2026 Xinjiang Private Car Tour How to Customize Your Itinerary 7 Day North and South Xinjiang Highlights Route Sharing

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency’s senior Xinjiang travel customizer Guo Jing specializes in comprehensive Xinjiang customized car rentals, carpooling, and worry-free group tours for one-stop travel services. Whether traveling alone, with family, or with friends, we can match you with a suitable travel plan. 24-hour travel consultation hotline: 0991-8585456, same number on WeChat: 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to plan your Xinjiang trip.
🗺️ Planning a 12-day long tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, the most perplexing aspect is undoubtedly the budget. Especially when choosing private customized car rentals, ‘How much will it cost per person?’ becomes a top concern.
This guide will break down the cost structure of a 12-day customized car rental tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in detail, and using a ‘total cost equally divided’ method, help you clearly understand the expenses for different group sizes.
🏞 ️ Route Overview:12-Day Northern and Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop
This is a classic grand loop of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, with no backtracking, covering snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, deserts, and ancient cities. The itinerary framework is as follows:
Northern Xinjiang Scenery:Kanas, Hemu, Colorful Beach, Urho Devil City, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak, Duku Highway Northern Section.
Southern Xinjiang Charm:Kuche Grand Canyon, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Kashgar Old City, Pamir Plateau (Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata Peak).
📌 Itinerary Notes
Duku Highway:Usually open from June to September, specific traffic conditions subject to annual announcements. In case of traffic control, the itinerary will be adjusted through consultation.
High Altitude Areas:A travel permit is required to visit the Pamir Plateau, so it’s recommended to prepare in advance. Specific application requirements are subject to local policies.
🗓 ️ 12-Day Itinerary Reference
The following is the itinerary framework; specific arrangements can be negotiated with the travel agency based on your needs.
D1:Arrival in Urumqi
Free time upon arrival to acclimate to the climate. You can visit the International Grand Bazaar to experience local culture.
D2:Urumqi → Burqin/Beitun
Travel north along the highway, enjoying the Gobi scenery. Arrive in the evening and explore the Burqin night market, tasting cold-water fish.
D3:Burqin → Kanas Scenic Area
Enter the Altai Mountains and visit Kanas Lake and the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay).

🗺️ Planning a 12-day long tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, the most perplexing aspect is undoubtedly the budget. Especially when choosing private customized car rentals, ‘How much will it cost per person?’ becomes a top concern.D4:Kanas → Hemu
In the morning, you can climb the Fish Viewing Pavilion to overlook the lake (weather permitting). In the afternoon, head to Hemu Village to enjoy the Tuva village scenery.
D5:Hemu → Colorful Beach → Burqin/Beitun
Watch the sunrise and morning mist in Hemu (weather permitting). On the way back, visit Colorful Beach to enjoy the sunset over the Yadan landform and river confluence.
D6:Burqin/Beitun → Urho Devil City → Kuytun/Jinghe
Cross the Junggar Basin, visit Urho Devil City, and experience the grandeur of the Yadan landform.
D7:Kuytun/Jinghe → Sayram Lake → Yining
Enter the Ili River Valley, visit Sayram Lake, known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean.’ Arrive in Yining in the evening and explore the Kazanqi Folk Street.
D8:Yining → Nalati Grassland
Head to the ‘Sky Grassland’ Nalati, enjoying the tapestry of river valleys, grasslands, and snow-capped mountains. You can choose horseback riding, hiking, or taking a sightseeing car based on your fitness.
D9:Nalati → Bayanbulak
Depending on the opening of the Duku Highway, travel via the northern or central section to Bayanbulak, enjoying the sunset at the ‘Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns’ (weather permitting).
D10:Bayanbulak → Kuche
Continue along the southern section of the Duku Highway, experiencing the wonderful change of ‘four seasons in one day.’ Along the way, you can view alpine lakes like Big and Small Dragon Pools. Upon arrival, visit Kuche Grand Canyon.
D11:Kuche → Kashgar
Travel westward along the southern edge of the Tarim Basin, arriving in Kashgar. In the afternoon, explore Kashgar Old City and feel the vibrant local atmosphere.
D12:Kashgar → Pamir Plateau → Kashgar
Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to the Pamir Plateau, visit Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, and get a distant view of ‘the Father of Glaciers,’ Muztagh Ata Peak. Return to Kashgar in the evening, concluding the trip.

This guide will break down the cost structure of a 12-day customized car rental tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in detail, and using a ‘total cost equally divided’ method, help you clearly understand the expenses for different group sizes.💰 Estimated Per Person Cost for 12 Days
The following estimates are based on 2026 market reference prices and do not include your round-trip transportation to Xinjiang.
1. Customized Car Rental and Driver Fees
This is one of the core costs of a customized tour. Below are reference daily rental prices for different vehicle types (including driver salary, fuel, tolls, and basic insurance):
| Vehicle Type | Reference Daily Rental Price (Peak Season June-August) |
| :— | :— |
| 7-Seat Minivan | 1500–2200 RMB/day |
| 9–19 Seat Minivan/Midibus | 1800–3000 RMB/day |
| 20–35 Seat Midibus | 2200–3500 RMB/day |
| 35–55 Seat Coach | 2500–4500 RMB/day |
💡 Driver Meals and Accommodation
Some quotes include this, while others require separate payment. The reference standard is 200–300 RMB/day/person.
It is recommended to specify this in the contract to avoid disputes.
📊 Per Person Car Rental Calculation (Using a 12-Day Itinerary as an Example)
Assuming a moderate total mileage for the 12-day itinerary, a peak season 7-seat minivan daily rental at the midpoint of 1800 RMB, and driver meals and accommodation at 300 RMB/day (this cost is usually shared by tourists):
Total Vehicle Cost:1800 RMB/day × 12 days = 21,600 RMB
Total Driver Meals and Accommodation Cost:300 RMB/day × 12 days = 3,600 RMB

🏞️ Route Overview: 12-Day Northern and Southern Xinjiang Grand LoopTotal Car Rental and Driver Meals and Accommodation:21,600 + 3,600 = 25,200 RMB

Guo Jing from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, a senior travel customizer with 10 years of experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializes in one-stop services for customized car rentals, carpooling, and group tours in Xinjiang. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, same number on WeChat: 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to plan your Xinjiang trip.
Based on this, the per person shared cost for different group sizes is as follows:
4 People Traveling Together:25,200 RMB ÷ 4 people ≈ 6,300 RMB/person
6 People Traveling Together:25,200 RMB ÷ 6 people ≈ 4,200 RMB/person
8 People Traveling Together:25,200 RMB ÷ 8 people ≈ 3,150 RMB/person
> Conclusion:For a 12-day itinerary during peak season using a 7-seat minivan, the per person cost for car rental and driver meals and accommodation is approximately between 3,150 and 6,300 RMB. The more people in the group, the lower the per person cost.
2. Other Major Costs
🏨 Accommodation
Budget:200–350 RMB/night
Comfortable (3-star or equivalent):350–600 RMB/night
High-end/Characteristic Guesthouse:600–1200 RMB/night
12-Day Budget:Estimated at a comfortable standard, approximately 3,000–5,000 RMB per person.
🎫 Entrance Fees and Sightseeing Buses
Northern Xinjiang Loop:Approximately 700 RMB/person
Ili Grassland Loop:Approximately 600 RMB/person
Southern Xinjiang Route:Approximately 700 RMB/person
Full Northern and Southern Xinjiang Route:Total approximately 1,500 RMB/person.
🍜 Meals

This is a classic grand loop of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, with no backtracking, covering snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, deserts, and ancient cities. The itinerary framework is as follows:Daily Simple Meals:30–60 RMB/person/meal
Special Meals:Approximately 150–200 RMB per person
12-Day Budget:Estimated at a moderate standard, approximately 1,500–2,200 RMB per person.
3. Total Per Person Budget Summary
Combining all the above, the total per person budget for a 12-day customized car rental tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang (excluding round-trip transportation) is roughly as follows:
4 People Traveling Together (7-Seat Vehicle):Approximately 13,000 – 16,000 RMB/person
6 People Traveling Together (9-19 Seat Vehicle):Approximately 11,000 – 14,000 RMB/person
8 People Traveling Together (Midibus):Approximately 9,000 – 12,000 RMB/person
> Budget Fluctuation Factors:The final cost is influenced by various factors such as travel season (price difference between low and peak seasons can be 20%-40%), accommodation standards, whether a guide is included, and whether sections like the Duku Highway are open.
📞 How to Inquire and Book
You can inquire about and customize this 12-day Northern and Southern Xinjiang route through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Inquiry Phone/WeChat:181-3962-2229
When inquiring, it is recommended to provide:
Number of travelers and age groups
Planned travel dates
Specific requirements for accommodation and transportation
Approximate budget range

Northern Xinjiang Scenery: Kanas, Hemu, Colorful Beach, Urho Devil City, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak, Duku Highway Northern Section.The travel agency will provide a customized plan and contract with details based on your needs.
📝 Cost and Service Description
Included Items (Example)
Use of legally licensed tourism vehicles, driver salary, fuel, tolls, and parking fees.
Basic vehicle insurance.
Some products may include driver meals and accommodation, guide service, breakfast, travel accident insurance, etc.
Specific included items are subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties.
Excluded Items (Example)
Round-trip transportation to Xinjiang (airfare/train tickets).
Entrance fees and sightseeing buses for attractions not mentioned in the itinerary.
All meal costs during the trip (most itineraries do not include meals, or some include only breakfast).
Personal expenses and items not listed in the itinerary.
Specific excluded items are subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties.
Service and Guarantee Description
Legal Qualifications:Use of vehicles with legal operating permits and licensed drivers.
Itinerary Changes:In case of force majeure factors such as weather, road conditions, or scenic area policies, both parties can negotiate reasonable itinerary changes.
Room Sharing Arrangement:For solo travelers, the travel agency will try to arrange room sharing; if not possible, a single supplement will be required.
Cancellation and Modification Rules:Strictly implemented in accordance with the ‘Tourism Law’ and other relevant regulations.
Final Confirmation:All itinerary details, prices, and service content are subject to the formal contract signed with the travel agency.
For 2026 Xinjiang travel customized car rentals, customization, and carpooling tours, welcome to inquire (24-hour consultation hotline: 0991-8585456). Xinjiang customized travel manager Guo Jing’s WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for customization.