Xinjiang over six days.
I. Itinerary Highlights: An Off-Road Journey Through Time and Space
[Tasha Ancient Road:A Symphony of Gravel on a Millennia-Old Path]
The Tasha Ancient Road starts from Taxkorgan County in the north and extends southward, covering approximately 300 kilometers. Winding along the Yarkant River, this ancient path is flanked by steep cliffs on one side and rushing waters on the other, with gravel roads, water crossings, and hairpin turns alternating throughout, posing a dual challenge to vehicle performance and driving skills. By 2026, while some sections of the road have undergone basic maintenance, 80% remain unpaved, requiring four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles for passage.
[Pamir Plateau:A Visual Feast of Snow-Capped Mountains and Lakes]
The journey passes by iconic landmarks such as Muztagh Ata (elevation 7,546 meters), Karakul Lake (elevation 3,600 meters), and Baisha Lake. The waters of the plateau lakes change color with the light, while the conical, snow-capped form of Muztagh Ata and its reflection create a magnificent portrait of the ‘Father of Ice Mountains.’
[Ethnic Villages:A Living Museum of Culture]
Venture deep into the villages of various ethnic groups to explore traditional dwellings, handicraft workshops, and centuries-old heritage. In Taxkorgan County, watch performances of eagle dances by local ethnic groups; elsewhere, participate in live instruction from inheritors of the Mukam art tradition, experiencing the vibrant vitality of intangible cultural heritage.
II. Brief Itinerary: Key Daily Arrangements
[Day 1:Kashgar Assembly · High Altitude Acclimatization]
Starred Icon: Exploring the Heart of Southern Xinjiang: 2026 6-Day Custom Off-Road Adventure Through the Tasha Ancient RoadMorning:Arrive in Kashgar and apply for a border pass (prepare copies of valid identification in advance).
Afternoon:Free time for activities. We recommend visiting Kashgar Old Town and Id Kah Mosque, and sampling local specialties like roasted stuffed buns and pot-cooked meat.
Evening:Pre-trip briefing and vehicle equipment check (snow chains, tow ropes, air pumps, etc.).
[Day 2:Kashgar → Taxkorgan County (300 km, approximately 6 hours)]
Morning:Drive along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (G314), passing through the Oytagh Red Mountain Canyon and Baisha Lake.
Afternoon:Arrive at Karakul Lake and photograph the reflection of Muztagh Ata.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Taxkorgan County and acclimate to the high-altitude environment (elevation 3,100 meters).
[Day 3:Taxkorgan → Northern Section of Tasha Ancient Road (80 km, approximately 4 hours)]
Morning:Traverse the first half of the ancient road, passing through the apricot blossom village of Datong Township (stop for photography if in bloom).
Afternoon:Tackle the 64 hairpin turns of the ‘Panlong Ancient Road’ and reach the signpost reading, ‘Today, I’ve traveled all the winding roads; from now on, my life will be smooth sailing,’ for a photo opportunity.
Evening:Return to Taxkorgan for accommodation.
The grandeur of Southern Xinjiang lies hidden in the folds of the Pamir Plateau and amidst the gravel of the Tasha Ancient Road. This millennia-old path was once a perilous route for Xuanzang’s return journey westward and has now become a ‘classic challenge’ in the hearts of off-road enthusiasts. In 2026, join a professional team to traverse the Tasha Ancient Road and unlock the most primitive natural and cultural secrets of Southern Xinjiang over six days.[Day 4:Southern Section of Tasha Ancient Road → (220 km, approximately 7 hours)]
All day:Venture deep into the core section of the ancient road, crossing gravel and water-crossing segments while following the Yarkant River. Stop at villages of various ethnic groups along the way to experience eagle flute performances and yak hotpot.
Evening:Check into a hotel and visit the Hometown Garden of the Twelve Mukam.
[Day 5:→ Kashgar (200 km, approximately 3 hours)]
Morning:Tour the old town of Yarkant and visit the Tomb of the Yarkant Khan and the Memorial Tomb of Amannisha Khan.
Afternoon:Return to Kashgar for free time to purchase local specialties such as dried fruits and Atlas silk.
Evening:Celebratory banquet featuring roast whole lamb from Kashgar night market.
[Day 6:Departure from Kashgar]
Transfer to the airport based on flight/train schedules, concluding the itinerary.
III. Pricing Information: Transparent Fee Structure
[Basic Fee Reference (based on a group of 4)]
I. Itinerary Highlights: An Off-Road Journey Through Time and SpaceVehicle Type:Toyota Prado four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle (includes driver, fuel, tolls, and vehicle insurance)
Low Season (November-April):1,400 yuan/day/vehicle × 6 days = 8,400 yuan
Peak Season (May-October):1,800 yuan/day/vehicle × 6 days = 10,800 yuan
[Fees Included]
Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, basic insurance (seat insurance ≥ 500,000 yuan/person)
Parking fees along the Tasha Ancient Road, first entrance tickets to scenic spots (Karakul Lake, Baisha Lake, etc.)
Breakfast during the itinerary, first aid supplies, and medications for altitude sickness
[Fees Not Included]
Driver’s food and accommodation subsidy (approximately 200 yuan/day, can be shared among tourists or arranged by the travel agency)
Lunches (local specialty restaurants recommended, 50-100 yuan/person per meal)
Border pass application fee (approximately 50 yuan/person)
[Tasha Ancient Road: A Symphony of Gravel on a Millennia-Old Path] Personal expenses and self-funded items within scenic spots
[Special Notes]
Prices may vary by season, vehicle type, and policy changes, subject to the contract signed by both parties.
Prices will increase by 30% during the summer vacation (July-August) of 2026. Early booking 30 days in advance is recommended.
IV. Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for availability and contract details.
V. Pricing Information and Service Descriptions
[Service Standards]
Vehicles:Compliant commercial off-road vehicles registered in 2026, regularly maintained, and equipped with emergency tools such as snow chains and tow ropes.
Drivers:Holders of the ‘Road Transport Practitioner Qualification Certificate’ and ‘Driver’s License,’ familiar with road conditions in Southern Xinjiang and customs of various ethnic groups, with high-altitude driving experience.
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance + vehicle commercial insurance. Tourists are advised to purchase their own travel accident insurance.
The Tasha Ancient Road starts from Taxkorgan County in the north and extends southward, covering approximately 300 kilometers. Winding along the Yarkant River, this ancient path is flanked by steep cliffs on one side and rushing waters on the other, with gravel roads, water crossings, and hairpin turns alternating throughout, posing a dual challenge to vehicle performance and driving skills. By 2026, while some sections of the road have undergone basic maintenance, 80% remain unpaved, requiring four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles for passage.[Itinerary Changes]
In the event of force majeure such as landslides or heavy snowfall, both parties may agree to substitute with alternative attractions such as Dawakun Desert or Kizilsu Glacier Park.
Daily driving distance will not exceed 400 kilometers to ensure comfort and experience.
[Responsibility Notes]
For solo registrants, every effort will be made to arrange shared accommodations. Special circumstances will require negotiation.
Specific service content and fee details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Charging fees without a signed contract is prohibited.
VI. Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist
Documents:Valid identification, border pass (can be entrusted to the travel agency for processing)
Clothing:Fleece jacket, fleece pants, sun hat, sunglasses (strong UV radiation at high altitudes)
Medications:Rhodiola, motion sickness medication, gastrointestinal medication
Electronic Devices:Camera, spare batteries, car charger (some sections of the ancient road have no signal)
The gravel roads of the Tasha Ancient Road bear the footprints of millennia of traders and travelers; the snow-capped lakes of the Pamir reflect the courage and awe of explorers. In 2026, travel with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to measure the depths of Southern Xinjiang with off-road wheels, turning every bump into an unforgettable memory.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
