How to Book the Kunlun Special Train 2026 Ticket Purchase Process Cost Details and Tips to Avoid Pitfalls Recommended Routes Prices
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
🚞 Friends planning to travel to Xinjiang in 2026 will likely hear about the “Kunlun” tourist train—no need to pack and unpack every day or switch hotels, allowing you to tour by day and travel by night, saving you from the fatigue of rushing. You can visit all the core attractions of northern and southern Xinjiang in one trip, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a hassle-free, in-depth experience. Many friends have privately messaged asking how to book the Kunlun train, what the cost breakdown is, and what pitfalls to watch out for when traveling. Today, I’ve compiled practical information covering the entire process for your reference.
📍 Route and Destination Introduction
The Kunlun is a tourist train launched by Urumqi in 2023, featuring all sleeper cabins, including hard sleeper, soft sleeper, and premium compartments. The soft sleeper cabins are equipped with single sofas, desks, washrooms, and wardrobes, with soft furnishings reflecting Xinjiang’s folk customs, ensuring a comfortable ride. The train has a total of 8 sleeper cabins, with each accommodating between 20 to 24 passengers depending on the cabin type, providing ample space without feeling crowded.
This 14-day itinerary covers the core natural and cultural attractions of northern and southern Xinjiang, including Turpan, Kuqa, Kashgar, Tashkurgan, Nalati, Kuerdening, Yining, Sayram Lake, Altay, Kanas, Heavenly Lake, and more, without backtracking. You’ll experience the rich history and culture of southern Xinjiang and the breathtaking scenery of the Pamir Plateau, as well as the grassy flower fields of Ili, the forested lakescapes of Altay, the fiery landscape of Turpan, and the crystal-clear waters and snow-capped mountains of Heavenly Lake. There’s no need to worry about planning transfers or accommodations—all your luggage can stay on the train, and you simply disembark at each stop to explore. This makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a one-time, in-depth experience of Xinjiang’s beauty.
Based on景区 (scenic spot) opening times in 2026, May to September are the most comfortable months for touring northern and southern Xinjiang. From May onwards, all attractions are fully open. Kanas requires real-name reservations for entry, with daily visitor limits but no significant queues; the Three Bays and Guanyu Platform are accessible as usual. The Sayram Lake ring road is fully open, with the East, South, and West Gates accessible by private car without additional permits. Nalati’s aerial grasslands turn green by mid-May, with wildflowers in bloom and moderate tourist numbers. Kashgar Old City is open all day, with free access to its internal alleys. The Tashkurgan area requires advance electronic permit registration via a platform, with valid ID needed for entry. The southern section of the Duku Highway is expected to fully open around June 1, depending on snowmelt and road maintenance; the itinerary’s Duku sections will be adjusted based on real-time conditions.
🗓 ️ Simple Itinerary
The 14-day Kunlun northern and southern Xinjiang itinerary is as follows:
Day 1:Departure – Urumqi
Day 2:Turpan – Flaming Mountains – Karez Wells – Fruit Feast – Grape Manor – Grape Valley – (Special Train) – Kuqa
Day 3:Kuqa – Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon – Restan Street – Kuqa Old City – Qiuci Song and Dance – (Special Train) – Kashgar
🚞 Friends planning to travel to Xinjiang in 2026 will likely hear about the “Kunlun” tourist train—no need to pack and unpack every day or switch hotels, allowing you to tour by day and travel by night, saving you from the fatigue of rushing. You can visit all the core attractions of northern and southern Xinjiang in one trip, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking a hassle-free, in-depth experience. Many friends have privately messaged asking how to book the Kunlun train, what the cost breakdown is, and what pitfalls to watch out for when traveling. Today, I’ve compiled practical information covering the entire process for your reference.Day 4:Morning pickup in Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Tashkurgan
Day 5:Tashkurgan – Golden Grassland – Stone City – Tajik Home Visit – Panlong Ancient Road – Kashgar
Day 6:Kashgar – Hetian Jade Exhibition Hall – Kashgar Old City – Id Kah Mosque – Special Train – Kuqa
Day 7:Kuqa – Southern Duku Highway – Bayanbulak – Nalati Town/Xinyuan
Day 8:Nalati Aerial Grasslands – Gongliu
Day 9:Kuerdening Grasslands – Six-Star Street – Huiyuan Old City – Lavender Manor – Yining/Kokdala
Day 10:Yining/Kokdala – Sayram Lake Scenic Area – Sailing Experience – Jinghe Railway Station to Altay
Day 11:Morning pickup in Altay – Ahe Highway – Kanas Village – Yunxiao Peak Cable Car
Day 12:Kanas Village – Three Bays – Tuva Homestay – Colorful Beach – Beitun – Train to Urumqi
Day 13:Morning arrival in Urumqi – Heavenly Lake – International Bazaar – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Departure
📍 Route and Destination Introduction💰 Pricing Information
The reference prices and group dates for the 14-day Kunlun northern and southern Xinjiang itinerary are as follows. Prices and availability may vary by departure date; the final price and itinerary are subject to the contract or day-of confirmation, with the signed contract taking precedence:
Kunlun · Northern and Southern Xinjiang Panoramic Air-Conditioned Tourist Train 14-Day Tour (May Version)
Group Dates:May 22
Four-Person Compartment (Shared Bathroom):Upper Bunk: 14,800 RMB/person, Lower Bunk: 15,800 RMB/person
Two-Person Compartment (Shared Bathroom):Upper Bunk: 17,800 RMB/person, Lower Bunk: 18,800 RMB/person
Two-Person Compartment (Flat Bunk):Lower Bunk: 18,800 RMB/person
Two-Person Compartment (Private Bathroom):Upper Bunk: 22,800 RMB/person, Lower Bunk: 23,800 RMB/person
Kunlun · Northern and Southern Xinjiang Panoramic Air-Conditioned Tourist Train 14-Day Tour (June-September Version)
Group Dates:June 4, June 17, June 30, July 13, July 26, August 8, August 21, September 2, September 14
The Kunlun is a tourist train launched by Urumqi in 2023, featuring all sleeper cabins, including hard sleeper, soft sleeper, and premium compartments. The soft sleeper cabins are equipped with single sofas, desks, washrooms, and wardrobes, with soft furnishings reflecting Xinjiang’s folk customs, ensuring a comfortable ride. The train has a total of 8 sleeper cabins, with each accommodating between 20 to 24 passengers depending on the cabin type, providing ample space without feeling crowded.Four-Person Compartment (Shared Bathroom):Upper Bunk: 15,800 RMB/person, Lower Bunk: 16,800 RMB/person
Two-Person Compartment (Shared Bathroom):Upper Bunk: 18,800 RMB/person, Lower Bunk: 19,800 RMB/person
Two-Person Compartment (Flat Bunk):Lower Bunk: 19,800 RMB/person
Two-Person Compartment (Private Bathroom):Upper Bunk: 23,800 RMB/person, Lower Bunk: 24,800 RMB/person
Kunlun · Premium Group · Northern and Southern Xinjiang Panoramic Air-Conditioned Tourist Train 14-Day Tour (May Version)
Group Dates:May 22, Single Room: 38,800 RMB/person
Kunlun · Premium Group · Northern and Southern Xinjiang Panoramic Air-Conditioned Tourist Train 14-Day Tour (June-September Version)
Group Dates:June 4, June 17, June 30, July 13, July 26, August 8, August 21, September 2, September 14, Single Room: 39,800 RMB/person
For a more private travel experience, choose the premium group’s single-room option to meet different travelers’ needs.
📝 Booking and Reservation Process
To book the Kunlun train itinerary, register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for the latest availability and itinerary details. The general booking process is as follows:
This 14-day itinerary covers the core natural and cultural attractions of northern and southern Xinjiang, including Turpan, Kuqa, Kashgar, Tashkurgan, Nalati, Kuerdening, Yining, Sayram Lake, Altay, Kanas, Heavenly Lake, and more, without backtracking. You’ll experience the rich history and culture of southern Xinjiang and the breathtaking scenery of the Pamir Plateau, as well as the grassy flower fields of Ili, the forested lakescapes of Altay, the fiery landscape of Turpan, and the crystal-clear waters and snow-capped mountains of Heavenly Lake. There’s no need to worry about planning transfers or accommodations—all your luggage can stay on the train, and you simply disembark at each stop to explore. This makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a one-time, in-depth experience of Xinjiang’s beauty.1. Confirm your preferred travel dates and match them to the corresponding group dates and price tiers. May dates are relatively cheaper, while June-September is peak season with better scenery; choose based on your schedule.
2. Check with customer service for availability of your preferred cabin type. Different cabins vary in facilities and space; choose based on group size and budget.
3. Submit valid ID information for all travelers to complete the reservation registration. Notify customer service promptly of any changes.
4. After confirming the itinerary details, included fees, and precautions, sign the contract with the agency to finalize the booking.
💡 Fee and Service Explanation
Current product fees generally include train accommodation for the selected cabin, first-entry tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary, meals (breakfast and lunch) as scheduled, local ground transportation, and guide services. Final fees are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
For solo travelers, the agency will try to arrange room-sharing; special cases require separate negotiation. If unforeseen factors like weather, road conditions, attraction policies, or schedule changes occur, both parties may reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement. Refund and change rules are governed by the contract.
⚠ ️ Travel Pitfall Avoidance Guide
▌Pre-Trip Preparation
1. Clothing: Xinjiang has large day-night temperature differences, sometimes up to 20°C. Even in summer, bring long-sleeve thin jackets and windbreakers. For higher-altitude areas like the Pamir Plateau and Bayanbulak, pack warmer clothing to avoid cold.
Based on景区 (scenic spot) opening times in 2026, May to September are the most comfortable months for touring northern and southern Xinjiang. From May onwards, all attractions are fully open. Kanas requires real-name reservations for entry, with daily visitor limits but no significant queues; the Three Bays and Guanyu Platform are accessible as usual. The Sayram Lake ring road is fully open, with the East, South, and West Gates accessible by private car without additional permits. Nalati’s aerial grasslands turn green by mid-May, with wildflowers in bloom and moderate tourist numbers. Kashgar Old City is open all day, with free access to its internal alleys. The Tashkurgan area requires advance electronic permit registration via a platform, with valid ID needed for entry. The southern section of the Duku Highway is expected to fully open around June 1, depending on snowmelt and road maintenance; the itinerary’s Duku sections will be adjusted based on real-time conditions.2. Sun Protection and Moisturizing: Xinjiang has strong UV radiation; bring SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sun-protective clothing. The dry climate also requires moisturizing skincare and lip balm; drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
3. Documents: Carry valid ID at all times for accommodation, ticket purchases, and attraction entry. For border areas like Tashkurgan, complete electronic permit registration in advance; consult customer service for specific requirements.
4. Other Gear: For long journeys, bring a high-capacity power bank and common medications (cold, stomach, motion sickness) for emergencies. Some attractions have weak signal coverage; download offline maps in advance to avoid getting lost.
▌During the Tour
1. Attraction Reservations: Major northern and southern Xinjiang attractions support on-site QR code ticket purchases or reservations via the “Visit Xinjiang with One Phone” platform. Reserve 1-2 days in advance to avoid last-minute limits affecting your itinerary.
2. Civilized Tourism: Follow attraction rules, such as no driving on grasslands or picking plants at Sayram Lake, no swimming in the lake, and a 50km/h speed limit on all roads. No smoking or open flames are allowed. When visiting cultural areas, respect local customs; avoid bargaining without intent to purchase, taking photos of others without permission, or inappropriate attire in cultural venues. Follow venue-specific rules.
3. Itinerary Changes: If weather, road maintenance, or temporary attraction limits occur, staff will notify you in advance. Both parties may reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement without excessive worry about affecting your experience.
▌Booking Pitfall Avoidance
1. The Kunlun train uses an all-inclusive “transport + accommodation + tickets + services” model; individual tickets are not sold separately. Avoid non-official ticket sellers to prevent financial loss.
2. June-August is peak season in Xinjiang; Kunlun seats are limited. Travelers planning to go should confirm availability 1-2 months in advance to secure their preferred cabin.
3. Carefully review the itinerary details and included fees during booking; clarify any uncertainties with customer service. All agreements are subject to the signed contract.
If you plan to tour northern and southern Xinjiang in 2026 and seek a hassle-free experience, learn more about the Kunlun train in advance and prepare accordingly for a comfortable Xinjiang journey.
Contact Manager Maizi at 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
