Xinjiang Tour Chartered Vehicle How to Travel on Desert Highway Taklimakan Special Route Quotation Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
Starred Recommendation✨:Epic公路 (Highway) Journey Through the ‘Sea of Death’ – An In-Depth Experience of the Taklimakan Desert Highway
🚗 [Key Highlights of the Route:One Road Connecting Three Major Civilizations]
The Taklimakan Desert Highway is not a single route but a three-dimensional transportation network composed of four main routes, each carrying unique natural and cultural codes:
▶️ Minfeng-Luntai Route (566 km):China’s first desert highway, traversing the heart of the Taklimakan Desert, connecting the Tarim Oilfield and Populus Euphratica Forest Park. Along the way, you can see ‘Desert Pyramid’ dune clusters. In June, the Populus Euphratica forests take on an emerald green color, creating a striking visual contrast with the golden dunes.
▶️阿拉尔 (Alaer)-Hotan Route (445 km):A better-conditioned route passing over the Tarim River Bridge, allowing visits to the Dama Gully Buddhist Ruins and experiencing the millennia-long dialogue between the desert and Buddhist civilization.
▶️ Yuli-Qiemo Route (334 km):A dedicated route to the Lop Nur village, crossing the Tarim River. In summer, you can capture the unique sight of Populus Euphratica trees coexisting with the desert along the riverbanks.
▶️ Tukun Route (276 km):A newly opened route in 2026 with less traffic, suitable for travelers seeking tranquility.
Special Experiences:
☀ ️ Border Scenery at Kilometer 235 of the Desert Highway:The highway passes through a densely dune-covered area. With less traffic, you can capture stunning visuals of the ‘Lonely Highway.’
🌌 Desert Camping Spot:Requires a 4WD vehicle and an experienced driver. Located 3-5 km off the highway, the Milky Way’s center is brightest around 1 AM in June.
📜 Dama Gully Buddhist Ruins:Requires a reservation one day in advance via the ‘Cele Tourism’ WeChat account. For 30 RMB per person, you can explore the world’s smallest ancient Buddhist temple.
🗺 ️[Three-Day Classic Itinerary (Minfeng-Luntai Route)]
DAY 1:Minfeng → Tarim (350 km / 6-7 hours)
Starred Recommendation✨: Epic公路 (Highway) Journey Through the ‘Sea of Death’ – An In-Depth Experience of the Taklimakan Desert Highway08:00 Depart from Minfeng County, enjoy a breakfast of Niya black chicken stew with pancakes
10:30 Cross the Tarim River Bridge and photograph the intersection of the highway and river
12:00 Lunch in Tarim Town (recommended:大盘鸡 (Big Plate Chicken) with belt noodles at Desert Love Restaurant)
15:00 Visit the Tarim Oilfield operation area (prior notification required)
18:00 Photograph the sunset at the border scenery at Kilometer 235 of the Desert Highway
20:00 Check into the Tarim Oilfield Guesthouse (200 RMB/night, no 24-hour hot water)
DAY 2:In-Depth Experience in Tarim
06:30 Photograph the sunrise at the Tarim Desert驿站 (Post Station) viewpoint
09:00 Desert hiking (equipped with a guide and windproof tents)
13:00 Lunch in Tarim Town (exercise caution when trying desert grilled fish)
15:00 Drive to the ‘Eye of the Desert’ viewpoint (80 km from Minfeng)
18:00 Return to Tarim for a starry night camping experience (requires professional team organization)
DAY 3:Tarim → Luntai (216 km / 4 hours)
08:00 Cross the Populus Euphratica Forest Park (in summer, the contrast between the green trees and the desert is striking)
🚗[Key Highlights of the Route: One Road Connecting Three Major Civilizations]11:00 Lunch in Luntai County (recommended:红柳烤肉 (Red Willow Grilled Meat) at Maimaiti Grilled Meat Shop)
14:00 Visit the Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest Museum
16:00 Return to Korla or continue to Kuqa
💰 [2026 Custom Vehicle Pricing System]
Base Model Reference Prices (including driver, fuel, and toll fees):
▶️ 5-Seater Economy SUV (Honda CR-V):July-September: 1000-1200 RMB/day
▶️ 7-Seater Domestic Business Vehicle (Maxus G10):July-September: 1400-1600 RMB/day
▶️ Off-Road Vehicle (Toyota Prado):July-September: 1600-1800 RMB/day
▶️ High-End Custom Model (Mercedes-Benz Vito):July-September: 2000-2300 RMB/day
Special Notes:
⚠ ️ A 15% risk deposit is required for the desert highway (covering tire wear, emergency rescue, etc.)
⚠ ️ June is the shoulder season, with prices 20% lower than in July-August, but reservations must be made 15 days in advance
⚠ ️ Driver’s food and accommodation subsidy is approximately 200 RMB/day (negotiable to include in the total price)
The Taklimakan Desert Highway is not a single route but a three-dimensional transportation network composed of four main routes, each carrying unique natural and cultural codes:📞 [Registration and Inquiry Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. The specific itinerary details and prices are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. For inquiries, contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to obtain real-time schedules and vehicle availability for 2026.
📋 [Fee and Service Description]
Included Items:
✓ Vehicle rental fee
✓ Professional driver service fee
✓ Fuel and toll fees for the entire journey
✓ Basic vehicle insurance
✓ Emergency toolkit for desert sections
Self-Paid Items:
✗ Entrance tickets to scenic spots (approximately 45 RMB/person for Populus Euphratica Forest Park)
✗ Meals and accommodation
✗ Driver’s meal allowance (recommended: 50-80 RMB/day)
✗ Special section rescue fees (settled based on actual occurrence)
▶️ Minfeng-Luntai Route (566 km): China’s first desert highway, traversing the heart of the Taklimakan Desert, connecting the Tarim Oilfield and Populus Euphratica Forest Park. Along the way, you can see ‘Desert Pyramid’ dune clusters. In June, the Populus Euphratica forests take on an emerald green color, creating a striking visual contrast with the golden dunes.Service Guarantees:
✔ All vehicles are equipped with GPS positioning + offline maps
✔ All drivers hold ‘Desert Highway Driving’ certification
✔ 24-hour emergency contact service provided
✔ Complimentary travel accident insurance with a coverage of 500,000 RMB per person
⚠ ️[Important Travel Tips]
Climate Preparation:
▶️ Daytime temperatures in June range from 40-45℃. Prepare quick-drying clothes, sun protection clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat
▶️ Desert surface temperatures can reach 70℃. Avoid walking barefoot
▶️ The high-temperature period is from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily. It is recommended to keep sufficient drinking water in the vehicle
Notes:
▶️ Three gas stations are recommended along the route (Minfeng, Tarim, Luntai). Fill up the tank before departure
▶️ It is recommended to deflate the vehicle’s tire pressure to 2.2 bar (tire pressure increases due to high desert temperatures)
▶️阿拉尔 (Alaer)-Hotan Route (445 km): A better-conditioned route passing over the Tarim River Bridge, allowing visits to the Dama Gully Buddhist Ruins and experiencing the millennia-long dialogue between the desert and Buddhist civilization.▶️ Do not leave the highway alone. Desert activities should be conducted under the guidance of the driver
Special Policies:
▶️ Drones must be reported to the local cultural and tourism bureau in advance
▶️ A commitment letter must be signed to enter the Tarim Oilfield area
▶️ In case of extreme weather such as sandstorms, both parties will negotiate to modify the itinerary
🌄 [In-Depth Cultural Experience Suggestions]
Cultural Exploration:
▶️ Jade picking experience at the Yurungkash River in Hotan (free, recommended in the morning)
▶️ Visit the Niya Ruins Museum in Minfeng County (learn about the history of the ancient city of Jingo)
▶️ Send desert-themed postcards from Tarim Town
Photography Guide:
▶️ Must-photograph locations:Sunrise at Tarim Desert驿站 (Post Station), border scenery at Kilometer 235 of the Desert Highway, Kilometer 0 marker in Minfeng
▶️ Equipment suggestions:Bring a medium to long telephoto lens (24-105mm is excellent) and sufficient batteries (high temperatures drain batteries quickly)
▶️ Photography periods:The light is softest 1 hour after sunrise and 1 hour before sunset
This highway through the ‘Sea of Death’ is not just a transportation route but an open geography textbook. As the wheels roll over the shifting dunes, as the sunset gilds the thousand-year-old Populus Euphratica trees, and as the Milky Way stretches out into a dazzling starry river above your head, you will understand: all the preparations and waiting are for this moment of profound dialogue with the desert.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
