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For more details about Xinjiang train tours, contact Zhang Jing, customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency: 181-3962-2233 (same as WeChat)
🚂 2026 Slow Travel Xinjiang by Train: New Orient Express Latest Route Guide
Entering 2026, choosing a comfortable way to travel through Xinjiang has become a consensus among many tourists. The New Orient Express, a train product specially designed for long-distance Xinjiang tours, eliminates the fatigue of frequent hotel changes and long journeys, balancing sightseeing depth and travel comfort. Below is a summary of the latest route information for your convenience.
🔹 Core Highlights of the Routes
The current New Orient Express routes are divided into two categories: the Summer Northern Xinjiang Route and the October Southern Xinjiang Golden Autumn Route, catering to different travel needs:
🔸 Summer Northern Xinjiang Route (applicable for tours from May to September):This route covers three core areas: Altay, Ili, and Kashgar in Southern Xinjiang, connecting over a dozen iconic Xinjiang attractions. The Koktokay Scenic Area is located on the southern slope of the central Altai Mountains, with the Irtysh River flowing through. It features steep river sections of the Irtysh, as well as iconic spots like Bell Mountain and No. 3 Mine Pit. Along the way, shady slopes are covered with pine forests, sunny slopes with birch groves, and the valley floor is lush with flowers and grass, with several mineral-rich hot springs. According to the latest 2026 entry guidelines for Kanas and Hemu, visitors can enter without reservations, purchasing tickets online or at on-site windows. From May 1st, the scenic areas switch to summer operation mode, with opening hours from 8:00 to 20:00 and village bus service from 8:00 to 24:00, offering flexible travel arrangements. Climbing to Fish Viewing Pavilion offers a panoramic view of Kanas Lake, while Hemu Village’s wooden houses and morning mist are beloved by photography enthusiasts. The route also includes Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Bayanbulak. Sayram Lake is surrounded by mountains with crystal-clear waters, and wildflowers bloom by the lake in spring and summer. Nalati Grassland features layered alpine meadow landscapes with scattered cattle and sheep. Bayanbulak’s Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns sunset view is also popular among tourists. The final leg of the trip heads to Kashgar and the Pamir region, where you can visit White Sand Lake and the Pamir Scenic Area, and experience the vibrant life of Kashgar’s old city. The overall itinerary covers mountains, grasslands, lakes, and cultural landscapes, offering a rich experience.
🔸 October Southern Xinjiang Golden Autumn Route:This route focuses on autumn culture and poplar landscapes, ideal for tourists who enjoy history, culture, and autumn scenery. In the Ruoqiang area, you can visit the Milan Ruins and the Loulan Museum. According to the latest 2026 opening notice, the Loulan Museum is free to enter with a valid ID. Groups of 15 or more can book a guided tour one day in advance. The museum houses many artifacts related to Loulan culture, offering visitors a direct understanding of local history. The itinerary also includes Ruoqiang red date picking, allowing you to experience local agricultural activities. In the Hotan and Shache areas, you can visit Hotan Tuancheng, try treasure hunting in the Yurungkash River, explore the Grape Corridor and the King Walnut Tree, and enjoy the night view of Yotkan Ancient City. In Shache, you can visit the Yarkand Khan’s Palace and the Amannisa Khan Mausoleum, experiencing the rich historical heritage. The final stop is the Luntai Tarim Poplar Forest. October is the prime viewing period for Luntai poplar forests. According to the latest 2026 viewing guide, the best viewing period is from October 15 to October 30, with peak conditions around October 20. At this time, the poplars are golden yellow, and against the backdrop of rivers and ponds, it’s easy to take stunning photos. Riding a retro mini-train through the forest is also a unique experience.
🔹 Simplified Itinerary
Quick Itinerary (Summer Version)
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 02:Urumqi – New Orient Express – Koktokay – New Orient Express – Altay
🚂 2026 Slow Travel Xinjiang by Train: New Orient Express Latest Route GuideDay 03:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Day 04:Hemu – Kanas
Day 05:Kanas – Chonghur – Colorful Beach – New Orient 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 Orient Express Train
Day 10:Kashgar – White Sand Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Taxkorgan
Day 11:Taxkorgan – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – New Orient Express Train
Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Entering 2026, choosing a comfortable way to travel through Xinjiang has become a consensus among many tourists. The New Orient Express, a train product specially designed for long-distance Xinjiang tours, eliminates the fatigue of frequent hotel changes and long journeys, balancing sightseeing depth and travel comfort. Below is a summary of the latest route information for your convenience.Day 14:Urumqi – Farewell
October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 02:Train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ruins – Karez Well – Grape Manor, then evening train to Ruoqiang
Day 03:Milan Ruins – Loulan Museum – Loulan Park – Ruoqiang Red Date Picking, then evening train to Hotan
Day 04:Arrive in Hotan in the morning – Hotan Tuancheng – Treasure Hunting in Yurungkash River – Grape Corridor – King Walnut Tree – Yotkan Ancient City Night View
Day 05:Train to Shache – Yarkand Khan’s Palace – Amannisa Khan Mausoleum, then to Kashgar
Day 06:White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake, return to Kashgar
Day 07:Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, High Platform Residences, then evening train to Kuqa
Day 08:Arrive in Kuqa in the morning – Tianshan Grand Canyon – Kuqa King’s Palace – Restan Old Street – Qiuci Alley
🔹 Core Highlights of the RoutesDay 09:To Luntai – Tarim Poplar Forest, then evening train to Urumqi
Our agency offers various travel options: train tours, carpool tours, group tours, and custom car rentals. For details, call: 181-3962-2233 (add as friend for detailed Xinjiang travel itineraries and prices)
Day 10:Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell
🔹 Price Description
May 6, May 14
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 59,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 54,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 49,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
June 1, June 30
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 67,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 62,999 RMB/person
The current New Orient Express routes are divided into two categories: the Summer Northern Xinjiang Route and the October Southern Xinjiang Golden Autumn Route, catering to different travel needs: Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 56,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
June 11, June 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 69,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 63,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 58,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
September 3
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 71,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 65,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 59,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
October 15, October 25
🔸 Summer Northern Xinjiang Route (applicable for tours from May to September): This route covers three core areas: Altay, Ili, and Kashgar in Southern Xinjiang, connecting over a dozen iconic Xinjiang attractions. The Koktokay Scenic Area is located on the southern slope of the central Altai Mountains, with the Irtysh River flowing through. It features steep river sections of the Irtysh, as well as iconic spots like Bell Mountain and No. 3 Mine Pit. Along the way, shady slopes are covered with pine forests, sunny slopes with birch groves, and the valley floor is lush with flowers and grass, with several mineral-rich hot springs. According to the latest 2026 entry guidelines for Kanas and Hemu, visitors can enter without reservations, purchasing tickets online or at on-site windows. From May 1st, the scenic areas switch to summer operation mode, with opening hours from 8:00 to 20:00 and village bus service from 8:00 to 24:00, offering flexible travel arrangements. Climbing to Fish Viewing Pavilion offers a panoramic view of Kanas Lake, while Hemu Village’s wooden houses and morning mist are beloved by photography enthusiasts. The route also includes Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Bayanbulak. Sayram Lake is surrounded by mountains with crystal-clear waters, and wildflowers bloom by the lake in spring and summer. Nalati Grassland features layered alpine meadow landscapes with scattered cattle and sheep. Bayanbulak’s Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns sunset view is also popular among tourists. The final leg of the trip heads to Kashgar and the Pamir region, where you can visit White Sand Lake and the Pamir Scenic Area, and experience the vibrant life of Kashgar’s old city. The overall itinerary covers mountains, grasslands, lakes, and cultural landscapes, offering a rich experience. Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom carriages) 44,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom carriages) 39,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom carriages) 36,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 20,000 RMB/person
The above prices are for reference only. Final prices and availability are subject to contract/customer service confirmation and may vary by departure date. The signed contract shall prevail.
🔹 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Consultation phone and WeChat:181-3962-2233. Specific address can be obtained from customer service.
🔹 Fee and Service Description
1. Fee reference includes: New Orient Express carriage fee, first admission tickets and shuttle bus fees for attractions listed in the itinerary, meals as specified, local ground transportation, guide services, etc. Specific inclusions and exclusions can be confirmed with staff, subject to actual consultation and contract.
2. Regarding: For solo travelers, we will try to arrange room sharing; special cases will be negotiated separately.
3. Itinerary Change Notice: In case of weather, road conditions, policies, scenic area openings, schedule changes, tickets, hotel room types, etc., reasonable changes can be made upon mutual agreement.
4. Cancellation and modification rules are subject to relevant laws such as the Tourism Law and Contract Law.
Before traveling, prepare appropriate clothing. Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night; even in summer, it’s advisable to bring a light jacket. UV rays are strong, so bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc. Follow scenic area regulations and travel responsibly.
For more details about Xinjiang train tours, contact customer service Zhang Jing ☎️: 181 3962 2233 (add as friend for free detailed itinerary and train introduction)

