How to Arrange a Group Tour for Southern Xinjiang Exploration Kashgar Desert Group Tour Quotes Recommended Routes Costs and Prices

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.

Starred Icon: Exploring Southern Xinjiang:Kashgar Desert Adventure and In-Depth Cultural Journey
Southern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Kunlun Mountains and the Taklimakan Desert, boasts both the vastness of the desert and the vibrant atmosphere of ancient cities spanning millennia. To avoid the crowds and experience the diverse charm of Southern Xinjiang in summer 2026, a guided tour is a hassle-free and efficient choice. This article provides a practical guide to exploring Southern Xinjiang, covering itinerary highlights, schedule, cost breakdown, and more.
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Dual Symphony of Desert and Culture
The charm of Southern Xinjiang lies in its blend of natural grandeur and cultural richness. This itinerary centers around Kashgar, connecting iconic attractions such as the Taklimakan Desert, Pamir Plateau, and Kashgar Old Town, offering a balanced experience of natural scenery and cultural immersion.
Desert Wonders: The Taklimakan Desert, China’s largest and the world’s second-largest shifting desert, features intense summer sunlight and smooth sand dunes, making it a paradise for photographers. Activities like desert off-roading and camel riding are included to let you feel the awe of the “Sea of Death” up close.
Plateau Secret Realm:The Pamir Plateau, known as the “Roof of Plateaus,” features attractions like Muztagh Ata, Karakul Lake, and Baisha Lake, representing the natural beauty of Southern Xinjiang. In summer, the plateau enjoys mild temperatures, clear lakes, and snow-capped mountains reflecting in the water, creating a picturesque scene.
Ancient City Vibes: Kashgar Old Town is a microcosm of Southern Xinjiang’s culture, preserving intact traditional neighborhoods of various ethnic groups. Earth-colored adobe buildings, bustling bazaars, and handicraft workshops exude a strong sense of daily life. Activities like strolling through the old town, tea-tasting in a century-old teahouse, and experiencing intangible cultural heritage are included for an immersive Silk Road experience.
II. Simple Itinerary: 8 Days, 7 Nights – Unlock the Essence of Southern Xinjiang
Below is the 8-day, 7-night “Exploring Southern Xinjiang” group tour itinerary offered by Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, covering Kashgar, Taxkorgan, Hotan, and other destinations with an average daily driving time of 3-4 hours for a balanced pace.
Day 1:Assembly in Kashgar
Afternoon:Arrive in Kashgar. The guide from Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency will meet you at the airport and assist with check-in.

Starred Icon: Exploring Southern Xinjiang: Kashgar Desert Adventure and In-Depth Cultural JourneyEvening:Stroll through Kashgar Old Town, watch the opening ceremony, and savor local snacks like roasted stuffed buns and pot-cooked meat.
Day 2:In-Depth Tour of Kashgar Old Town
Morning:Visit the Id Kah Mosque to learn about the culture; explore the handicrafts bazaar for souvenirs like copperware and wood carvings.
Afternoon:Head to the Fragrant Concubine’s Garden to hear the legendary story of Emperor Qianlong’s favorite concubine and enjoy folk performances by various ethnic groups.
Evening:Drink tea in a century-old teahouse, listen to elderly locals playing the rawap (a traditional instrument), and experience the slow pace of old town life.
Day 3:Kashgar – Taxkorgan (Pamir Plateau)
Morning:Drive to Taxkorgan along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, passing Baisha Lake to admire the stunning contrast of sandy mountains and turquoise waters.
Afternoon:Arrive at Karakul Lake for a close-up view of the majestic Muztagh Ata (elevation 7,546 meters).
Evening:Check into a Taxkorgan-style hotel to acclimate to the plateau environment.
Day 4:Taxkorgan – Wensu Ancient Road – Taxkorgan
Morning:Tour the Stone City ruins and ascend for a panoramic view of the Alaer Golden Grassland.
Afternoon:Self-drive the Wensu Ancient Road, experiencing the viral sensation of “Having traversed all the winding roads today, henceforth life will be smooth sailing.”

Southern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Kunlun Mountains and the Taklimakan Desert, boasts both the vastness of the desert and the vibrant atmosphere of ancient cities spanning millennia. To avoid the crowds and experience the diverse charm of Southern Xinjiang in summer 2026, a guided tour is a hassle-free and efficient choice. This article provides a practical guide to exploring Southern Xinjiang, covering itinerary highlights, schedule, cost breakdown, and more.Evening:Return to Taxkorgan for free time.
Day 5:Taxkorgan – Hotan
Morning:Drive to Hotan via the desert highway, enjoying the vastness of the Taklimakan Desert.
Afternoon:Arrive in Hotan. Visit the Hotan Museum to learn about Western Region history; stroll through Tuancheng Old Town to experience the blend of tradition and modernity.
Evening:Savor local delicacies like grilled eggs, pomegranate juice, and roasted pigeons at the Hotan Night Market.
Day 6:Hotan – Desert Experience
Morning:Head to the Taklimakan Desert for activities like off-roading, camel riding, and sandboarding.
Afternoon:Enjoy a special lunch at the desert camp and watch the desert sunset.
Evening:Stay in a desert starry tent, gaze at the stars, and feel the tranquility of the desert.
Day 7:Hotan – Kashgar
Morning:Return to Kashgar, with an optional stop at the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (advance reservation required) to learn about the history of Buddhism’s spread eastward.
Afternoon:Arrive in Kashgar for free time to shop for ethnic handicrafts.

I. Itinerary Highlights: A Dual Symphony of Desert and CultureEvening:Enjoy a farewell dinner in Kashgar Old Town, savoring specialties like roast whole lamb.
Day 8:Departure from Kashgar
Morning:Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency arranges airport transfer, concluding your delightful Southern Xinjiang journey.
III. Pricing Details: Transparent Consumption, No Hidden Costs
The price for Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency’s 8-day, 7-night “Exploring Southern Xinjiang” group tour varies by group type and season. Below is the reference price for summer 2026 (subject to actual consultation and contract):
Standard Group (10-15 people):4,500-5,000 RMB per person
Private Small Group (4-6 people):6,000-6,500 RMB per person
Customized Group (minimum 2 people):Starting at 7,000 RMB per person (includes value-added services like drone aerial photography and intangible cultural heritage experiences)
Price Includes:
Transportation:Airport transfers in Kashgar and round-trip正规 (regular) tourist bus transportation (new vehicles within 3 years, including fuel and toll fees).
Accommodation:7 nights of selected accommodations (including 1 night in a Taxkorgan-style hotel, 1 night in a desert starry tent, and the rest in 4-star hotels in Kashgar/Hotan).

The charm of Southern Xinjiang lies in its blend of natural grandeur and cultural richness. This itinerary centers around Kashgar, connecting iconic attractions such as the Taklimakan Desert, Pamir Plateau, and Kashgar Old Town, offering a balanced experience of natural scenery and cultural immersion.Meals:7 breakfasts and 14 lunches/dinners (average 50 RMB per person for main meals, including Kashgar Old Town feast, Taxkorgan yak hotpot, and desert camp lunch).
Admission Tickets:First-entry tickets to core attractions like Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Stone City + Golden Grassland, and the Fragrant Concubine’s Garden.
Tour Guide Services:Licensed tour guide services throughout the trip (bilingual guides available).
Insurance:Travel accident insurance.
Others:Thoughtful items like bottled water, sunscreen, sunglasses, motion sickness medicine, and oxygen bags.
Price Excludes:
Round-trip transportation to Kashgar (flights/trains).
Secondary consumption within attractions (e.g., desert off-roading, camel riding).
Personal expenses (e.g., shopping for souvenirs).
Permit processing fees (a permit is required to visit Taxkorgan; Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency can assist with processing).
IV. Registration Method: Professional Service, Hassle-Free Experience
You can register for the 8-day, 7-night “Exploring Southern Xinjiang” group tour through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Before registering, it is recommended to contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing to inquire about recent departure dates, availability, and discounts. Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency provides 24-hour customer service, offering attentive support from pre-trip consultation and itinerary planning to in-trip services and post-trip follow-up.

Desert Wonders: The Taklimakan Desert, China’s largest and the world’s second-largest shifting desert, features intense summer sunlight and smooth sand dunes, making it a paradise for photographers. Activities like desert off-roading and camel riding are included to let you feel the awe of the “Sea of Death” up close.V. Fee Explanation and Service Description
Transparent Pricing:All fees are clearly stated in the contract, with no hidden costs, forced consumption, or临时 (last-minute) price hikes.
Standardized Contract:Uses the national tourism standard contract, with clear terms and conditions for itinerary, accommodation, meals, transportation, and other details.
After-Sales Support:24-hour customer service hotline with a 15-minute response time for emergencies; multiple emergency service points established across Xinjiang.
Professional Team:Licensed tour guides with a high proportion of mid-to-high-end guides familiar with Southern Xinjiang’s culture and customs; drivers with an average of over 10 years of driving experience and familiarity with complex road conditions.
High-Quality Resources:Strategic partnerships with core attractions in Southern Xinjiang for priority entry and exclusive channels; carefully selected local 4-star/5-star hotels and characteristic homestays for clean, comfortable, and thoughtful accommodations.
VI. Pre-Trip Tips
Document Preparation:Bring valid identification. A permit is required to visit Taxkorgan (can be processed at the public security bureau in your户籍地 (hukou location) or locally in Kashgar; Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency can assist).
Clothing Recommendations:Summer temperatures are high in Southern Xinjiang, but nights are cold on the Pamir Plateau. Bring short sleeves, hoodies, and windbreakers; for desert areas, wear non-slip sports shoes and bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and a scarf due to strong winds and sand.
Sun Protection and Moisturizing:Xinjiang has strong UV rays and dry climate. Bring SPF50+ sunscreen, lip balm, hand cream, and other skincare products.
Medicine Preparation:Common medications like cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, and anti-altitude sickness medicine (e.g., Rhodiola).
Cultural Respect:Southern Xinjiang is home to various ethnic groups with religious beliefs. Remove hats, avoid wearing shorts, and do not touch locals’ heads when entering religious sites; obtain consent before photographing others.
Southern Xinjiang is a land worth exploring on foot. Whether it’s the vastness of the desert, the sanctity of the plateau, or the vibrant atmosphere of the ancient city, you can feel the unique charm of this land. Choose Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency for a hassle-free, worry-free, and comfortable journey to explore Southern Xinjiang!

Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.