How Much Does a 15 Day Xinjiang Special Train Tour Cost Detailed 2026 Full Itinerary Expenses Recommended Routes and Price Breakdown
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
A train journey interwoven with stars and moon:In-depth Analysis of the 2026 15-Day Panoramic Special Train Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Moving Landscape Gallery
[Train Design] The New Oriental Express special train features fully enclosed air-conditioned carriages, each equipped with an oxygen supply system and constant temperature air conditioning. The windows are made of double-layer UV-resistant glass, ensuring passengers can comfortably view the scenery even when crossing the Gobi Desert. The train includes a scenic bar, a starry sky photography cabin, and an ethnic handicraft experience area. During night travel, the carriage lights automatically dim, creating an immersive experience of “the train traveling through a painting.”
[Geographical Coverage] The itinerary spans both sides of the Tianshan Mountains, connecting three major geographical units:Kanas Lake in the Altai Mountains of Northern Xinjiang, Nalati Grassland in the Central Tianshan Mountains, and Muztagh Ata Peak on the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang. Along the way, it passes through 12 nature reserves and 8 World Heritage Tentative List sites, covering five types of landscapes: lakes, wetlands, snow-capped mountains, canyons, and deserts.
[Cultural Depth] Special arrangements include four ethnic cultural experiences: participating in Tuvan throat singing performances in Burqin County, learning embroidery from various ethnic groups in the Ili River Valley, engaging in pottery making with local communities in the Old City of Kashgar, and dancing the Eagle Dance with various ethnic groups in Taxkorgan County. The train’s dining car offers daily meals with regional specialties, including Burqin cold-water fish banquets, Ili horse meat naren, and Hotan rose-scented baked naan.
II. 2026 Reference Itinerary (Example for June Departure)
[Days 1-2] Gathering in Urumqi
Visit the Xinjiang Museum, focusing on artifacts unearthed from the “Niya Site”
The special train departs in the evening, with a departure ceremony and briefing
[Days 3-4] Secret Realms of Northern Xinjiang
Boat tour of Kanas Lake to Fish Watching Platform, visit Tuvan wooden houses
Morning mist photography in Hemu Village, experience life in a primitive village
Sunset photography at Colorful Beach, observe color changes in Yardang landforms
A train journey interwoven with stars and moon: In-depth Analysis of the 2026 15-Day Panoramic Special Train Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang[Days 5-6] Ili River Valley
Horseback riding on the aerial grasslands of Nalati Grassland, visit nomadic families
Hike around Sayram Lake, search for swan habitats
Photography at Huocheng Lavender Manor, experience essential oil production
[Days 7-8] Tianshan Corridor
Cross the northern section of the Duoku Road, stop at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery
Sunset at the Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends of Bayinbuluk, observe the swan nature reserve
Forest bathing in Gongnaisi National Forest Park, identify snow-capped spruce
[Days 9-10] Humanities of Southern Xinjiang
Opening ceremony of the Old City of Kashgar, visit the Id Kah Mosque
Photography at Baisha Lake on the Pamir Plateau, visit villages of various ethnic groups
Archaeological experience at the Shitou City ruins, learn about the ancient Silk Road
[Days 11-12] Desert Wonders
Luntai Populus euphratica Forest Park, observe the ecosystem of thousand-year-old poplars
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Moving Landscape Gallery Off-road in the heart of the Taklimakan Desert, experience desert surfing
Fresco copying at the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, interpret the cultural codes of Kucha
[Days 13-15] Return and Summary
Turpan Karez Park, learn about underground water conservancy projects
Flaming Mountains Geopark, experience extreme temperature differences of up to 50°C
Shopping at the Urumqi International Bazaar, hold a closing ceremony
III. Price System Analysis (Reference for June 2026)
[Basic Packages]
Platinum Deluxe Compartment (5-person custom carriage):49,999 yuan/person
Includes private bathroom, 24-hour butler service, daily fresh fruit platter
Royal Deluxe Compartment (4-person custom carriage):54,999 yuan/person
Adds a welcome gift package (including a Xinjiang specialty gift box)
Noble Deluxe Compartment (3-person custom carriage):59,999 yuan/person
Includes exclusive photographer follow-up service
[Train Design] The New Oriental Express special train features fully enclosed air-conditioned carriages, each equipped with an oxygen supply system and constant temperature air conditioning. The windows are made of double-layer UV-resistant glass, ensuring passengers can comfortably view the scenery even when crossing the Gobi Desert. The train includes a scenic bar, a starry sky photography cabin, and an ethnic handicraft experience area. During night travel, the carriage lights automatically dim, creating an immersive experience of “the train traveling through a painting.”[Upgrade Options]
Kanas VIP Viewing Platform:+800 yuan/person (includes professional photography guidance)
In-depth Tuvan Home Visit Experience:+500 yuan/person (includes ethnic costume photos)
Train Starry Sky Photography Course:+300 yuan/person (provides professional equipment)
[Price Notes]
Prices increase by 15%-20% during peak season (July-August), and by 25% during National Day holidays
Book 90 days in advance for a 10% discount, 60 days in advance for a 5% discount
Child price (ages 6-12, no bed):Starting from 6,800 yuan/person
Price includes special train berth, accommodation throughout the trip, three meals a day, first admission tickets to attractions, guide service, and travel insurance
IV. Registration Method
Inquiries can be made through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide detailed itinerary information and departure dates. Consultation services are available daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It is recommended to check availability 3 months in advance.
V. Detailed Explanation of Fees and Services
[Fees Included]
Transportation:Special train berths within Xinjiang (no berth changes throughout the trip) + ground air-conditioned tourist buses
[Geographical Coverage] The itinerary spans both sides of the Tianshan Mountains, connecting three major geographical units: Kanas Lake in the Altai Mountains of Northern Xinjiang, Nalati Grassland in the Central Tianshan Mountains, and Muztagh Ata Peak on the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang. Along the way, it passes through 12 nature reserves and 8 World Heritage Tentative List sites, covering five types of landscapes: lakes, wetlands, snow-capped mountains, canyons, and deserts.Accommodation:Train compartments + hotels during the itinerary (standard double rooms)
Meals:14 breakfasts and 28 main meals (including 8 special meals)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to all attractions in the itinerary
Services:Professional guides + onboard doctors + 24-hour butlers
Insurance:Travel accident insurance (coverage of 500,000 yuan)
[Service Standards]
Each carriage is equipped with 1 butler + 1 attendant, with twice-daily carriage disinfection
Provides 220V charging ports and Wi-Fi (satellite network activated when mountain signals are weak)
Complimentary travel souvenir package (including custom luggage tags, attraction postcards)
Twice-daily temperature checks, equipped with first aid kits and portable oxygen concentrators
[Precautions]
Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms as much as possible; a supplement is required in special cases
The itinerary may change due to weather, policies, etc., and can be adjusted after mutual agreement
Fees do not include round-trip transportation from the departure point to Urumqi, personal expenses, or voluntary self-funded projects
[Cultural Depth] Special arrangements include four ethnic cultural experiences: participating in Tuvan throat singing performances in Burqin County, learning embroidery from various ethnic groups in the Ili River Valley, engaging in pottery making with local communities in the Old City of Kashgar, and dancing the Eagle Dance with various ethnic groups in Taxkorgan County. The train’s dining car offers daily meals with regional specialties, including Burqin cold-water fish banquets, Ili horse meat naren, and Hotan rose-scented baked naan. All service content, itinerary details, and prices are subject to actual consultation and contract signing
VI. Special Tips
[Seasonal Limits]
The June departure allows viewing of the Ili lavender flower sea and the swan breeding period at Bayinbuluk
The September departure is suitable for photographing the golden autumn scenery of the Populus euphratica forests and the harvest scene of fruits in Southern Xinjiang
The winter departure (December-February) adds skiing experiences and hot spring healing projects
[Equipment Suggestions]
Prepare sunscreen with SPF 50+, windproof sand masks, and warm outerwear
It is recommended to bring lightweight hiking shoes, binoculars, and high-capacity memory cards
The train provides basic toiletries, but it is advisable to bring personal hygiene products
[Cultural Etiquette]
Long pants and long sleeves are required for visits; women need to wear headscarves
Consent must be obtained before taking photos with ethnic compatriots
When receiving gifts, it is recommended to accept them with your right hand to express gratitude
This train journey across three major geographical units will weave a three-dimensional picture of Xinjiang over 15 days. As the train slowly passes over the Guozigou Bridge, snow-capped mountains and grasslands alternate outside the window, while hand drums and laughter echo inside the carriage—this is perhaps the best way to travel: meeting a better version of yourself in moving scenery.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation

