2026 Group Tour to Southern Xinjiang Silk Road Ancient Path, Western Regions Cultural Heritage Sites 12 Day In Depth Exploration Latest Tour Fee Reference Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
The Silk Road Camel Bells Drift into Dreams:2026 12-Day In-Depth Exploration of Cultural Heritage Sites in Southern Xinjiang
[Key Highlights of the Itinerary]
This in-depth journey, connecting the northern and southern edges of the Taklimakan Desert along the “Silk Road Ancient Path,” combines world cultural heritage sites such as the Kashgar Old City, Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, and Kucha Ancient City with the natural wonders of the Pamir Plateau. Special arrangements include:
Visiting China’s oldest existing earthen architecture complex—the Kashgar Old City
Exploring the world’s treasure of Buddhist art—the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves
Traversing the G580 Desert Highway through the heart of the Taklimakan Desert
Witnessing the glacial wonders of Muztagh Ata and Karakul Lake
Experiencing the intangible cultural heritage of the “Eagle Dance” performed by various ethnic groups
Visiting the last guardians of the ancient Loulan Kingdom—the Lop Nur Village
[12-Day Itinerary Details]
Days 1-2: Gathering in Urumqi
Upon arrival in Xinjiang’s capital, check into a four-star hotel. Recommended free-time activities:
Xinjiang Museum (free admission, reservation required in advance)
International Bazaar (experience trade in ethnic handicrafts)
Red Hill Park (overlook the city panorama)
Day 3: Crossing the Tianshan Corridor
Urumqi → Korla (430 km)
The Silk Road Camel Bells Drift into Dreams: 2026 12-Day In-Depth Exploration of Cultural Heritage Sites in Southern Xinjiang. Passing by the Dabancheng Wind Power Station
Visit the Bosten Lake Lotus World Scenic Area (admission: 60 RMB)
Overnight at a four-star hotel in Korla
Day 4: Exploring the Desert Oasis
Korla → Lop Nur Village → Kuqa (460 km)
Ride a desert off-road vehicle deep into the terminus of the Tarim River
Experience the traditional fishing and hunting lifestyle of the Lop people
Visit the Kuqa Royal Palace (admission: 55 RMB)
Day 5: Tracing the Origins of Kucha Culture
Kuqa → Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves → Aksu (380 km)
Explore China’s earliest Buddhist grottoes (admission: 70 RMB, includes guided tour)
Visit the Kuqa Grand Canyon (admission: 45 RMB)
Overnight at a four-star hotel in Aksu
Day 6: Crossing the Sea of Death
Aksu → G580 Desert Highway → Hotan (550 km)
Traverse the world’s second-largest mobile desert
Visit the Hotan Jade Culture Museum
Night tour of the Hotan Night Market (recommended: roasted stuffed bun, rose jam naan)
[Key Highlights of the Itinerary]Day 7: Tracing the Jade Road
Hotan → Shache (300 km)
Visit the Shache Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park (admission: 80 RMB)
Enjoy a performance of the Twelve Muqam art
Overnight at a characteristic homestay in Shache
Day 8: Initial Exploration of the Pamir Plateau
Shache → Kashgar (290 km)
Obtain border pass
Attend the opening ceremony of the Kashgar Old City
Visit a century-old teahouse to experience the tea culture of various ethnic groups
Day 9: Journey to Highland Lakes
Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake (290 km)
Overlook Muztagh Ata (elevation: 7,546 meters)
Ride a yak to closely observe Kongur Tioe Peak
Overnight at a three-star hotel in Taxkorgan County
Day 10: Exploring the Stone City
Taxkorgan → Golden Grassland → Panlong Ancient Road (150 km)
Visit the ruins of the capital city of the Puli Kingdom, one of the 36 kingdoms of the Western Regions
This in-depth journey, connecting the northern and southern edges of the Taklimakan Desert along the “Silk Road Ancient Path,” combines world cultural heritage sites such as the Kashgar Old City, Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, and Kucha Ancient City with the natural wonders of the Pamir Plateau. Special arrangements include: Traversing the “Today, I’ve traveled all the winding roads” internet-famous highway
Experience home visits to families of various ethnic groups
Day 11: Tour of Silk Road Ancient Cities
Kashgar → Id Kah Mosque → Xiangfei Garden (20 km)
Visit Xinjiang’s largest (admission: 45 RMB)
Explore the family tomb of Xiangfei
Freely shop for ethnic handicrafts
Day 12: Return Day
Arrange airport transfer based on flight schedule, concluding an unforgettable cultural journey through the Western Regions
[2026 Tour Fare Standards Explanation]
Basic Version (4-6 person boutique small group):
Low Season (November-March):Starting from 8,800 RMB per person
Peak Season (April-October):Starting from 10,800 RMB per person
Fees Include:
Accommodation:11 nights at selected hotels (including a characteristic homestay in Kashgar Old City)
Transportation:Round-trip transfers in a 7-seat business vehicle
Meals:11 breakfasts + 18 main meals (including a roast whole lamb experience)
Visiting China’s oldest existing earthen architecture complex—the Kashgar Old CityAdmission Tickets:First-entry tickets to all core scenic spots in the itinerary
Services:Professional guide + travel accident insurance
Fees Exclude:
Round-trip major transportation costs
Self-funded items within scenic spots
Personal expenses and consumption expenditures
Special Notes:
Popular departure dates such as June 14, July 20, and August 23 require a 45-day advance reservation
Prices may fluctuate based on hotel and transportation costs, subject to contract confirmation
Groups of 10 or more people can enjoy custom discounts
[Registration and Consultation Methods]
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Specific process:
1. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for itinerary consultation
2. Confirm departure date and number of participants
3. Sign an electronic travel contract
4. Pay a deposit (balance to be paid 15 days before departure)
5. Receive the tour notice and pre-trip manual
[Service Guarantee System]
Exploring the world’s treasure of Buddhist art—the Kizil Thousand-Buddha CavesVehicle Guarantee:Select vehicles less than 3 years old, with mandatory rest every 4 hours
Accommodation Guarantee:Contracted hotels all pass hygiene certification
Meal Guarantee:Team meal standard not less than 50 RMB per person per meal
Emergency Guarantee:First aid kit and altitude sickness medication provided with the team
Communication Guarantee:Establish an exclusive service group to respond to needs 24 hours a day
[Pre-Trip Special Notes]
Document Preparation:
Original valid identification (subject to verification at any time)
Border pass (processed in Kashgar)
Discount certificates such as senior citizen/student ID
Clothing and Equipment:
Bring a windbreaker for the Pamir Plateau section
Recommend a sand-proof face mask for desert areas
Recommend a dust cover for photography equipment
Cultural Etiquette:
Remove shoes and dress appropriately for visits
Obtain prior consent before taking photos with local residents
Recommend using cash for purchasing handicrafts
This time-traveling Silk Road cultural journey will take you from the oasis civilization of the Tarim Basin to the serene snowy mountains of the Pamir Plateau, allowing you to deeply experience the splendid civilizations left by various ethnic groups along the Silk Road. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency will assist you in realizing your Western Regions dream of “reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles” with professional services. For specific itinerary details and availability, please promptly contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for confirmation.
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation

