Traveling in Southern Xinjiang in the Land South of the Great River Avoiding Pitfalls Transparent Pricing Pamir and Hotan Itinerary All in One Recommended Route Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Icon introduction:✨Explore Southern Xinjiang with ‘The South of the Great River’: Transparent Pricing + Pamir + Hotan Itinerary All in One✨
Want to experience the best of Southern Xinjiang’s landscapes in one trip but worried about pitfalls? The newly upgraded 2026 ‘South of the Great River’ tourist train offers a ‘mobile hotel + daytime touring, nighttime traveling’ model, taking you on a 17-day in-depth exploration of Pamir Plateau, Hotan’s flower fields, Kashgar’s ancient city, and other core attractions in Southern Xinjiang. This guide covers everything from itinerary design, highlights, pricing details to booking information, providing a straightforward and practical guide without any hidden tricks.
1. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destinations: Southern Xinjiang’s ‘Geological Museum’ and Cultural Scroll
Southern Xinjiang is a condensed essence of Xinjiang’s geography and culture. Here, you’ll find the snow-capped glaciers of the Pamir Plateau, the desert oases of the Taklimakan, as well as the千年烟火 (millennium-old hustle and bustle) of Kashgar’s ancient city and the intangible cultural heritage skills of various ethnic groups. In 2026, the ‘South of the Great River’ train will adopt a ‘slow travel, fast transit’ concept, connecting three core regions of Southern Xinjiang:
Pamir Plateau:Known as the ‘roof of the high plateau,’ landscapes such as Muztagh Ata, Karakul Lake, and Baisha Lake form a ‘high-altitude scenic paradise.’ The train specially arranges a visit to Taxkorgan County to explore villages of various ethnic groups and experience intangible cultural heritage like eagle flutes and eagle dances.
Hotan Region:Themed ‘Kunlun Spring Colors · Blooming Hotan,’ it connects seasonal landscapes such as Luopu Apricot Blossom Valley, Hotan Rose Garden, and Pishan Pomegranate Flower Sea, combined with unique activities like desert football and traditional sports, creating a diverse experience of ‘flower viewing + sports + folklore.’
Kashgar Ancient City:As a key town on the ancient Silk Road, it preserves complete earthen architecture and the lifestyles of various ethnic groups. The train itinerary includes in-depth tours of the ancient city, home visits to the Xiangfei Garden, tea tasting at a century-old tea house, and other interactive experiences, allowing you to feel the ‘living ancient city.’
Itinerary design balances nature and culture:Visit key attractions during the day and travel to the next destination by train at night, avoiding long-distance fatigue; no need to frequently move luggage, truly achieving ‘rest on the train, play off the train.’
2. Simple Itinerary: 17-Day Southern Xinjiang Panoramic Loop (Duku Highway Version)
Days 1-2:Depart from Central Plains, head towards Tianshan Mountains
Icon introduction: ✨Explore Southern Xinjiang with ‘The South of the Great River’: Transparent Pricing + Pamir + Hotan Itinerary All in One✨Board the train from Zhengzhou or Luoyang, passing through Xi’an and Lanzhou along the way, with free rest or cultural activities on the train. The train is equipped with a multi-functional entertainment carriage for movies, karaoke, and board games.
Day 3:Turpan Basin – Coolness and Wisdom of the ‘Fire Land’
Arrive in Turpan to visit the Karez Wells (ancient water conservancy miracle), Flaming Mountains (filming location for ‘Journey to the West’), and Grape Valley (shaded villages of various ethnic groups), tasting seedless white grapes and pilaf.
Day 4:Head to Pamir, first glimpse of the plateau’s blue
Take the train to Kashgar, enjoying Gobi Desert scenery along the way. Upon arrival, head straight to Baisha Lake to see the contrast between silvery-white sand dunes and azure lake water; in the evening, arrive at Karakul Lake to watch the sunset over Muztagh Ata.
Day 5:In-depth tour of Taxkorgan – Secret realm at the foot of snow-capped mountains
Visit the Stone City (ancient Silk Road ruins), Golden Grassland (wetland pasture), participate in home visits in villages of various ethnic groups, listen to eagle flute performances, watch eagle dances, and taste yak hot pot.
Day 6:Panlong Ancient Road – After traversing all the winding paths, life becomes smooth sailing
Cross the ‘internet-famous’ Panlong Ancient Road, with over 600 bends winding through mountains at an altitude of 4,000 meters, stopping to take photos at the ‘Today, I’ve walked all the winding paths of life’ sign; return to Kashgar in the afternoon to stroll around Id Kah Square and Craftsman Street.
Day 7:Kashgar Old City – A journey through a millennium of hustle and bustle
Wander through Kashgar’s ancient city, visiting the High Terrace Residences (earthen architecture museum), Xiangfei Garden (tomb of Emperor Qianlong’s consort), and listen to locals chat and watch ethnic elders play the rawap in a century-old tea house.
Want to experience the best of Southern Xinjiang’s landscapes in one trip but worried about pitfalls? The newly upgraded 2026 ‘South of the Great River’ tourist train offers a ‘mobile hotel + daytime touring, nighttime traveling’ model, taking you on a 17-day in-depth exploration of Pamir Plateau, Hotan’s flower fields, Kashgar’s ancient city, and other core attractions in Southern Xinjiang. This guide covers everything from itinerary design, highlights, pricing details to booking information, providing a straightforward and practical guide without any hidden tricks.Days 8-9:Hotan Flower Season – Collision of desert and flower fields
Take the train to Hotan, with tours arranged according to the blooming season: Luopu Apricot Blossom Valley (March-April), Hotan Rose Garden (May), Pishan Pomegranate Flower Sea (June); participate in desert football matches and traditional sports competitions, and watch the Twelve Mukam performances (treasure of ethnic music and dance) in the evening.
Days 10-12:Southern Duku Highway – A visual feast crossing the Tianshan Mountains
Depart from Kuqa and travel along the southern section of the Duku Highway, exploring the Secret Grand Canyon of Tianshan (crimson rock walls burning like flames) and Bayinbrook Grassland (sunset spectacle of meandering rivers); cross the middle section of the Duku Highway to reach Nalati Valley Grassland for horseback riding and staying in yurts, experiencing the nomadic life of various ethnic groups.
Days 13-14:Return and conclusion – From the snowy realm back to the mortal world
Take the train back to Urumqi via Beitun, visiting Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (alpine lake beneath snow-capped mountains) and International Bazaar (distribution center for Xinjiang specialty goods), tasting roasted stuffed buns and big plate chicken.
Days 15-17:Homeward journey – Taking memories home
Disembark at Lanzhou, Xi’an, Luoyang, and Zhengzhou along the way, concluding the journey.
3. Pricing Information: Multiple options, transparent and straightforward
The ‘South of the Great River’ train offers three types of compartments: 2-person, 3-person, and 4-person, all equipped with bathrooms, non-slip floors, and soundproofing facilities, suitable for families, friends, or solo travelers. The 2026 reference prices are as follows (prices and availability are subject to contract or customer service confirmation and may fluctuate by departure date):
Bathroom 4-person compartment:Upper bunk: 19,999 yuan/person, lower bunk: 21,999 yuan/person; children under 6 not occupying a bunk or bed: 6,999 yuan/person.
1. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destinations: Southern Xinjiang’s ‘Geological Museum’ and Cultural ScrollBathroom 3-person compartment:Suitable for a family of three, price referenced from the per-person cost of the 4-person compartment, subject to contract.
Bathroom 2-person compartment:45,999 yuan/person; value-added 3rd person (under 6 not occupying a bunk or bed): 15,999 yuan/person, those aged 6 and above charged at the adult rate of 23,999 yuan/person.
Departure schedule:May 9, May 30, June 17, July 5, July 24, August 25, September 11, 2026. Some departures are currently filling up quickly; it is recommended to contact customer service to confirm availability in advance.
4. Booking Method: Professional service, comfortable travel
You can book through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency with the following process:
Consultation and selection:Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing to confirm departure dates, itinerary routes, compartment types, and availability.
Submit information:Provide the names, valid ID numbers, and contact information of all travelers to secure your intended seats.
Pay deposit:Pay a deposit according to the compartment class and receive an official travel receipt.
Sign contract:Sign a unified electronic contract regulated by the national tourism authority, carefully checking itinerary details, pricing, cancellation policies, etc.
Settle final payment:Pay the remaining balance 30 days before departure; customer service will confirm receipt and issue the tour notification, boarding guide, and luggage list.
5. Fee and Service Information: Comprehensive coverage, assured details
Southern Xinjiang is a condensed essence of Xinjiang’s geography and culture. Here, you’ll find the snow-capped glaciers of the Pamir Plateau, the desert oases of the Taklimakan, as well as the millennium-old hustle and bustle of Kashgar’s ancient city and the intangible cultural heritage skills of various ethnic groups. In 2026, the ‘South of the Great River’ train will adopt a ‘slow travel, fast transit’ concept, connecting three core regions of Southern Xinjiang:Fees included:
Round-trip train transportation (soft sleeper compartments with bathrooms).
Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (train compartments + land hotels).
First admission tickets to attractions and景区接驳 (scenic area shuttle services).
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (including Xinjiang specialty dishes and train meals).
Full-time Chinese-speaking guide services.
Dedicated dining car and chef team services on the train.
Items not included:
Personal expenses (such as shopping, optional experience projects).
Travel accident insurance (recommended to purchase independently).
Meal expenses not included in the itinerary.
Pamir Plateau: Known as the ‘roof of the high plateau,’ landscapes such as Muztagh Ata, Karakul Lake, and Baisha Lake form a ‘high-altitude scenic paradise.’ The train specially arranges a visit to Taxkorgan County to explore villages of various ethnic groups and experience intangible cultural heritage like eagle flutes and eagle dances.Service features:
Elderly-friendly design:The train is equipped with non-slip handrails and emergency call devices, suitable for middle-aged, elderly, and family travelers.
Flexible changes:Due to uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, or scenic area policies, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted by mutual agreement.
Room-sharing coordination:For solo travelers, we will do our best to coordinate room-sharing; special cases require separate negotiation.
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
6. Pitfall Avoidance Guide: These details help you avoid detours
Altitude sickness:The Pamir Plateau ranges from 3,000 to 4,700 meters in altitude; it is recommended to take Rhodiola a week in advance, carry oxygen cylinders on the train, avoid strenuous exercise, and gradually acclimate to the altitude.
Clothing guide:Southern Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night; even in summer, bring a windbreaker and thin down jacket; sun protection items (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) are recommended.
Supply preparation:Gas stations are far apart along the way; refuel whenever you see one; some sections have weak signal coverage, so download offline maps in advance.
Travel documents:A permit is required to visit Taxkorgan County; the travel agency can assist with the application.
Cultural respect:When visiting villages, respect local customs and avoid taking close-up photos of people without permission.
The ‘South of the Great River’ train takes 17 days to connect the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and ancient cities of Southern Xinjiang, making the journey itself a scenic experience. Whether it’s the grandeur of the Pamir Plateau, the soft beauty of Hotan’s flower fields, or the hustle and bustle of Kashgar’s ancient city, all will be presented one by one on this journey. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to start your 2026 Southern Xinjiang panoramic tour!
Contact Manager Maizi at 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
