How Much Does the Kunlun Special Train Cost 2026 Kashgar + Pamir Route Cost Guide Recommended Route Cost and Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
[In-Depth Analysis of the Kunlun Express: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2026 Panoramic Journey Through Northern and Southern Xinjiang]
🌄 Itinerary Highlights:An Excellent Combination of a Mobile ‘Five-Star Hotel’ and the Hidden Gems of Xinjiang
Since its operation in 2023, the Kunlun Express tourist train has become a popular choice for in-depth travel across northern and southern Xinjiang, thanks to its features of ‘all-berth design, Xinjiang folk soft furnishings, and full-trip onboard butler service.’ In 2026, the train will upgrade its service details: soft-berth carriages will be equipped with new temperature control systems, each carriage will have 2 bilingual tour guides, the dining car will offer customized menus, and even ‘window seats for scenic viewing’ will be added for photography enthusiasts.
The train adopts a ‘land cruise’ model, allowing for in-depth exploration of attractions during the day and traveling at night to save time. The 14-day itinerary covers over 20 destinations including Urumqi, Kashgar, Taxkorgan, and Kanas, connecting three major geographical units: the Tianshan Mountains, the Pamir Plateau, and the Ili River Valley. It can be described as a ‘Xinjiang geography textbook-style’ journey.
🚂 [Simple Itinerary] 14-Day Journey Through the Core Areas of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
(The following itinerary is fixed but can be reasonably adjusted by mutual agreement)
Day 1:Departure Location – Urumqi
Upon arrival, check into the train’s配套 (supporting) hotel, attend a pre-trip briefing, and savor Xinjiang’s specialty pilaf.
Day 2:Cultural Exploration in Turpan
Visit Huorong Mountain (volcanic landscape), Karez Wells (ancient water conservancy project), and Grape Valley (fruit feast + Uyghur home visit). Depart for Kuqa by special train in the evening.
[In-Depth Analysis of the Kunlun Express: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2026 Panoramic Journey Through Northern and Southern Xinjiang]Day 3:Historical Tour of Kuqa
Explore the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon (Danxia landform), Resitan Street (century-old market), and Kuqa Old Town (cultural heritage site). Enjoy a song and dance performance at night before departing for Kashgar.
Day 4:First Experience of the Pamir Plateau
After pickup in Kashgar, traverse Baisha Lake (reflection of Baisha Mountain) and Karakul Lake (glaciers of Muztagh Ata). Arrive in Taxkorgan and check in.
Day 5:In-Depth Exploration of Taxkorgan’s Hidden Gems
Visit Golden Grassland (wetland sunrise), Shitou City (ancient Silk Road ruins), and Panlong Ancient Road (64 hairpin bends). Experience home visits with local ethnic groups and return to Kashgar in the evening.
Day 6:Cultural Journey in Kashgar
Visit the Hetian Jade Exhibition Hall, Kashgar Old Town (handicraft district), and Eid Gah Mosque (symbol of ethnic harmony). Depart for Kuqa by special train in the evening.
Day 7:Crossing the Southern Section of the Duoku Highway
Travel along the southern section of the Duoku Highway, passing by Bayanbulak Grassland (sunset over meandering river) and arriving in Nalati Town.
Day 8:Nalati’s Aerial Grassland
🌄 Itinerary Highlights: An Excellent Combination of a Mobile ‘Five-Star Hotel’ and the Hidden Gems of XinjiangRide horses across the aerial grassland, visit local Kazakh yurts, and stay overnight in Gongliu.
Day 9:Scenery of the Ili River Valley
Tour Kurdening Grassland (World Natural Heritage site), Liuxing Street (Russian-style street), and Lavender Manor (blooming season: June-July). Arrive in Yining.
Day 10:Circumnavigation of Sayram Lake
Enjoy cycling around the lake and sailing experience. Depart for Altay by special train in the evening.
Day 11:Self-Drive on the Ahe Highway
Traverse the Ahe Highway (primeval forest + canyon scenery) and take the Yunxiaofeng cable car for a panoramic view of Kanas Village.
Day 12:Core Area of Kanas
Visit Kanas Lake (Fish Watching Platform), Three Bays (Fairy Bay/Moon Bay/Sleeping Dragon Bay), and explore Tuwa wooden houses. Depart for Beitun by train in the evening and return to Urumqi.
Day 13:One-Day Tour of Tianshan Tianchi
Since its operation in 2023, the Kunlun Express tourist train has become a popular choice for in-depth travel across northern and southern Xinjiang, thanks to its features of ‘all-berth design, Xinjiang folk soft furnishings, and full-trip onboard butler service.’ In 2026, the train will upgrade its service details: soft-berth carriages will be equipped with new temperature control systems, each carriage will have 2 bilingual tour guides, the dining car will offer customized menus, and even ‘window seats for scenic viewing’ will be added for photography enthusiasts.Visit Tianshan Tianchi (reflection of Bogda Peak) and the International Bazaar (Xinjiang specialty market). Attend a farewell dinner in the evening.
Day 14:Urumqi – Departure Location
Transfer to the airport according to flight schedule and conclude the journey.
💰 [Price Explanation] Detailed Explanation of 2026 Departure Dates and Fees
(Prices may fluctuate with the market and are subject to contract confirmation)
▶️ May Departure (May 22)
Four-Person Compartment (Shared Bathroom):Upper Berth: 14,800 yuan/person, Lower Berth: 15,800 yuan/person
Two-Person Compartment (Shared Bathroom):Upper Berth: 17,800 yuan/person, Lower Berth: 18,800 yuan/person
Two-Person Compartment (Flat Berth):Lower Berth: 18,800 yuan/person
Two-Person Compartment (Private Bathroom):Upper Berth: 22,800 yuan/person, Lower Berth: 23,800 yuan/person
Deluxe Single Room for Group Travel:38,800 yuan/person
The train adopts a ‘land cruise’ model, allowing for in-depth exploration of attractions during the day and traveling at night to save time. The 14-day itinerary covers over 20 destinations including Urumqi, Kashgar, Taxkorgan, and Kanas, connecting three major geographical units: the Tianshan Mountains, the Pamir Plateau, and the Ili River Valley. It can be described as a ‘Xinjiang geography textbook-style’ journey.▶️ June-September Departures (June 4/17/30, July 13/26, August 8/21, September 2/14)
Four-Person Compartment (Shared Bathroom):Upper Berth: 15,800 yuan/person, Lower Berth: 16,800 yuan/person
Two-Person Compartment (Shared Bathroom):Upper Berth: 18,800 yuan/person, Lower Berth: 19,800 yuan/person
Two-Person Compartment (Flat Berth):Lower Berth: 19,800 yuan/person
Two-Person Compartment (Private Bathroom):Upper Berth: 23,800 yuan/person, Lower Berth: 24,800 yuan/person
Deluxe Single Room for Group Travel:39,800 yuan/person
❗ ️ Fees Include:
Train berth fees, admission tickets to all attractions, 13 nights of accommodation (train + hotel), 13 breakfasts and 24 main meals, professional tour guide services, and travel accident insurance.
📝 [Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for availability and contract details.
🚂 [Simple Itinerary] 14-Day Journey Through the Core Areas of Northern and Southern Xinjiang💡 [Fee Explanation and Service Description]
Fee Fluctuations:Prices may vary depending on peak/off-peak seasons and hotel costs, subject to confirmation at the time of signing.
Handling:For single travelers, we will try our best to arrange room sharing. Special cases may require negotiation for additional fees.
Child Policy:Children under 12 not occupying a bed receive a 3,000 yuan discount; those occupying a bed pay the same as adults.
Force Majeure Factors:In case of natural disasters or policy changes, both parties will negotiate to modify the itinerary or terminate the contract.
Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
📌 [Travel Tips for 2026]
Document Preparation:Valid ID, travel permit (required for Kashgar/Taxkorgan/Altay regions; can be entrusted to the travel agency for processing).
Equipment Suggestions:From June to August, bring sunscreen and a windbreaker (large temperature difference between day and night on the plateau). After September, bring a down jacket.
Photography Opportunities:Morning mist at Sayram Lake (7:00-8:30) and autumn colors at Kanas Three Bays (late September-early October) are excellent shooting times.
Cultural Etiquette:Remove shoes and wear long pants when visiting. Obtain consent before taking photos with local residents.
This train is not just a journey but a window for in-depth understanding of Xinjiang’s diverse culture. From the eagle flutes of various ethnic groups to their dongbulas, from their Twelve Mukams to the Tuwa people’s khoomei, over 14 days, you will personally experience the fusion and coexistence of various ethnic groups along the Silk Road.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
