2026 Kashgar 7 Day Taxkorgan County Loop Private Car Tour Stone City, Golden Grass Beach, Baisha Lake Full Route Travel Latest Price Inquiry Recommended Itinerary Cost
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.
Icon prefix:✨【2026 Kashgar 7-Day Taxkorgan County Loop Custom Vehicle Rental Comprehensive Guide】✨
If you want to connect the snow-capped mountains, lakes, and cultural secrets of the Pamir Plateau in one trip, the 7-day loop from Kashgar to Taxkorgan County is undoubtedly the ideal choice. Starting from Kashgar, this route passes through the purity of Baisha Lake, the grandeur of Karakul Lake, and finally reaches the Stone City and Golden Grassland in Taxkorgan County. Along the way, you can experience the blend of various ethnic cultures and the breathtaking plateau scenery. Below is the newly compiled practical information for 2026 to help you plan a worry-free and in-depth journey to southern Xinjiang.
Detailed introduction to the route or destination
【Kashgar Old Town】
As a national 5A-level scenic spot, Kashgar Old Town is the core landmark of southern Xinjiang’s culture. In 2026, it will be open daily from 9:00 to 22:00, with free admission to the main street area and no reservation required; internal exhibitions such as the “Century-Old Tea House” and “Craftsmen Bazaar” require separate tickets, priced at approximately 10-30 yuan per person. The old town retains a complete cluster of raw earth buildings, with daily folk performances. It is recommended to reserve half a day to a full day to stroll and experience the handicraft workshops, tea house culture, and local life.
【Baisha Lake】
Located beside National Highway G314, Baisha Lake has crystal-clear waters reflecting the white sand mountains, with Muztagh Ata standing in the background year-round. In 2026, the scenic area will implement a reservation system for entry, with a daily visitor limit and free admission, though some viewing platforms may charge a cleaning and maintenance fee of 10-20 yuan. Open from 8:00 to 20:00, it is recommended to visit in the early morning or evening for better photography with softer lighting.
【Karakul Lake】
At an altitude of about 3,600 meters, Karakul Lake is backed by the “Father of Ice Mountains,” Muztagh Ata, offering opportunities to photograph snow-capped mountain reflections on clear days. In 2026, the ticket price is expected to be 50 yuan per person, with opening hours from 9:00 to 19:00. The lakeside features viewing platforms and parking lots, suitable for short stays or light hiking.
【Taxkorgan County (Tax County)】
Icon prefix: ✨【2026 Kashgar 7-Day Taxkorgan County Loop Custom Vehicle Rental Comprehensive Guide】✨ Located in the heart of the Pamir Plateau, with an average altitude exceeding 3,000 meters, it serves as the hub for visiting the Stone City, Golden Grassland, and Wakhjir Pass. Visitors need to carry valid identification and cooperate with access checks when entering certain areas. The county has complete facilities and can adapt to the plateau environment.
【Stone City Ruins & Golden Grassland Wetland】
The Stone City is a Tang Dynasty ruin, generally open from 9:00 to 19:00; the Golden Grassland is free to enter but requires local management registration. The sunrise and sunset offer excellent light and shadow effects with snow-capped mountains reflecting on the grassland, making it a popular photography spot.
【Wakhjir Pass】
Approximately 36 kilometers long, famous for its over 600 S-shaped bends, the road is paved but features numerous steep turns. Open 24 hours a day in 2026 with no admission fee, it is suitable for short stops for photography. The slogan, “After walking through all the winding roads today, the rest of your life will be smooth sailing,” attracts many tourists to take photos.
Simple Itinerary (7-Day Classic Loop)
The following itinerary is designed based on the actual road conditions and scenic area opening status in 2026, with specific arrangements subject to mutual协商 (negotiation) and flexibility:
Day 1:Arrival in Kashgar
Arrive in Kashgar, check into the hotel, and acclimate to the altitude.
Stroll through Kashgar Old Town at night to experience the local life of southern Xinjiang.
If you want to connect the snow-capped mountains, lakes, and cultural secrets of the Pamir Plateau in one trip, the 7-day loop from Kashgar to Taxkorgan County is undoubtedly the ideal choice. Starting from Kashgar, this route passes through the purity of Baisha Lake, the grandeur of Karakul Lake, and finally reaches the Stone City and Golden Grassland in Taxkorgan County. Along the way, you can experience the blend of various ethnic cultures and the breathtaking plateau scenery. Below is the newly compiled practical information for 2026 to help you plan a worry-free and in-depth journey to southern Xinjiang.Day 2:In-depth Tour of Kashgar City
Morning:Visit the core area of Kashgar Old Town, the外围 (surrounding area) of Id Kah Square, and the Century-Old Tea House.
Afternoon:Visit the Xiangfei Garden to learn about its historical and cultural background.
Evening:Explore the Central and Western Asia International Trade Market (Grand Bazaar area) to experience local commerce and trade culture.
Day 3:Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan County
Driving Distance:Approximately 400 kilometers, taking 6-7 hours.
Along the Way:Pass through the Geiz Valley to enjoy the plateau scenery.
Stops:Baisha Lake (reservation required for entry), Karakul Lake (photograph the reflection of Muztagh Ata).
Accommodation:Arrive in Taxkorgan County and acclimate to the altitude.
Day 4:In-depth Experience Around Taxkorgan County
Morning:Photograph the sunrise at Golden Grassland and visit the Stone City Ruins.
Detailed introduction to the route or destinationAfternoon:Challenge the Wakhjir Pass and stop by the Bandir Blue Lake (with Tiffany blue waters) along the way.
Accommodation:Return to Taxkorgan County or stay in Tizinafu Township.
Day 5:Taxkorgan County → Muztagh Ata Glacier Park → Kashgar
Morning:Go to Muztagh Ata Glacier Park (reservation required in advance) for glacier hiking.
Afternoon:Return to Kashgar, with an optional stop at the Oytagh Red Mountain Canyon (Danxia landform) along the way.
Accommodation:Arrive in Kashgar and check into the hotel.
Day 6:Free Activities in Kashgar
Additional Attractions:Gaotai Residential Area (reopened after renovation), old town handicraft workshops.
Leisure Experience:Enjoy tea at the Century-Old Tea House and watch folk performances.
Day 7:Departure from Kashgar (Station/Airport Drop-off)
【Kashgar Old Town】Arrange drop-off services based on flight/train departure times to conclude the itinerary.
Price Description (Reference Range for 2026)
The 7-day loop custom vehicle rental service provided by Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency has fees that vary based on vehicle type, number of passengers, and season. Below are common quotations (all including vehicle usage fees, fuel costs, toll fees, and driver service fees):
7-Seater Business Vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8):Total cost approximately 9,000-13,000 yuan per vehicle (excluding meal costs, accommodation, admission tickets, and permit processing fees).
14-19 Seater Minibus (e.g., Toyota Coaster):Total cost approximately 12,000-18,000 yuan per vehicle (suitable for teams of about 10 people).
Fees may vary due to peak and off-peak seasons (May-October is peak season, with prices increasing by 30%-50%) and road condition complexity, with the final amount based on the contract signed by both parties.
Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for personalized itinerary plans and real-time quotations.
Fee Description and Service Description
Fees Included:Vehicle rental fees, driver labor, basic fuel costs, toll fees, and parking fees.
As a national 5A-level scenic spot, Kashgar Old Town is the core landmark of southern Xinjiang’s culture. In 2026, it will be open daily from 9:00 to 22:00, with free admission to the main street area and no reservation required; internal exhibitions such as the “Century-Old Tea House” and “Craftsmen Bazaar” require separate tickets, priced at approximately 10-30 yuan per person. The old town retains a complete cluster of raw earth buildings, with daily folk performances. It is recommended to reserve half a day to a full day to stroll and experience the handicraft workshops, tea house culture, and local life.Fees Excluded:Visitor accommodation, meals, admission tickets, permit processing fees, and other personal expenses.
Service Description:
Vehicle Selection:Provide compliant operational vehicles ranging from 7 to 55 seats, all equipped with legal qualifications and basic emergency support equipment.
Driver Qualifications:Familiar with road conditions in southern Xinjiang and experienced in plateau driving.
Itinerary Changes:In case of uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, or policies, both parties can reasonably change the itinerary by mutual agreement.
Document Reminder:Travelers heading towards Taxkorgan County need to carry valid identification and process a “Border Management Area Permit,” with the travel agency assisting in preparing materials.
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
Plateau Travel Tips
Preventing Altitude Sickness:Avoid strenuous exercise, drink plenty of water, and limit alcohol consumption; if symptoms such as headaches or fatigue occur, rest immediately and, if necessary, descend to a lower altitude area.
Preparations:Bring windproof and warm clothing, sun protection items, a thermos, and common medications; signal coverage may be weak in some areas, so it is recommended to download offline maps in advance.
Photography Suggestions:Baisha Lake has soft lighting in the early morning and evening, Karakul Lake offers clear reflections at noon, and sunrise at Golden Grassland requires staying in Taxkorgan County the night before.
The vastness of the Pamir Plateau and the richness of its culture require time and footsteps to measure slowly. Choosing compliant vehicles and professional services can make the journey less hectic and more leisurely. In the spring and summer of 2026, it is the perfect time to visit southern Xinjiang—with green grasslands, clear lakes, and unmelted snow-capped mountains. Why not contact Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency to start your own journey to the Western Regions!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.
