How to Travel Xinjiang with a Tour Group on the Grand Loop Route of Northern and Southern Xinjiang 12 Day Panoramic View + Per Capita Budget Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send your itinerary and quotation.
Exploring Xinjiang:12-Day In-Depth Tour of the Grand Loop of Northern and Southern Xinjiang Full Guide 🌄
Xinjiang, a vast and boundless land, attracts countless tourists with its magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural diversity of various ethnic groups. To experience the highlights of both northern and southern Xinjiang in one go, a 12-day panoramic grand loop is undoubtedly the ideal choice. Here is a detailed guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang.
Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination
The grand loop of northern and southern Xinjiang is a classic route that connects the精华 (essence) scenic spots of Xinjiang from north to south. From Kanas and Hemu in northern Xinjiang to the ancient city of Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau in southern Xinjiang, each place exudes unique charm.
Kanas:Known as a ‘picturesque paradise on earth,’ Kanas features crystal-clear lakes surrounded by mountains and dense primeval forests, making it a haven for photography enthusiasts.
Hemu:A primitive village of the Tuwa people, where wooden houses are scattered across the hillside. When morning mist lingers, it feels like stepping into a fairy-tale world.
Sayram Lake:The ‘last tear of the Atlantic,’ Sayram Lake boasts sapphire-blue waters and is home to swans, making it one of Xinjiang’s most beautiful lakes.
Nalati Grassland:One of the world’s four major river valley grasslands, it offers breathtaking aerial grassland views and rich cultural experiences of various ethnic groups.
Duku Highway:One of China’s most beautiful highways, it allows you to experience all four seasons in a single day, with continuous stunning views of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons along the way.
Ancient City of Kashgar:A microcosm of the thousand-year-old ancient city of the Western Regions, strolling through its alleys allows you to feel the rich cultural atmosphere of various ethnic groups.
Exploring Xinjiang: 12-Day In-Depth Tour of the Grand Loop of Northern and Southern Xinjiang Full Guide 🌄Pamir Plateau:The starting point of the high plateau, featuring continuous snow-capped mountains and clear lakes, making it a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts.
Simple Itinerary
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi, check into a downtown hotel, and adjust to Xinjiang’s time difference and dry climate. In the evening, visit the International Bazaar and sample Xinjiang’s special snacks.
Day 2:Urumqi – Heavenly Lake of Tianshan – Fukang
Visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, a ‘fairyland on earth,’ and enjoy the stunning scenery of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and forests. Check into a comfortable homestay in Fukang in the evening.
Day 3:Fukang – S21 Desert Highway – Burqin
Traverse the S21 Desert Highway, experiencing the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert and Yardang landforms. Arrive in Burqin in the evening, check into a hotel, and sample local grilled fish.
Day 4:Burqin – Kanas
Enter Kanas Scenic Area during off-peak hours to visit core attractions like Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. In the evening, head to Hemu, stay overnight in the village, and enjoy the starry sky.
Xinjiang, a vast and boundless land, attracts countless tourists with its magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural diversity of various ethnic groups. To experience the highlights of both northern and southern Xinjiang in one go, a 12-day panoramic grand loop is undoubtedly the ideal choice. Here is a detailed guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Xinjiang.Day 5:In-Depth Tour of Hemu
Wake up early to enjoy the morning mist in Hemu, stroll through the village, and experience Tuwa culture. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding natural scenery on horseback or by hiking.
Day 6:Hemu – Urho Ghost City – Karamay
Visit Urho Ghost City to admire the Yardang landforms formed by wind erosion over hundreds of millions of years. Arrive in Karamay in the evening and check into a hotel.
Day 7:Karamay – Sayram Lake
Head to Sayram Lake, tour around the lake, stop at multiple viewpoints, and enjoy the sapphire-blue waters and reflections of snow-capped mountains. Check into a lakeside homestay in the evening.
Day 8:Sayram Lake – Yining – Nalati
Leave Sayram Lake, head to Yining, and after a short rest, proceed to Nalati Grassland. Check into a characteristic homestay near the grassland and experience the original nomadic lifestyle.
Day 9:In-Depth Tour of Nalati Grassland
Explore Nalati Grassland in depth, stroll on the cloud-like meadows, and enjoy views of herds of cattle and sheep and continuous snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, choose to ride horses or participate in cultural activities of various ethnic groups.
Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or DestinationDay 10:Nalati – Duku Highway – Kuqa
Embark on the epic Duku Highway and experience the scenery of all four seasons in a single day. Arrive in Kuqa in the evening and feel the rich cultural atmosphere of southern Xinjiang.
Day 11:Kuqa – Kashgar
Head to Kashgar, visit the ancient city of Kashgar upon arrival, and feel the unique charm of the thousand-year-old ancient city of the Western Regions. In the evening, visit the night market and sample special snacks of various ethnic groups.
Day 12:Kashgar – Return Journey
Depending on your return time, you can choose to explore Kashgar city freely or visit surrounding attractions. Then, head to the airport or high-speed rail station to conclude your pleasant trip to Xinjiang.
Price Explanation
According to the 2026 survey data on the cultural and tourism consumption industry in Xinjiang, the average per capita cost range for a conventional 12-day northern and southern Xinjiang loop is as follows:
High-quality no-consumption small group tours:8,000 to 12,000 yuan per person, including full transportation (business car/off-road vehicle), accommodation (4-diamond hotel + characteristic homestay), first entrance tickets to scenic spots, and some meals.
Private customized transportation:Over 10,000 yuan per person, with itineraries customized according to specific needs, providing more personalized services.
The grand loop of northern and southern Xinjiang is a classic route that connects the精华 (essence) scenic spots of Xinjiang from north to south. From Kanas and Hemu in northern Xinjiang to the ancient city of Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau in southern Xinjiang, each place exudes unique charm.Prices may fluctuate due to factors such as season, schedule, and hotel room type. Specifics are subject to actual consultation and signing with Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Registration Method
You can register for this northern and southern Xinjiang grand loop tour through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. The travel agency provides one-stop tourism services, including itinerary planning, hotel reservations, ticket bookings, etc., making your trip more worry-free and reassuring.
Fee Explanation and Service Explanation
Fees Include:
Full transportation costs (business car/off-road vehicle)
Accommodation costs (4-diamond hotel + characteristic homestay)
First entrance tickets to scenic spots and some meal costs
Professional driver and team leader service fees
Fees Do Not Include:
Kanas: Known as a ‘picturesque paradise on earth,’ Kanas features crystal-clear lakes surrounded by mountains and dense primeval forests, making it a haven for photography enthusiasts.Personal expenses (such as consumption, self-funded projects, etc.)
(Single registrants will do their best to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.)
Additional expenses due to force majeure factors (such as weather, road conditions, etc.)
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and signing with Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. The travel agency promises to provide transparent and reasonable fee explanations, ensuring that every penny you spend is worthwhile.
In terms of services, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency has a professional team of drivers and team leaders who are familiar with the road conditions and scenic spots in Xinjiang, providing you with a comfortable travel experience. Meanwhile, the travel agency also provides 24-hour customer service to answer your questions and solve problems encountered during your trip at any time.
Travel Tips:
Clothing Preparation:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night, so prepare windbreakers, thick and thin jackets, etc., to adapt to changing weather.
Sun Protection and Moisturizing:The UV rays are strong throughout the journey, so prepare sunglasses, sun hats, high-SPF sunscreen, and moisturizing lotions, etc.
Respecting Folk Customs:Southern Xinjiang is rich in ethnic customs, so respect local customs and habits, do not randomly photograph residents or touch folk taboos.
Travel:Xinjiang is a long journey away, so fasten your seatbelt, do not speed while driving, do not overtake on bends, and ensure safe travel.
Xinjiang, this magical land, awaits your exploration and discovery. Choose Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to embark on an unforgettable northern and southern Xinjiang grand loop tour! If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send your itinerary and quotation.
