How to Book the Kunlun Special Train Where to Book and Clear Explanation of Prices and Fees Recommended Routes Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
🚂 【Kunlun Express: A Moving Scenic Route Across Northern and Southern Xinjiang | 2026 Booking Guide】
On the vast land of Xinjiang, there is a travel method that allows you to ‘sit in the carriage and enjoy the scenery outside the window’—this is the ‘Kunlun Express,’ a high-end tourist train launched in Urumqi. Using sleeper carriages as its载体 (vehicle), it connects the精华 (highlight) attractions of northern and southern Xinjiang, allowing tourists to complete an in-depth journey across the Tianshan Mountains in comfort. In 2026, this train will continue to be a popular choice for exploring Xinjiang with upgraded services and fixed schedules. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the booking method, pricing system, and itinerary highlights to help you easily plan this moving visual feast.
🌄 【Route Highlights: Experience the ‘Poetry and Distance’ of Xinjiang in One Train】
The uniqueness of the ‘Kunlun Express’ lies in its break from the traditional ‘whirlwind’ travel model. All eight sleeper carriages are designed as soft sleepers or high-end compartments, with soft furnishings incorporating folk elements from various ethnic groups in Xinjiang, such as Atlas silk curtains and hand-embroidered cushions, turning the carriage into a mobile cultural exhibition hall. Each carriage is equipped with a washroom, desk, and wardrobe, with some room types even featuring private bathrooms and sofas to meet the comfort needs of different tourists.
The train’s itinerary covers core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang: From Huorong Mountain and the Karez Wells in Turpan to the Secret Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains in Kuqa; from Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake in the ancient city of Kashgar to the Nalat Grassland in the Sky and Sayram Lake in Yili; and then to Hemu Village and the Three Bays of Kanas in Altay… During the 14-day journey, the train travels at night and stops during the day, allowing tourists to deeply experience Xinjiang’s diverse landscapes and cultural customs without frequently moving their luggage.
📅 【Simple Itinerary: A Classic 14-Day Route Across Northern and Southern Xinjiang】
According to the newly scheduled departures for 2026, the itinerary of the ‘Kunlun Express’ is as follows:
Day 1: Departure Location – Urumqi
Upon arrival in Urumqi, enjoy free time or adjust to the time difference to recharge for the subsequent itinerary.
Day 2: Turpan – Huorong Mountain – Karez Wells – Grape Valley
🚂【Kunlun Express: A Moving Scenic Route Across Northern and Southern Xinjiang | 2026 Booking Guide】Visit ‘Flaming Land’ Turpan, explore the geological wonders of Huorong Mountain and the Karez irrigation system, taste fresh fruits in Grape Valley, and board the train for Kuqa in the evening.
Day 3: Kuqa – Secret Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains – Old Town of Kuqa
Tour the Secret Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains in Kuqa, feel the grandeur of the red rock formations; stroll through the old town of Kuqa, admire traditional buildings of various ethnic groups, and watch a Kucha song and dance performance before boarding the train in the evening.
Day 4: Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake
Upon arrival in Kashgar, head to the Pamir Plateau, enjoying the purity of Baisha Lake and the depth of Karakul Lake along the way, and stay overnight in Taxkorgan.
Day 5: Taxkorgan – Golden Grassland – Panlong Ancient Road – Kashgar
Visit the Golden Grassland wetlands, challenge the ‘Internet-famous’ Panlong Ancient Road, and enjoy free time in Kashgar after returning.
Day 6: Kashgar – Hotan Jade Exhibition Hall – Ancient City of Kashgar
Visit the Hotan Jade Exhibition Hall to learn about jade culture, stroll through the ancient city of Kashgar to feel its millennium of history, and board the train for Kuqa in the evening.
Day 7: Kuqa – Southern Section of the Duku Highway – Bayinbuluk
On the vast land of Xinjiang, there is a travel method that allows you to ‘sit in the carriage and enjoy the scenery outside the window’—this is the ‘Kunlun Express,’ a high-end tourist train launched in Urumqi. Using sleeper carriages as its vehicle, it connects the highlight attractions of northern and southern Xinjiang, allowing tourists to complete an in-depth journey across the Tianshan Mountains in comfort. In 2026, this train will continue to be a popular choice for exploring Xinjiang with upgraded services and fixed schedules. This article will provide a detailed analysis of the booking method, pricing system, and itinerary highlights to help you easily plan this moving visual feast.Travel along the southern section of the Duku Highway, enjoying the snow-capped mountains and grassland scenery along the way, arrive at Bayinbuluk Grassland, and watch the sunset over the meandering river.
Day 8: Nalat Grassland in the Sky – Gongliu
Tour the Nalat Grassland in the Sky, experience the grassland charm of ‘vast skies and boundless wilderness,’ and head to Gongliu in the evening.
Day 9: Kuerdening Grassland – Liuxing Street – Lavender Manor
Visit Kuerdening Grassland, stroll through Liuxing Street in Yining to feel its多元 (diverse) culture, take photos at the Lavender Manor, and then head to Yining.
Day 10: Yining – Sayram Lake – Sailing Experience
Tour around Sayram Lake, experience sailing, admire the湛蓝 (deep blue) of ‘the last tear drop of the Atlantic,’ and take the train to Altay in the evening.
Day 11: Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Travel along the Ahe Highway, arrive at Hemu Village, ‘God’s Reserved Land,’ and take the Yunxiao Peak cable car to overlook the primeval forest and Tuva wooden houses.
Day 12: Hemu – Kanas – Colorful Beach
🌄【Route Highlights: Experience the ‘Poetry and Distance’ of Xinjiang in One Train】Tour Kanas Lake, visit the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Crescent Bay, Sleeping Dragon Bay), and head to Colorful Beach in the evening to watch the sunset over the yardang landform.
Day 13: Urumqi – Heavenly Lake of Tianshan – International Bazaar
Upon returning to Urumqi, tour Heavenly Lake of Tianshan and visit the International Bazaar in the evening to taste Xinjiang cuisine.
Day 14: Urumqi – Departure Location
See off at the airport according to the flight schedule and conclude the journey.
💰 【Pricing Information: 2026 Departures and Room Type References】
The ‘Kunlun Express’ offers multiple room type choices, with prices varying according to departure dates and room types, as follows (subject to contract):
May Departure (May 22):
Four-person Compartment (Shared Bathroom):Upper bunk: 14,800 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 15,800 yuan/person
Two-person Compartment (Shared Bathroom):Upper bunk: 17,800 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 18,800 yuan/person
The uniqueness of the ‘Kunlun Express’ lies in its break from the traditional ‘whirlwind’ travel model. All eight sleeper carriages are designed as soft sleepers or high-end compartments, with soft furnishings incorporating folk elements from various ethnic groups in Xinjiang, such as Atlas silk curtains and hand-embroidered cushions, turning the carriage into a mobile cultural exhibition hall. Each carriage is equipped with a washroom, desk, and wardrobe, with some room types even featuring private bathrooms and sofas to meet the comfort needs of different tourists.Two-person Compartment (Flat Bunk):Lower bunk: 18,800 yuan/person
Two-person Compartment (Private Bathroom):Upper bunk: 22,800 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 23,800 yuan/person
Exclusive Group (Single Room):38,800 yuan/person
June-September Departures (June 4, June 17, June 30, July 13, July 26, August 8, August 21, September 2, September 14):
Four-person Compartment (Shared Bathroom):Upper bunk: 15,800 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 16,800 yuan/person
Two-person Compartment (Shared Bathroom):Upper bunk: 18,800 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 19,800 yuan/person
Two-person Compartment (Flat Bunk):Lower bunk: 19,800 yuan/person
Two-person Compartment (Private Bathroom):Upper bunk: 23,800 yuan/person, Lower bunk: 24,800 yuan/person
Exclusive Group (Single Room):39,800 yuan/person
The price includes train sleeper berths, scenic spot admission tickets, local transportation, some meals, and guide services, excluding round-trip major transportation, personal expenses, and optional activities. Due to tight schedules, it is recommended to inquire about availability in advance. Prices may fluctuate with the market and are subject to the contract signed by both parties.
The train’s itinerary covers core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang: From Huorong Mountain and the Karez Wells in Turpan to the Secret Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains in Kuqa; from Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake in the ancient city of Kashgar to the Nalat Grassland in the Sky and Sayram Lake in Yili; and then to Hemu Village and the Three Bays of Kanas in Altay… During the 14-day journey, the train travels at night and stops during the day, allowing tourists to deeply experience Xinjiang’s diverse landscapes and cultural customs without frequently moving their luggage.📝 【Booking Method: Book through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency】
You can book the ‘Kunlun Express’ train journey through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. When booking, provide your name, valid ID number, contact information, and room type choice, and sign a tourism contract. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will answer your questions about itinerary details, pricing, and booking procedures.
💡 【Fee and Service Information】
Fees Include:Train sleeper berths, first admission tickets to scenic spots, local air-conditioned tourist buses, 13 breakfasts and 24 lunches/dinners (some meals are specialty dishes), guide services, and travel agency liability insurance.
Fees Exclude:Round-trip major transportation to Urumqi, personal expenses, optional activities (such as sailing experience, Yunxiao Peak cable car, etc.), (single travelers will be coordinated for room sharing as much as possible; special circumstances require negotiation).
Service Information:The train operates on fixed schedules. Both parties can agree on reasonable itinerary changes; in case of force majeure (such as weather, policies, etc.), the itinerary will be changed with the priority of ensuring tourist safety. Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
🌈 【Why Choose the ‘Kunlun Express’?】
Hassle-free:Full sleeper berths, no need to frequently change hotels; luggage can be kept in the carriage.
In-depth:Covers core attractions in northern and southern Xinjiang, avoiding ‘rushed’ travel.
Comfortable:Soft sleeper compartments are well-equipped, with some room types featuring private bathrooms and strong privacy.
Cultural:Carriage design incorporates elements from various ethnic groups in Xinjiang; song and dance performances and folk experiences are arranged during the itinerary.
In 2026, the ‘Kunlun Express’ will continue to provide high-quality services, taking you across the Tianshan Mountains to feel the grandeur and diversity of Xinjiang. Whether traveling with family, friends, or alone, this moving scenic route will become an unforgettable memory. Immediately contact Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to start your Xinjiang train journey!
Contact Manager Maizi at 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
