Travel Tips for the Northern and Southern Xinjiang Loop, Kunlun Special Train Booking Notes
No need to drive or travel back and forth, take the Xinjiang tourist train to leisurely enjoy the scenery on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains. Various options from economy to luxury are available for you to choose from. Professionally operating Xinjiang tourist train tours, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency consultation landline: 0991-8866234; Customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (Add as friend to receive for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
🚂 Slowly travel across the Tianshan Mountains, see all of Xinjiang with one berth — Kunlun Train travel tips and booking guide (2026 edition)
If you are planning a relaxing and in-depth Xinjiang trip, and want to avoid the hassle of frequently changing hotels and dragging luggage around, the ‘Kunlun’ tourist train might be your ideal way to travel. As a high-end air-conditioned tourist train created by the Urumqi Railway Department in 2023, it connects the core scenic areas of Eastern, Southern, and Northern Xinjiang with the concept of a ‘mobile living space.’ The 14-day itinerary includes vast grasslands, blue lakes, majestic snow-capped mountains, as well as ancient cities and Silk Road relics. No need to move luggage throughout the trip — explore during the day and sleep in your familiar sleeper car at night.
🌄 Route and Destination Highlights
The ‘Kunlun’ train passes through the most geographically diverse areas of Xinjiang, covering the red cliffs of the Flaming Mountains, the ancient wisdom of the Karez irrigation system, the Danxia wonders of the Kuqa Grand Canyon, the白沙湖 (White Sand Lake) and Karakul Lake on the Pamir Plateau, the aerial grasslands of Nalati, the mirror-like waters of Sayram Lake, and the morning mist and smoke of Hemu Village. The landscape transitions from oasis cities to alpine lakes, river valley grasslands, and border scenery, showcasing the rich natural and cultural layers of Xinjiang.
The train operates on a ‘travel at night, explore during the day’ model, with about 6–8 hours of sightseeing daily and a midday break for comfort and experience. The train has 8 sleeper cars with no hard seats, and the soft furnishings incorporate Xinjiang folk elements, such as ethnic patterned fabrics and wooden carvings, creating a warm atmosphere. The cars are equipped with constant-temperature air conditioning, large viewing windows, charging ports, and ventilation systems to adapt to Xinjiang’s large temperature differences between day and night.
🗓 ️ Simple Itinerary (Strictly based on the original local draft)
🚂 Slowly travel across the Tianshan Mountains, see all of Xinjiang with one berth — Kunlun Train travel tips and booking guide (2026 edition)Day 1:Departure point – Urumqi
Day 2:Turpan – Flaming Mountain – Karez – Fruit Feast – Grape Manor – Grape Valley – (Train) – Kuqa
Day 3:Kuqa – Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon – Restan Street – Kuqa Old City – Qiuci Dance – (Train) – Kashgar
Day 4:Morning arrival in Kashgar – White Sand Lake – Karakul Lake – Tashkurgan County
Day 5:Tashkurgan – Golden Grass Beach – Stone City – Tajik Home – Panlong Ancient Road – Kashgar
Day 6:Kashgar – Hetian Jade Exhibition Hall – Kashgar Old City – Id Kah Mosque – Train – Kuqa
If you are planning a relaxing and in-depth Xinjiang trip, and want to avoid the hassle of frequently changing hotels and dragging luggage around, the ‘Kunlun’ tourist train might be your ideal way to travel. As a high-end air-conditioned tourist train created by the Urumqi Railway Department in 2023, it connects the core scenic areas of Eastern, Southern, and Northern Xinjiang with the concept of a ‘mobile living space.’ The 14-day itinerary includes vast grasslands, blue lakes, majestic snow-capped mountains, as well as ancient cities and Silk Road relics. No need to move luggage throughout the trip — explore during the day and sleep in your familiar sleeper car at night.Day 7:Kuqa – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Bayanbulak – Nalati Town/Xinyuan
Day 8:Nalati Aerial Grassland – Gongliu
Day 9:Kuerdening Grassland – Six-Star Street – Huiyuan Ancient City – Lavender Manor – Yining/Kokdala
Day 10:Yining/Kokdala – Sayram Lake Scenic Area – Sailing Experience – Jinghe Train Station to Altay
Day 11:Morning arrival in Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Scenic Area – Yunxiao Peak Cable Car
Day 12:Hemu – Kanas Scenic Area – Three Bays – Tuva Home – Colorful Beach – Beitun – Train to Urumqi
🌄 Route and Destination HighlightsDay 13:Morning arrival in Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – International Grand Bazaar – Urumqi
Day 14:Urumqi – Departure point
> Note:Actual itinerary may be reasonably adjusted due to weather, road conditions, scenic area opening policies, etc., subject to mutual agreement.
💰 Price Explanation (Based on 2026 local draft)
The 2026 summer schedule (June–September) for the ‘Kunlun · Southern and Northern Xinjiang Panorama Air-conditioned Tourist Train 14-Day Tour’ prices are as follows:
Take the tourist train to enjoy beautiful Xinjiang, various options from economy to luxury are available for you to choose from. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency consultation landline: 0991-8866234; Customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (Add as friend to receive for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
Tour Dates:June 4, June 17, June 30, July 13, July 26, August 8, August 21, September 2, September 14
Four-person compartment (shared bathroom):Upper berth 15,800 RMB/person, Lower berth 16,800 RMB/person
The ‘Kunlun’ train passes through the most geographically diverse areas of Xinjiang, covering the red cliffs of the Flaming Mountains, the ancient wisdom of the Karez irrigation system, the Danxia wonders of the Kuqa Grand Canyon, the白沙湖 (White Sand Lake) and Karakul Lake on the Pamir Plateau, the aerial grasslands of Nalati, the mirror-like waters of Sayram Lake, and the morning mist and smoke of Hemu Village. The landscape transitions from oasis cities to alpine lakes, river valley grasslands, and border scenery, showcasing the rich natural and cultural layers of Xinjiang.Two-person compartment (shared bathroom):Upper berth 18,800 RMB/person, Lower berth 19,800 RMB/person
Two-person compartment (flat berth):Lower berth 19,800 RMB/person
Two-person compartment (private bathroom):Upper berth 23,800 RMB/person, Lower berth 24,800 RMB/person
Premium single room:39,800 RMB/person
> The above prices are reference ranges. Specific costs, availability, and room arrangements are subject to the actual signed contract and may vary slightly by tour date.
📞 Registration Method
The train operates on a ‘travel at night, explore during the day’ model, with about 6–8 hours of sightseeing daily and a midday break for comfort and experience. The train has 8 sleeper cars with no hard seats, and the soft furnishings incorporate Xinjiang folk elements, such as ethnic patterned fabrics and wooden carvings, creating a warm atmosphere. The cars are equipped with constant-temperature air conditioning, large viewing windows, charging ports, and ventilation systems to adapt to Xinjiang’s large temperature differences between day and night.The 2026 Kunlun tourist train uses an integrated package model of ‘transportation + accommodation + tickets + services,’ and does not sell train tickets separately or through platforms like 12306. Interested travelers can inquire and register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Contact Number:181-3962-2233
WeChat same number:181-3962-2233
It is recommended to contact in advance to confirm tour date availability, berth selection, and departure policies to arrange your itinerary.
🧳 Cost and Service Description
The cost includes round-trip transportation (train berth), full accommodation (sleeper on the train), first admission tickets to scenic spots, guide service, some special meals (such as fruit feast), and ground transfers. It does not include personal expenses, meals not in the itinerary, voluntary self-funded activities, or single room supplements.
🗓️ Simple Itinerary (Strictly based on the original local draft)For solo travelers, the travel agency will try to arrange room sharing; if not possible, related matters can be discussed separately. All service content and cancellation/change rules are in accordance with the ‘Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China’ and relevant contract terms.
> For specific service details, itinerary arrangements, and cost breakdown, please refer to the actual consultation results and the signed tourism contract.
⚠ ️ Travel Tips
Xinjiang is vast with large temperature differences between day and night; it is recommended to bring warm clothing and sunscreen.
Some scenic spots are at high altitudes (e.g., Karakul Lake, Bayanbulak); rest appropriately and pace yourself.
The train does not have shower facilities but has public washing areas; please bring your own toiletries.
The itinerary involves multiple cultural sites; please follow local visiting etiquette and travel responsibly.
Traveling through Xinjiang by train is not just a mode of transportation but a lifestyle. The ‘Kunlun’ train takes you through the Tianshan Mountains at a relaxed pace, making the journey itself part of the scenery. For more information on 2026 tour dates and berth availability, please call or add WeChat at 181-3962-2233, and consult Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for details.
For more details on Xinjiang tourist trains, contact customer service manager Zhang Jing at phone: 181 3962 2233 (Add as friend to receive for free: detailed itinerary and train introduction)
