2026 South Xinjiang Group Tour 13 Day Panoramic Journey to Khunjerab Pass, Stone City, and Golden Grassland Get Group Tour Quotes in Advance Recommended Itinerary Pricing

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

Explore the Mysterious Land of Southern Xinjiang:13-Day In-Depth Panoramic Tour of the Khunjerab Pass, Shitou City (Stone City), and Jincaotan (Golden Grassland) in 2026
[Itinerary Highlights:A Southern Xinjiang Scroll Through Time and Space]
Southern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Pamir Plateau, features vast snow-capped mountains, expansive grasslands, thousand-year-old cities, and the jingling of camel bells along the Silk Road. The newly upgraded 13-day panoramic itinerary for 2026 centers around the “Khunjerab Pass” and connects iconic landscapes such as Shitou City, Jincaotan, Kashgar Old Town, and the Pamir Plateau. It incorporates intangible cultural heritage experiences of various ethnic groups and light hiking activities, creating an in-depth journey that combines nature and culture. The itinerary covers Tashkurgan County, Kashgar City, and Hotan Prefecture, with daily travel time controlled within 3 hours. It is equipped with low-floor business vehicles and scenic area electric carts to meet the needs of middle-aged, elderly, and family travelers.
I. Itinerary Overview: Daily Highlights at a Glance
[Days 1-2:Gather in Urumqi · Acclimate to the Plateau]
Upon arrival in Urumqi, check into a four-diamond hotel. On the first day, enjoy free time and explore the International Bazaar to savor roasted stuffed buns and hand-grabbed rice while experiencing the local market atmosphere. The next day, arrange for a light hike at Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) on the Tianshan Mountains, overlooking snow-capped mountains and lakes. In the evening, take a special train to Kashgar and stay overnight in a soft sleeper cabin equipped with charging ports and reading lights.
[Days 3-4:Kashgar Old Town · Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicrafts]
Arrive in Kashgar early in the morning and check into a boutique guesthouse within the old town. In the morning, follow a local guide to visit the Id Kah Mosque and listen to the morning prayer bells. In the afternoon, experience pottery throwing and mulberry paper making at a century-old teahouse, with complimentary intangible cultural heritage souvenirs. The itinerary avoids the midday heat, with tea breaks scheduled every 2 hours, offering warm jujube tea and naan bread.

Explore the Mysterious Land of Southern Xinjiang: 13-Day In-Depth Panoramic Tour of the Khunjerab Pass, Shitou City, and Jincaotan in 2026[Days 5-7:Pamir Plateau · Khunjerab Pass]
Travel by car through Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, capturing panoramic views of “the Father of Glaciers” at Muztagh Ata Peak viewpoint. On the 7th day, arrive at the Khunjerab Pass (elevation 4,733 meters), visit the border scenery with a permit, and make two stops along the way for oxygen replenishment and rest. The vehicle is equipped with oxygen cylinders and first aid kits. Stay overnight in a comfortable hotel in Tashkurgan County and savor yak hotpot, a specialty of various ethnic groups.
[Days 8-9:Shitou City · Jincaotan · Tajik Family Visit]
In the morning, tour the ruins of Shitou City and overlook the Tashkurgan River Valley from a high vantage point. In the afternoon, stroll through Jincaotan and capture the wetland pastoral scenes at sunset. The next day, visit villages of various ethnic groups, learn to play the eagle flute, participate in “naan-making” experiences, and receive ethnic handicrafts as gifts.
[Days 10-12:Hotan Jade Culture · Desert Highway]
Return to Hotan via the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway and visit a jade-picking workshop by the Yurungkash River (sun hats and cushions provided) to learn about jade mining history. The next day, explore the intangible cultural heritage workshops in Hotan’s Tuancheng area to observe carpet weaving and knot-tying techniques. On the final day, traverse the Taklimakan Desert Highway, capture the desert sunset at a scenic viewpoint, and return to Urumqi in the evening.
[Day 13:Return · Voluntary Shopping]
In the morning, freely shop for Xinjiang dried fruits and Aidelai silk. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport according to flight schedules. Throughout the trip, there are no mandatory stops at shopping stores, but reputable specialty stores will be recommended for voluntary choices.

[Itinerary Highlights: A Southern Xinjiang Scroll Through Time and Space]II. Pricing Information: Transparent Consumption, No Gimmicks
[What’s Included]
Transportation:Luxury air-conditioned tour buses within Xinjiang (including fuel and toll fees) + soft sleeper seats on the “Tianshan” special train (5 nights)
Accommodation:6 nights in four-diamond hotels/characteristic guesthouses (with elevators) + 2 nights in comfortable hotels (Tashkurgan, Hotan)
Meals:12 breakfasts and 20 main meals (including roast whole lamb, cold-water fish banquet, and home-cooked meals from various ethnic groups)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets and shuttle buses for the Khunjerab Pass, Shitou City, Jincaotan, Kashgar Old Town, etc.
Services:High-quality tour guides + local guides + drivers + 24-hour emergency support team
Insurance:Travel accident insurance + high-altitude reaction special insurance

Southern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Pamir Plateau, features vast snow-capped mountains, expansive grasslands, thousand-year-old cities, and the jingling of camel bells along the Silk Road. The newly upgraded 13-day panoramic itinerary for 2026 centers around the “Khunjerab Pass” and connects iconic landscapes such as Shitou City, Jincaotan, Kashgar Old Town, and the Pamir Plateau. It incorporates intangible cultural heritage experiences of various ethnic groups and light hiking activities, creating an in-depth journey that combines nature and culture. The itinerary covers Tashkurgan County, Kashgar City, and Hotan Prefecture, with daily travel time controlled within 3 hours. It is equipped with low-floor business vehicles and scenic area electric carts to meet the needs of middle-aged, elderly, and family travelers.Complimentary Gifts:Ethnic flower hats, intangible cultural heritage handicraft material kits, and bottled water throughout the trip
[Pricing Reference]
In 2026, the per capita price starts at approximately 8,800 yuan during the low season (November-March) and 10,800 yuan during the peak season (April-October). Prices may fluctuate depending on the departure date and are subject to confirmation in the contract. Solo travelers will be coordinated for shared accommodations as much as possible, with special cases requiring separate negotiation.
[Special Reminders]
A permit is required in advance for the Khunjerab Pass, and the travel agency can assist with submitting materials;
Seniors aged 70 and above must provide a medical examination report from the past six months and be accompanied by immediate family members;
Blood pressure measurements will be taken daily during the Pamir Plateau segment, and the vehicle is equipped with basic monitoring devices.
III. Registration Method: Professional Services for the Entire Journey

I. Itinerary Overview: Daily Highlights at a GlanceYou can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for detailed itineraries, availability, and preferential policies. The agency holds a travel agency business license issued by the national cultural and tourism authorities, has deep roots in Xinjiang tourism for many years, maintains a good reputation year after year, and specializes in customizing itineraries suitable for middle-aged, elderly, and family travelers.
IV. Service Guarantees: Details Determine the Experience
[Flexible Itinerary Changes]
In case of weather, traffic control, or scenic area policy changes, reasonable itinerary adjustments can be made by mutual agreement. For example:If the Khunjerab Pass is temporarily closed, it will be replaced with a hike in the Tashkurgan River Valley or a self-drive experience on the Wensu Ancient Road.
[Vehicle and Accommodation Standards]
Throughout the trip, 7-seat low-floor business vehicles with aviation seats and USB charging ports will be used. All hotels have elevators and 24-hour hot water, and the Kashgar Old Town guesthouse provides luggage handling services.
[Meals]
Main meals are designed to be light, with less oil and salt for easy digestion. Allergen information is disclosed in advance on the menu. Pressure cooker cooking is provided in Tashkurgan to ensure thorough cooking of ingredients.

[Days 1-2: Gather in Urumqi · Acclimate to the Plateau][Emergency Response]
Equipped with Beidou + satellite dual-mode positioning devices, all drivers have undergone special training for high-altitude driving. A green channel has been established with Tashkurgan County Hospital, ensuring arrival within 30 minutes in case of emergencies.
V. Pre-Trip Tips: Start Your Southern Xinjiang Journey with Ease
Document Preparation:Valid ID, permit (handled by the travel agency), senior citizen/student ID (for ticket discounts)
Clothing Recommendations:Prepare according to the “three-layer method” (quick-drying underwear + fleece middle layer + windproof outer layer), and bring windproof sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and warm gloves
Medication List:High-altitude pills, ibuprofen, motion sickness patches, moisturizing lip balm (due to dry high-altitude climate)
Cultural Respect:Remove shoes and cover shoulders and knees when visiting; avoid asking personal questions such as marital status
[Conclusion]
From the dappled light and shadows of Kashgar Old Town to the snow-capped mountains of the Khunjerab Pass, from the thousand-year-old沧桑 (vicissitudes) of Shitou City to the pastoral sunset glow of Jincaotan, this 13-day itinerary gently unfolds the grandeur and gentleness of Southern Xinjiang. Choose Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to let a professional team help you avoid risks. All you need to bring is your curiosity, and you’ll embark on a pure journey with no mandatory shopping, no gimmicks, and no regrets. The specific itinerary arrangements and cost details are subject to actual consultation and contracting. We look forward to joining you on this journey to the Western Regions!

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