2026 Entire Xinjiang Private Car Rental 14 Day Dual Lake Tour Exploring Sayram Lake and Karakul Lake with Private Car, Special Offer Booking Now Available Recommended Itinerary Pricing

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation

2026 14-Day Customized Vehicle Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang’s Twin Lakes: Unlock the Hidden Gems of Sayram Lake and Karakul Lake
[Route Highlights:Twin Lakes Tour: A Visual Feast Across the Tianshan Mountains]
Xinjiang’s lakes each have their unique charm, but Sayram Lake, known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic,’ and Karakul Lake, the ‘Pearl of the Pamir Plateau,’ are like two precious gems embedded in northwest China. One is famous for its deep blue waters and snow-capped mountain reflections, while the other is shrouded in mystery under the guardianship of Muztagh Ata. In 2026, this 14-day customized vehicle tour of northern and southern Xinjiang will connect these two famous lakes, traversing the Ili River Valley, crossing the Tianshan Mountains, and delving deep into the Pamir Plateau. Over 14 days, you’ll experience the awe-inspiring saying, ‘One lake, one world; one step, a thousand years.’
The itinerary balances natural beauty and cultural heritage: Starting from Urumqi, head west along the Lianhuo Expressway, passing over the ‘Leap Through the Clouds’ at the Guozigou Bridge, to reach Sayram Lake for a self-drive tour around the lake. Then, head south across the Duku Highway (expected to fully open in June 2026) to witness the sunset over the ‘Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends’ at Bayanbulak Grassland. Continue through Kashgar’s Old Town to touch the millennium-old Silk Road civilization, finally arriving at Karakul Lake to frame the view with Muztagh Ata and Kongur Tagh. The entire journey uses comfortable 5-7 seater vehicles with local drivers familiar with Xinjiang’s road conditions, allowing flexible itinerary adjustments to avoid crowds and ensure a relaxed trip.
[Simple Itinerary:14 Days of Immersive Experience in Northern and Southern Xinjiang’s Essence]
Days 1-3:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (approx. 550 km, 6.5 hours)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi, visit the Xinjiang Museum (free, advance reservation required) to learn about Western Region history; in the evening, head to the International Bazaar to taste local specialties like baked buns and pilaf.
Day 2: Set off early in the morning, heading west along the Lianhuo Expressway, with an optional stop at the Shihezi Reclamation Museum, arriving at Sayram Lake in the afternoon. Drive approximately 90 km around the lake, with stops including Jinhua Zihui (wildflowers in summer), Songshutou (overlooking the lake from a height), and Kele Yongzhu (swan habitat). Overnight at a lakeside RV camp or boutique homestay in Huocheng County.
2026 Northern and Southern Xinjiang Customized Vehicle 14-Day Twin Lakes Tour: Play at Sayram Lake and Karakul Lake with Special Discounted Vehicle Bookings Now Open_Recommended Route Pricing Photo 1
2026 14-Day Customized Vehicle Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang’s Twin Lakes: Unlock the Hidden Gems of Sayram Lake and Karakul LakeDay 3:Capture the sunrise at Sayram Lake in the morning, then visit the Guozigou Bridge viewpoint to check in at ‘Xinjiang’s Tallest Bridge’; arrive in Yining in the afternoon to stroll through Liuxing Street and experience the vibrant market life of various ethnic groups.
Days 4-7:Yining → Duku Highway → Bayanbulak → Kuqa (approx. 600 km, over 2 days)
Day 4:Take the Yizhao Highway (expected to open in June 2026) to Zhaosu, visiting the rapeseed fields (blooming in July) or sunflower fields along the way; arrive at the Xiata Ancient Path in the afternoon for a light hike to the grassland at the foot of the snow-capped mountains.
Day 5:Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway, with stops at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and Nalati Grassland; arrive at Bayanbulak in the evening to await the sunset over the ‘Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends’ (best photography time around 9:30 PM in summer).
Day 6:Continue along the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing through the Small and Big Dragon Pools and the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, to reach Kuqa; visit the Kuqa Grand Mosque and Kuqa Royal Palace, and taste Kuqa’s giant naan bread.
Days 8-11:Kuqa → Kashgar → Karakul Lake (approx. 700 km, over 2 days)
Day 8:Take a high-speed train (approx. 3 hours) or customized vehicle (approx. 6 hours) to Kashgar; in the afternoon, explore Kashgar’s Old Town, experience the opening ceremony, and listen to live music at a century-old teahouse.
Day 9:Obtain a travel permit (carry valid ID), then head to Baisha Lake and the Muztagh Ata Glacier Park; arrive at Karakul Lake in the evening, staying in a yurt by the lake or a hotel in Taxkorgan County.
2026 Northern and Southern Xinjiang Customized Vehicle 14-Day Twin Lakes Tour: Play at Sayram Lake and Karakul Lake with Special Discounted Vehicle Bookings Now Open_Recommended Route Pricing Photo 2
[Route Highlights: Twin Lakes Tour: A Visual Feast Across the Tianshan Mountains]Day 10:Capture the sunrise at Karakul Lake in the morning, with the reflection of Muztagh Ata on the lake’s surface堪称 a ‘plateau masterpiece’; then visit villages of various ethnic groups to learn about intangible cultural heritage like eagle flutes and eagle dances.
Day 11:Return to Kashgar to visit the Xiangfei Garden and Eid Gah Mosque; in the evening, stroll through Kashgar’s night market to taste roasted pigeon, pot meat, and other delicacies.
Days 12-14:Kashgar → Urumqi (return)
Day 12:Depending on flight times, choose to fly back to Urumqi (approx. 2 hours) or extend the itinerary (e.g., to Hotan or Turpan); if returning by customized vehicle, allow over 12 hours.
Day 13:Free time in Urumqi, with recommendations to visit the Xinjiang Art Museum or Red Hill Park; or shop for dried fruits and handicrafts at the Hualing Market.
Day 14:Transfer to the airport based on flight times to end the itinerary.
[Price Information:2026 Reference Costs, Subject to Contract]
Basic Cost (5-7 seater comfortable vehicle, including driver, fuel, and tolls):
2026 Northern and Southern Xinjiang Customized Vehicle 14-Day Twin Lakes Tour: Play at Sayram Lake and Karakul Lake with Special Discounted Vehicle Bookings Now Open_Recommended Route Pricing Photo 3
Xinjiang’s lakes each have their unique charm, but Sayram Lake, known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic,’ and Karakul Lake, the ‘Pearl of the Pamir Plateau,’ are like two precious gems embedded in northwest China. One is famous for its deep blue waters and snow-capped mountain reflections, while the other is shrouded in mystery under the guardianship of Muztagh Ata. In 2026, this 14-day customized vehicle tour of northern and southern Xinjiang will connect these two famous lakes, traversing the Ili River Valley, crossing the Tianshan Mountains, and delving deep into the Pamir Plateau. Over 14 days, you’ll experience the awe-inspiring saying, ‘One lake, one world; one step, a thousand years.’Low Season (April-May, September-October):Approx. 12,000-15,000 yuan per vehicle (split among 4 people, approx. 3,000-3,750 yuan per person)
Peak Season (June-August, National Day):Approx. 16,000-20,000 yuan per vehicle (split among 4 people, approx. 4,000-5,000 yuan per person)
Cost Includes:Vehicle usage, driver service, basic insurance;
Cost Excludes:Admission tickets (Sayram Lake: 145 yuan/person, Karakul Lake: 50 yuan/person), accommodation (approx. 300-800 yuan/night/room), meals (approx. 50-100 yuan/person/meal), travel permit processing fee (free, but requires queuing), personal expenses.
Note:Prices may fluctuate based on travel dates; specific costs will be confirmed by Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency’s customer service. If the Duku Highway is closed (usually after October), the itinerary will be adjusted to National Highway G218 or another route, with mutual agreement for reasonable changes.
[How to Book:Flexible Options, Easy Departure]
Book through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency by providing your name, valid ID number, contact information, and travel dates to complete the reservation. Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing will recommend vehicle types, plan the itinerary, and assist with booking accommodation, tickets, and other services based on your needs.
[Cost and Service Information]
2026 Northern and Southern Xinjiang Customized Vehicle 14-Day Twin Lakes Tour: Play at Sayram Lake and Karakul Lake with Special Discounted Vehicle Bookings Now Open_Recommended Route Pricing Photo 4
The itinerary balances natural beauty and cultural heritage: Starting from Urumqi, head west along the Lianhuo Expressway, passing over the ‘Leap Through the Clouds’ at the Guozigou Bridge, to reach Sayram Lake for a self-drive tour around the lake. Then, head south across the Duku Highway (expected to fully open in June 2026) to witness the sunset over the ‘Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends’ at Bayanbulak Grassland. Continue through Kashgar’s Old Town to touch the millennium-old Silk Road civilization, finally arriving at Karakul Lake to frame the view with Muztagh Ata and Kongur Tagh. The entire journey uses comfortable 5-7 seater vehicles with local drivers familiar with Xinjiang’s road conditions, allowing flexible itinerary adjustments to avoid crowds and ensure a relaxed trip.Cost Includes:Vehicle usage, driver service, basic itinerary planning, Xinjiang domestic travel insurance;
Cost Excludes:Round-trip transportation (flights/train tickets), personal expenses, optional activities outside the itinerary;
Service Information:
1. Vehicle: 5-7 seater comfortable models (e.g., Toyota Prado, Buick GL8), equipped with car chargers, first aid kits, and bottled water;
2. Driver: Over 5 years of driving experience in Xinjiang, familiar with ethnic languages and customs, able to provide basic explanations;
3. Accommodation: Default arrangement is comfortable hotels (3-star or equivalent); upgrades available upon advance request;
4. Meals: No unified group meals; drivers can recommend local restaurants for free choice;
5. Carpooling: Single travelers will be coordinated for carpooling; if unsuccessful, a supplement is required (specific amount per contract);
2026 Northern and Southern Xinjiang Customized Vehicle 14-Day Twin Lakes Tour: Play at Sayram Lake and Karakul Lake with Special Discounted Vehicle Bookings Now Open_Recommended Route Pricing Photo 5
[Simple Itinerary: 14 Days of Immersive Experience in Northern and Southern Xinjiang’s Essence]6. Changes: If weather or policies require itinerary adjustments, reasonable changes can be made by mutual agreement.
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
[Travel Tips]
Documents:Valid ID, travel permit (processed in Kashgar), student/senior ID (for discounts);
Clothing:Large temperature variations between day and night in Xinjiang; bring a windbreaker in summer and a down jacket in winter;
Medications:Cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, altitude sickness medication (Karakul Lake is at approx. 3,600 meters);
Photography:Wide-angle lens recommended for Sayram Lake; tripod needed for sunrise shots at Karakul Lake;
Culture:Respect ethnic customs; remove shoes and dress modestly when entering certain spaces; avoid touching heads when interacting with locals.
In 2026, Xinjiang awaits your exploration with the blue of Sayram Lake, the tranquility of Karakul Lake, the thrill of the Duku Highway, and the vibrant atmosphere of Kashgar’s Old Town. Instead of hesitating, embark on this journey—Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency will craft a deep travel experience ‘without rushing, only feeling’ with professionalism and enthusiasm.