2026 Secret Realms of Northern and Southern Xinjiang 13 Day Group Tour Cost Registration for In Depth Tour of Xarxili and Muji Original Grasslands Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Exploring the North and South of Tianshan Mountains:2026 Comprehensive Guide to a 13-Day Deep Exploration of the Pristine Grasslands in the Mysterious Regions of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
Analysis of Itinerary and Destination Highlights
[Xiaerxili Nature Reserve]
This mysterious region, hailed by Chinese National Geography as ‘China’s last piece of pure land,’ enters its prime viewing period in the summer of 2026. Covering a total area of 314 square kilometers, the reserve spans an altitude range from 1,200 meters to 4,000 meters, preserving a complete vertical natural zone spectrum of the north temperate zone mountains. According to monitoring data from the Xinjiang Ecological Society in 2026, the area is home to 17 species of national first-class protected animals, including snow leopards and ibex, as well as over 40 species of rare plants such as arnebia and snow lotus. Daily visitor limit is 200 people, and a permit must be applied for in advance through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
[Muji Crater]
A geological wonder on the Pamir Plateau, the group of 13 craters formed 1,500 years ago still emit hot springs today. The newly opened National Highway G685 in 2026 shortens the travel time to 4 hours. Three new observation platforms have been set up around the craters, equipped with professional telescopes for tourists to observe sulfur deposit landforms. According to local meteorological data, the probability of clear skies from July to August reaches 82%, making it the prime time for capturing photos of the craters alongside the Eighteen Arhats Peak.
[Tomur Grand Canyon]
Known as the ‘Red Canyon’ at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, the landscape trail upgrade project was completed in 2026. The 7-kilometer hiking route runs through the core area of the canyon, showcasing the transitional zone between Danxia and Yardang landforms. The scenic area implements a timed reservation system with 1,200 daily spots available. It is recommended to book through a travel agency 3 days in advance.
[Tashkurgan Wetland]
An ecological gem on the Pamir Plateau, the black-necked crane population exceeded 300 in 2026. The newly built ecological education center around the wetland uses VR technology to recreate the formation process of plateau wetlands. Professional guided tours are scheduled daily at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM and must be reserved upon entry.
Simple Itinerary
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Full-day airport pickup service and check-in at a four-diamond hotel in the city center. Recommended free activities:Xinjiang Museum (open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Mondays), International Bazaar (experience the production of handicrafts from various ethnic groups).
Exploring the North and South of Tianshan Mountains: 2026 Comprehensive Guide to a 13-Day Deep Exploration of the Pristine Grasslands in the Mysterious Regions of Northern and Southern XinjiangDay 2:Urumqi – Sayram Lake (520 km)
Travel along the Lianhuo Expressway across the Guozigou Bridge, arriving at the scenic area at 3:00 PM. Take the newly opened circular sightseeing train around the lake, with key stops at six observation points including Jiangtai and Kele Yongzhu. Overnight at a lakeside starry sky tent camp, with professional astronomical telescopes provided for stargazing.
Day 3:Sayram Lake – Xiaerxili (280 km)
Depart at 6:00 AM, resupply in Bole City before entering the reserve. Transfer to a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle to traverse the primeval forest and have lunch (with a portable picnic basket) at an observation deck at an altitude of 2,800 meters. In the afternoon, engage in a 2-hour light hike with a professional guide explaining alpine plant knowledge.
Day 4:Xiaerxili – Muji Crater (360 km)
Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, stopping at Baisha Lake to capture reflections. Arrive at the crater at 2:00 PM, wear gas masks to observe the sulfur springs up close. In the evening, experience traditional milk tea making in the yurts of local people from various ethnic groups.
Day 5:Muji – Tashkurgan (240 km)
Drive along National Highway G314, with key stops at the Muztagh Ata Peak observation deck and Karakul Lake. In the afternoon, visit the ruins of Shitou City and attend an eagle dance performance by local people from various ethnic groups (from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM).
Day 6:In-depth Tour of Tashkurgan Wetland
Full-day wetland scientific expedition activities:At 9:00 AM, take an electric boat to observe waterfowl. At 11:00 AM, participate in a wetland conservation lecture at the ecological center. At 2:00 PM, engage in a 3-kilometer wetland hike (with rubber boots provided).
Day 7:Tashkurgan – Tomur Grand Canyon (420 km)
Transfer to a scenic area shuttle bus via Aksu City, starting the canyon hike at 4:00 PM. A special photography session for the ‘Golden Canyon’ at sunset is arranged, with tripod rental services available.
Day 8:Tomur – Kuqa (260 km)
Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM), with a focus on explaining the murals in Cave 38, known as the Music Cave. In the afternoon, experience the abseiling project in Kuqa Grand Canyon (advance reservation required, limited to participants aged 12 and above).
Analysis of Itinerary and Destination HighlightsDay 9:Kuqa – Bayanbulak (300 km)
Travel through the southern section of the Duoku Highway, with stops at the Large and Small Dragon Pools. Arrive at the Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends at 4:00 PM, using a polarizing filter provided by the travel agency to capture sunset reflections. Overnight in an ecological wooden cabin within the scenic area.
Day 10:Bayanbulak – Nalati (180 km)
In the morning, participate in a home visit to local people from various ethnic groups and learn to make cheese curds. In the afternoon, engage in horseback riding on the Nalati空中草原 (Nalati Aerial Grassland) (with professional equestrian coaches provided), and taste hand-grabbed mutton at the nomadic home at 6:00 PM.
Day 11:Nalati – Urumqi (800 km)
Take the morning special train for the return journey, with a scheduled panoramic window viewing session of the Tianshan Mountains along the way. The train is equipped with charging ports and a 24-hour hot water supply.
Days 12-13:Disband in Urumqi
Arrange airport drop-off service according to return flight schedules, with luggage storage service provided on the last day.
Price Information
2026 Reference Price Range (subject to the contract signed by both parties):
Adults:19,800-25,800 yuan per person
Children (not occupying a bed):16,800-21,800 yuan per person
：3,800 yuan per person
Included Services:
[Xiaerxili Nature Reserve]Full transportation from and to Urumqi (including special train berths and ground off-road vehicles)
Scenic area permit application fees
12 nights of accommodation (including 4 nights in characteristic camps/wooden cabins)
22 main meals (including 6 characteristic meals)
Professional scientific expedition equipment usage fees
Insurance:Includes special insurance for altitude sickness
Price Fluctuation Information:
Prices increase by 15% during the peak season from July to August
Prices increase by 10% during the photography season in mid-to-late September
Group bookings of 10 or more people enjoy a 5% discount
Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for specific departure dates and availability information. Registration requires providing:
Scanned copies of valid identification documents
This mysterious region, hailed by Chinese National Geography as ‘China’s last piece of pure land,’ enters its prime viewing period in the summer of 2026. Covering a total area of 314 square kilometers, the reserve spans an altitude range from 1,200 meters to 4,000 meters, preserving a complete vertical natural zone spectrum of the north temperate zone mountains. According to monitoring data from the Xinjiang Ecological Society in 2026, the area is home to 17 species of national first-class protected animals, including snow leopards and ibex, as well as over 40 species of rare plants such as arnebia and snow lotus. Daily visitor limit is 200 people, and a permit must be applied for in advance through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Health certificate (including altitude sickness assessment)
Special Dietary Requirements Explanation
Fee and Service Explanation
Fees Include:
Transportation, accommodation, and dining expenses indicated in the itinerary
First admission tickets and shuttle bus fees for scenic areas
Professional guide and team leader service fees
Basic photography equipment rental fees
Fees Do Not Include:
Personal expenses and self-funded items outside the itinerary
Additional transportation expenses due to weather/policy changes
(Every effort will be made to arrange room-sharing for solo registrants)
Service Standards:
Each group is equipped with 1 scientific expedition expert + 1 bilingual guide
[Muji Crater] First aid kits and satellite phones are provided in the vehicle
Altitude adaptation training guidance is provided
Briefing sessions are held before each day’s itinerary
Special Reminders:
Entry to Xiaerxili Reserve is prohibited after 2:00 PM daily
Gas masks must be worn in the Muji Crater area
Non-slip shoes must be worn for hiking in Tomur Grand Canyon
Strenuous exercise is prohibited in the Pamir Plateau region
Precautions
Document Preparation:In addition to valid identification documents, a permit must be carried (can be obtained through the travel agency)
Equipment Suggestions:Bring a windbreaker, sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, and high-top hiking shoes
Photography Tips:Wide-angle lenses are recommended for Sayram Lake and Tomur Grand Canyon
Cultural Etiquette:Shoes must be removed for visits, and women must cover their heads with a scarf
Health Management:It is recommended to take Rhodiola and other anti-altitude sickness medications 15 days in advance
The itinerary information is compiled based on the latest data from July 2026. Specific details are subject to the contract provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Reasonable itinerary changes may be made through mutual agreement due to factors such as weather, road conditions, and policies.
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
