18 Day Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang Wetlands, Streams, Yardang Landforms Panoramic Itinerary with Affordable Prices for All Recommended Route Pricing
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.
2026 In-Depth Panoramic Loop Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang:An 18-Day Natural Adventure from Wetlands to Yardangs
[Route Highlights:Experience Three Major Geographical Units of Xinjiang in One Trip]
This northern and southern Xinjiang loop tour is designed with “geographical diversity” as its core concept, connecting three major geographical units: the Tianshan Mountains, the Tarim Basin, and the Junggar Basin. It covers six major landform types: forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, yardangs, and glaciers. The itinerary includes special arrangements to visit three major wetlands (Bayinbuluk Swan Lake, Sayram Lake Wetland, and Kanas Lake Wetland), two major yardang formations (Urho Devil City and Hami Wupu Devil City), as well as the experience of traversing two scenic highways, the Duku Highway and the Yizhao Highway.
Balanced Design of Natural Wonders and Cultural Experiences
Each day features 2-3 core landscapes interspersed with hands-on experiences of intangible cultural heritage from various ethnic groups. For example, learn to make traditional Tuvan fur skis by Kanas Lake, participate in pottery firing in the ancient city of Kashgar, and experience traditional agricultural wisdom of various ethnic groups at the Turpan Karez Park. The itinerary includes a special “Geography Class” segment where professional tour leaders explain geological knowledge such as the Tianshan orogeny and yardang wind erosion principles.
[Simple Itinerary:Recent Departures and Core Experiences in 2026]
Daily Key Arrangements (Example for June Departure)
Days 1-3:Gather in Urumqi
Recommended free activities on gathering day:Xinjiang Museum (free, reservation required), International Bazaar (for purchasing unique handicrafts)
Day 2:One-day tour to Tianshan Tianchi (admission 120 yuan, shuttle bus 60 yuan)
Day 3:Traverse the Junggar Basin, overnight in Karamay
Days 4-6:Essence of Northern Xinjiang
2026 In-Depth Panoramic Loop Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: An 18-Day Natural Adventure from Wetlands to YardangsDay 4:Urho Devil City (admission 62 yuan, small train 20 yuan)
Day 5:Circumnavigation of Sayram Lake (admission 145 yuan, additional fee for self-driving circumnavigation)
Day 6:Scenic view from Guozigou Bridge + Huocheng Lavender Manor (blooming period in June)
Days 7-9:Ili Valley
Day 7:Horseback riding on Karajun Grassland (2-hour experience 180 yuan)
Day 8:Light trek on the Xiata Ancient Path (admission 80 yuan, shuttle bus 40 yuan)
Day 9:Nalati Sky Grassland (admission 95 yuan, shuttle bus 40 yuan)
Days 10-12:Traverse the Duku Highway
Day 10:Dushanzi Grand Canyon Glass Walkway (admission 60 yuan)
Day 11:Bayinbuluk Nine Bends of Eighteen Streams (admission 65 yuan, shuttle bus 75 yuan)
Day 12:Cross the Daban Pass, overnight in Kuqa
Days 13-15:Cultural Segment of Southern Xinjiang
[Route Highlights: Experience Three Major Geographical Units of Xinjiang in One Trip]Day 13:Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (admission 70 yuan, reservation required in advance)
Day 14:Opening Ceremony of the Ancient City of Kashgar (free)
Day 15:Baisha Lake + Muztagata Peak (Karakul Lake admission 45 yuan)
Days 16-18:Geological Wonders of Eastern Xinjiang
Day 16:Hami Yardang Dahai Road (admission 40 yuan, requires 4WD vehicle)
Day 17:Flaming Mountains + Karez (combined ticket 90 yuan)
Day 18:Return to Urumqi
[Price Description:Reference Cost Range for 2026]
Basic Tour Fee Composition
Adult Price:7,980-9,280 yuan per person (includes 17 nights in comfortable hotels, 17 breakfasts and 16 dinners, full transportation by coach, first admission tickets to scenic spots, professional tour leader services)
Child Price:4,280-5,180 yuan per person (under 12 years old, no bed, no breakfast, others same as adult)
：1,800-2,200 yuan (single travelers will be coordinated for room sharing as much as possible)
This northern and southern Xinjiang loop tour is designed with “geographical diversity” as its core concept, connecting three major geographical units: the Tianshan Mountains, the Tarim Basin, and the Junggar Basin. It covers six major landform types: forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, yardangs, and glaciers. The itinerary includes special arrangements to visit three major wetlands (Bayinbuluk Swan Lake, Sayram Lake Wetland, and Kanas Lake Wetland), two major yardang formations (Urho Devil City and Hami Wupu Devil City), as well as the experience of traversing two scenic highways, the Duku Highway and the Yizhao Highway.Detailed Inclusions in Fees
Transportation:50-seat air-conditioned tour coach (1.5 seats per person for comfort)
Accommodation:Three-star standard hotels throughout (including breakfast)
Meals:16 dinners (meal standard 40 yuan per person, includes special meals such as roast whole lamb and pilaf)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to 15 core scenic spots marked in the itinerary
Services:Professional tour leader + local guide dual services, 2 bottles of mineral water per person per day
Items Not Included in Fees
Round-trip transportation to/from Urumqi
Secondary consumption items within scenic spots (such as boat rides on Sayram Lake, horseback riding in Nalati)
Personal expenses and expenses arising from force majeure factors
[Registration Method:Professional Service Guarantees]
Registration can be done through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Valid identification information must be provided for purchasing travel insurance. Staff will confirm the itinerary within 3 working days and send an electronic contract to your email. It is recommended to register 30 days in advance to facilitate accommodation arrangements. Availability during peak season is subject to customer service confirmation.
Balanced Design of Natural Wonders and Cultural Experiences[Service Description:Six Quality Commitments]
Vehicle Guarantee:Use of vehicles less than 5 years old throughout the trip, with mandatory 20-minute rest every 4 hours
Accommodation Upgrade:Special arrangements for 3 nights in characteristic homestays within scenic spots (Kanas/Nalati/Kashgar)
Catering Service Guidance:Team meal ingredients purchased daily, samples retained for 48 hours for inspection
Emergency Mechanism:Each tour group equipped with a first aid kit, established green channels with top-tier hospitals along the route
Photography Support:Professional photography guidance services available (reservation required in advance)
Consumption-Free Itinerary Experience:No arranged consumption points throughout the trip, ample time for sightseeing
Special Notes
Reasonable itinerary changes can be made upon mutual agreement. In case of extreme weather or policy-related closures, equivalent scenic spots will be substituted.
Prices and availability are subject to contract confirmation and may fluctuate based on departure dates. The contract signed by both parties shall prevail.
Specific service content is subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency reserves the final…
[Geography Class:Three Must-See Landscapes]
Each day features 2-3 core landscapes interspersed with hands-on experiences of intangible cultural heritage from various ethnic groups. For example, learn to make traditional Tuvan fur skis by Kanas Lake, participate in pottery firing in the ancient city of Kashgar, and experience traditional agricultural wisdom of various ethnic groups at the Turpan Karez Park. The itinerary includes a special “Geography Class” segment where professional tour leaders explain geological knowledge such as the Tianshan orogeny and yardang wind erosion principles.Blue Ice Wonder of Sayram Lake
From December to March each year, the ice layer on the lake surface can reach 1 meter thick, presenting a deep Tiffany blue under sunlight. Ice bubble wonders can be photographed in the morning (ice cleats required), and cycling around the lake is suitable in the afternoon (electric bike rentals available at the scenic spot).
Sunset at Urho Devil City
Optimal shooting time is after 20:30 in summer. The setting sun dyes the yardang rock formations orange-red, creating a unique sound and light effect with the howling wind. There are 5 observation decks in the scenic spot, with Deck 3 offering a “mirage” effect.
Karajun Human-like Grassland
During the lush pasture period from June to July, the grassland forms beautiful curves following the mountain contours, presenting a silky texture when shot against the light. It is recommended to bring a 70-200mm telephoto lens to capture light and shadow changes. There are 3 professional photography points in the scenic spot.
[Pre-Trip Preparation Checklist]
Documents:Valid identification, preferential certificates (student/senior/military officer ID)
Clothing:Windbreaker (for northern Xinjiang segment), sun protection clothing (for southern Xinjiang segment), comfortable hiking shoes
Medications:Motion sickness pills, gastrointestinal medicine, anti-altitude sickness medication (highest altitude 3,600 meters)
Electronic Devices:Power bank (ensure sufficient phone battery each day), camera memory card (recommended 64GB or above)
Others:Sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, thermos, folding umbrella
Consult Zhang Jing, Customer Service Manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, for availability information and detailed itinerary for recent 2026 departures. This route has been optimized through 12 on-site inspections, serving over 3,000 tourists with a satisfaction rate of 98.7%. It is an excellent choice for in-depth understanding of Xinjiang’s geography and culture.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.
