11 Day Cultural Tour of Southern Xinjiang Strolling Through Kashgar Old Town Streets and Bazaars with a Group Real Time Updated Group Tour Prices Recommended Itinerary Pricing

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation.

Cultural Tapestry of Southern Xinjiang:An 11-Day In-Depth Exploration of Kashgar’s Old Town and Grand Bazaar
(I) Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination
Southern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Kunlun Mountains and the Taklimakan Desert, serves as a vital convergence point of the Silk Road civilization. In 2026, Southern Xinjiang, with Kashgar as its core, is embracing travelers with an even more open attitude. The itinerary covers three core areas: Kashgar Old Town, the Central and Western Asia International Trade Market (Kashgar Grand Bazaar), and the Pamir Plateau, connecting millennia of history with contemporary life.
Kashgar Old Town:A Living Museum of the Western Regions
This ancient town, covering 3.6 square kilometers, retains the residential architecture of various ethnic groups from the early 21st century. Among the earth-colored rammed earth buildings, the crisscrossing alleys form a natural maze, with family stories hidden behind each carved wooden door. In 2026, three new intangible cultural heritage exhibition halls will be added to the old town, allowing visitors to observe traditional crafts such as Edles silk weaving and earthenware firing up close. The daily city gate opening ceremony at 10:30 AM recreates the bustling scene of ancient Silk Road trade through ethnic songs, dances, and camel caravan parades.
Kashgar Grand Bazaar:A Living Fossil of Central Asian Trade
As the largest international trade market in northwest China, the Kashgar Grand Bazaar now features 21 specialized sections, offering over 9,000 types of goods including jade, handmade carpets, and dried fruits. In 2026, the market will complete its digital upgrade, introducing a multilingual guidance system and electronic payment terminals. The weekly Thursday and Sunday livestock bazaar (located 3 kilometers northwest of the old town) continues the ancient bartering tradition, providing a unique scene for experiencing the trade culture of various ethnic groups.
Pamir Plateau:A Symphony of Glaciers and Grasslands
Departing from Kashgar along the China-Pakistan Highway towards the southwest, a 3-hour drive reaches Taxkorgan County at an altitude of 3,000 meters. Here stands the “Father of Ice Mountains,” Muztagh Ata (7,546 meters above sea level), whose reflection常年 (year-round) mirrors in Karakul Lake. In 2026, the Panlong Ancient Road will complete its road optimization, with over 600 hairpin bends resembling a giant dragon coiling through the mountains from a drone’s perspective, becoming a popular check-in spot for self-drive enthusiasts.
(II) Simple Itinerary

Cultural Tapestry of Southern Xinjiang: An 11-Day In-Depth Exploration of Kashgar’s Old Town and Grand BazaarDay 1:Gathering in Urumqi
Full-day airport pickup service and check-in at a four-star hotel in the city center. An itinerary briefing will be held in the evening, along with a guide for obtaining border passes.
Day 2:Urumqi → Kashgar
Arrive in Kashgar by early morning flight and transfer by private car to a characteristic guesthouse within the old town. Spend the afternoon freely exploring the Craftsmen’s Street and watching copper artisans create handicrafts on-site. For dinner, we recommend the Century-Old Tea House to savor rose tea with walnut pastries.
Day 3:In-Depth Cultural Experience in Kashgar
Visit the Id Kah Mosque in the morning to learn about Southern Xinjiang’s culture. In the afternoon, stroll through popular网红 (internet-famous) districts such as Rainbow Lane and Bageqi Lane, capturing cultural masterpieces in the corridor of light and shadow. In the evening, head to the East Gate Grand Bazaar to experience the joy of bargaining, with recommendations to purchase handmade wooden bowls and mulberry paper paintings.
Day 4:Kashgar → Taxkorgan
Travel along the China-Pakistan Highway, stopping for a 1-hour photoshoot at Baisha Lake. Enjoy a 2-hour light hike at the Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, equipped with professional guides and oxygen devices. Arrive in Taxkorgan in the evening and check into an oxygen-supplied hotel to alleviate altitude sickness.
Day 5:Cultural Experience in Taxkorgan
Visit villages of various ethnic groups in the morning to participate in eagle flute performances and eagle dance lessons. In the afternoon, explore the ruins of Stone City and ascend the Golden Grassland Viewing Platform to overlook the Taxkorgan River Valley. For dinner, savor yak meat hotpot paired with特色 (special) milk tea from various ethnic groups.

(I) Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or DestinationDay 6:Challenge Day on the Pamir Plateau
Spend the entire day traversing the Panlong Ancient Road, receiving a commemorative plaque at checkpoint 66 that reads, “Today, I’ve walked through all the winding roads; from now on, life will be nothing but smooth sailing.” Stop at Wacha Township along the way to visit a traditional yurt-making workshop.
Day 7:Taxkorgan → Shache
On the return journey to Kashgar, visit the Knife Museum in Yingjisha County to learn about high-quality intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship. Arrive in Shache in the evening and take a night tour of the Yarkant Khan’s Palace to watch a Mukam art performance.
Day 8:Folklore Day in Shache
Visit the bazaar in the morning to observe traditional trading methods of various ethnic groups. In the afternoon, participate in farmhouse activities to learn how to make baked stuffed buns and hand-pulled noodles. Enjoy a whole roasted lamb feast in the courtyard for dinner, accompanied by pomegranate juice and fig jam.
Day 9:Shache → Hotan
Drive through the edge of the Taklimakan Desert and have lunch in Minfeng County to taste roasted pigeons. Arrive in Hotan in the afternoon and visit the Hotan Jade Trading Center to learn jade identification skills. In the evening, stroll through the Hotan Night Market and try roasted eggs and rose jam naan.
Day 10:Cultural Day in Hotan
Visit the ruins of Yotkan Ancient City in the morning to recreate the prosperity of the ancient Kingdom of Khotan through holographic projection technology. In the afternoon, experience desert off-road surfing, equipped with professional drivers and vehicles. Return to downtown Hotan in the evening to freely purchase walnuts and raisins.

Southern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Kunlun Mountains and the Taklimakan Desert, serves as a vital convergence point of the Silk Road civilization. In 2026, Southern Xinjiang, with Kashgar as its core, is embracing travelers with an even more open attitude. The itinerary covers three core areas: Kashgar Old Town, the Central and Western Asia International Trade Market (Kashgar Grand Bazaar), and the Pamir Plateau, connecting millennia of history with contemporary life.Day 11:Departure Day
Arrange airport transfer service according to flight time and present a Xinjiang specialty gift package (including almonds, dried figs, etc.).
(III) Pricing Information
The 11-day cultural tour in 2026 adopts tiered pricing:
Economy Group:Starting at 6,980 yuan per person (includes 14-seat minibus, three-star hotel, basic admission tickets)
Comfort Group:Starting at 9,880 yuan per person (includes 7-seat business vehicle, four-star hotel,特色 (special) dining)
Luxury Group:Starting at 13,800 yuan per person (includes 19-seat air-conditioned coach, five-star hotel, full-time photographer)
Price Includes:
Round-trip transportation (including airport transfers)
10 nights of accommodation (including breakfast)

Admission ticket to Kashgar Old Town: A Living Museum of the Western Regions
Professional guide services
Travel accident insurance
Price Excludes:
Round-trip major transportation
Meal expenses (approximately 80 yuan per person per day)
Personal expenses and self-funded items
Note:Early bird discounts are available for bookings made before June 30th, subject to the contract signing date. Prices may fluctuate due to factors such as fuel prices and hotel supply and demand. It is recommended to book 30 days in advance to lock in discounts.
(IV) Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency for the latest departure dates and availability information. Staff will provide an electronic itinerary manual and contract template within 2 hours.

This ancient town, covering 3.6 square kilometers, retains the residential architecture of various ethnic groups from the early 21st century. Among the earth-colored rammed earth buildings, the crisscrossing alleys form a natural maze, with family stories hidden behind each carved wooden door. In 2026, three new intangible cultural heritage exhibition halls will be added to the old town, allowing visitors to observe traditional crafts such as Edles silk weaving and earthenware firing up close. The daily city gate opening ceremony at 10:30 AM recreates the bustling scene of ancient Silk Road trade through ethnic songs, dances, and camel caravan parades.(V) Fee Explanation and Service Explanation
Transportation Arrangements
Vehicles are matched according to group size, with 7-seat business vehicles equipped with dedicated drivers and coaches with over 19 seats arranged with dual drivers for rotation. All vehicles are insured for seats and undergo daily pre-departure inspections.
Accommodation Standards
The economy group selects chain hotels, the comfort group opts for boutique guesthouses in the old town, and the luxury group arranges international brand hotels. Accommodation in Taxkorgan is specially equipped with oxygen-generating devices to alleviate altitude sickness.
Dining Services
Meals are arranged at ethnic specialty restaurants, with bottled water and seasonal fruits provided daily. The group can change meal standards 24 hours in advance to meet special dietary needs such as vegetarianism.
Guide Services
Bilingual guides are provided throughout the journey, with additional local guides added for the Pamir Plateau section. Daily itinerary photos are shared after each day’s activities, and the luxury group receives a professionally edited travel documentary as a gift.
Emergency Support
The team carries portable pulse oximeters, first aid kits, and other equipment, establishing a green channel with medical institutions along the route. In case of extreme weather or policy changes, both parties can reasonably modify the itinerary by mutual agreement.
The specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Travel is a journey of discovering beauty, and the cultural richness and natural grandeur of Southern Xinjiang await your exploration on foot. Let’s meet in 2026 to jointly write your Western Regions story.

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation.