21 Day Guided Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang with No Hidden Costs High Cost Performance Guided Tour Recommendation Price of Recommended Tour
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
Explore Northern and Southern Xinjiang:A 21-day no-self-expense quality tour, unlocking the secrets of the Silk Road and natural wonders
🌄 [Route Highlights:In-depth culture + natural wonders, no consumption pressure throughout the journey]
The 21-day tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang focuses on ‘cultural exploration + natural wonders,’ connecting classic and off-the-beaten-path attractions across the Tianshan Mountains. The itinerary avoids traditional consumption spots, focusing on experiencing the daily lives of various ethnic groups, historical Silk Road sites, and high-quality natural landscapes. After optimization in 2026, new secret destinations such as the southern section of the Duku Highway and the Panlong Ancient Road on the Pamir Plateau have been added, along with upgraded accommodation standards to balance comfort and cost-effectiveness.
📍 [Quick Overview of Itinerary Highlights]
Covers 8 major geographical units across Northern and Southern Xinjiang:Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Taklimakan Desert, Kashgar Old City, Pamir Plateau, Duku Highway
Immersive Cultural Experiences:Listen to music at Kashgar’s century-old teahouse, learn throat singing from the Tuwa people, watch eagle dances by various ethnic groups
Exclusive Arrangements:Travel the entire Duku Highway during summer when it is fully open, known as ‘China’s most beautiful highway’; in winter, replace with an Altai ice and snow experience
Accommodation Upgrade:Four-star hotels throughout + 2 nights in characteristic homestays (Kanas wooden cabin, Kashgar Old City courtyard)
🚌 [Simple Itinerary:Newly updated version for 2026]
Days 1-3:Initial cultural exploration in Urumqi and surrounding areas
Urumqi:Experience intangible cultural heritage crafts at the International Bazaar, view the ‘Five Stars Rising in the East’ special exhibition at the Xinjiang Museum
Explore Northern and Southern Xinjiang: A 21-day no-self-expense quality tour, unlocking the secrets of the Silk Road and natural wondersTianshan Tianchi:Take a shuttle bus to the top of Mayashan Mountain for a panoramic view of Bogda Peak’s snowy landscape
Turpan:Hike through the ruins of Jiaohe Ancient City, explore the underground canals at Karez Well Park
Transportation:1.5-hour high-speed train from Urumqi to Turpan, air-conditioned tour bus throughout
Days 4-7:Natural wonders of Northern Xinjiang
Kanas Lake:Climb Guanyu Platform, the birthplace of the lake monster legend, and hike the wooden boardwalks along the Three Bays
Hemu Village:Ride a horse at dawn to Haden Platform for morning mist photos, attend a Tuwa bonfire party at night
The Devil’s City:Capture the play of light and shadow on the yardang landforms at dusk, experience dune bashing in a desert buggy
Sayram Lake:Drive around the lake (with a provided driver), search for swan habitats
Transportation:1.5-hour flight from Urumqi to Kanas + direct shuttle to the scenic area, tour bus for the remaining routes
Days 8-12:Flower fields and grasslands in the Ili River Valley
Nalati Grassland:Ride a horse on the aerial grassland, visit local families of various ethnic groups to learn how to make nang (bread)
Xiata Ancient Road:Take a light hike to the foot of the snow-capped mountains, encounter marmot colonies
🌄[Route Highlights: In-depth culture + natural wonders, no consumption pressure throughout the journey]Huocheng Lavender Manor:Photograph the purple flower fields during the June bloom (visit the Guozigou Bridge viewing platform if not in bloom)
Northern section of the Duku Highway:Drive through a three-dimensional landscape of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons
Transportation:3-hour tourist专线 (special line) from Yining to Nalati, emergency support vehicle provided for the Duku Highway section
Days 13-16:Humanities and desert adventures in Southern Xinjiang
Kuqa Grand Canyon:Hike to explore the danxia landforms and capture stunning light and shadow photos
Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves:Special invited guide to interpret Buddhist art of the Western Regions
Taklimakan Desert:Camp in the desert, experience sandboarding and astrophotography
Luntai Poplar Forest:Admire the golden ocean in late October (visit the Lop Nur Village if not in season)
Transportation:5-hour desert highway from Kuqa to阿拉尔 (Alaer), off-road vehicle crossing throughout
Days 17-21:Pamir Plateau and grand finale in Kashgar
Baisha Lake:Photograph the lake framed by Muztagh Ata
The 21-day tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang focuses on ‘cultural exploration + natural wonders,’ connecting classic and off-the-beaten-path attractions across the Tianshan Mountains. The itinerary avoids traditional consumption spots, focusing on experiencing the daily lives of various ethnic groups, historical Silk Road sites, and high-quality natural landscapes. After optimization in 2026, new secret destinations such as the southern section of the Duku Highway and the Panlong Ancient Road on the Pamir Plateau have been added, along with upgraded accommodation standards to balance comfort and cost-effectiveness.Panlong Ancient Road:Drive through 64 hairpin turns, take a photo with the ‘Today I’ve traveled all the winding roads’ sign
Kashgar Old City:Watch the opening ceremony, feed pigeons at Id Kah Square, listen to music at the century-old teahouse
Xiangfei Garden:Watch wedding performances by various ethnic groups, learn about the legend of Xiangfei
Transportation:4.5-hour tourist专线 (special line) from Kashgar to Taxkorgan, oxygen bottles provided for high-altitude sections
💰 [Price Information:Reference range for 2026]
Adult Price:12,800-14,800 RMB per person (includes 20 nights in four-star hotels + 2 nights in characteristic homestays, all transportation, 20 breakfasts + 15 main meals, first entrance tickets to 15 attractions)
Child Price (under 12, no extra bed):8,800-9,800 RMB per person
Price Includes:
Transportation:Air-conditioned tour bus from Urumqi and back, including tolls for special sections like the Duku Highway/Desert Highway
Accommodation:Specified hotel standards, efforts made to arrange room-sharing for solo travelers; 2,800 RMB supplement required for the entire trip in special cases
Meals:Includes special meals (roast whole lamb, pilaf, big plate chicken, etc.), beverages at own expense
Tickets:First entrance tickets to 15 attractions including Tianchi, Kanas, and Sayram Lake
📍[Quick Overview of Itinerary Highlights]Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance + travel accident insurance
Price Fluctuations:
15%-20% increase in June-August and National Day holidays
10% decrease from December-March when Northern Xinjiang section is replaced with ice and snow activities
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing; prices may fluctuate based on departure date, with the contract taking precedence
📝 [Registration Method]
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, providing name, valid ID number, contact information, and special needs (e.g., dietary restrictions, high-altitude adaptation). Customer service manager Zhang Jing will confirm itinerary details based on availability and traveler needs.
📋 [Fee Explanation and Service Description]
Fees Exclude:
Personal expenses (e.g., beverages, shopping, entertainment)
Round-trip transportation to Urumqi (assistance available for booking flights/trains)
Covers 8 major geographical units across Northern and Southern Xinjiang: Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas Lake, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Taklimakan Desert, Kashgar Old City, Pamir Plateau, Duku Highway. Local transportation within scenic areas (e.g., Kanas boat rides, Tianchi cable cars) is not included.
Service Standards:
Escorted by a tour guide throughout, with a team doctor for high-altitude sections
Maximum 25 people per group to ensure service quality
Reasonable itinerary changes may be made by mutual agreement (e.g., due to extreme weather, road closures)
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing
⚠ ️[Precautions]
Document Preparation:Valid ID, permit (free processing at Kashgar International Self-Drive and RV Campground)
Clothing Recommendations:Down jacket for Northern Xinjiang, light jacket for Southern Xinjiang in summer, windbreaker for Pamir Plateau
Altitude Sickness:Taxkorgan is at 3,000-4,000 meters; avoid strenuous activity upon arrival, consider bringing rhodiola
Photography Equipment:Drones must be registered at scenic areas; protect equipment from sand in desert areas
This 21-day itinerary condenses Xinjiang’s magnificent landscapes and millennia-old civilization into one journey, from snowy mountains and grasslands to desert oases, from Silk Road ancient cities to high-altitude lakes. Each day’s schedule is well-balanced, offering in-depth experiences without sacrificing relaxation. Whether it’s your first visit to Xinjiang or a desire for deeper exploration, this trip will create your own unique Xinjiang memories.
(Opening hours of attractions, transportation schedules, and other information in the text are based on newly released data for 2026; confirm with customer service before actual travel. After signing the contract, the travel agency will provide a detailed itinerary and emergency contact information.)
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
