2026 North and South Xinjiang Chartered Car 17 Day In Depth Trip Along the Tianshan Mountain Range to Enjoy Diverse Scenery Highly Recommended Self Drive Route Recommended Route Price
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and quotation.
Starred Travel Guide✨:17-Day In-Depth Custom Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang by Private Vehicle in 2026 – Unlock a Dual Feast of Nature and Culture Along the Tianshan Mountain Range
[Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination]
This 17-day in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang follows the Tianshan Mountain Range as its backbone, connecting the grasslands and lakes of northern Xinjiang with the deserts and gorges of southern Xinjiang to form a golden corridor of natural landscapes and cultural charm. Starting from Urumqi, the journey will pass through the following key regions:
Northern Xinjiang Section:
Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake):A mountain lake approximately 120 kilometers from the city center, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, accessible year-round. In 2026, the combined cost of admission and shuttle bus is approximately 155 RMB, with year-round availability. Advance reservations through official scenic area channels are recommended.
Keketuohai Scenic Area:Famous for its Irtysh River Canyon and granite landforms, the canyon is emerald green in summer and ablaze with autumn colors in fall, making it a paradise for photographers.
Kanas Lake:Known as a ‘picturesque wonder of the world,’ the lake changes color with the seasons, surrounded by birch forests and Tuva villages, creating a scene straight out of an oil painting.
Hemu Village:An original Tuva village where wooden houses amid morning mist and cooking smoke form the classic scene of ‘China’s most beautiful village.’
Sayram Lake:Xinjiang’s highest and largest alpine lake, with sapphire-blue waters and a scenic road around the lake allowing for frequent photo stops.
Starred Travel Guide✨: 17-Day In-Depth Custom Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang by Private Vehicle in 2026 – Unlock a Dual Feast of Nature and Culture Along the Tianshan Mountain RangeDuku Highway:The ‘Heroic Road’ connecting northern and southern Xinjiang, featuring a mix of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons. Full opening is expected in early June 2026 (subject to official traffic department announcements).
Southern Xinjiang Section:
Kashgar Old Town:A labyrinthine neighborhood with 2,000 years of history, where earth-toned buildings and shops selling handicrafts from various ethnic groups create a vibrant cultural hub.
Pamir Plateau:The starting point of the high plateau, featuring Muztagh Ata Peak, Karakul Lake, and White Sand Lake as iconic representations of plateau scenery. A permit is required for entry.
Taklimakan Desert Highway:A highway crossing the world’s second-largest mobile desert, offering views of the coexistence of desert and poplar forests along the way.
Wensu Grand Canyon:A canyon cluster surrounded by red rock walls, an excellent destination for geological wonders and hiking adventures.
[Simple Itinerary]
Days 1-2:Gathering in Urumqi and Initial Exploration of Tianshan
Arrive in Urumqi on Day 1, check into your hotel, and enjoy free time to explore the International Bazaar or Xinjiang Museum (advance reservations required).
[Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination] On Day 2, visit Tianshan Tianchi and return to the city or proceed to Fukang for accommodation to acclimate to the high-altitude environment.
Days 3-5:Natural Wonders of Northern Xinjiang
On Day 3, travel via the S21 Desert Highway to Keketuohai to explore the Irtysh River Canyon.
On Day 4, head to Kanas, ascend the Fish-Viewing Platform for a panoramic view, and stay in Jiadengyu.
On Day 5, take an in-depth tour of Kanas’ Three Bays and head to Hemu Village in the evening to capture morning mist and starry skies.
Days 6-8:Symphony of Grasslands and Lakes
On Day 6, enjoy free time in Hemu to experience Tuva culture.
On Day 7, traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway (pending opening) to reach Sayram Lake for a scenic drive around the lake.
On Day 8, proceed to Yining to explore the Kazanqi Folk Street and sample ethnic specialties.
This 17-day in-depth tour of northern and southern Xinjiang follows the Tianshan Mountain Range as its backbone, connecting the grasslands and lakes of northern Xinjiang with the deserts and gorges of southern Xinjiang to form a golden corridor of natural landscapes and cultural charm. Starting from Urumqi, the journey will pass through the following key regions:Days 9-11:Collision of Culture and Geography in Southern Xinjiang
On Day 9, travel via the southern section of the Duku Highway to Bayanbulak to admire the ‘Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends’ sunset.
On Day 10, head to Kuqa to explore the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon and Kuqa Old Town.
On Day 11, proceed to Aksu for rest and preparation for an in-depth southern Xinjiang tour.
Days 12-14:Visual Feast of the Pamir Plateau
On Day 12, travel to Kashgar, obtain a permit, and proceed to the Pamir Plateau to visit White Sand Lake and Karakul Lake.
On Day 13, tour the Stone City and Golden Grassland and experience the folk customs of various ethnic groups.
On Day 14, return to Kashgar to explore the bazaar and photograph the old town’s streets and alleys.
Days 15-17:Finale of Desert and Oasis
Northern Xinjiang Section:On Day 15, cross the Taklimakan Desert Highway to reach Hotan and explore its night market.
On Day 16, head to Luntai to visit the Tarim Poplar Forest Park (autumn-only attraction).
On Day 17, return to Urumqi to conclude the journey.
[Pricing Information]
The price for the 17-day in-depth custom tour of northern and southern Xinjiang by private vehicle in 2026 varies based on vehicle type, season, and service standards. For a 7-seat business vehicle, the average daily cost during the off-peak season (April-May, mid-to-late October) is approximately 900-1,900 RMB, with potential increases of 30%-50% during peak season (June 15-October 15). The cost includes vehicle use, driver services, fuel, tolls, and basic insurance, excluding scenic area admission, shuttle buses, accommodation, and meals. Specific pricing is subject to the contract signed after consulting with Zhang Jing, Customer Service Manager at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
[Registration Method]
You can register for this in-depth custom tour of northern and southern Xinjiang by private vehicle through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing will recommend a suitable vehicle type and provide a detailed itinerary based on your group size, travel dates, and interests.
[Fee and Service Descriptions]
Fees Include:Vehicle use, professional driver services, fuel, tolls, parking fees, and vehicle insurance.
Tianshan Tianchi: A mountain lake approximately 120 kilometers from the city center, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, accessible year-round. In 2026, the combined cost of admission and shuttle bus is approximately 155 RMB, with year-round availability. Advance reservations through official scenic area channels are recommended.Fees Exclude:Scenic area admission, shuttle buses, personal expenses, accommodation, meals, and driver’s accommodation (negotiable for sharing).
Service Features:Experienced local drivers familiar with road conditions and scenic spot distributions can optimize routes based on weather and road conditions. In case of force majeure (e.g., extreme weather, road closures, temporary scenic area capacity limits), both parties may agree to reasonable itinerary adjustments.
Solo Registration:We will make every effort to arrange shared accommodations; special cases require separate negotiation.
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
[Travel Tips]
Document Preparation:Valid identification, permit (required for Pamir Plateau entry).
Clothing Recommendations:Northern Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night; bring warm outerwear. Southern Xinjiang is hot in summer; take sun protection measures.
Photography Equipment:Wide-angle lens for lakes and grasslands, telephoto lens for snow-capped mountains and wildlife, polarizing filter to reduce water surface glare.
Cultural Respect:When visiting ethnic minority areas, respect local customs and avoid photographing sensitive scenes.
This 17-day in-depth tour along the Tianshan Mountain Range will take you through grasslands, lakes, deserts, and plateaus, allowing you to experience Xinjiang’s geographical miracle of ‘three mountains enclosing two basins’ and the unique charm of its diverse cultural fusion. Whether it’s the fairy-tale autumn colors of northern Xinjiang or the vast deserts of southern Xinjiang, every scene is worth exploring on foot and capturing with your camera.
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and quotation.
