2026UrumqiCarpoolTourRegistration 12 DayDetailedItineraryforNorthernandSouthernXinjiang RecommendedRouteCostandPrice

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send the itinerary and quotation.

Exploring the Western Regions:2026 Urumqi 12-Day In-Depth Carpooling Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: A Complete Guide
🌄 [Route Highlights:Comprehensive Coverage, Immersive Experience]
This 12-day carpooling route in northern and southern Xinjiang starts from Urumqi, connecting natural wonders such as Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake in northern Xinjiang, then heading south through the Duku Highway to reach Nalati Grassland and Bayinbuluk Wetland, and finally delving into the ancient city of Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau to experience cultural heritage. The itinerary balances ‘nature + culture,’ with an average daily driving distance of 300-500 kilometers, adopting a ‘daytime touring, nighttime driving’ model to allow for in-depth exploration of core attractions during the day and time-saving travel at night, suitable for first-time visitors or those wishing to see the best of Xinjiang in one trip.
🚗 [Simple Itinerary:Daily Highlights at a Glance]
Day 1:Urumqi Airport Pickup • City Exploration
Upon arrival at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, you will be picked up by a dedicated driver arranged by Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and taken to a downtown hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free for activities. We recommend visiting the International Bazaar to experience handicrafts from various ethnic groups or touring the Xinjiang Museum to learn about the history of the Western Regions.
Day 2:Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan → Burqin
Depart early for Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, about a 1.5-hour drive. The scenic area is open daily from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM and requires real-name reservations via the ‘One Phone for Touring Xinjiang’ mini-program. After visiting attractions like Mayashan and West Small Heavenly Lake, drive to Burqin in the evening, enjoying Gobi Desert scenery along the way. Overnight at a partner hotel in Burqin.
Day 3:Burqin → Kanas Lake → Hemu Village

Exploring the Western Regions: 2026 Urumqi 12-Day In-Depth Carpooling Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang: A Complete GuideEnter Kanas Scenic Area in the morning to explore the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay) and Guanyu Platform, with optional boat tours on the lake. In the afternoon, head to Hemu Village and check into a characteristic wooden cabin. In the evening, ascend Haden Platform to capture the sunset and experience Tuvan folk customs.
Day 4:Hemu Morning Mist → Urho Ghost City → Karamay
Rise early to photograph the morning mist in Hemu, then drive to Urho Ghost City. This yardang landform scenic area is famous for its wind-eroded wonders. We recommend visiting in the late afternoon to capture changing light and shadows. Overnight at a hotel in Karamay.
Day 5:Karamay → Sayram Lake → Yining
Spend the day exploring Sayram Lake, with a scenic loop route of about 90 kilometers passing attractions like Dianjiang Platform and Swan Paradise. In the evening, visit the Guozigou Bridge and overnight at a partner hotel in Yining.
Day 6:Yining → Nalati Grassland → Bayinbuluk
Tour Nalati Alpine Grassland in the morning, with opportunities for horseback riding and local family visits. In the afternoon, traverse the middle section of the Duku Highway to reach Bayinbuluk Town. Enjoy the sunset over the Nine Curves Eighteen Bends and overnight at a town hotel.
Day 7:Bayinbuluk → Duku Highway → Kuqa
Spend the day crossing the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing Small and Big Dragon Pools and the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon. The Duku Highway is recommended to be open for four months each year, offering a comfortable experience of ‘four seasons in one day.’ Overnight at a hotel in Kuqa.
Day 8:Kuqa → Kashgar Ancient City → Id Kah Mosque

🌄[Route Highlights: Comprehensive Coverage, Immersive Experience]Travel to Kashgar by plane or train in the morning (transportation method to be confirmed based on actual schedules). In the afternoon, tour Kashgar Ancient City, visit Id Kah Mosque, and sample specialty dishes like baked buns and pot meat. Overnight at a hotel near the ancient city.
Day 9:Kashgar → Pamir Plateau → Karakul Lake
After obtaining a travel permit, head to the Pamir Plateau to visit White Sand Lake, Muztagh Ata Peak, and Karakul Lake. Due to the high altitude, we recommend carrying oxygen tanks, with an on-tour doctor available at all times for emergencies. Overnight at a hotel in Taxkorgan County.
Day 10:In-Depth Pamir Tour → Tajik Family Visit → Kashgar
Experience family visits with various ethnic groups in the morning to learn about their lifestyles and customs. Return to Kashgar in the afternoon and overnight at the original hotel.
Day 11:Kashgar → Turpan → Grape Valley → Flaming Mountains
Travel to Turpan by plane or train in the morning (transportation method to be confirmed based on actual schedules). In the afternoon, visit Grape Valley, Flaming Mountains, and Karez Irrigation System to experience agricultural culture. Overnight at a hotel in Turpan.
Day 12:Turpan → Urumqi → Departure
Enjoy free time in the morning or purchase local specialties. In the afternoon, return to Urumqi and transfer to the airport based on your flight schedule, concluding the tour.
💰 [Pricing Information:Transparent and Straightforward]

This 12-day carpooling route in northern and southern Xinjiang starts from Urumqi, connecting natural wonders such as Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake in northern Xinjiang, then heading south through the Duku Highway to reach Nalati Grassland and Bayinbuluk Wetland, and finally delving into the ancient city of Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau to experience cultural heritage. The itinerary balances ‘nature + culture,’ with an average daily driving distance of 300-500 kilometers, adopting a ‘daytime touring, nighttime driving’ model to allow for in-depth exploration of core attractions during the day and time-saving travel at night, suitable for first-time visitors or those wishing to see the best of Xinjiang in one trip.The cost for the 2026 12-day carpooling tour of northern and southern Xinjiang is calculated based on vehicle type and group size, covering the vehicle, driver, fuel, tolls, and reference ranges are as follows:
7-Seat Business Vehicle (2-6 people sharing):Approximately 1,200-1,800 RMB per person
13-15 Seat Minibus (around 10 people):Approximately 2,200-3,200 RMB per person
18-19 Seat Bus (16-20 people):Approximately 2,500-3,500 RMB per person
Cost Exclusions:
Scenic Area Tickets:Kanas + Hemu combo ticket: approximately 230 RMB, Sayram Lake: 70 RMB, Nalati: 135 RMB (including shuttle bus), Bayinbuluk: 45 RMB (including shuttle bus)
Driver’s Accommodation and Meal Allowance:Approximately 150-200 RMB per day (borne by the vehicle user)
Personal Expenses:Meals, accommodation, and other personal consumption
Note:Prices increase by 30%-50% during peak season (June 15-October 15), and remote routes (such as the Pamir Plateau) may incur additional charges. Specific costs are based on the electronic contract provided by Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency.
📝 [Registration Method:Professional Service Guarantee]

🚗[Simple Itinerary: Daily Highlights at a Glance]Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency by contacting Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing. Inform her of your intended travel dates, group size, and vehicle preference. Customer service will check real-time availability and accurate pricing, then reserve your spot and prepare an electronic contract upon confirmation. Pay a deposit or full amount as stipulated in the contract, receive a tour notice before departure, and prepare required documents and luggage according to instructions.
📋 [Cost and Service Information:Clear and Transparent]
Inclusions:
Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, full fuel cost, tolls, basic insurance
Experienced drivers familiar with northern and southern Xinjiang road conditions, holding dual licenses (driver’s license + professional qualification certificate)
On-tour doctor available 24/7 for emergencies such as altitude sickness
Contract Guarantee:All service details and cost components are based on written contracts, complying with relevant provisions of the Tourism Law
Exclusions:
Personal consumption items such as scenic area tickets, shuttle buses, cable cars, and boat tours
Round-trip transportation to Urumqi from various locations (airfare/train tickets)

Accommodation fees for Day 1: Urumqi Airport Pickup • City Exploration (partner hotels can be booked on your behalf for an additional fee)
Special Notes:
Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms whenever possible; special cases require separate negotiation
In case of force majeure (such as extreme weather or road closures), both parties may agree to modify the itinerary sequence or replace attractions with equivalents
Prices and availability are subject to contract or customer service confirmation and may fluctuate based on departure dates; the signed contract shall prevail
🌈 [Pre-Trip Tips:Worry-Free Travel]
Document Preparation:Bring original valid identification documents; a travel permit is required in advance for visits to the Pamir Plateau
Clothing Recommendations:Northern Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night, with daytime temperatures around 20°C and nighttime temperatures dropping to 5°C. We recommend bringing a windbreaker and thermal underwear. Southern Xinjiang has strong sunshine, so bring a sun hat and sunglasses
Altitude Sickness:The Pamir Plateau and Duku Highway sections are at high altitudes. Travelers with relevant medical histories should inform the travel agency in advance
Reservation Policies:Kanas and Nalati implement a ‘multiple entries with one ticket’ policy, requiring binding to valid identification. Sayram Lake requires timed reservation entry; we recommend booking 3 days in advance through the ‘One Phone for Touring Xinjiang’ platform
This 12-day carpooling route in northern and southern Xinjiang will take you through snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, and Gobi, offering a dual震撼 (shock/awe) of nature and culture. Choose Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency for a professional team to plan a worry-free, safe, and enjoyable journey to the Western Regions!

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send the itinerary and quotation.