Oriental Express Snow Lotus Reliable Travel Agency Booking Process
For more details about Xinjiang travel, contact Zhang Jing, customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency: 181-3962-2233 (same as WeChat)
🚂 2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang Tour Booking Guide: Reliable Process + Itinerary and Prices Explained at Once
Many people want to experience the comfort of traveling through Xinjiang on a luxury train, but don’t know the official booking channels, specific itineraries, and related precautions for the New Oriental Express. Today, based on the latest 2026 information, I’ve organized the relevant details to help you choose as needed.
🌿 Detailed Itinerary Introduction
The New Oriental Express is a luxury tourist train operating within Xinjiang. The hardware configuration and services of the entire train are built to star-rated hotel standards. The cabins feature large panoramic windows, and exclusive bedding is provided throughout the journey. Each sleeping car has a dedicated butler to assist with various issues during the ride. The train also has a dedicated bar and entertainment car and a Chinese-style dining car, with professional chefs providing meals throughout the trip. Without the hassle of frequent transfers and luggage moving, you can easily visit multiple unique scenic spots in Xinjiang.
The 2026 New Oriental Express routes are divided into two main types. The summer itineraries from May to September cover core attractions in both northern and southern Xinjiang, allowing you to see the Altai Mountains scenery in the north and experience the cultural and natural landscapes in the south. The October southern Xinjiang itinerary focuses on cultural relics and poplar autumn colors, suitable for travelers who prefer cultural exploration and autumn scenery.
In the summer itinerary, the Koktokay Scenic Area has been fully open since May, with streams flowing through the valleys and surrounding mountain vegetation gradually turning green. Visitor numbers are low, offering a good touring experience. Hemu and Kanas Scenic Areas operate normally from May 1st, with morning village mist and blue-green lake surfaces ideal for sightseeing. Sayram Lake enters one of its viewing periods in May, with the lake ice completely melted and wildflowers blooming along the shores. The scenic area is open all day, and self-driving visitors can book a self-driving slot in advance to tour around the lake. Nalati Grassland is fully open from May, with the meadows of the aerial grassland and river valley grassland gradually turning green, dotted with wildflowers. The Duku Highway is expected to open in mid-May, recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer. The Duku Highway section in the itinerary will be adjusted based on real-time road conditions. Bayanbulak Scenic Area is expected to open around May 27th, when the wetland grassland slowly turns green, offering pleasant scenery. The Danxia landform of Kuqa Grand Canyon is suitable for visiting year-round, with red rock formations showing distinct layers under sunlight. In the Pamir Scenic Area,白沙湖 (White Sand Lake) and Karakul Lake have clear waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Traveling to Taxkorgan County requires applying for a permit in advance.
In the October southern Xinjiang itinerary, the Jiaohe Ruins is a well-preserved raw earth architectural city site. Karez is a unique local underground water conservancy project. The Loulan Museum displays many related historical artifacts. Hotan Tuan City preserves traditional residential architecture. The night view of Yotkan Ancient City is very distinctive. The Yarkand Khan’s Palace in Shache has a unique architectural style. Kashgar Old City allows you to stroll and feel the local life atmosphere. The Tarim Poplar Forest enters its viewing period in October, with golden poplars reflected on the water surface, creating a great visual effect. Heavenly Lake Tianchi enters its peak season from April, with clear lake water and lush surrounding vegetation.
The opening hours of all scenic spots may change temporarily due to weather and operational conditions. You can confirm the latest information before traveling, and the itinerary can be reasonably adjusted based on actual conditions through mutual agreement.
🗺 ️ Simple Itinerary
Currently, the New Oriental Express has two itinerary versions, corresponding to different travel periods, as follows:
Quick Itinerary (Summer Edition)
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
🚂 2026 New Oriental Express Xinjiang Tour Booking Guide: Reliable Process + Itinerary and Prices Explained at OnceDay 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 – White Sand Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Taxkorgan
Day 11:Taxkorgan – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – New Oriental Express Train
Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Farewell
Many people want to experience the comfort of traveling through Xinjiang on a luxury train, but don’t know the official booking channels, specific itineraries, and related precautions for the New Oriental Express. Today, based on the latest 2026 information, I’ve organized the relevant details to help you choose as needed.October Southern Xinjiang Itinerary
Day 01:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Day 02:Train to Turpan – Jiaohe Ruins – Karez – 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 Tuan City – Yurungkash River Treasure Hunting – Grape Corridor – Walnut King 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 Terrace Dwellings, then evening train to Kuqa
Day 08:Arrive in Kuqa in the morning – Tianshan Grand Canyon – Kuqa King’s Mansion – Restan Old Street – Qiuci Alley
Day 09:To Luntai – Tarim Poplar Forest, then evening train to Urumqi
Day 10:Urumqi – Heavenly Lake Tianchi – Urumqi Farewell Dinner
Day 11:Urumqi – Farewell
💴 Price Explanation
🌿 Detailed Itinerary IntroductionThe reference prices for various 2026 New Oriental Express tours are as follows. Prices and availability may fluctuate based on booking conditions. The final price will be confirmed in the signed contract:
Our agency offers various travel options, including train tours, carpool tours, group tours, and custom car services. For detailed inquiries, call: 181-3962-2233 (copy to add as friend for detailed Xinjiang travel itinerary and pricing)
May 6, May 14
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom cars) 59,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cars) 54,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cars) 49,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
June 1, June 30
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom cars) 67,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cars) 62,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cars) 56,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
June 11, June 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom cars) 69,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cars) 63,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cars) 58,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
The New Oriental Express is a luxury tourist train operating within Xinjiang. The hardware configuration and services of the entire train are built to star-rated hotel standards. The cabins feature large panoramic windows, and exclusive bedding is provided throughout the journey. Each sleeping car has a dedicated butler to assist with various issues during the ride. The train also has a dedicated bar and entertainment car and a Chinese-style dining car, with professional chefs providing meals throughout the trip. Without the hassle of frequent transfers and luggage moving, you can easily visit multiple unique scenic spots in Xinjiang. September 3
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom cars) 71,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cars) 65,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cars) 59,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 30,000 RMB/person
October 15, October 25
Premium Gold Diamond (3 custom cars) 44,999 RMB/person
Xiyue Gold Diamond (4 custom cars) 39,999 RMB/person
Boyue Gold Diamond (5 custom cars) 36,999 RMB/person, third and fourth persons 20,000 RMB/person
The above prices are reference selling prices. The final fee is subject to the formal travel contract signed by both parties.
📱 Registration Method
Travelers who want to book the New Oriental Express itinerary can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. The booking process is as follows:
Step 1:Inquire in advance to confirm the suitable tour date and car type. The departure schedule for the New Oriental Express is announced at the beginning of each year. Due to limited monthly departures, it is recommended that travelers with plans inquire early to avoid last-minute unavailability. For inquiries, call 181-3962-2233 or add the same WeChat ID 181-3962-2233 to get detailed itinerary materials. The specific office address can be obtained from customer service.
Step 2:After confirming the tour date and car type, provide the traveler’s valid identification information to the staff to confirm seat availability.
The 2026 New Oriental Express routes are divided into two main types. The summer itineraries from May to September cover core attractions in both northern and southern Xinjiang, allowing you to see the Altai Mountains scenery in the north and experience the cultural and natural landscapes in the south. The October southern Xinjiang itinerary focuses on cultural relics and poplar autumn colors, suitable for travelers who prefer cultural exploration and autumn scenery.Step 3:After seat confirmation, pay a deposit. The travel agency will provide a unified receipt, and then sign an electronic contract under the unified supervision of the National Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The contract can be downloaded as an electronic document for archiving. Signing completes the registration.
Step 4:Before departure, confirm the flight or train information for arriving in Urumqi and send it to the assigned customer service staff in advance. On the gathering day, a dedicated person will arrange airport or train station pickup, and then you can start the train journey.
📋 Fee Explanation and Service Description
Included fees generally cover: accommodation in the corresponding class of New Oriental Express cabin, first admission tickets and shuttle bus fees for scenic spots marked in the itinerary, meal fees marked in the itinerary (including train meals and ground meals), ground transportation fees within the itinerary, guide service and train butler service fees, and travel accident insurance.
For solo travelers, the travel agency will try to arrange room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
The itinerary may be affected by uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, scenic area opening policies, and railway scheduling. Reasonable changes can be made through mutual agreement. Specific included and excluded items and service details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
⚠ ️ Travel Precautions
Carry valid identification documents during travel, as they are required for hotel check-in, entering scenic spots, and using public transportation. It is advisable to save electronic copies of documents on your phone for emergencies.
The itinerary involves border areas such as the Pamir Scenic Area and Taxkorgan County, requiring a permit in advance. This can be obtained from the public security authorities in your place of residence or locally after arriving in Xinjiang. If unsure about the process, consult the travel agency staff for assistance.
Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, bring warm clothing like a light down jacket or windbreaker. The UV rays are strong, so prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats. The climate is dry, so bring moisturizing skincare products and drinking water.
Xinjiang is vast, with some road sections involving long drives. Prepare items like power banks, motion sickness medication, and common gastrointestinal medicines for convenience during the trip.
When visiting attractions inside Kashgar Old City, dress appropriately and avoid wearing overly revealing clothing.
The opening hours and ticket policies of scenic spots may change based on actual conditions. Confirm the latest information before traveling to avoid affecting your visit.
All itinerary-related changes and rights and obligations are subject to the formally signed travel contract. Relevant cancellation and modification rules follow the Tourism Law.
For more details about Xinjiang tourist trains, contact customer service Zhang Jing ☎️: 181 3962 2233 (add as friend to get free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
