Grand Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang Chartered Car Registration Latest Cost Standards Overview Recommended Routes Prices

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 (phone/WeChat) to send itinerary and quote

Custom vehicle booking for the Grand North and South Xinjiang Tour:Unlock the ultimate travel guide to the Silk Road’s hidden gems
Detailed introduction to routes or destinations:A visual feast crossing the Tianshan Mountains
Xinjiang, covering one-sixth of China’s land area, is renowned for its superb landscape featuring snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, deserts, and canyons. The Grand North and South Xinjiang Route is a classic itinerary connecting the best attractions on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains. Starting from Urumqi, the northern route highlights Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake, showcasing the vastness of the Altai Mountains and the gentle beauty of the Ili River Valley; the southern route focuses on the ancient city of Kashgar, the Pamir Plateau, and the Taklimakan Desert, allowing travelers to experience the rich cultural heritage of various ethnic groups and the echoes of Silk Road history.
Must-visit attractions in Northern Xinjiang:
Kanas Lake:Known as a ‘picturesque paradise on earth,’ the lake changes colors with the seasons, and the Guanyu Platform by the lakeside offers a panoramic view.
Hemu Village:A primitive village inhabited by the Tuwa people, where wooden houses amid morning mist and birch forests create a scene straight out of an oil painting.
Sayram Lake:The ‘last tear of the Atlantic,’ where a self-drive around the lake may encounter swans and wildflowers.
Nalati Grassland:A blend of alpine and valley grasslands, with wildflowers in June and vibrant foliage in September.
Cultural and natural fusion in Southern Xinjiang:
Kashgar Ancient City:A free-entry millennium-old city where maze-like alleys hide the aromas of baked stuffed buns and pilaf.
Pamir Plateau:The Muztagh Ata peak and Karakul Lake complement each other, while the White Sand Lake’s silver sands and turquoise waters create a dreamlike scene.
Custom Vehicle Booking for Grand North and South Xinjiang Tour: Latest Cost Overview _ Recommended Routes, Pricing, and Images 1
Custom vehicle booking for the Grand North and South Xinjiang Tour: Unlock the ultimate travel guide to the Silk Road’s hidden gemsTaklimakan Desert:Traverse the desert highway to feel the grandeur of the ‘Sea of Death’ and the miracles of life.
Sample Itinerary:12-day immersive North and South Xinjiang experience
Based on the latest road conditions and scenic area openings as of May 2026, the following itinerary is recommended (customizable based on interests):
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Morning:Check into hotel after airport pickup; free time recommended at the International Bazaar.
Afternoon:Visit the Xinjiang Museum to learn about Silk Road history.
Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (~580 km, 7 hours)
Highlights:Enjoy views of the Junggar Basin en route; arrive at Sayram Lake at dusk for sunset photography.
Day 3:Sayram Lake circumnavigation → Guozigou Bridge → Yining
Highlights:Self-drive or take a shuttle around the lake; explore the ‘bridge spanning the void’ spectacle at Guozigou Bridge.
Day 4:Yining → Xiata Ancient Trail → Zhaosu
Custom Vehicle Booking for Grand North and South Xinjiang Tour: Latest Cost Overview _ Recommended Routes, Pricing, and Images 2
Detailed introduction to routes or destinations: A visual feast crossing the Tianshan MountainsHighlights:Light trek the Xiata Ancient Trail for close encounters with snow-capped mountains and grasslands.
Day 5:Zhaosu → Tekes Bagua City → Nalati Grassland
Highlights:Discover the Bagua layout of Tekes; immerse in Nalati’s alpine grasslands in the afternoon.
Day 6:Nalati → Duku Highway → Bayanbulak
Highlights:Traverse the middle section of the Duku Highway; wait for the sunset over the meandering river at Bayanbulak at dusk.
Day 7:Bayanbulak → Northern Duku Highway → Urumqi
Highlights:Cross the Tianshan Mountains, enjoying a three-dimensional panorama of snow-capped peaks, canyons, and grasslands.
Day 8:Urumqi → Kashgar (flight)
Highlights:After flying to Kashgar, stroll around the ancient city’s periphery to soak in local customs.
Day 9:Kashgar → White Sand Lake → Muztagh Ata → Taxkorgan
Highlights:Follow the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway; visit White Sand Lake and the ‘Father of Ice Mountains,’ Muztagh Ata.
Custom Vehicle Booking for Grand North and South Xinjiang Tour: Latest Cost Overview _ Recommended Routes, Pricing, and Images 3
Xinjiang, covering one-sixth of China’s land area, is renowned for its superb landscape featuring snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, deserts, and canyons. The Grand North and South Xinjiang Route is a classic itinerary connecting the best attractions on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains. Starting from Urumqi, the northern route highlights Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake, showcasing the vastness of the Altai Mountains and the gentle beauty of the Ili River Valley; the southern route focuses on the ancient city of Kashgar, the Pamir Plateau, and the Taklimakan Desert, allowing travelers to experience the rich cultural heritage of various ethnic groups and the echoes of Silk Road history.Day 10:Taxkorgan → Stone City → Golden Grassland → Kashgar
Highlights:Visit ethnic villages; explore Kashgar’s night market after returning.
Day 11:Kashgar → Wensu Grand Canyon → Aksu
Highlights:Tour the red wind-eroded Wensu Grand Canyon, marveling at nature’s craftsmanship.
Day 12:Depart Aksu or leave Xinjiang via Urumqi
Highlights:Choose direct or connecting flights based on schedule to end the journey.
Pricing Notes:Transparent quoting, subject to contract
Custom vehicle costs for North and South Xinjiang in 2026 vary by vehicle type, season, and services. The following are reference ranges (including driver salary, fuel, tolls, parking, and basic insurance):
Vehicle Types and Daily Costs:
7-seat business van (e.g., Buick GL8):1,200–1,800 RMB
13–15-seat minibus:1,500–2,400 RMB
Custom Vehicle Booking for Grand North and South Xinjiang Tour: Latest Cost Overview _ Recommended Routes, Pricing, and Images 4
Must-visit attractions in Northern Xinjiang:18–19-seat minibus:1,600–2,600 RMB
37–38-seat coach:1,800–2,800 RMB
Cost Fluctuations:
Peak season (June–October) prices may rise 30–50%; early booking recommended.
Driver meal/accommodation allowance: ~150–200 RMB/day (if not included in contract).
Scenic area tickets, shuttle buses, and personal meals are at own expense.
Special Notes:
Prices and availability subject to confirmation with Zhang Jing, Customer Service Manager at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Prices may fluctuate by departure date; the signed contract prevails.
Booking Methods:Professional team safeguarding your journey
Book through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, offering:
Vehicle Selection:Recommend vehicles based on group size and needs, supporting custom orders from 7 to 55 seats.
Custom Vehicle Booking for Grand North and South Xinjiang Tour: Latest Cost Overview _ Recommended Routes, Pricing, and Images 5
Kanas Lake: Known as a ‘picturesque paradise on earth,’ the lake changes colors with the seasons, and the Guanyu Platform by the lakeside offers a panoramic view.Itinerary Planning:Optimize daily schedules based on real-time road conditions and scenic area openings.
Driver Team:Experienced local drivers familiar with North and South Xinjiang roads and cultural sites.
Cost and Service Notes:Details define the experience
Included Costs:Vehicle usage, driver service, fuel, tolls, parking, and basic insurance.
Excluded Costs:Driver meal/accommodation allowance (if not included), scenic area tickets, personal meals (single travelers will be assisted with room-sharing; special cases negotiated separately).
Service Standards:Drivers work 8–10 hours daily; overtime negotiable at ~50–100 RMB/hour.
Special Notes:Subject to actual consultation and contracting; reasonable itinerary changes may be made by mutual agreement.
Travel Tips:Enhance your journey
Document Preparation:Carry valid identification; a border pass is required for Taxkorgan (assistance available from the travel agency).
Clothing Suggestions:Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night; bring a light jacket even in summer. The Pamir Plateau is windy—prepare windproof clothing.
Ticket Booking:Pre-book tickets for popular spots like Kanas and Sayram Lake via platforms.
Cultural Respect:Dress modestly and follow tour guide etiquette when visiting ethnic households.
The Grand North and South Xinjiang Route is a profound journey across the Tianshan Mountains and through history. Whether it’s the lakes and mountains of the north or the cultural charm of the south, our professional team will ensure unforgettable memories. Contact Zhang Jing, Customer Service Manager at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, to start your Silk Road adventure!