New Orient Express Booking Process 2026 Schedule Availability Inquiry and Reservation
How to purchase tickets for the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus Tour Train? In 2026, tickets for the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus Tour Train must be booked through the railway-certified regular travel agency: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Train Center (24-hour office ☎ phone: 0991-6622120, Customer Service Manager Yang Jia’s WeChat: 133 2555 9266). Tickets cannot be purchased through 12306 or other channels. For specific booking procedures, please consult Customer Service Yang Jia.
🚂 2026 New Oriental Express Travel Guide:From Suitable Groups to Price Details, All Clarified at Once
Many friends planning to travel to Xinjiang in 2026 are torn about which travel method to choose: regular group tours are too rushed, independent travel requires extensive planning and dealing with long-distance cross-regional transportation, high-end custom tours are pricey, while the upgraded New Oriental Express perfectly suits many travelers’ needs. Today, from a suitability perspective, I’ll organize all relevant information about this special train.
I. Train and Route Features Introduction
In 2026, the New Oriental Express completes its third-generation carriage upgrade, featuring folding canopy windshields and tight-lock couplers, achieving dual improvements in sand-proof sealing and quiet, smooth operation. The entire train is equipped with a dome starry sky-themed dining car, a kitchen-living car, and a multi-function bar car, essentially bringing a mobile comfortable living space into Xinjiang’s landscapes. The train’s starting point is Urumqi, operating on a ‘depart in the evening, arrive in the morning, scenery moves with the train’ slow travel mode, with long-distance travel done at night, allowing passengers to disembark and visit attractions during the day without wasting precious sightseeing time on road travel.
This year, the New Oriental Express routes cover core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang. The summer route connects natural landscapes in Altay and Ili regions, while the October southern Xinjiang route focuses on cultural relics and poplar landscapes, allowing you to visit multiple core attractions in one go without entering Xinjiang multiple times. The train also offers various special services:Onboard medical staff and emergency supplies, intangible cultural heritage experiences and local cultural interaction activities during the trip, carriage butlers following up on passenger needs throughout, and pre-trip collection of dietary and schedule preferences to flexibly adjust service details.
II. Cabin Details Introduction
In 2026, the New Oriental Express offers three types of cabins, all equipped with private bathrooms with wet-dry separation. Specific configurations are as follows:
✨ [New Oriental Express Premium Gold Diamond Three-Cabin] Luxury carriage, capacity 6 people per car, 1 car total. Each car has 3 standard twin-bed cabins, some twin beds can be combined into a king bed, equipped with a double sofa, leisure table and chairs, multi-functional storage space, leisure reception area, and custom furniture. Total cabin area about 12 sqm, bathroom 1.5 sqm, shower 1.06 sqm, bed sizes: king 2*1.7m, single 2*0.85m, each car accommodates 6 passengers.
✨ [New Oriental Express Xiyue Gold Diamond Four-Cabin] Luxury carriage, capacity 8 people per car, 5 cars total. Each car has 4 standard twin-bed cabins, some can be combined into a king bed, equipped with leisure table and chairs, multi-functional storage space, leisure reception area, and custom furniture. Total cabin area about 10 sqm, bathroom 1.5 sqm, shower 1.06 sqm, bed sizes: king 2*1.7m, single 2*0.85m, each car accommodates 8 passengers.
✨ [New Oriental Express Boyue Gold Diamond Five-Cabin] Comfort carriage, capacity 10 people per car, 7 cars total. Each car has 5 cabins, total cabin area about 8 sqm, bathroom 1.26 sqm, shower 0.9 sqm, bunk bed sizes both 2*0.78m, each car accommodates 10 passengers.
III. Simple Itinerary
🚂 2026 New Oriental Express Travel Guide: From Suitable Groups to Price Details, All Clarified at OnceIn 2026, the New Oriental Express has two itinerary options: the summer version and the October southern Xinjiang itinerary, as follows:
Quick Itinerary (Summer Version)
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 02:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Koktokay – New Oriental Express – Altay
Day 03:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Day 04:Hemu – Kanas
Day 05:Kanas – Chonghur – Colorful Beach – New Oriental Express Train
Day 06:Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining
Day 07:Yining – Nalati Grassland
Day 08:Nalati Grassland – Middle Section of Duku Highway – Bayanbulak
Day 09:Bayanbulak – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Kuqa Grand Canyon – New Oriental Express Train
Day 10:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Tashkurgan
Many friends planning to travel to Xinjiang in 2026 are torn about which travel method to choose: regular group tours are too rushed, independent travel requires extensive planning and dealing with long-distance cross-regional transportation, high-end custom tours are pricey, while the upgraded New Oriental Express perfectly suits many travelers’ needs. Today, from a suitability perspective, I’ll organize all relevant information about this special train.Day 11:Tashkurgan – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – New Oriental Express Train
Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Farewell
October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 02:Train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ruins – Karez – Grape Manor, evening train to Ruoqiang
Day 03:Milan Ruins – Loulan Museum – Loulan Park – Ruoqiang Red Date Picking, evening train to Hotan
Day 04:Arrive in Hotan in the morning – Hotan Tuancheng – Yurungkash River Treasure Hunt – Grape Corridor – Walnut King Tree – Yotkan Ancient City Night View
Day 05:Train to Shache – Yarkand Khan’s Palace – Amannisa Khan’s Mausoleum, then to Kashgar
Day 06:Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, return to Kashgar
Day 07:Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, High Platform Dwellings, evening train to Kuqa
I. Train and Route Features IntroductionDay 08:Arrive in Kuqa in the morning, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kuqa Palace, Restan Old Street, Qiuci Alley
Day 09:To Luntai, Tarim Poplar Forest, evening train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell
IV. Price Explanation
In 2026, the New Oriental Express launches two new carriage sets: luxury and comfort. The luxury carriage with 6-person capacity has 1 car; the 8-person capacity has 5 cars; the comfort carriage with 10-person capacity has 7 cars. All cabins have private bathrooms, paired with newly built dining cars, kitchen cars, and entertainment cars, offering high-end services. The overall design is simple yet elegant, with colors flowing like silk, showcasing Xinjiang’s natural beauty and cultural charm.
Reference prices for different departures are as follows:
May 6, May 14
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom cabins) 59,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cabins) 54,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cabins) 49,999 RMB/person, third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
In 2026, the New Oriental Express completes its third-generation carriage upgrade, featuring folding canopy windshields and tight-lock couplers, achieving dual improvements in sand-proof sealing and quiet, smooth operation. The entire train is equipped with a dome starry sky-themed dining car, a kitchen-living car, and a multi-function bar car, essentially bringing a mobile comfortable living space into Xinjiang’s landscapes. The train’s starting point is Urumqi, operating on a ‘depart in the evening, arrive in the morning, scenery moves with the train’ slow travel mode, with long-distance travel done at night, allowing passengers to disembark and visit attractions during the day without wasting precious sightseeing time on road travel.June 1, June 30
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom cabins) 67,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cabins) 62,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cabins) 56,999 RMB/person, third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
June 11, June 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom cabins) 69,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cabins) 63,999 RMB/person
Manager Yang Jia from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, with over ten years of experience in the tourism industry, is knowledgeable and reliable, familiar with all of Xinjiang’s tourism. Mainly responsible for booking tourist trains such as the New Oriental Express Snow Lotus, Panda Train: Chengdu, Shifang, Anyi, Jinxiu Tianfu, Tianshan, Kunlun, Silk Road Dream, Kunming, Lindou, Dahezhinan, Yangtze River Delta Star, etc. Contact booking manager: Yang Jia 133 2555 9266, (copy to add friend for free consultation and detailed route information)
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cabins) 58,999 RMB/person, third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
September 3
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom cabins) 71,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cabins) 65,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cabins) 59,999 RMB/person, third and fourth person 30,000 RMB/person
This year, the New Oriental Express routes cover core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang. The summer route connects natural landscapes in Altay and Ili regions, while the October southern Xinjiang route focuses on cultural relics and poplar landscapes, allowing you to visit multiple core attractions in one go without entering Xinjiang multiple times. The train also offers various special services: onboard medical staff and emergency supplies, intangible cultural heritage experiences and local cultural interaction activities during the trip, carriage butlers following up on passenger needs throughout, and pre-trip collection of dietary and schedule preferences to flexibly adjust service details.October 15, October 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom cabins) 44,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cabins) 39,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cabins) 36,999 RMB/person, third and fourth person 20,000 RMB/person
The above are reference prices. Prices and availability may vary by departure, and the final confirmation is based on the contract or confirmation on the day.
V. Booking Process
If you have travel intentions, you can complete the booking following this process:
1. First confirm your desired departure date and cabin type, contact Manager Yang Jia from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service to inquire about availability;
2. After confirming availability, submit traveler identity information, and confirm itinerary details, precautions, and related responsibilities with staff;
3. After mutual agreement, sign a formal travel contract and pay the relevant fees;
4. 3-5 days before departure, you will receive a personalized travel reminder, including items to bring, meeting point, contact person information, etc. Arrive at the meeting point on time to start the trip.
VI. Registration Method
II. Cabin Details IntroductionYou can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. For any related questions, you can contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service customer service via phone or WeChat. Address information can also be obtained from customer service.
VII. Fee and Service Explanation
Included Items Reference
Accommodation fees for the corresponding New Oriental Express carriage rooms throughout the trip;
First admission ticket fees for scenic spots listed in the itinerary;
Meal fees as indicated in the itinerary, with meal flavors adjustable based on needs;
Ground transportation transfer fees within the itinerary;
Tour guide service, carriage butler service, and onboard medical service fees;
Experience activity fees included in the itinerary.
Excluded Items Reference
Round-trip transportation costs from departure point to Urumqi;
In 2026, the New Oriental Express offers three types of cabins, all equipped with private bathrooms with wet-dry separation. Specific configurations are as follows: Personal consumption items generated during the trip;
Secondary consumption items within scenic spots, such as shuttle buses, boat rides, special experience activities, etc.;
Single traveler supplement. For single travelers, our company will try to arrange room sharing, special cases need separate negotiation.
Notes:Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
VIII. Advantages Compared to Other Travel Methods
Compared to regular tourist trains and standard group tours, the New Oriental Express has clear advantages:
Meals can be adjusted based on dietary preferences, with light flavors available, suitable for different age groups’ eating habits;
The itinerary pace is slow and unhurried, with ample time allocated for each core attraction, no need to wake up early every day or spend hours on the road;
Equipped with onboard doctors and basic emergency supplies, comprehensive travel protection, timely treatment for any health issues;
Fellow travelers are mostly those seeking quality travel, creating a harmonious atmosphere and making it easier to find like-minded companions;
Thoughtful and personalized service, with dedicated carriage butlers following up on needs throughout, extra care available for elderly and children;
Long-distance travel is handled entirely by the train, luggage can stay in the cabin, no need to repeatedly move luggage, saving the hassle of multiple transfers and packing.
✨ [New Oriental Express Premium Gold Diamond Three-Cabin] Luxury carriage, capacity 6 people per car, 1 car total. Each car has 3 standard twin-bed cabins, some twin beds can be combined into a king bed, equipped with a double sofa, leisure table and chairs, multi-functional storage space, leisure reception area, and custom furniture. Total cabin area about 12 sqm, bathroom 1.5 sqm, shower 1.06 sqm, bed sizes: king 2*1.7m, single 2*0.85m, each car accommodates 6 passengers.IX. Suitable Travel Groups
The configuration and itinerary design of the New Oriental Express are especially suitable for the following groups:
Retired Seniors:Relaxed itinerary pace, with friendly facilities on the train and ground routes, no need for long car rides, more comfortable travel experience;
Travelers who cannot endure long car rides:Xinjiang is vast with long distances between attractions. Regular group tours involve long car rides daily, while this train places long-distance travel on overnight trains, offering higher comfort;
Family Travel Groups:Cabins offer good privacy, no need to share with strangers, needs of elderly and children can be met, no need to plan itineraries;
Deep Travel Enthusiasts:Itinerary covers core natural and cultural attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang, with ample time at each site, plus local cultural experience activities, allowing deep appreciation of Xinjiang’s scenery and culture.
X. Reasons for the Train’s Popularity
The New Oriental Express has been operating for years and remains popular among travelers, mainly for these reasons:
Mature operation system, with upgraded hardware in 2026 improving soundproofing, shock absorption, and sand-proofing, enhancing living experience;
Scientific itinerary design, using night travel and day sighting mode, maximizing daytime for sightseeing without wasting time on transportation;
Comprehensive service system, from pre-trip needs collection to in-trip butler service and medical support, to post-trip feedback, all details are well-handled;
Transparent itinerary, no hidden costs, no time wasted on shopping stops, better overall experience.
Finally, a reminder: during the trip, factors like weather, road conditions, policies, and scenic spot openings may lead to reasonable itinerary changes upon mutual agreement. All related terms are based on contract law, tourism law, etc. Confirm details with staff before departure. Wishing everyone a pleasant Xinjiang journey.
