2026 Private Car Tour in Southern Xinjiang Kashgar Pamirs with Driver Cost and Detailed Itinerary Recommended Route Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and quote.
Explore the Hidden Gems of Southern Xinjiang:2026 Comprehensive Guide to a Customized In-Depth Tour of Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau by Car
Route and Destination Highlights
[Kashgar Old Town]🏰
As the starting point of the cultural charm of southern Xinjiang, Kashgar Old Town is a millennium-old living fossil on the Silk Road. Strolling through the earth-colored adobe buildings, intricately carved wooden doors, artisan workshops, and century-old teahouses weave a rich tapestry of daily life. In the evening, the Khan Bazaar night market fills the streets with the aroma of grilled stuffed buns, pilaf, and grilled meat, offering a window into the diverse culinary cultures of various ethnic groups.
[Core Area of the Pamir Plateau]⛰️
Traveling west along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (G314), the elevation rises from 1,200 meters to 4,700 meters, connecting three major landmarks: Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Muztagh Ata Peak:
Baisha Lake:The silver-white sand dunes contrast beautifully with the azure lake, creating a picturesque scene especially in the morning mist. The best time for photography is from 9 to 11 a.m.
Karakul Lake:The lake’s color changes with the light, reflecting the “Father of Ice Mountains,” Muztagh Ata Peak. Visitors can ride yaks for photos by the lakeside (reference price: 20 RMB per person).
Muztagh Ata Peak:The starting point for glacier trekking, offering a close-up view of glacier tongues and ice towers. Confirm accessibility in advance.
[Tashkurgan County (Tashkurgan)]🏡
This small plateau town serves as a hub for the Pamir Loop, surrounded by the Golden Grassland, the ruins of Stone City, and villages of various ethnic groups. The sunrise over the Golden Grassland in the morning and the silhouette of Stone City at dusk are must-see scenes for photography enthusiasts.
Explore the Hidden Gems of Southern Xinjiang: 2026 Comprehensive Guide to a Customized In-Depth Tour of Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau by Car[Wenpan Ancient Road]🛣️
This 30-kilometer “Plateau Sky Road” is famous for its over 600 bends, resembling a giant dragon coiled among the mountains when viewed by drone. The road sign “Having traversed all the winding paths today, henceforth life will be smooth sailing” has become a popular photo spot. It is recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid tour groups.
[Tasha Ancient Road]🌄
A historic canyon passage offering a visual feast of snow-capped mountains, apricot blossom villages, and the Tashkurgan River along the way. Some sections are unpaved, requiring a 4WD vehicle and a driver familiar with the road conditions. It may be temporarily closed during the rainy season.
[Muji Volcanic Craters]🌋
A hidden gem at the western end of the Pamir Plateau, where 18 dormant volcanic craters are scattered among wetlands, creating a spectacular contrast with the distant “Eighteen Arhat” Snow Peaks, forming an “ice and fire” wonder. A border pass is required, and accessibility should be confirmed in advance. A 4WD vehicle is recommended to reach the site.
Sample Itinerary (5 Days, 4 Nights)
[Day 1:Initial Exploration of Kashgar’s Culture]
Morning:Arrive in Kashgar, check into your hotel, and enjoy free time. We recommend visiting the外围 (outer area) of the Id Kah Mosque (admission: 45 RMB) and the Gaotai Folk Residences.
Afternoon:Take an in-depth stroll through Kashgar Old Town, exploring the Craftsmen Bazaar (copperware and pottery workshops) and the Century-Old Teahouse to experience the tea culture of various ethnic groups.
Evening:Savor grilled pigeon, pot-cooked meat, and pomegranate juice at the Khan Bazaar night market, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of southern Xinjiang.
[Day 2:Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Tashkurgan]
Route and Destination HighlightsMorning:Travel west along the China-Pakistan Highway, passing through the red canyons of Oyytag (resembling the Martian landscape) to capture the unique sight of Danxia landforms alongside glaciers.
Noon:Stop at Baisha Lake Scenic Area for 2 hours. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or take photos with yaks.
Afternoon:Arrive at Karakul Lake and admire Muztagh Ata Peak in the distance. Check into a hotel in Tashkurgan in the evening (elevation: 3,200 meters; avoid strenuous activities).
[Day 3:In-Depth Tour of Tashkurgan]
Morning:After watching the sunrise over the Golden Grassland, visit the ruins of Stone City to learn about the history of the “Puli Kingdom,” one of the 36 kingdoms of the Western Regions.
Afternoon:Head to the Wenpan Ancient Road, passing through the Wakhan Corridor (a historic passage where you can stop briefly for photos).
Evening:Return to Tashkurgan to rest and enjoy a special dinner featuring local ethnic cuisine (yak hot pot, pilaf).
[Day 4:Tashkurgan → Bandir Blue Lake → Kashgar]
Morning:Traverse the精华段 (highlight section) of the Tasha Ancient Road, admiring the canyon, apricot blossom villages, and the Tashkurgan River (specific sections subject to assessment).
Noon:Stop at Bandir Blue Lake for 1 hour to capture the striking contrast between the cool blue lake and the gray-brown valley.
Afternoon:Return to Kashgar, passing through Yarkant County (optional stop) to visit the Yarkant Khan’s Palace and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Lane.
[Day 5:Free Time in Kashgar / Departure]
[Kashgar Old Town]🏰Morning:Arrange your schedule freely based on your flight time. We recommend purchasing dried figs, almonds, and other local specialties.
Afternoon:Airport/station transfer service to conclude your journey.
Pricing Information (Reference for 2026)
[Vehicle Types and Average Daily Rates]
7-Seater Business Van (e.g., Buick GL8):1,200-1,800 RMB/day
9-Seater Business Van (1+1 airline seats):1,500-2,200 RMB/day
14-19 Seater Minibus:1,800-2,500 RMB/day
7-Seater Off-Road Vehicle (e.g., Toyota Prado):1,800-2,400 RMB/day (suitable for routes like Muji Volcanic Craters and Tasha Ancient Road)
[What’s Included]
Vehicle usage fee, fuel cost, toll fees, parking fees
Driver service fee and basic insurance
Driver’s accommodation and meal allowance (usually 100-200 RMB/person/day, or as agreed)
As the starting point of the cultural charm of southern Xinjiang, Kashgar Old Town is a millennium-old living fossil on the Silk Road. Strolling through the earth-colored adobe buildings, intricately carved wooden doors, artisan workshops, and century-old teahouses weave a rich tapestry of daily life. In the evening, the Khan Bazaar night market fills the streets with the aroma of grilled stuffed buns, pilaf, and grilled meat, offering a window into the diverse culinary cultures of various ethnic groups.[What’s Not Included]
Scenic area admission fees (e.g., Pamir Scenic Area combo ticket: 150 RMB/person; Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon: 60 RMB/person)
Personal meals, accommodation, and other expenses
Border pass application fee (approximately 100 RMB/person, subject to actual cost)
Excess mileage fee (for distances exceeding 400 km per day, charged at 1.5-2 RMB/km)
[Price Fluctuation Notes]
Peak Season (June-October):Prices increase by 15%-20%. Reserve vehicles 1-2 months in advance.
Plateau/Border Routes:Additional daily charge of 200-500 RMB (including driver allowance and insurance).
Final prices are subject to the quote provided at the time of contract signing and may vary based on departure dates.
How to Book
You can book through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency, which offers the following services:
Recommend vehicle types and itineraries based on group size, time, and budget
[Core Area of the Pamir Plateau]⛰️ Assist with border pass applications (materials must be submitted 3 working days in advance)
Provide formal travel contracts clearly outlining fees and liability terms
Respond promptly to itinerary change requests (in case of weather or road condition changes, both parties will negotiate adjustments)
Pricing and Service Notes
Vehicles:All vehicles have legal tourism operation qualifications and are driven by experienced local drivers familiar with the road conditions and scenic spots in southern Xinjiang.
Itinerary:Daily driving time is limited to 4-6 hours, with flexible coordination for the duration of stays at specific attractions. In case of force majeure (e.g., road closures,景区 (scenic area) capacity limits), both parties will negotiate route or schedule changes.
Admission Tickets:The Pamir Scenic Area (Baisha Lake + Karakul Lake + Muztagh Ata Peak) requires real-name reservation, which can be made in advance through the “One Phone for Traveling in Xinjiang” platform.
Insurance:Basic carrier liability insurance is included. Visitors are advised to purchase additional travel accident insurance.
Others:For solo travelers, we will do our best to arrange shared accommodation; special cases require separate negotiation. The driver does not provide tour guide commentary but can recommend dining and viewing spots along the way.
[Important Reminders]
Southern Xinjiang covers a vast area, and weather and road conditions may change. The itinerary is subject to the contract signed by both parties.
Prices and availability are subject to confirmation by customer service and may fluctuate based on departure dates. The contract signed is the primary reference.
Contact Zhang Jing, Customer Service Manager at Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency, for the latest itinerary details and quotes.
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and quote.

