2026 Independent Private 12 Day Southern Xinjiang Tour with No Shared Vehicles Kashgar Taxkorgan Desert Loop with Flexible Stops Rental Price Inquiry Recommended Itinerary Cost

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

Exploring Southern Xinjiang:12-Day Private Loop Deep Tour in 2026 (Kashgar-Taxkorgan Desert Theme)
[Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination]
Southern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Kunlun Mountains and the Taklimakan Desert, is renowned for its magnificent natural landscapes and diverse cultural fusion. In 2026, a 12-day private loop tour starting from Kashgar and connecting the Pamir Plateau with desert scenery has become a focal point for travelers. The itinerary covers three core scenic belts: the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (Karakoram Highway), the Panlong Ancient Road, and the Taklimakan Desert Highway. Along the way, travelers can visit natural and cultural landmarks such as Baisha Lake, Muztagh Ata (Father of Ice Mountains, 7,546 meters above sea level), Golden Grassland, and the Stone City, as well as delve into traditional handicrafts and daily life of various ethnic groups.
Itinerary Highlights:
Pamir Plateau:Traverse high-altitude road sections above 4,000 meters to closely admire Muztagh Ata (7,546 meters) and the reflection of Karakul Lake.
Panlong Ancient Road:Drive or ride to experience the 64 hairpin turns of this popular road, and take a photo with the road sign saying, ‘After navigating all the twists and turns today, the rest of your life will be smooth sailing.’
Desert Crossing:Travel over 500 kilometers along the Taklimakan Desert Highway, crossing the world’s second-largest shifting desert and witnessing the ecological wonders of sand dunes and poplar forests.
Cultural Exploration:Participate in intangible cultural heritage handicraft experiences in the Old Town of Kashgar, savor specialty dishes like roasted stuffed buns and pilaf at the Hotan Night Market, and feel the millennium-old charm of this Silk Road trading port.
[Simple Itinerary]
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Afternoon:Free time; recommended to visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar for travel supplies.
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in downtown Urumqi.
Day 2:Urumqi → Korla (approximately 430 kilometers)

Exploring Southern Xinjiang: 12-Day Private Loop Deep Tour in 2026 (Kashgar-Taxkorgan Desert Theme)Morning:Head south along the Lianhuo Expressway, with a rest stop at the Toksun Service Area.
Afternoon:Arrive in Korla and visit the scenic view of the ‘Pear City’ along the Peacock River.
Accommodation:Comfortable hotel in downtown Korla.
Day 3:Korla → Kuqa (approximately 280 kilometers)
Morning:Tour the Lop Nur Village to experience the ecological landscape where the desert meets the Tarim River.
Afternoon:Traverse the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon and photograph the Danxia landforms and changing light and shadows.
Accommodation:Characteristic homestay in downtown Kuqa.
Day 4:Kuqa → Aksu (approximately 260 kilometers)
Morning:Visit the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves to learn about Buddhist art in the Western Regions.
Afternoon:Arrive in Aksu; free time recommended for hiking in the Wensu Grand Canyon.
Accommodation:Business hotel in downtown Aksu.
Day 5:Aksu → Kashgar (approximately 460 kilometers)
Morning:Head west along the Tuokexun-Hotan Expressway, with a rest stop in Jiashi County.

[Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination]Afternoon:Arrive in Kashgar and visit Id Kah Square and the Century-Old Tea House.
Accommodation:Boutique hotel near the Old Town of Kashgar.
Day 6:Kashgar → Taxkorgan County (approximately 300 kilometers)
Morning:Proceed along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, with stops at Baisha Lake and the Muztagh Ata Viewing Platform.
Afternoon:Arrive in Taxkorgan, acclimate to the high-altitude environment, and visit the Stone City ruins.
Accommodation:Comfortable hotel in Taxkorgan (with oxygen supply equipment).
Day 7:In-depth Tour of Taxkorgan
Morning:Explore the Golden Grassland wetlands and photograph the snow-capped mountain reflections amid morning mist.
Afternoon:Drive the Panlong Ancient Road and experience the thrill of navigating sharp turns.
Accommodation:Same as above in Taxkorgan.
Day 8:Taxkorgan → Yarkant (approximately 420 kilometers)
Morning:Visit the Bandir Blue Lake on the way back to Kashgar.
Afternoon:Arrive in Yarkant and visit the Yarkant and Amannishahan Memorial Mausoleums.

Southern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Kunlun Mountains and the Taklimakan Desert, is renowned for its magnificent natural landscapes and diverse cultural fusion. In 2026, a 12-day private loop tour starting from Kashgar and connecting the Pamir Plateau with desert scenery has become a focal point for travelers. The itinerary covers three core scenic belts: the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (Karakoram Highway), the Panlong Ancient Road, and the Taklimakan Desert Highway. Along the way, travelers can visit natural and cultural landmarks such as Baisha Lake, Muztagh Ata (Father of Ice Mountains, 7,546 meters above sea level), Golden Grassland, and the Stone City, as well as delve into traditional handicrafts and daily life of various ethnic groups.Accommodation:Business hotel in downtown Yarkant.
Day 9:Yarkant → Hotan (approximately 320 kilometers)
Morning:Cross the southern section of the Taklimakan Desert Highway, with stops at sand dune photography spots.
Afternoon:Arrive in Hotan; explore the Tuancheng Folk Street and experience jade picking along the Yurungkash River.
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in downtown Hotan.
Day 10:Hotan →阿拉尔 (approximately 450 kilometers)
Morning:Continue along the desert highway, admiring the poplar forests and desert highway shelterbelts.
Afternoon:Arrive in阿拉尔 and visit the 359th Brigade Memorial Museum.
Accommodation:Comfortable hotel in downtown阿拉尔.
Day 11:阿拉尔 → Korla (approximately 440 kilometers)
Morning:Cross the northern section of the desert highway and photograph the desert sunrise.
Afternoon:Arrive in Korla; free time recommended for a Bositeng Lake boat tour.
Accommodation:Same hotel as Day 2 in downtown Korla.

Itinerary Highlights:Day 12:Korla → Urumqi (approximately 470 kilometers)
Morning:Return along the Tuokexun-Hotan Expressway, with lunch at the Toksun Rest Area.
Afternoon:Arrive in Urumqi and transfer to the airport based on flight schedules.
[Price Information]
Reference cost for the 12-day private loop tour in Southern Xinjiang in 2026 (based on a 7-seat business vehicle with 4 travelers):
Low Season (November-April):Approximately 1,300-1,500 yuan/day (including vehicle, fuel, and driver service fees)
Peak Season (May-October):Approximately 1,600-1,800 yuan/day (peaking at 2,000 yuan/day in July-August)
Total Cost Range:15,600-21,600 yuan (excluding driver’s accommodation and meal allowances, scenic spot tickets, dining, and other personal expenses)
Cost Includes:
Vehicle usage fee (7-seat compliant commercial vehicle)
Fuel, toll, and parking fees
Driver service fee and basic insurance
First admission tickets to scenic spots within the itinerary (e.g., Old Town of Kashgar, Baisha Lake)

Pamir Plateau: Traverse high-altitude road sections above 4,000 meters to closely admire Muztagh Ata (7,546 meters) and the reflection of Karakul Lake.Possible Additional Fees:
Driver’s daily accommodation and meal allowances (approximately 150-200 yuan/day, negotiable for inclusion in the total quotation)
Secondary consumption items within scenic spots (e.g., horseback riding, boat tours)
Personal dining and consumption expenses
(For solo travelers, we will do our best to arrange shared rooms; special cases require separate negotiation)
Note:Prices may fluctuate based on the number of vehicle days, season, vehicle configuration, and itinerary complexity. The specific quotation will be provided by Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency.
[Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide vehicle recommendations and itinerary drafts based on your departure time, group size, and interests, and assist with confirming border passes, road access, and other prerequisites.
[Cost and Service Information]
Vehicle Options:Various options are available, including 7-seat business vehicles, 9-14 seat off-road business vehicles, and four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles, to suit different road conditions.
Driver Qualifications:All drivers hold local tourism operation qualification certificates and are familiar with the road conditions and cultural history of Southern Xinjiang.
Itinerary Changes:In case of weather, road conditions, or policy changes, both parties can reasonably optimize the itinerary through mutual agreement.
Contract Guarantee:All service details, cost breakdowns, and itinerary arrangements are subject to the electronic travel contract signed by both parties.
Special Reminder:A border pass is required in advance to visit Taxkorgan County. Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency can assist with the application process.
The specific itinerary is subject to actual consultation and contract signing. The grandeur of Southern Xinjiang lies in its vastness and inclusiveness, whether it’s the snow-capped mountains and lakes of the Pamir Plateau, the vast expanse of the Taklimakan Desert, or the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Town of Kashgar, all worthy of savoring over 12 days. Choose Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to let our professional team plan a worry-free and hassle-free Southern Xinjiang journey for you.

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