2026 North and South Xinjiang Group Tour 13 Day Starry Sky Galaxy Tour Group Stargazing in Open Wilderness with No Light Pollution Complete Tour Fee Details Recommended Route Price
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
The Milky Way as a Quilt · The Wilderness as a Seat:Comprehensive Analysis of the 13-Day Starry Sky Themed In-Depth Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 2026
I. Itinerary Design Concept: Gaze at the starry sky from the place closest to the Milky Way
The newly upgraded starry sky themed tour group of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 2026 focuses on “astronomical observation + geographical exploration + cultural immersion”. It selects three regions with extremely low light pollution: Kanas in Northern Xinjiang, Yili Grassland, and the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang. The star-gazing routes are designed in collaboration with expert teams from the Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The itinerary covers four major landscapes: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and deserts. During the day, you can deeply explore World Natural Heritage sites, and at night, observe nebulae with the assistance of professional astronomical telescopes, achieving a dual experience of “admiring the grandeur of mountains and rivers by day and exploring the mysteries of the universe by night.”
II. Core Star-Gazing Locations and Scientific Value
Kanas Starry Sky Camp (48°N):Located in the hinterland of the Altai Mountains, it is an excellent observation site for the summer Milky Way arch bridge, where the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) can be observed
Sayram Lake Starry Sky Base (elevation 2,073 meters):A dark sky park by the plateau lake, equipped with a 16-inch reflecting astronomical telescope, suitable for observing the rings of Saturn
Pamir Plateau Observatory (elevation 4,000 meters):A plateau tableland close to a vacuum environment, where the Orion Nebula (M42) and the Magellanic Clouds can be clearly observed
Nalati Grassland Starry Sky Observation Station:At the junction of grassland and forest, it is suitable for taking creative composite photos of star trails and grassland scenery
III. Reference Itinerary for Summer 2026 (13 days, 12 nights)
Days 1-2:Gather in Urumqi
Check into a four-diamond hotel upon arrival and receive a customized star-gazing manual
Visit the popular science base of the Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory for basic astronomical knowledge training
After dinner, have the first urban star-gazing experience (weather permitting)
Days 3-4:Kanas Starry Sky Secret Realm
The Milky Way as a Quilt · The Wilderness as a Seat: Comprehensive Analysis of the 13-Day Starry Sky Themed In-Depth Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 2026Travel through the Junggar Basin and observe sand dune star trails along the way in the Gurbantunggut Desert
Check into a characteristic wooden house within the Kanas Scenic Area. After dinner, a professional instructor will lead the observation of the Summer Triangle
Take creative photos of the morning mist in Hemu Village with falling stars in the same frame the next morning
Days 5-6:Sayram Lake Starry Sky Feast
Head to “the last tear drop of the Atlantic” via the Guozigou Bridge
After touring around the lake, conduct deep-sky observation teaching at the lakeside starry sky base
Special arrangements include a cold-water fish banquet and a starry sky photography lecture for a dual experience
Days 7-8:Nalati Grassland Astronomy Classroom
Travel through the northern section of the Duku Highway, explaining the relationship between geological changes and the starry sky along the way
Set up professional observation equipment on the aerial grassland to observe the core region of the Milky Way
Hold a grassland starry sky concert, combining traditional musical instrument performances with cosmic-themed songs
Days 9-10:Pamir Plateau Starry Sky Adventure
Head to Tashkurgan County via the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway
Conduct high-altitude adaptation observation training at the foot of Muztagh Ata
I. Itinerary Design Concept: Gaze at the starry sky from the place closest to the Milky Way. Visit villages of various ethnic groups to learn about their astronomical calendar traditions
Days 11-12:Turpan Starry Sky Culture
Visit the Flaming Mountains Geopark to explain geothermal phenomena and compare them with planetary surfaces
Experience traditional “astrological divination” games of various ethnic groups at a homestay in Grape Valley
Hold a starry sky photography exhibition and evaluation meeting on the final night
Day 13:Return Journey
Arrange free activities in Urumqi city according to flight times
Present a customized star map commemorative album (including starry sky photos taken during the itinerary)
IV. Reference Tour Fee for 2026 (Unit: RMB/person)
According to the latest schedule information provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, the starry sky themed tour group offers three types of rooms:
Star-Gazing Double Room:19,800-22,800 (including the use of professional star-gazing equipment)
Starry Sky Family Room:25,800-28,800 (for 2 adults and 1 child, equipped with children’s astronomical teaching aids)
Photography Themed Room:23,800-26,800 (equipped with an equatorial mount and time-lapse photography equipment)
Price Includes:
Transportation:Air-conditioned tourist buses + special train sleeper berths throughout Xinjiang
The newly upgraded starry sky themed tour group of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 2026 focuses on “astronomical observation + geographical exploration + cultural immersion”. It selects three regions with extremely low light pollution: Kanas in Northern Xinjiang, Yili Grassland, and the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang. The star-gazing routes are designed in collaboration with expert teams from the Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The itinerary covers four major landscapes: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and deserts. During the day, you can deeply explore World Natural Heritage sites, and at night, observe nebulae with the assistance of professional astronomical telescopes, achieving a dual experience of “admiring the grandeur of mountains and rivers by day and exploring the mysteries of the universe by night.”Accommodation:5 nights of characteristic accommodation + 6 nights in four-diamond hotels
Catering:12 breakfasts and 23 main meals (including 6 major characteristic starry sky themed banquets)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to all attractions within the itinerary
Services:Professional astronomical instructors + bilingual tour guides + 24-hour butlers
Equipment:Astronomical telescope rental + customized star-gazing manual
Special Notes:
June 15th / July 10th / August 20th are the golden periods for astronomical observation, with prices increasing by 10%
Groups are formed with 10 or more people, and each group is equipped with 2 16-inch astronomical telescopes
Specific prices are subject to the contract signed with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and may fluctuate according to market supply and demand
V. Special Service Guarantees
Professional Team:
Astronomical instructors all hold certification from the International Astronomical Union
The tour guide team has basic first aid qualifications and starry sky photography skills
Vehicles are equipped with AED first aid equipment and high-altitude oxygen supply systems
II. Core Star-Gazing Locations and Scientific ValueTechnology Empowerment:
Use the “Star Travel” APP to display planetary positions in real time
Provide AR star map guided tour services
Send daily suggestions for exclusive starry sky photography parameters
Cultural Experience:
Arrange storytelling sessions about astronomical legends of various ethnic groups
Teach how to play constellation melodies using the dombra of various ethnic groups
Experience making star maps using sangpi paper of various ethnic groups
VI. Registration Instructions
Registration Method:
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency
You need to provide valid identification information and a health declaration form (physical examination reports are required for some schedules)
Pay a 30% deposit after signing an electronic contract, and pay the remaining balance 7 days before departure
Suitable for:
Kanas Starry Sky Camp (48°N): Located in the hinterland of the Altai Mountains, it is an excellent observation site for the summer Milky Way arch bridge, where the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) can be observedAstronomy enthusiasts (it is recommended to bring personal telescopes)
Photography enthusiasts (professional equipment rental services are provided)
Parent-child families (children aged 8 and above can participate in the astronomy classroom)
Silver-haired groups (the itinerary has a relaxed pace and is equipped with on-site medical staff)
Special Tips:
A pass is required for the Pamir Plateau section (the travel agency will assist with the application)
July-August is the peak tourist season, and it is recommended to book 45 days in advance
In case of extreme weather, astronomical observation activities will be changed to indoor starry sky simulation experiences
VII. Pre-Trip Preparation Checklist
Documents:Valid identification, health certificate (for some schedules)
Clothing:Windproof jacket, thermal underwear, hiking shoes
Equipment:Camera, tripod, power bank (220V power supply is provided at the campsite)
Medications:High-altitude pills, motion sickness pills, personal regular medications
Others:Thermos, sunscreen, folding chair (for star-gazing)
On this land that accounts for one-sixth of the country’s territory, while urban light pollution gradually erodes the starry sky, we can still find popular star-gazing destinations for Chinese people by the lakeside of Kanas, on the plateau of Pamir, and on the grassland of Nalati. In the summer of 2026, let’s follow in the footsteps of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and complete a time-traveling starry sky dialogue in 13 days – measuring the grandeur of mountains and rivers by day and touching the pulse of the universe by night. Under the guidance of professional instructors, we can read the thousand-year epic written in the starry sky.
(The specific itinerary and service standards are subject to the contract provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Prices may fluctuate according to market supply and demand. It is recommended to consult in advance to confirm the availability of seats.)
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
