2026 11 Day Group Tour to Southern and Northern Xinjiang Lujiao Bay, Muji, Snowy Ridge Spruce, Volcanic Meadow, Niche Photography Tour Online Price Inquiry Recommended Itinerary Cost
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
Starred Recommendation✨:2026 11-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Filming Tour of Deer Horn Bay in Northern and Southern Xinjiang + Muji Volcano – Explore the Snow-Capped Spruce Forests and Volcanic Meadows in the Heart of the Tianshan Mountains
I. Core Highlights of the Itinerary and In-Depth Analysis of Destinations
[Dual Tianshan Mysteries:Deer Horn Bay Grassland × Muji Volcano Group]
This route connects the forest pastures of Northern Xinjiang with the volcanic landscapes of Southern Xinjiang, creating a visual spectacle of ‘half emerald green, half crimson red.’ Deer Horn Bay Grassland has been rated by Chinese National Geography as the ‘most complete mountain meadow system on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains,’ with an average summer temperature of 22°C and a spruce forest coverage rate of 87%. It is one of the few composite landscape areas in Xinjiang where snow-capped mountains, forests, meadows, and streams can be photographed simultaneously. The Muji Volcano Group serves as the ‘Geological Museum’ of the Pamir Plateau, with 15 dormant volcanic craters forming rare ‘crater wetlands.’ Among them, the Karitimir Volcano Crater is hailed by geologists as the ‘Number One Volcano in the Western Regions,’ surrounded by eight plateau lakes. In summer, wildflowers blanket the volcanic ash soil, creating a unique ‘black gold flower sea.’
[Exclusive Photography Resources]
The itinerary includes three special non-public photography spots:
1. Unnamed viewpoint behind Deer Horn Bay (requires a 4WD vehicle to climb gravel roads, offering a panoramic view of the entire grassland framed by Tianshan snow peaks)
2. Night sky camping site at Muji Volcano Group (equipped with professional astronomical telescopes for clear views of the summer Milky Way)
3. Secret valley along the Tashkurgan River (requires a 2-hour horseback ride to reach, capturing the fusion of traditional pastures of various ethnic groups with volcanic rock landscapes)
II. Recent Simplified Itinerary for 2026
[Days 1-2:Gathering in Urumqi · Cultural Warm-Up]
Accommodation:Four-diamond hotel in Urumqi
Activities:
Free visit to the Xinjiang Museum (free admission, requires a 3-day advance reservation for the special exhibition of the ‘Five Stars Rising in the East Benefit China’ brocade arm guard)
In-depth experience at the International Bazaar:Recommended to find the main store of ‘Abula’s Nang’ (giant 60cm diameter nang bread baked and sold on-site)
Special Services:Consultation on professional photography equipment rental (recommended to bring a 70-200mm telephoto lens for detailed shots of snow-capped mountains)
[Day 3:Urumqi → Deer Horn Bay (5-hour drive)]
Core Experience:
Travel along S101, stopping at the Danxia Landform viewpoint for photography
Starred Recommendation✨: 2026 11-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Filming Tour of Deer Horn Bay in Northern and Southern Xinjiang + Muji Volcano – Explore the Snow-Capped Spruce Forests and Volcanic Meadows in the Heart of the Tianshan Mountains. Horseback riding lessons at Deer Horn Bay Grassland (includes basic equestrian equipment and a bilingual guide)
Dinner:Taste ‘dried meat narin’ (horse meat hand-pulled rice with yogurt) at the Grassland Stone House Restaurant
[Day 4:In-Depth Creation Day at Deer Horn Bay]
Photography Schedule:
06:00 Morning fog photography (mist flowing at the junction of spruce forests and meadows)
10:00 Hike to the snow mountain pass (3 km one-way, 400-meter elevation gain)
16:00 Grassland folk experience (watch Tatar embroidery making)
21:00 Starry sky photography lesson (using an equatorial mount to photograph the Milky Way arch)
[Day 5:Deer Horn Bay → Muji Volcano (6-hour drive)]
Special Notes:
A permit must be obtained in advance (destination填写 ‘Muji Township, Akto County’)
When passing through the Gez Canyon, vehicles are limited to 40 km/h, with a stop at the Kongur Tiopek Pass viewpoint
Accommodation:Volcano crater eco-wooden house (equipped with floor heating to address nighttime low temperatures on the plateau)
[Days 6-7:Creation at Muji Volcano Group]
Core Projects:
Hiking in the crater wetlands (accompanied by a professional guide and carrying oxygen tanks)
Home visits to families of various ethnic groups (learn to make the ‘kumuzi’ instrument and taste plateau milk tea)
Volcanic rock geology class (accompanied by experts from the Xinjiang Geological Research Institute)
Special Experience:Boil eggs in the volcanic crater hot springs (water temperature around 65°C, cooked in 10 minutes)
I. Core Highlights of the Itinerary and In-Depth Analysis of Destinations[Day 8:Muji → Kashgar (5-hour drive)]
Cultural Highlights:
Opening ceremony of Kashgar Old City (10:30 in front of the Century-Old Teahouse)
Pottery-making experience at Gaotai Residential Area (take home a 15cm diameter handmade pottery jar)
Dinner Recommendation:‘Pigeon soup noodles’ at Nuolan Gourmet City (paired with herbal tea to cut greasiness)
[Day 9:Kashgar → Pamir Plateau (3-hour drive)]
Important Reminders:
Sign the ‘Highland Travel Commitment Letter’ at the Kashgar International Self-Drive and RV Camp
When passing by Baisha Lake, it is recommended to wear bright-colored clothing for reflection photography
Accommodation:Four-diamond hotel in Taxkorgan (equipped with an oxygen generator to alleviate altitude sickness)
[Day 10:Pamir Plateau → Wuhan Corridor → Kashgar]
Classic Experiences:
Pass by the sign reading ‘Today, I’ve traveled all the winding roads; from now on, my life will be smooth sailing’ for a photo opportunity
Border viewpoint at the Wakhhan Corridor (requires a permit, drones are prohibited)
Dinner:Search for ‘century-old’ grilled eggs at the Old City Night Market (ostrich eggs recommended)
[Day 11:Departure from Kashgar]
Free Activity Suggestions:
Visit the Id Kah Mosque (long pants/skirt required, follow instructions for entry)
Immersive performance at the Xiangfei Garden (two shows at 12:00/16:00, advance ticket purchase required)
[Dual Tianshan Mysteries: Deer Horn Bay Grassland × Muji Volcano Group]III. Recent Pricing Information for 2026
[Basic Fee Reference]
Adult Price:Starting from 7,980 yuan/person (off-peak season: April-May, November-December)
Regular Season Price:8,980 yuan/person (June, September-October)
Peak Season Price:9,980 yuan/person (July-August summer vacation)
Price Includes:
Transportation:Toyota Prado (4 persons/vehicle) + professional driver service fee
Accommodation:10 nights of accommodation (including 4 nights of特色住宿: Deer Horn Bay wooden house, Muji eco-house, Taxkorgan four-diamond hotel, Kashgar Old City guesthouse)
Admission Tickets:All first entrance tickets and shuttle buses included in the itinerary
Meals:10 breakfasts + 15 main meals (meal standard starting from 80 yuan/person/meal)
Services:Professional photography guide + travel accident insurance (coverage of 500,000 yuan)
[Fee Fluctuation Notes]
Single travelers must pay a room-sharing supplement (600 yuan/night in off-peak season, 1,000 yuan/night in peak season)
Children under 6 years old are exempt from admission tickets, children aged 6-12 receive a 50% discount
Upgrade Accommodation:For five-diamond hotels throughout the trip, an additional 2,500 yuan/person is required
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing, prices may fluctuate based on departure dates
IV. Registration Methods and Service Descriptions
[Registration Channels]
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which provides the following services:
This route connects the forest pastures of Northern Xinjiang with the volcanic landscapes of Southern Xinjiang, creating a visual spectacle of ‘half emerald green, half crimson red.’ Deer Horn Bay Grassland has been rated by Chinese National Geography as the ‘most complete mountain meadow system on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains,’ with an average summer temperature of 22°C and a spruce forest coverage rate of 87%. It is one of the few composite landscape areas in Xinjiang where snow-capped mountains, forests, meadows, and streams can be photographed simultaneously. The Muji Volcano Group serves as the ‘Geological Museum’ of the Pamir Plateau, with 15 dormant volcanic craters forming rare ‘crater wetlands.’ Among them, the Karitimir Volcano Crater is hailed by geologists as the ‘Number One Volcano in the Western Regions,’ surrounded by eight plateau lakes. In summer, wildflowers blanket the volcanic ash soil, creating a unique ‘black gold flower sea.’Custom itinerary changes (requires 20-day advance communication)
Permit application services
Photography equipment rental assistance
Emergency medical rescue coverage
[Service Standards]
Vehicle Equipment:Each vehicle provides 2 bottles of mineral water/person/day, a first aid kit, charging equipment, and a car refrigerator
Meal Descriptions:Includes special meals (Deer Horn Bay dried meat narin, Muji volcano stone-grilled meat, Kashgar pigeon soup noodles)
Special Gifts:+ Itinerary souvenir book, volcanic rock specimens, handicrafts from various ethnic groups
[Important Reminders]
Policy Changes:Scenic spot opening hours may change due to weather; both parties can agree on reasonable itinerary changes
Insurance Notes:In addition to basic travel insurance, it is recommended to purchase separate highland travel insurance
Consultation Methods:Consult with Zhang Jing, Customer Service Manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency
V. Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist
[Documents]
Valid identification, permit (recommended to apply in advance at your place of residence; 3 working days required for processing in Xinjiang)
Student ID/Senior Citizen Card (original required for those eligible for discounts)
[Clothing]
Windbreaker (large temperature differences in highland areas), thermal underwear, hiking shoes
Bright-colored scarf (for photography), sun protection face mask (UV intensity is 3 times that of the mainland)
[Exclusive Photography Resources][Equipment]
Camera batteries (quick drainage in low temperatures, recommended to carry 4), tripod, polarizing filter
Power bank (up to 20,000mAh allowed on planes), conversion plug (two-prong flat plugs used in Xinjiang)
[Medications]
Rhodiola (start taking 15 days in advance), motion sickness medication, gastrointestinal medication
Sunscreen (SPF50+), moisturizing face mask (dry climate in highlands)
VI. Seasonal Limited Experiences
[Summer Exclusives (June-August)]
Wildflower season at Deer Horn Bay Grassland (golden lotus blooms in mid-to-late July)
Hot springs at Muji Volcano Crater (water temperature up to 72°C, suitable for boiling eggs)
Weddings of various ethnic groups on the Pamir Plateau (requires 1-month advance reservation to attend)
[Autumn Limited (September-October)]
Snow-capped Tianshan peaks framed by colorful forests (late September to early October)
Contrast photography of Muji volcanic ash and poplar forests (requires a 30 km drive to the poplar forest area)
Autumn harvest scenes in Kashgar Old City (residents of various ethnic groups drying raisins and figs on rooftops)
[Winter Specials (December-February)]
Snow world at Deer Horn Bay (experience horse-drawn sleighs and snowmobiles)
Blue ice spectacle at Muji Volcano Crater (requires a professional guide and ice crampons)
New Year experience in Kashgar Old City (Spring Festival decorations start on the 23rd day of the lunar month)
This itinerary is designed and integrated by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency based on the latest tourism resources for 2026. All itinerary details are subject to the contract signed by both parties. It is recommended to register 45 days in advance to secure vehicle and accommodation resources. Prices and availability are subject to contract confirmation and may fluctuate based on departure dates.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
