20 Day Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang Experience Traditional Folk Activities and Exotic Customs Check Real Time Registration Prices and Recommended Itinerary Costs
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation.
20-Day In-Depth Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:Immersive Experience of Traditional Folk Customs and Natural Wonders
✨ Itinerary Highlights:Crossing the Tianshan Mountains to Unlock the Secrets of Diverse Cultures
Xinjiang is divided by the Tianshan Mountains, with Northern Xinjiang renowned for its snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and forests, while Southern Xinjiang is famous for its Gobi deserts and ancient city culture. This 20-day itinerary connects the core landscapes and hidden gems of both regions, covering natural wonders such as Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Kanas, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland, while delving into cultural landmarks like Kashgar Old City, Hotan Grand Bazaar, and the Pamir Plateau. Participate in traditional handicrafts, folk festivals, song and dance performances, and other activities of various ethnic groups, experiencing the diverse customs of “one scenic spot at every step, one custom in every village.”
The itinerary is specially designed with a “slow travel” pace, limiting daily driving time to 3-4 hours to allow ample time for in-depth experiences: make milk wine with the Tuvans by Kanas Lake, learn Adai silk tie-dyeing from artisans in Kashgar Old City, taste yak hot pot with families of various ethnic groups on the Pamir Plateau, and take on the challenge of making grilled eggs at the Hotan Night Market… A bilingual guide is provided throughout to interpret historical allusions and taboos of various ethnic groups, avoiding cultural conflicts.
Itinerary Overview:A 20-Day Tapestry of Nature and Humanity
[Phase 1:Northern Xinjiang Nature Exploration (Days 1-10)]
Days 1-2:Gather in Urumqi
20-Day In-Depth Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: Immersive Experience of Traditional Folk Customs and Natural WondersCheck into a comfortable hotel in the city upon arrival to adjust to the time difference and climate. Free activities are recommended on the first day, such as visiting the International Grand Bazaar, tasting grilled stuffed buns and pilaf, and admiring handicrafts from various ethnic groups.
Day 3:Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan → Fukang
Visit the “Fairy Pool on Earth” Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, take a shuttle bus through the spruce forest, and ascend Maya Mountain for an overview of Bogda Peak. Head to Fukang in the evening to experience yurt accommodations with families from various ethnic groups.
Days 4-5:Fukang → S21 Desert Highway → Burqin → Kanas
Traverse the S21 Desert Highway to photograph Gobi Yardang landforms. Upon arrival in Kanas, visit Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay during off-peak hours, and take a boat to explore the legend of the lake monster. Stay overnight in Jiadengyu to observe the starry galaxy.
Days 6-7:Kanas → Hemu → Karamay
Venture deep into Hemu Village to participate in a Tuvan “Khoomei” (throat singing) performance and ride horses through the birch forest. Then proceed to Karamay to visit the World Devil City and photograph the Danxia landforms at sunset.
Days 8-10:Karamay → Duku Highway → Nalati → Bayanbulak
✨Itinerary Highlights: Crossing the Tianshan Mountains to Unlock the Secrets of Diverse CulturesDrive across the Duku Highway (Northern Section) to experience the four seasons in one day. Participate in the local herders’ migration on Nalati Grassland and learn to make kumis (fermented mare’s milk); wait for the sunset over the meandering river at Bayanbulak Grassland to photograph the “Nine Suns” spectacle.
[Phase 2:Southern Xinjiang Cultural Immersion (Days 11-20)]
Days 11-12:Bayanbulak → Kuqa → Aksu
Traverse the southern section of the Duku Highway through the Tianshan Mountains to visit Kuqa Grand Canyon and the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves. Hike through the Wenxu Grand Canyon in Aksu to feel the awe of the “Geological Museum.”
Days 13-15:Aksu → Kashgar → Pamir Plateau
Fly to Kashgar to stroll through Kashgar Old City and participate in the opening ceremony song and dance performance. Head to the Pamir Plateau to visit Baisha Lake and Muztagh Ata, dine with families of various ethnic groups in Taxkorgan County, and learn to play the eagle flute.
Days 16-17:Kashgar → Hotan
Visit the Hotan Jade Trading Market and participate in a jade appraisal experience class. Learn to make Adai silk in the Tuancheng Scenic Area of Hotan, take a night tour of the Hotan Night Market, and take on the challenge of “Three Ways to Eat Grilled Eggs” (chicken, goose, and ostrich eggs).
Xinjiang is divided by the Tianshan Mountains, with Northern Xinjiang renowned for its snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and forests, while Southern Xinjiang is famous for its Gobi deserts and ancient city culture. This 20-day itinerary connects the core landscapes and hidden gems of both regions, covering natural wonders such as Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Kanas, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland, while delving into cultural landmarks like Kashgar Old City, Hotan Grand Bazaar, and the Pamir Plateau. Participate in traditional handicrafts, folk festivals, song and dance performances, and other activities of various ethnic groups, experiencing the diverse customs of “one scenic spot at every step, one custom in every village.”Days 18-19:Hotan → Minfeng → Luntai → Korla
Traverse the Taklimakan Desert along the Desert Highway and visit the Minfeng Niya Site Museum. Photograph the golden poplars in the Luntai Poplar Forest Park and take a boat tour of Bosten Lake.
Day 20:Korla → Urumqi for Return
Free activities before departure, with options to purchase dried fruits, wolfberries, and other specialties. Depart from Urumqi by air in the evening to conclude the journey.
Price Information:Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Costs
The price range for the 20-day group tour is 6,800-9,800 yuan per person, with specific prices fluctuating based on the following factors:
Accommodation Standards:Comfortable hotels (with heating/air conditioning) or characteristic homestays (such as Hemu wooden cabins, Kashgar Old City homestays).
The itinerary is specially designed with a “slow travel” pace, limiting daily driving time to 3-4 hours to allow ample time for in-depth experiences: make milk wine with the Tuvans by Kanas Lake, learn Adai silk tie-dyeing from artisans in Kashgar Old City, taste yak hot pot with families of various ethnic groups on the Pamir Plateau, and take on the challenge of making grilled eggs at the Hotan Night Market… A bilingual guide is provided throughout to interpret historical allusions and taboos of various ethnic groups, avoiding cultural conflicts.Transportation Arrangements:7-seater business vehicles or 19-seater tourist buses are provided throughout, with four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles used on the Duku Highway section.
Cultural Experiences:Includes fees for 12 folk activities (such as handicrafts, home visits, performance viewing).
Dining Arrangements:A combination of team meals and specialty meals, including 5 flavor banquets (such as Kashgar banquets, Tajik yak hot pot).
Price Includes:First admission tickets to scenic spots within the itinerary, shuttle bus tickets, accommodation fees, meal fees, guide service fees, and travel accident insurance.
Price Excludes:Round-trip major transportation (airfare/train tickets), personal expenses, (single travelers will be coordinated for room sharing as much as possible; a supplement of 1,200 yuan per person is required if room sharing is not possible).
Registration Method:Professional Service, Comfortable Travel
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for information on departure dates, remaining seats, price details, and contract terms. Registration requires providing valid identification information and paying a deposit of 2,000 yuan per person to secure a seat, with the final payment due 30 days before departure. The travel agency provides 24-hour emergency response to assist with flight delays, altitude sickness, and other unexpected situations.
Fee and Service Information:Detailed Guarantees, Worry-Free Travel
Itinerary Overview: A 20-Day Tapestry of Nature and HumanityTransportation Guarantees:Vehicles are disinfected daily and equipped with first aid kits, oxygen cylinders, and car chargers; drivers with over ten years of experience are arranged for mountainous sections such as the Duku Highway.
Accommodation Guarantees:Preference is given to hotels newly renovated in 2026, with floor heating or electric blankets included in accommodations in scenic areas such as Kanas and Hemu.
Dining Guarantees:Team meals consist of eight dishes and one soup, with specialty meals labeling allergens; bottled drinking water is provided throughout.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:If the itinerary is changed due to force majeure factors (such as extreme weather, scenic spot closures), both parties will negotiate changes or refund unincurred fees in accordance with the contract.
📌 Precautions:Respect Local Customs, Travel Civilly
Climate and Clothing:Northern Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night, requiring windbreakers and thin down jackets; Southern Xinjiang is dry with strong UV rays, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and moisturizing spray.
Folk Customs and Taboos:Obtain consent before photographing residents of various ethnic groups; refrain from making noise or touching the Quran indoors; remove shoes before entering homes and avoid stepping on thresholds during visits.
Tips:The Pamir Plateau is at a high altitude, so avoid strenuous exercise; do not随意 [Note: “随意” left untranslated as it seems out of context here, possibly a typo or missing context. If it means “get off the vehicle randomly” on the desert highway, then:] get off the vehicle randomly when driving on the desert highway to prevent heatstroke or getting lost.
This 20-day itinerary through Northern and Southern Xinjiang is not only a visual feast of natural scenery but also an in-depth cultural experience. From snow-capped mountains and grasslands to Gobi deserts, from Tuvan wooden cabins to yurts of various ethnic groups, every step is taken on the veins of history, and every meal is a taste of the Western Regions’ vibrant atmosphere. Specific itinerary details, fees, and remaining seats are subject to the contract signed after consulting Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Let a professional team customize a Xinjiang journey without regrets for you!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation.
