Popular Routes for Xinjiang Tourism Special Train Kashgar + Hotan + 2026 Prices How Much Does the Recommended Route Cost

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send the itinerary and quotation

“Starry Moon” Special Train:A 14-Day In-Depth Journey Through the Oases of Southern Xinjiang and the Ancient Cities of the Western Regions
I. Key Highlights of the Itinerary: A Symphony of Desert Oases and the Millennium Silk Road
[New Desert Railway Experience] The newly upgraded “Starry Moon” Special Train in 2026 starts from Urumqi and traverses the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert along the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway (Hotan-Ruoqiang section). This railway loop, fully connected in 2023, allows tourists to enjoy views of the poplar forests, rose willow thickets, and shifting sand dunes at the edge of the “Sea of Death” from the comfort of the train carriages, experiencing an excellent fusion of modern engineering and natural wonders.
[Triple Cultural Experience of the Western Regions] The itinerary deeply connects three major cultural landmarks:
Hotan:Explore the Tuancheng Folk Street, participate in the experience of making Atlas silk, and touch the memories of the millennium-old trade routes at the Yotkan Ancient City ruins
Kashgar:Stroll through the Kashgar Old Town, visit the Hotan Jade Exhibition Hall, and experience the architectural arts of various ethnic groups at the Xiangfei Garden
Kuqa:Traverse the Kyzylia Grand Canyon and explore the traditional residences of people from various ethnic groups on Restan Street
[Comprehensive Natural Landscapes] From Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake on the Pamir Plateau to the Bayanbulak Grassland and Nalati Sky Grassland at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, and finally arriving at Kanas Lake and Hemu Village in the Altai Mountains, the 14-day itinerary spans five major geographical units, covering eight types of landforms including deserts, gobi, canyons, grasslands, forests, lakes, and snow-capped mountains.
II. Summer 2026 Departure Dates and Brief Itinerary
[Departure Dates] May 11, June 19, July 2, July 28, September 4 (5 departures in total)
[14-Day精华行程 (Essence Itinerary)]
Days 1-2:Urumqi → Turpan (Flaming Mountains/Karez Wells/Aydingkol Lake) → Hotan
Cross the Tianshan Mountains and taste raisin pilaf in the special train dining car
Stay overnight in Hotan City and experience night market roasted stuffed buns and rose jam nang bread
Day 3:Traverse the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway → Cele → Kunlun Mountains Grand Canyon

“Starry Moon” Special Train: A 14-Day In-Depth Journey Through the Oases of Southern Xinjiang and the Ancient Cities of the Western RegionsPhotograph the desert railway from the special train observation deck
Visit the Dama Gully Buddhist Ruins in Cele County
Day 4:In-depth tour of Hotan
Experience intangible cultural heritage crafts at the Tuancheng Scenic Area
Watch the live performance “Melodies of All Nations” at the Yotkan Ancient City
Days 5-6:Hotan → Kashgar (Baisha Lake/Karakul Lake)
Self-drive experience on the Panlong Ancient Road on the Pamir Plateau (pass required in advance)
Attend the opening ceremony of Kashgar Old Town
Days 7-8:Kashgar → Kuqa (Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon)
Traverse the southern section of the Duoku Road
Photograph the sunset over the meandering river at the Bayanbulak Grassland
Days 9-10:Nalati Grassland → Sayram Lake
Photography lesson at the Lavender Manor
Cycling experience around Sayram Lake
Days 11-12:Beitun → Kanas → Hemu
Boat tour to explore Kanas Lake

I. Key Highlights of the Itinerary: A Symphony of Desert Oases and the Millennium Silk Road Photography creation in the morning mist at Hemu Village
Days 13-14:Tianshan Tianchi → Return Journey
Scenic view from the Maya Mountain Cable Car at Tianchi
Experience medicinal diet hotpot at the Colored Cotton Technology Park
III. Pricing System and Cabin Options (Reference for 2026)
[Budget Version] (Group of 40)
Upper Bunk:5,980 yuan/person
Lower Bunk:6,980 yuan/person
Includes:4-person compartments on the special train, comfortable local hotels, full-trip guide services, and porter services at Urumqi Station
[Luxury Version] (Group of 26)
Upper Bunk:14,800 yuan/person
Lower Bunk:15,800 yuan/person
Includes:3 nights in 5-star hotels + 4 nights in 4-diamond hotels + 1 night in a Hemu wooden cabin + 1 night in a Nalati homestay, exclusive nutritious meals, VIP access to scenic spots, and an onboard health consultant
Special Notes:
1. Prices may fluctuate based on market supply and demand, and the final price shall be based on the signed travel contract

[New Desert Railway Experience] The newly upgraded “Starry Moon” Special Train in 2026 starts from Urumqi and traverses the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert along the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway (Hotan-Ruoqiang section). This railway loop, fully connected in 2023, allows tourists to enjoy views of the poplar forests, rose willow thickets, and shifting sand dunes at the edge of the “Sea of Death” from the comfort of the train carriages, experiencing an excellent fusion of modern engineering and natural wonders.2. June to August is the peak tourist season in Xinjiang, and it is recommended to book 30 days in advance
3. Child price (ages 2-12) reduced by 800 yuan, and an additional reduction of 1,500 yuan for no bed occupancy
IV. Registration Method and Consultation Channels
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, with the following specific process:
1. Phone consultation: Contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency
2. Online consultation: Add the travel agency’s customer service account (search and verify through official platforms)
3. Document submission: Provide the names, valid ID numbers, and contact information of all travelers
4. Contract signing: Support both electronic and paper contract modes
V. Fee Explanation and Service Standards
[Fees Included]
Transportation:Bunks on the special train, local tourist buses, and scenic area shuttles
Accommodation:Standard rooms in hotels listed in the itinerary (efforts will be made to arrange room sharing for solo travelers)
Meals:13 breakfasts and 24 main meals (including 5 special meals)
Admission Tickets:First entrance tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary
Services:Full-trip guide services and travel accident insurance
[Fees Not Included]

[Triple Cultural Experience of the Western Regions] The itinerary deeply connects three major cultural landmarks: Pass processing fees (required for traveling to places like Baihaba and must be arranged independently)
Secondary consumption items within scenic spots
Personal expenses and fees not mentioned in the itinerary
[Service Guarantees]
Each group is equipped with 1 full-time guide + 1 local guide
The special train is equipped with a basic medical kit and first aid equipment
Exclusive waiting room and luggage handling services at Urumqi Station
Regular carriage disinfection and temperature monitoring daily
VI. Travel Precautions and Special Tips
[Document Preparation]
Original valid ID (valid for more than 6 months)
Pass (recommended to be processed at the place of residence before departure, indicating “Tashkurgan County”)
Seniors over 70 years old need to provide a physical examination report from the past 3 months
[Luggage Suggestions]
Clothing:Onion-style dressing (quick-drying clothes + fleece + windbreaker), and bring a thin down jacket for high-altitude areas

Hotan: Explore the Tuancheng Folk Street, participate in the experience of making Atlas silk, and touch the memories of the millennium-old trade routes at the Yotkan Ancient City ruinsEquipment:Sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, moisturizing skincare products, and a folding umbrella
Prohibitions:Drones are prohibited (must be reported in advance), and spray-type sunscreen is not allowed
[Health Tips]
Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night, so it is necessary to carry warm clothing with you
For the Pamir Plateau region (altitude 3000-4500 meters), it is recommended to take anti-altitude sickness medication in advance
The special train is equipped with basic medical equipment, but patients with serious illnesses should choose carefully
[Cultural Etiquette]
Obtain consent in advance before photographing people from various ethnic groups
Dress appropriately when visiting (women need to wear headscarves)
Respect local dietary habits and do not bring non-food items outside the restaurant
VII. Itinerary Change Explanation
In case of force majeure factors (such as extreme weather, temporary railway maintenance, etc.), the travel agency will negotiate with tourists to:
1. Change the order of visits and try to cover key attractions
2. Replace attractions of equal value (e.g., replace Kanas with Koktokay if Kanas is closed)
3. Extend the停留 (stay) time of the special train or change to other means of transportation
4. Refund unincurred fees (subject to contract agreement)
This time-traveling special train of the Western Regions excellently combines modern travel comfort with the millennium-old Silk Road culture. Whether it’s middle-aged and elderly tourists who want to easily visit the highlights of northern and southern Xinjiang or photography enthusiasts seeking in-depth cultural experiences, they can find their own Western Regions memories in this 14-day itinerary. It is recommended to plan in advance according to the travel time to make this dream journey through deserts, snow-capped mountains, and grasslands an unforgettable travel chapter in 2026.

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send the itinerary and quotation