2026Xinjiang Tour Special Train 15 Day Trip Quotes How Much Detailed Cost Breakdown for Northern Xinjiang Kanas and Yili Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
New Oriental Express ‘Snow Lotus’:Comprehensive Analysis of the 15-Day In-Depth Tour of Kanas and Ili in Northern Xinjiang in 2026
[Route Highlights:Excellent Integration of a Mobile Luxury Hotel with the Essence of Xinjiang]
As a representative of Xinjiang’s high-end tourism trains, the New Oriental Express ‘Snow Lotus’ uniquely connects the精华 (essence) scenic spots of Kanas and Ili, the two core regions in northern Xinjiang, with its ‘train follows people, travels at night, and tours during the day’ approach. The entire train features en-suite compartments with separate wet and dry facilities, thoroughly addressing the inconvenience of bathing on long-distance trains. The dining car offers meals that blend Xinjiang specialties with flavors from various regions, with special experiences such as welcome banquets and roast whole lamb feasts arranged during summer sessions. Public spaces include a starry sky-themed restaurant, a bar entertainment car, and a sightseeing car to meet social, entertainment, and sightseeing needs.
The train route covers iconic Xinjiang landscapes such as Heavenly Lake, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, the Duku Highway, and the Old Town of Kashgar, with an itinerary designed to balance natural scenery and cultural experiences. For example, the Kanas section includes a two-day in-depth tour where visitors can stay in wooden cabins within the scenic area, photograph morning mists in the early morning, and enjoy exclusive lake views in the evening; the Ili section focuses on exploring the Nalati空中 (aerial) Grassland and circumnavigating Sayram Lake to experience the summer vitality of the ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.’
[Simple Itinerary:15-Day Journey Through the Four Seasons of Northern Xinjiang and Ili]
New Oriental Express ‘Snow Lotus’: Comprehensive Analysis of the 15-Day In-Depth Tour of Kanas and Ili in Northern Xinjiang in 2026Day 1-2:Gathering in Urumqi and City Exploration
Upon arrival in Urumqi, visitors are free to explore. It is recommended to visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum (advance reservation required) or head to the International Bazaar to sample specialty dishes like roast stuffed bun and hand-pulled rice. The next day, a pre-trip briefing will be held to check equipment and distribute itinerary materials.
Day 3-5:In-Depth Tour of Kanas in Northern Xinjiang
Take the special train from Urumqi to Altay, passing by the Koktokay National Geological Park to admire Zhongshan and the Irtysh River Grand Canyon. Upon arrival in Kanas, take the shuttle bus to visit Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay, and ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake. The next day, revisit Kanas to capture any missed scenery, then head to Hemu Village in the afternoon to stay in Tuwa wooden cabins. In the evening, ride horses to the Meilifeng Viewing Platform and photograph the Milky Way at night.
Day 6-8:Journey Through Ili’s Grasslands and Lakes
Take the special train from Burqin to Yining, enjoying the Gobi scenery of the Junggar Basin along the way. Upon arrival, visit the Nalati Aerial Grassland to experience the folk culture of various ethnic groups; the next day, head to Sayram Lake for a self-drive or cycling tour around the lake, capturing the clear lake scenery known as the ‘last tear of the Atlantic.’ In the evening, take the special train to Bayanbulak to photograph the ‘Nine Suns’ spectacle of the meandering river.
[Route Highlights: Excellent Integration of a Mobile Luxury Hotel with the Essence of Xinjiang]Day 9-11:Duku Highway and Initial Exploration of Southern Xinjiang’s Culture
Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway, experiencing four seasons in one day, with stops at landmarks such as the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and the Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery. Upon arrival in Kuqa, explore the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon and the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, feeling the震撼 (awe) of red bed landscapes and Western Regions grotto art. The next day, take the special train to Kashgar to visit the Old Town of Kashgar and the Id Kah Mosque, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of a multi-ethnic residential area.
Day 12-15:Pamir Plateau and Return Journey
Take the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to Tashkurgan County, visiting Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, and gazing up at the majesty of Muztagh Ata. Challenge the Panlong Ancient Road and check in at the road sign stating, ‘Today, I’ve traversed all the winding paths; henceforth, life will be nothing but smooth sailing.’ Return to Kashgar the next day to purchase Hotan jade or dried fruit specialties, then take the special train back to Urumqi in the evening, concluding the itinerary.
[Price Explanation:Prices Vary by Session, Room Type, and Number of People]
The 2026 ‘Snow Lotus’ special train offers multiple sessions and room types, with prices dynamically changing based on season and availability:
As a representative of Xinjiang’s high-end tourism trains, the New Oriental Express ‘Snow Lotus’ uniquely connects the精华 (essence) scenic spots of Kanas and Ili, the two core regions in northern Xinjiang, with its ‘train follows people, travels at night, and tours during the day’ approach. The entire train features en-suite compartments with separate wet and dry facilities, thoroughly addressing the inconvenience of bathing on long-distance trains. The dining car offers meals that blend Xinjiang specialties with flavors from various regions, with special experiences such as welcome banquets and roast whole lamb feasts arranged during summer sessions. Public spaces include a starry sky-themed restaurant, a bar entertainment car, and a sightseeing car to meet social, entertainment, and sightseeing needs.Summer Session (May-June):Noble Gold Diamond Compartment (3-person custom carriage) starts at 59,999 yuan per person, Royal Gold Diamond (4-person) starts at 54,999 yuan per person, and Platinum Gold Diamond (5-person) starts at 49,999 yuan per person. The third and fourth persons are priced the same at 30,000 yuan per person.
Peak Season Session (June-September):Noble Gold Diamond Compartment prices increase to 67,999-71,999 yuan per person, Royal Gold Diamond to 62,999-65,999 yuan per person, and Platinum Gold Diamond to 56,999-59,999 yuan per person.
Autumn Session (October):Prices decrease, with Noble Gold Diamond starting at 44,999 yuan per person, Royal Gold Diamond at 39,999 yuan per person, and Platinum Gold Diamond at 36,999 yuan per person. The third and fourth persons are priced the same at 20,000 yuan per person.
Prices include special train compartment seats, ground transportation (7-seater business vehicle for the Duku Highway section), hotels or specialty homestays listed in the itinerary (4-5 diamond standard based on online reviews), most meals and special banquets, first entrance tickets and shuttle buses for scenic spots, full-time guides and segmented讲解 (commentary) services, and travel agency liability insurance. Fees do not include round-trip transportation to Urumqi from various locations, personal expenses (such as laundry and alcohol), and self-funded items not listed in the itinerary (such as horse riding and boat tours). Prices and availability are subject to contract or day-of confirmation and may fluctuate based on session.
[Registration Method:Consult Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency]
Visitors can register for the ‘Snow Lotus’ special train through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for specific session, room type, and availability information. The registration process includes submitting visitor names, valid ID numbers, contact information, and special needs (such as dietary and medical requirements), signing an electronic or paper travel contract, and paying a deposit as stipulated in the contract, with the remaining balance to be paid 30 days before departure.
The train route covers iconic Xinjiang landscapes such as Heavenly Lake, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, the Duku Highway, and the Old Town of Kashgar, with an itinerary designed to balance natural scenery and cultural experiences. For example, the Kanas section includes a two-day in-depth tour where visitors can stay in wooden cabins within the scenic area, photograph morning mists in the early morning, and enjoy exclusive lake views in the evening; the Ili section focuses on exploring the Nalati Aerial Grassland and circumnavigating Sayram Lake to experience the summer vitality of the ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.’[Fee Explanation and Service Standards:Transparent Consumption, Worry-Free Travel]
Fees Include:Special train seats, ground transportation, accommodation, meals, entrance tickets, guide services, and insurance.
Fees Do Not Include:Round-trip transportation to Urumqi from various locations, personal expenses, and self-funded items.
Service Standards: No consumption arrangements are made throughout the entire journey, with no hidden costs; accommodation prioritizes wooden cabins within scenic areas or high-diamond hotels based on online reviews; meals include group meals and special banquets, such as Burqin cold-water fish banquets and Xinjiang big plate chicken; ground transportation uses正规 (formal) tourist vehicles, with experienced drivers assigned for the Duku Highway section.
Single Registration:The travel agency will make every effort to coordinate shared rooms; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Itinerary Changes:In the event of special circumstances such as weather, road conditions, policies, or scenic spot openings, both parties may reasonably modify the itinerary by mutual agreement.
[Simple Itinerary: 15-Day Journey Through the Four Seasons of Northern Xinjiang and Ili][Travel Tips:Make Your Xinjiang Journey Even Better]
Clothing Preparation:Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night. Those traveling to mountainous areas in summer should bring light jackets, while those on the October southern Xinjiang itinerary should prepare thick warm clothing. Areas like Turpan have high surface temperatures in summer, requiring sun protection and hydration measures.
Personal Items:Accommodation conditions in the Kanas and Hemu scenic areas are limited, so it is recommended to bring your own toiletries, slippers, etc.
Communication and Navigation:Mobile phone signals are weak in some sections of Xinjiang. It is advisable to download offline maps in advance and follow the guidance of staff during the itinerary, avoiding unauthorized departure from the group.
Document Carrying:All scenic spots require real-name verification for entry, so please carry valid identification documents for management cooperation.
Dietary Needs:If you have special dietary requirements, please inform staff in advance for coordination and adaptation.
The New Oriental Express ‘Snow Lotus’ 15-Day In-Depth Tour of Kanas and Ili in Northern Xinjiang connects the精华 (essence) of Xinjiang with a luxury special train, providing a hassle-free, comfortable, and in-depth travel experience. Specific itineraries and fees are subject to actual consultation and contracting. We look forward to embarking on this Western Regions feast with you!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
