Xinjiang In depth Group Tour 15 Day Comprehensive Itinerary with Price Analysis Recommended Routes and Costs
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.
Icon prefix:✨【15-Day In-Depth Tour of All Xinjiang: An Epic Journey Across the Tianshan Mountains】✨
If you aspire to measure the vastness of Xinjiang in 15 days, traveling from the snow-capped mountains and grasslands of Northern Xinjiang to the desert ancient towns of Southern Xinjiang, from the flower fields of the Ili River Valley to the glaciers of the Pamir Plateau, this meticulously designed in-depth tour route will take you on a classic exploration spanning geography and culture. The itinerary covers core attractions such as Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Kanas, Sayram Lake, the Duoku Road, Kashgar Old Town, and the Taklimakan Desert, connecting Xinjiang’s most exquisite natural and cultural landscapes, suitable for travelers seeking an in-depth experience with ample time.
Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination
【Geographical Span and Landscape Diversity】
Xinjiang accounts for one-sixth of China’s land area, with complex and diverse terrain, creating the wonder of ‘four seasons in one day and different skies every ten miles.’ The 15-day itinerary starts in Urumqi and unfolds along the three major geographical units of Northern, Eastern, and Southern Xinjiang:
Northern Xinjiang Section:Focusing on Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake, it highlights the grassland, lake, and forest landscapes between the Altai Mountains and the Tianshan Mountains, with lush green grass in summer and vibrant foliage in autumn.
Eastern Xinjiang Section:Traversing the Duoku Road and the Desert Highway, it offers an experience of the ruggedness of ‘China’s most beautiful highway’ and the vastness of the Taklimakan Desert, with geological wonders such as yardang landforms, canyons, and salt lakes along the way.
Southern Xinjiang Section:Venturing deep into Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau, it explores ancient towns of the Western Regions, plateau lakes, snow-capped mountains, and glaciers, experiencing the history and culture of ethnic integration.
【Highlights of Core Attractions】
Kanas Lake:Known as the ‘Pure Land on Earth,’ the lake changes color with the seasons, surrounded by Tuvan settlements such as Kanas Village and Hemu Village, preserving primitive wooden houses and lifestyles.
Sayram Lake:The ‘Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic,’ cycling around the lake offers views of snow-capped mountain reflections and meadows filled with wildflowers, with lavender blooming along the lakeside in June-July.
Icon prefix: ✨【15-Day In-Depth Tour of All Xinjiang: An Epic Journey Across the Tianshan Mountains】✨Duoku Road:Spanning 561 kilometers, it connects Northern and Southern Xinjiang, with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and wetlands along the way. It is recommended to be open for 4 months each year (usually June-September), and road conditions should be confirmed in advance.
Kashgar Old Town:China’s most intact labyrinthine ancient town, with intersecting streets and alleys, earth-colored buildings and minarets forming a unique visual, offering experiences of traditional crafts and night market cuisine.
Pamir Plateau:With an average elevation exceeding 4,000 meters, attractions such as Muztagh Ata, Karakul Lake, and Baisha Lake form a magnificent picture of the ‘plateau highlands.’ A travel permit is required (can be applied for at the local police station in Kashgar).
Simple Itinerary
【Daily Key Arrangements】
Day 1:Assembly in Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi, check into the hotel, and acclimate to the time difference and climate.
Recommended Activities:Experience the ethnic customs at the International Bazaar and taste delicacies such as baked buns and hand-grabbed mutton.
Days 2-4:Northern Xinjiang Kanas Loop
Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (2-hour drive):Explore the alpine lake and snow-capped mountain meadows, taking a shuttle bus deep into the scenic area.
Heavenly Lake → Fuyun (4 hours):Pass through the Junggar Basin, enjoying the Gobi Desert scenery.
If you aspire to measure the vastness of Xinjiang in 15 days, traveling from the snow-capped mountains and grasslands of Northern Xinjiang to the desert ancient towns of Southern Xinjiang, from the flower fields of the Ili River Valley to the glaciers of the Pamir Plateau, this meticulously designed in-depth tour route will take you on a classic exploration spanning geography and culture. The itinerary covers core attractions such as Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Kanas, Sayram Lake, the Duoku Road, Kashgar Old Town, and the Taklimakan Desert, connecting Xinjiang’s most exquisite natural and cultural landscapes, suitable for travelers seeking an in-depth experience with ample time.Fuyun → Koktokay (1.5 hours):Visit the geological park and explore Mine No. 3 (Meritorious Mine).
Koktokay → Burqin (4 hours):Arrive in the evening and take a night tour of the Colorful Beach, enjoying the yardang landforms and the sunset over the Irtysh River.
Days 5-7:In-Depth Kanas Tour
Burqin → Kanas (3 hours):Transfer to a scenic area shuttle bus to explore Kanas Lake, Guanyu Platform, and hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay).
Kanas → Hemu (2 hours):Check into a Tuvan wooden house, ascend the Haden Platform in the evening for a panoramic view of the village, and watch the morning mist and cooking smoke the next day.
Hemu → Urho Devil City (6 hours):Cross the Gurbantunggut Desert and take an evening tour of the Devil City, photographing the yardang landforms at sunset.
Days 8-10:Ili River Valley and Duoku Road
Urho → Kuitun (3 hours):Rest and prepare for traversing the Duoku Road.
Kuitun → Northern Section of Duoku Road → Nalati (5 hours):Make stops at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery, arriving at Nalati Grassland to experience horseback riding or hiking on the aerial grassland.
Nalati → Bayanbulak (3 hours):Cross the middle section of the Duoku Road, explore the sunset at the Nine Curves Eighteen Bends, and enjoy the Swan Lake wetlands.
Days 11-13:Southern Xinjiang Culture and Desert Experience
Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or DestinationBayanbulak → Kuqa (6 hours):Cross the southern section of the Duoku Road, visit the Kuqa Grand Canyon and the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves to learn about Western Regions Buddhist art.
Kuqa → Aksu (3 hours):Pass through the Wensu Grand Canyon, photographing the red rock formations and canyon landscapes.
Aksu → Kashgar (by plane/train):Upon arrival in Kashgar, check into a hotel near the old town, take a night tour of the old town night market, and taste roasted pigeon and pot meat.
Day 14:Exploration of the Pamir Plateau
Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Tashkurgan (6 hours):Proceed along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (G314), making stops at lakes at the foot of Muztagh Ata, and visit the Stone City and Golden Meadow.
Activities in Tashkurgan:Experience home visits with local ethnic groups and photograph the Panlong Ancient Road (signboard: ‘Having traversed all the winding roads today, henceforth life will be nothing but smooth sailing’).
Day 15:Return from Kashgar
Tashkurgan → Kashgar (6 hours):Return to Kashgar, visit the Id Kah Mosque and the Xiangfei Garden, and purchase souvenirs such as Hotan jade and Yingjisha knives.
Disbandment in Kashgar:Transfer to the airport/station according to flight/train schedules.
Price Explanation
【Cost Composition and Range】
【Geographical Span and Landscape Diversity】Per capita reference price for a 15-day in-depth tour of all Xinjiang:8,500-11,000 yuan (excluding round-trip major transportation, subject to contract). Costs include:
Transportation:Full-trip tourist bus/commercial vehicle (including fuel, tolls, parking fees), with local off-road vehicles for the Duoku Road section.
Accommodation:14 nights in comfortable hotels or characteristic homestays (double standard rooms, including breakfast), with upgrades to 2 nights in wooden houses within scenic areas in Northern Xinjiang.
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary (Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati, Kuqa Grand Canyon, etc.) and shuttle buses.
Dining:14 main meals (group meals primarily, including specialties such as roast whole lamb, hand-grabbed rice, and big plate chicken), with other meals at own expense.
Services:Professional tour guide explanations, full-trip escort by a team leader, travel accident insurance, and emergency supplies (oxygen cylinders, medications).
【Price Fluctuation Explanation】
Off-peak and Peak Season Differences:Prices before June/after September are 20%-30% lower than summer vacation (July-August) prices, and the opening time of the Duoku Road affects costs in the Southern Xinjiang section.
Vehicle Selection:Per capita costs for a 7-seat commercial vehicle are 15%-20% higher than those for a 15-seat midibus, suitable for small group travel.
Policy Changes:Changes in scenic area admission tickets, traffic control, and other policies may lead to minor cost adjustments, subject to the contract at the time of signing.
Registration Method
Xinjiang accounts for one-sixth of China’s land area, with complex and diverse terrain, creating the wonder of ‘four seasons in one day and different skies every ten miles.’ The 15-day itinerary starts in Urumqi and unfolds along the three major geographical units of Northern, Eastern, and Southern Xinjiang: Registration can be done through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, providing information such as the number of travelers, dates, and preferences, confirming itinerary details and available spots before signing an electronic contract.
Cost Explanation and Service Explanation
【Costs Included】
Items explicitly listed such as full-trip transportation, accommodation, admission tickets, dining, tour guide services, and insurance.
【Costs Not Included】
Round-trip major transportation costs to Urumqi (airfare/train tickets).
Personal expenses (horseback riding, electric carts, souvenirs, etc.), (efforts will be made to coordinate room sharing for single registrants, special circumstances require negotiation).
【Service Standards】
Vehicles:Disinfected daily, equipped with first aid kits, mineral water, and charging devices; drivers hold formal tourist passenger transport qualifications and must not leave their posts or recommend consumption during the itinerary.
Accommodation:Urban hotels are fully equipped, and scenic area homestays are close to nature, with priority given to consecutive stays to minimize luggage handling.
Emergency Response:Familiar with road conditions and weather change patterns in Xinjiang, with advance planning of alternative plans (e.g., taking the Hejing direction if the Duoku Road is closed).
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. In case of uncontrollable factors such as scenic area openings, road conditions, or weather during the itinerary, both parties may reasonably adjust the tour order through mutual agreement.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.

