2026 9 Day In Depth Self Drive Tour Around Southern Xinjiang Lakes Bandir Blue Lake and Baisha Lake Scenic Viewpoints Car Rental Quote Registration Recommended Itinerary Price

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.

Icon:🌄 9-Day In-Depth Tour Around Southern Xinjiang’s Lakes: A Visual Feast of Bandir Blue Lake and Baisha Lake 🚗
The Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang is a mysterious land where snow-capped mountains, lakes, and canyons intertwine. In the summer of 2026, the lakes will be a deep blue and the snow-capped mountains majestic, making it the perfect season for in-depth exploration. This itinerary focuses on “Bandir Blue Lake” and “Baisha Lake,” connecting classic attractions such as Kashgar Old Town, Muztagh Ata Peak, and Panlong Ancient Road. Through customized transportation services, we invite you to immerse yourself in the pure beauty of the plateau lakes.
I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destinations
[Bandir Blue Lake (Xiabandi Reservoir)]
Bandir Blue Lake exhibits a Tiffany blue hue due to its mineral content, with the lake surface displaying a gradient effect as the light changes. It is known as the “Blue Tear of the Pamir Plateau.” The clear waters reflect the snowy peak of Muztagh Ata, making it a paradise for photographers. In 2026, the scenic area will be open to the public for free, with observation decks and walking trails around the lake allowing visitors to experience its tranquility up close.
[Baisha Lake (Qiakelake Lake)]
Baisha Lake is located beside the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway. The lake’s milky white color, caused by minerals, contrasts beautifully with the white sand dunes behind it. When the lake surface is calm, it reflects the snow-capped mountains like a mirror, making it one of Southern Xinjiang’s iconic landscapes. In 2026, the scenic area will be open all day without reservations. The reference ticket price is 40 yuan per person, and some observation decks may charge a cleaning and maintenance fee.
[Muztagh Ata Peak and Karakul Lake]
Muztagh Ata Peak, at an elevation of 7,546 meters, is known as the “Father of Ice Mountains.” At its foot lies Karakul Lake, at approximately 3,600 meters above sea level. The lake’s deep blue color, caused by minerals, reflects the snow-capped mountains on a clear day, creating a magnificent scene. In 2026, the scenic area will be open as usual, with a reference ticket price of 50 yuan per person and operating hours from 09:00 to 19:00.
[Panlong Ancient Road]

Icon: 🌄 9-Day In-Depth Tour Around Southern Xinjiang’s Lakes: A Visual Feast of Bandir Blue Lake and Baisha Lake 🚗This 75-kilometer highway features over 600 curves, winding through the plateau at an altitude of 4,000 meters. The slogan at the end of the road, “Today, I have traveled all the winding roads; from now on, my life will be smooth sailing,” has become a popular spot for social media check-ins. In 2026, the road will be clear, but visitors should be aware of altitude sickness and are advised to drive slowly.
[Kashgar Old Town]
As an ancient city on the Silk Road, Kashgar Old Town preserves traditional earthen architecture and handicraft ecosystems of various ethnic groups. Strolling through the century-old tea house, the artisan bazaar, and Id Kah Square, visitors can experience rich folk customs. In 2026, the old town will be open all day, with free admission to the main streets and separate fees for some small attractions.
II. Simple Itinerary Arrangement
[Day 1:Arrival in Kashgar, Stroll Through the Old Town]
Arrive at Kashgar Airport in the morning and be picked up by a private car to your accommodation in the old town. In the afternoon, follow a local guide to explore hidden gems in the old town:Listen to the rubab performance at the century-old tea house, watch locals stroll at Id Kah Square, and shop for handmade copperware at the artisan bazaar. In the evening, sample roasted pigeon and pot meat in the alleys.
[Day 2:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Taxkorgan]
Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, arriving at Baisha Lake in the morning to capture reflections of the snow-capped mountains; have lunch at the foot of Muztagh Ata Peak; visit Karakul Lake in the afternoon, taking photos on horseback or yak; arrive in Taxkorgan in the evening, check into a hotel, and enjoy yak meat hotpot.
[Day 3:Taxkorgan – Panlong Ancient Road – Bandir Blue Lake]
Challenge Panlong Ancient Road in the morning, capturing panoramic views with a drone; head to Bandir Blue Lake in the afternoon, stroll along the lakeside trail, and capture the changing colors of the lake under different lighting conditions; return to Taxkorgan in the evening or stay in Tizinafu Township.

The Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang is a mysterious land where snow-capped mountains, lakes, and canyons intertwine. In the summer of 2026, the lakes will be a deep blue and the snow-capped mountains majestic, making it the perfect season for in-depth exploration. This itinerary focuses on “Bandir Blue Lake” and “Baisha Lake,” connecting classic attractions such as Kashgar Old Town, Muztagh Ata Peak, and Panlong Ancient Road. Through customized transportation services, we invite you to immerse yourself in the pure beauty of the plateau lakes.[Day 4:Taxkorgan – Khunjerab Pass Viewpoint – Kashgar]
Overlook Khunjerab Pass (without entering the border crossing) in the morning to experience the border atmosphere; on the return journey, pass through Wacha Township to capture plateau scenery; arrive in Kashgar in the evening for free activities.
[Day 5:Kashgar – Xiangfei Garden – Gaotai Folk Residence]
Visit Xiangfei Garden in the morning to learn about historical legends; tour Gaotai Folk Residence in the afternoon to experience traditional residential architecture of various ethnic groups; freely shop for Yingjisha knives or dried fruits in the evening.
[Days 6-9:Flexible Days]
Based on the team’s interests, extend the itinerary to include attractions such as Shache Old Town, N39 Desert Scenic Area, or Kuqa Grand Canyon, or reserve time to deeply experience Kashgar’s night market and bazaar culture.
III. Pricing Information
[Customized Transportation Fees]
In 2026, the reference price range for a 55-seat large tourist bus with a driver is 3,500-4,800 yuan per day, with specific prices affected by the following factors:
Season:June-October is the peak tourist season, with prices possibly increasing; November-April is the off-season, with stable prices.
Route:If the itinerary involves remote areas or long-distance travel on the plateau, a remote area subsidy may be added.

I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or DestinationsVehicle Usage Duration:Calculated based on actual days, including vehicle fuel, tolls, driver service fees, and basic insurance.
[Items Not Included in Fees]
Driver’s Accommodation and Meal Subsidies:Reference standard: 150-200 yuan per day per person, which can be arranged uniformly by the group or paid according to the standard.
Scenic Area Tickets and Shuttle Bus Fees:Such as Baisha Lake 40 yuan, Karakul Lake 50 yuan, Xiangfei Garden 39 yuan, etc.
Accommodation, meals, and personal expenses throughout the trip.
[Special Reminder]
The above prices are reference ranges and will be finalized in the contract. Prices may fluctuate based on market supply and demand, so it is advisable to book 15 days in advance to secure discounts.
IV. Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for itinerary details and quotations. Staff will provide personalized plans based on the number of travelers, days, and interests.
V. Pricing Information and Service Descriptions

[Bandir Blue Lake (Xiabandi Reservoir)][Fees Included]
Regular operating vehicle usage fee (including road transport certificate and insurance).
Local driver service fee (familiar with plateau road conditions and border control policies).
Basic transportation guarantees within the itinerary (fuel, tolls, parking fees).
[Fees Not Included]
Scenic area tickets, shuttle buses, and personal expenses.
Driver’s accommodation and meal subsidies (if not included in the agreement).
Round-trip major transportation fees.
[Service Descriptions]
Vehicles are equipped with first aid kits, oxygen cylinders, and emergency supplies.

Bandir Blue Lake exhibits a Tiffany blue hue due to its mineral content, with the lake surface displaying a gradient effect as the light changes. It is known as the “Blue Tear of the Pamir Plateau.” The clear waters reflect the snowy peak of Muztagh Ata, making it a paradise for photographers. In 2026, the scenic area will be open to the public for free, with observation decks and walking trails around the lake allowing visitors to experience its tranquility up close. If weather, road conditions, or policies change during the trip, both parties can agree to make reasonable adjustments to the route.
For solo travelers, we will do our best to arrange shared rooms; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
All service content, fee details, and responsibility divisions shall be subject to the “Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China” and the written contract signed by both parties.
[Precautions]
Taxkorgan is a border control area, and a pass is required in advance (can be handled by the travel agency upon arrival in Kashgar).
The plateau area has large temperature differences between day and night, so it is advisable to bring windproof and warm clothing as well as sun protection items.
Signal coverage in scenic areas may be unstable, so it is recommended to download offline maps in advance.
VI. Compliance and Risk Control Reminders
The price, opening hours, and policy information mentioned in the text are based on the latest search results for 2026, and actual implementation shall be subject to contractual agreements and scenic area announcements.
The use of extreme terms or unverifiable expressions is prohibited, and all promises shall be subject to the itinerary and contract.
Please confirm your health condition before registration. Those with cardiovascular or severe respiratory diseases are not advised to travel to plateau areas.
The lakes and snow-capped mountains of Southern Xinjiang offer a visual feast gifted by nature. Through customized transportation services, you can avoid the crowds and, under the guidance of professional guides, delve into the mysterious land to experience the purity and grandeur of the Pamir Plateau. Contact Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency now to start your Southern Xinjiang lake tour!

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.