Southern and Northern Xinjiang High quality Group Tour with Chartered Vehicle Covering All Classic Attractions Part 1
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
On the vast land where stars and moons intertwine, snow-capped mountains embrace grasslands, and deserts coexist with oases. In 2026, tourism in northern and southern Xinjiang will usher in a new boom, with customized group tours by vehicle becoming the preferred way for in-depth experiences. This article will guide you through a travel plan that covers all the classic attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang, including route highlights, itinerary planning, vehicle selection, and practical information, to help you easily embark on a Silk Road journey.
I. Route Highlights: A Double Feast of Nature and Culture
The customized group tour route in northern and southern Xinjiang starts from Urumqi, connecting the core landscapes of the Tianshan Mountains and covering four major themes: lakes, grasslands, canyons, and ancient cities. The itinerary is designed with both comfort and experience in mind:
Northern Xinjiang Section:A Concentration of Natural Wonders
Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake):A mountain lake at an altitude of 1,910 meters, where you can take a boat to observe the reflection of Bogda Peak up close. The Mayashan Cableway within the scenic area offers a panoramic view.
Kanas Lake:Rated as “China’s Most Beautiful Lake” by Chinese National Geography, climb the Guanyu Platform to overlook the lake’s color-changing wonders, and hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Crescent Bay, and Wolong Bay) to experience the tranquility of the primeval forest.
Sayram Lake:The ring road around the lake is 90 kilometers long, with 13 viewing platforms. The Songshutou stop is recommended for capturing a panoramic view of the Guozigou Bridge.
Nalati Grassland:The aerial grassland stands at an altitude of 2,200 meters, with wildflowers blooming everywhere from June to August. Experience the local life of various ethnic groups and ride a horse to Xuelian Valley.
Southern Xinjiang Section:A Living Fossil of Silk Road Culture
Kashgar Old City:The most complete labyrinthine ancient city in existence, the opening ceremony (10:30/18:00) showcases songs and dances of various ethnic groups. Enjoy brick tea and listen to Tambur performances in a century-old teahouse.
Pamir Plateau:Drive along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, passing by Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake. Muztagh Ata (altitude 7,546 meters) is covered in snow year-round, and in Taxkorgan County, you can visit the ruins of Shitou City.
On the vast land where stars and moons intertwine, snow-capped mountains embrace grasslands, and deserts coexist with oases. In 2026, tourism in northern and southern Xinjiang will usher in a new boom, with customized group tours by vehicle becoming the preferred way for in-depth experiences. This article will guide you through a travel plan that covers all the classic attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang, including route highlights, itinerary planning, vehicle selection, and practical information, to help you easily embark on a Silk Road journey.Kuqa Grand Canyon:The reddish-brown mountains display flame-like patterns under the sunlight. The widest part of the canyon is 53 meters, and the narrowest part is only wide enough for one person to pass through. It is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens for photography.
Taklimakan Desert Highway:With a total length of 566 kilometers, it traverses the world’s second-largest mobile desert. You can stop at Tazhong Town along the way to visit the Desert Botanical Garden.
II. 12-Day Classic Itinerary Plan (Starting and Ending in Urumqi)
Days 1-3:Natural Exploration in Northern Xinjiang
Urumqi → Tianshan Tianchi (1.5-hour drive):Take the shuttle bus to the lakeside of Tianchi. It is recommended to walk to the East Small Tianchi to feel the coolness of the waterfall.
Tianchi → Koktokay (5-hour drive):Visit the Irtysh Grand Canyon and the No. 3 Mine (Meritorious Mine). Overnight in Fuyun County.
Koktokay → Kanas (6-hour drive):Pass through Burqin County, enjoy the sunset at the Wucaitan (Colorful Beach) along the way, and stay at the Jiadengyu Eco-Hotel.
Days 4-6:In-Depth Experience in Kanas
Kanas Lake:Take a boat tour or hike to the Turuk Rock Paintings. For photographing the morning mist at the Three Bays, it is recommended to arrive at Fairy Bay before 6:30.
Kanas → Hemu Village (2-hour drive):Transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus, climb the Hadeng Platform to overlook the smoke rising from the Tuwa people’s wooden houses, and photograph the Milky Way at night.
Hemu → Urho Devil City (8-hour drive):Cross the Gurbantunggut Desert. The Devil City offers excellent lighting during sunset, and it is recommended to bring a windproof sand mask.
I. Route Highlights: A Double Feast of Nature and CultureDays 7-9:Secret Realms of the Ili Valley
Urho → Sayram Lake (5-hour drive):Tour around the lake, with recommended stops at Xihai Grassland and Kele Yongzhu. Overnight in a lakeview room.
Sayram Lake → Nalati Grassland (4-hour drive):Pass through the Guozigou Bridge. The Nalati scenic area offers two routes: aerial grassland and valley grassland. It is recommended to choose the combination of aerial grassland + Xuelian Valley.
Nalati → Bayanbulak (3-hour drive):Cross the middle section of the Duku Highway and photograph the reflections of nine suns at the Nine Curves Eighteen Bends in the evening.
Days 10-12:Cultural Journey Through Southern Xinjiang
Bayanbulak → Kuqa (6-hour drive):Drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway, visit the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, and stay in a characteristic homestay in the old town of Kuqa.
Kuqa → Kashgar (2-hour high-speed train):Visit the Id Kah Mosque and the Xiangfei Garden, and stroll through Zhiren Street to shop for copperware and flower hats.
Kashgar → Pamir Plateau (6-hour drive):After obtaining a permit, head to Taxkorgan, visit Shitou City and Golden Grassland, and return via Baisha Lake for photography the next day.
III. Vehicle Selection and Quotation Reference
A variety of vehicle models are provided based on group size, all equipped with air conditioning, GPS navigation, and basic first aid kits:
7-Seater Business Vehicle (Suitable for 4-6 people):
The customized group tour route in northern and southern Xinjiang starts from Urumqi, connecting the core landscapes of the Tianshan Mountains and covering four major themes: lakes, grasslands, canyons, and ancient cities. The itinerary is designed with both comfort and experience in mind:Model:Maxus G10, Buick GL8
Quotation:1,200-1,800 yuan/day. This quotation is for reference only, and the specific price is subject to the customer service quotation!
Features:Spacious interior and large luggage compartment capacity, suitable for family or small group travel.
13-15 Seater Minibus (Suitable for 8-12 people):
Model:Toyota Coaster, JMC Transit
Quotation:1,800-2,500 yuan/day. This quotation is for reference only, and the specific price is subject to the customer service quotation!
Features:Adjustable seats equipped with USB charging ports, suitable for medium to long-distance travel.
18-19 Seater Medium-Sized Coach (Suitable for 13-17 people):
Model:Yutong T7, King Long Kaige
Quotation:2,200-3,000 yuan/day. This quotation is for reference only, and the specific price is subject to the customer service quotation!
Features:Separate luggage and passenger compartments, suitable for corporate team building or photography groups.
Northern Xinjiang Section: A Concentration of Natural Wonders37-38 Seater Large Coach (Suitable for 25-35 people):
Model:King Long XMQ, Yutong ZK
Quotation:3,000-4,000 yuan/day. This quotation is for reference only, and the specific price is subject to the customer service quotation!
Features:Equipped with a tour guide seat and restroom (some models), suitable for large groups.
55 Seater Luxury Coach (Suitable for 40+ people):
Model:Youngman Neoplan, Ankai A9
Quotation:3,500-5,000 yuan/day. This quotation is for reference only, and the specific price is subject to the customer service quotation!
Features:Seat spacing up to 80cm, equipped with an onboard refrigerator and karaoke system, suitable for high-end customized groups.
IV. Price Explanation and Service Guarantees
Fees Included:
Vehicle usage fee, driver’s labor, fuel fee, toll fee, parking fee
Tianshan Tianchi: A mountain lake at an altitude of 1,910 meters, where you can take a boat to observe the reflection of Bogda Peak up close. The Mayashan Cableway within the scenic area offers a panoramic view. Compulsory traffic insurance + commercial insurance (third-party liability insurance ≥ 2 million yuan), seat insurance (≥ 500,000 yuan/seat)
Basic vehicle maintenance, emergency simple fault handling
Fees Excluded:
Scenic area admission tickets (e.g., Tianshan Tianchi 155 yuan/person, Kanas 160 yuan/person)
Accommodation fees (recommended four-diamond hotels, price range 350-800 yuan/night)
Dining fees (average 60-100 yuan per meal for regular meals, including specialties such as大盘鸡 (Big Plate Chicken) and 烤全羊 (Roast Whole Lamb))
Personal expenses and items outside the itinerary
Driver’s food and accommodation subsidies (to be negotiated separately if not included in the contract)
Service Standards:
Driver Qualifications:Hold a passenger transport qualification certificate, with over 5 years of local driving experience in Xinjiang
Vehicle Inspection:Inspected and maintained at transport management department stations before departure
Kanas Lake: Rated as “China’s Most Beautiful Lake” by Chinese National Geography, climb the Guanyu Platform to overlook the lake’s color-changing wonders, and hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Crescent Bay, and Wolong Bay) to experience the tranquility of the primeval forest.Itinerary Changes:Reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made by mutual agreement in case of force majeure factors such as weather or traffic control
Emergency Support:24-hour emergency rescue, with a replacement vehicle dispatched within 4 hours in case of vehicle breakdown
V. Registration Methods and Inquiries
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and contact their customer service for details on route options, vehicle selection, and real-time quotations.
Phone Inquiries:Contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency customer service
WeChat Inquiries:Contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency customer service
VI. Practical Tips
Document Preparation:Bring original valid identification documents. A permit is required in advance to visit the Pamir Plateau (can be obtained for free at the Kashgar International Self-Drive Travel and RV Camp with valid identification).
Clothing and Equipment:There is a large temperature difference between day and night in northern Xinjiang, so it is recommended to bring a windbreaker and warm hat. Southern Xinjiang has strong ultraviolet rays, so sunscreen and sunglasses are necessary.
Photography Suggestions:Use a polarizing filter to eliminate reflections when photographing the surfaces of Sayram Lake and Kanas Lake. For photographing snow-capped mountains on the Pamir Plateau, it is recommended to bring a tripod.
Folk Customs and Taboos:Remove shoes when visiting and avoid making loud noises. Obtain consent before taking photos with local residents.
From snow-capped mountains and lakes to desert ancient cities, and from grassland pastures to canyon danxia landforms, the customized group tour route in northern and southern Xinjiang will take you on a journey through time and space to feel the thousand-year pulse of Silk Road civilization. Choose a compliant travel agency and let a professional team escort you to embark on a worry-free and comfortable journey to the Western Regions!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
