2026 North and South Xinjiang Group Tour 18 Day Circular Itinerary Along the Northern Border with Comprehensive Travel Guide and Recommended Route Pricing
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Star Recommendation✨:18-Day Border Loop Deep Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 2026: A Moving Scenic Feast Across the Tianshan Mountains
[Route Highlights:Immersive Experience Blending Border Scenery and Humanities]
This 18-day loop is designed for travelers seeking in-depth exploration. Starting from Urumqi, it unfolds along the northern border for a grand tour spanning 3,500 kilometers. The itinerary covers four major regions: Eastern Xinjiang (Hami), Northern Xinjiang (Altay), Western Xinjiang (Ili), and Southern Xinjiang (Kashgar), connecting over 20 core scenic spots, 80% of which are national 5A-level or World Natural Heritage sites. Travelers will traverse two major geographical units—the Junggar Basin and Tarim Basin—encountering 12 types of landscapes including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, gobi, yardang, wetlands, and experiencing the stark contrast of “four seasons in one day.”
The itinerary includes special border port experiences: touching border landscapes in Khorgos, overlooking the Pamir Plateau in Tashkurgan, and visiting the Khunjerab Pass outpost along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (subject to policy openness). Intangible cultural heritage from various ethnic groups is woven throughout: Hami’s Twelve Mukam songs and dances, Kashgar’s clay pottery making, and eagle dances by ethnic communities, turning travel into a bridge for cultural dialogue.
[Simple Itinerary:Smart Rhythm of Daytime Exploration and Nighttime Travel]
▍Days 1-2: Departure • Crossing the Hexi Corridor
Depart from Guangzhou/Changsha/Xi’an via special train, enjoying views of the Loess Plateau and gobi landscapes. The train is equipped with entertainment facilities like KTV and card rooms.
▍Days 3-5: Exploring Eastern Xinjiang
Hami:Visit the Haidao Road Devil City Yardang Group; stay at a local hotel
Urumqi:Tour Tianshan Tianchi Lake; shop for handicrafts at the International Bazaar
Star Recommendation✨: 18-Day Border Loop Deep Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 2026: A Moving Scenic Feast Across the Tianshan Mountains▍Days 6-9: Northern Xinjiang’s Picturesque Scenery
Beitun:Take an off-road vehicle deep into Kanas; hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay/Moon Bay/Wolong Bay)
Hemu Village:Stay in a Tuvan wooden cabin; photograph morning mist and cooking smoke at dawn
Burqin:Witness the sunset at Colorful Beach, where Danxia landforms meet the Irtysh River
▍Days 10-13: Western Xinjiang’s Oases
Yining:Cycle around Sayram Lake; photograph the “Bridge in the Clouds” at Guozigou Bridge
Nalati:Ride horses on the aerial grasslands; spend the night in a yurt for a nomadic experience
Bayinbuluk:Await the golden sunset over the Nine-Curve Eighteen-Bend river
▍Days 14-17: Southern Xinjiang’s Humanities
Kuqa:Traverse the southern section of the Duoku Road; explore the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon
[Route Highlights: Immersive Experience Blending Border Scenery and Humanities]Kashgar:Treasure hunt in the old town’s alleys; watch a thousand-person folk performance at Id Kah Square
Taxkorgan:Hike the Pamir Plateau; see Muztagh Ata reflected in Karakul Lake
▍Day 18: Return Journey
Return via special train through Lanzhou/Chongqing, sharing travel footage along the way. Arrive in Guangzhou at 19:40 (disembark earlier in other cities).
[Pricing Details:Multi-Tier Options to Meet Different Needs]
2026 Reference Price Range (per person):
Upper bunk in Yuanxiangge quad room:17,999 RMB
Comfort double room at Zhengxiangyuan:45,999 RMB
Family suite at Xiaoxiangfu (with en-suite bathroom):62,999 RMB
Price Includes:
This 18-day loop is designed for travelers seeking in-depth exploration. Starting from Urumqi, it unfolds along the northern border for a grand tour spanning 3,500 kilometers. The itinerary covers four major regions: Eastern Xinjiang (Hami), Northern Xinjiang (Altay), Western Xinjiang (Ili), and Southern Xinjiang (Kashgar), connecting over 20 core scenic spots, 80% of which are national 5A-level or World Natural Heritage sites. Travelers will traverse two major geographical units—the Junggar Basin and Tarim Basin—encountering 12 types of landscapes including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, gobi, yardang, wetlands, and experiencing the stark contrast of “four seasons in one day.”Transportation:Soft sleeper berth on special train + air-conditioned tour bus throughout
Accommodation:10 nights on special train + 7 nights at local 4-star hotels (including Kashgar Old City guesthouse)
Meals:17 breakfasts and 30 main meals (including 6 special dinners like roast whole lamb and cold-water fish feast)
Admission:First-entry tickets and shuttle bus fees for listed attractions
Services:Full-time tour guide + onboard medical staff + 24-hour butler service
Note:Prices may fluctuate based on departure date and berth orientation. Final prices are subject to the contract signed after consulting with Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
[Registration Method:Professional Team Ensuring Quality Travel]
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Process:
1. Phone consultation: Specify group size, preferred dates, and room preferences
2. Receive materials: Electronic itinerary and cost breakdown within 30 minutes
The itinerary includes special border port experiences: touching border landscapes in Khorgos, overlooking the Pamir Plateau in Tashkurgan, and visiting the Khunjerab Pass outpost along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (subject to policy openness). Intangible cultural heritage from various ethnic groups is woven throughout: Hami’s Twelve Mukam songs and dances, Kashgar’s clay pottery making, and eagle dances by ethnic communities, turning travel into a bridge for cultural dialogue.3. Pay deposit: Support bank transfer/third-party guaranteed payment
4. Sign contract: Use the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s standard e-contract to clarify rights and responsibilities
[Fees and Services:Transparent Pricing • Worry-Free Travel]
Exclusions:
Personal expenses (souvenirs/communication fees, etc.)
Optional activities not included in the itinerary (e.g., Kanas boat tour/Nalati helicopter sightseeing)
:Single travelers will be matched for shared rooms; additional fees may apply in special cases
Service Guarantees:
Medical room on special train with daily doctor rounds
1 licensed guide + 1 life butler per 20 travelers
[Simple Itinerary: Smart Rhythm of Daytime Exploration and Nighttime Travel] Complimentary travel accident insurance (500,000 RMB coverage per person)
In case of force majeure, both parties may reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement
[Travel Tips:Details Determine Quality Experience]
Document Preparation:Bring original valid ID; border regions require advance permits (agency can assist)
Clothing Recommendations:Use the “three-layer method” (quick-dry + insulation + windproof); bring a jacket and hiking boots
Photography Gear:Wide-angle lens for grasslands; telephoto lens for snow-capped mountains; drones require prior approval
Respect Customs:Pork is prohibited among ethnic groups; remove shoes when entering certain spaces; do not touch the Quran
[Special Reminder:Secure Limited Departure Dates]
Six recommended departure dates in 2026:
May 10/30, June 22, July 11, August 19, September 19
May dates are filling up; consult Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency 30 days in advance to secure spots.
This 18-day loop across northern and southern Xinjiang is not just a visual feast but a cultural awakening. As the special train glides past gobi and oases, you’ll gain more than just photos—a profound gaze into China’s landscapes. Act now to make your 2026 summer unforgettable with this grand tour!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation

