How to Travel the Panlong Ancient Road by Chartered Vehicle in Kashgar Popular Highway Cost Table and Recommended Routes with Prices
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send your itinerary and quotation.
Icon introduction:✨【New Perspective on Kashgar Tourism: Customized Vehicle Exploration of the Panlong Ancient Road, Unlocking the Complete Guide to the Popular Internet Road in Southern Xinjiang】✨
Kashgar in southern Xinjiang, as an important node of the ancient Silk Road, not only carries profound historical and cultural significance but also attracts countless tourists with its unique natural landscapes. The Panlong Ancient Road, a popular internet road winding through the Pamir Plateau, has become a must-visit destination for many travelers with its slogan, ‘Having traversed all the winding paths today, from now on, life will be nothing but smooth sailing.’ This article will provide you with a detailed introduction to the itinerary planning, cost breakdown, and registration method for a customized vehicle tour exploring the Panlong Ancient Road in Kashgar, helping you easily plan an unforgettable trip to southern Xinjiang.
Detailed introduction to the itinerary or destination
The Kashgar to Panlong Ancient Road loop covers approximately 600 to 800 kilometers, traveling along National Highway G314 (China-Pakistan Friendship Highway) and connecting the natural and cultural highlights of southern Xinjiang. This route not only allows you to enjoy magnificent snow-capped mountains and lake scenery but also offers an in-depth experience of the lifestyles in ethnic minority settlements.
Kashgar Old City:As the soul of Kashgar, the old city is open to visitors free of charge. Its main streets feature traditional pottery workshops, Aidilaisi silk stores, and other intangible cultural heritage experience points. Strolling through, you can witness the daily labor scenes of residents from various ethnic groups and savor local specialties like roasted stuffed buns and pilaf from street vendors.
Baisha Lake:The lake’s deep blue waters contrast sharply with the white sand dunes, set against a backdrop of continuous snow-capped mountains, creating a picturesque scene. In 2026, Baisha Lake will continue to implement a free reservation policy for entry, with a daily visitor limit. It is advisable to plan your trip in advance.
Icon introduction:✨【New Perspective on Kashgar Tourism: Customized Vehicle Exploration of the Panlong Ancient Road, Unlocking the Complete Guide to the Popular Internet Road in Southern Xinjiang】✨Muztagh Ata:Known as the ‘Father of Ice Mountains’ with an elevation of 7,546 meters, its glacier park observation deck offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the snow-capped mountains. The reference price for glacier park tickets is 40 yuan, with an additional 50 yuan for the shuttle bus. The park is open from 10:00 to 20:00.
Karakul Lake:A plateau lake at an elevation of 3,600 meters, its waters change colors from blue to green to gray depending on the light. Adjacent to Muztagh Ata, the ticket price is 50 yuan, and it is open from 9:00 to 19:00. On clear days, you can capture stunning reflections of Muztagh Ata.
Panlong Ancient Road: This popular internet road spans approximately 36 kilometers, featuring 639 consecutive bends and an elevation gain from 3,000 meters to 4,216 meters. It is not only a paradise for photography enthusiasts but also an excellent place to experience the joy of driving. It is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00, with clearing starting at 18:30. Vehicles with seven seats or fewer are permitted.
Taxkorgan County (Tashkurgan):As a border county in western China, Taxkorgan has an average elevation exceeding 3,000 meters. Here, you can not only visit natural landscapes like the Golden Grassland Wetland and the Stone City Ruins but also experience the lifestyles of ethnic minority settlements on the plateau.
Simple Itinerary
Below is a simple itinerary for a classic 3-day loop, with daily vehicle usage lasting approximately 7 to 10 hours. You can add or remove attractions or extend your stay based on personal interests:
Day 1:Depart from Kashgar to explore plateau lakes
Kashgar in southern Xinjiang, as an important node of the ancient Silk Road, not only carries profound historical and cultural significance but also attracts countless tourists with its unique natural landscapes. The Panlong Ancient Road, a popular internet road winding through the Pamir Plateau, has become a must-visit destination for many travelers with its slogan, ‘Having traversed all the winding paths today, from now on, life will be nothing but smooth sailing.’ This article will provide you with a detailed introduction to the itinerary planning, cost breakdown, and registration method for a customized vehicle tour exploring the Panlong Ancient Road in Kashgar, helping you easily plan an unforgettable trip to southern Xinjiang.Morning:Depart from Kashgar and head southeast along National Highway G314, passing through landscapes such as the Aytag Red Valley and the Gaizi Gorge, with a travel time of approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Noon:Have a simple meal along the way and try local specialties like tandoor-cooked meat.
Afternoon:Arrive at Baisha Lake, stop for photos, and then proceed to the observation deck of Muztagh Ata Glacier Park to enjoy the snow-capped mountain scenery from afar.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Taxkorgan County to acclimate to the plateau environment. For dinner, savor local specialties like yak hot pot.
Day 2:Challenge the Panlong Ancient Road and experience the joy of driving
Morning:Visit the Golden Grassland Wetland in the early morning and photograph the Stone City Ruins in the morning light.
Noon:After a simple meal, enter the Panlong Ancient Road. It is advisable to park your car at the observation deck and walk to the shooting points to appreciate the panoramic view of the mountain road from multiple angles.
Detailed introduction to the itinerary or destinationAfternoon:Depending on your energy level, choose to return to Kashgar or continue staying in Taxkorgan County to experience the tranquility and mystery of the plateau night.
Day 3:Free activities or return journey
Morning:Engage in free activities. You can visit attractions like the Kashgar Old City and the Xiangfei Garden and purchase handicrafts as souvenirs.
Afternoon/Evening:Return according to your flight or train schedule, concluding a pleasant trip to southern Xinjiang.
If you have sufficient time, you can also add an extra day to visit attractions like the Kashgar Old City and the Xiangfei Garden or travel to places like the Khunjerab Pass and Karakul Lake to make your journey even more diverse and enriching.
Price Explanation
The Kashgar to Panlong Ancient Road loop covers approximately 600 to 800 kilometers, traveling along National Highway G314 (China-Pakistan Friendship Highway) and connecting the natural and cultural highlights of southern Xinjiang. This route not only allows you to enjoy magnificent snow-capped mountains and lake scenery but also offers an in-depth experience of the lifestyles in ethnic minority settlements.The cost of customized vehicle usage varies depending on factors such as vehicle type, season, and itinerary arrangements. Below is a reference price list for 2026 (costs include vehicle usage fees, driver service fees, fuel costs, toll fees, parking fees, and basic insurance, excluding major transportation costs to and from Kashgar for tourists, meals during the itinerary, personal expenses, and attraction ticket fees):
7-seat domestic conventional business vehicle:During the peak season from July to September, the daily rental is approximately 1,500 to 1,700 yuan.
7-seat luxury business vehicle (converted from a 9-seater):The daily rental during the same period is approximately 1,800 to 2,000 yuan.
7-seat first-class 1+1 business vehicle (converted from a 14-seater):The daily rental can reach 2,000 to 2,400 yuan.
Other vehicle types:Costs will also increase for vehicles such as 12 to 15-seat domestic luxury cars and 17 to 19-seat domestic luxury tourist air-conditioned buses.
Please note that the above prices are for reference only. Specific costs need to be negotiated with Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency based on factors such as vehicle type, season, and itinerary arrangements, and will be subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties.
Registration Method
Kashgar Old City: As the soul of Kashgar, the old city is open to visitors free of charge. Its main streets feature traditional pottery workshops, Aidilaisi silk stores, and other intangible cultural heritage experience points. Strolling through, you can witness the daily labor scenes of residents from various ethnic groups and savor local specialties like roasted stuffed buns and pilaf from street vendors.You can register for this customized vehicle tour exploring the Panlong Ancient Road in Kashgar through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Consult with Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, to learn more about itinerary details and registration methods.
Cost Explanation and Service Explanation
Costs include:All vehicle usage costs, including vehicle usage fees, driver service fees, fuel costs, toll fees, parking fees, and basic insurance.
Costs exclude:Major transportation costs to and from Kashgar for tourists, meal costs during the itinerary, personal expenses, and attraction ticket fees.
Service Explanation: Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency provides compliant 7-seat or above regular tourist operating vehicles equipped with road transport certificates and comprehensive insurance. All drivers have years of local driving experience, are familiar with road conditions throughout Xinjiang, and have a good service attitude. The itinerary arrangements and service standards are subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties.
Special Reminder:A border pass is required to travel to Taxkorgan County. You can apply for it with valid identification documents at designated locations or through the assistance of a travel agency.
The actual situation shall prevail based on actual consultation and contract signing. During the itinerary, if changes occur due to uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, or policies, both parties can negotiate and make reasonable changes by mutual agreement.
This customized vehicle tour exploring the Panlong Ancient Road in Kashgar not only allows you to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of southern Xinjiang but also offers an in-depth experience of the lifestyles in ethnic minority settlements. Choosing a compliant vehicle and pairing it with an experienced local driver will make your journey more worry-free and comfortable. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. We look forward to embarking on this unforgettable trip to southern Xinjiang with you!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send your itinerary and quotation.
