New Oriental Express Tourist Train 2026 Kanas Route + Latest Price Guide Recommended Route Cost and Price

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation

New Oriental Express Tourism Special Train 2026:In-depth Experience and Practical Guide to the Kanas Route
🌄 Route Highlights:A Moving Scenic Line Through Northern Xinjiang
After its upgrade in 2025, the New Oriental Express Tourism Special Train has become a popular choice for in-depth tours of Northern Xinjiang, featuring ‘panoramic sightseeing carriages + high-end soft sleeper configurations.’ The 2026 route covers core scenic spots such as Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake, spanning three major regions: Urumqi, Altay, and Ili. It connects diverse landscapes including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and canyons. The train operates on a ‘daytime sightseeing + nighttime travel’ model, maximizing time savings on the journey and allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the autumn colors or summer scenery of Northern Xinjiang in comfort.
🚂 Itinerary Design:Scientific Pacing and In-Depth Experiences
Based on the newly scheduled departures for 2026, the route is divided into a Summer Version (June-September) and a Southern Xinjiang Autumn Colors Version (October). Below are the core highlights of the Summer Version:
[Kanas Core Area]
Kanas Lake:Take a boat tour of the lake, hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay), and observe the traditional wooden houses of the Tuwa people.
Hemu Village:Stay in characteristic wooden cabins, ascend the Haden Platform early in the morning to photograph the morning mist and cooking smoke, and experience horseback riding through the birch forest.
Baihaba Village:A permit must be obtained in advance to visit this ‘No.1 Village in the Northwest’ on the China-Kazakhstan border, experiencing the tranquility of a primitive village.
[Ili Grassland Route]
Nalati Grassland:Take the shuttle bus into the aerial grasslands, participate in home visits with local people of various ethnic groups, and taste freshly brewed milk tea and hand-grabbed meat.
Sayram Lake:Drive or cycle around the lake, with key stops at Songshu Head, Jinhua Zihui, and other viewpoints to capture the blue of ‘the last tear drop of the Atlantic.’

New Oriental Express Tourism Special Train 2026: In-depth Experience and Practical Guide to the Kanas RouteDuku Highway:Traverse the northern section (Nalati-Bayinbuluk) and southern section (Bayinbuluk-Kuqa) in segments, with stops at Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and the Large and Small Dragon Pools along the way.
[Cultural Experiences]
Altay Region:Visit the Koktokay Geopark to learn about the history of the meritorious mine pits; drive along the Ahe Highway, enjoying the snow-capped mountains and forests along the way.
Kashgar Old Town:Stroll through the century-old teahouses and high-platform residences, watch the opening ceremony, and shop for Atlas silk and copper handicrafts.
💰 Price Explanation:Graded Cabins and Flexible Choices
The 2026 pricing system fluctuates based on carriage class and travel dates. Below are reference prices (subject to contract confirmation):
[May-June, September Departures]
Premium Gold Diamond (3 cabins):59,999-69,999 yuan/person
Royal Gold Diamond (4 cabins):54,999-63,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond (5 cabins):49,999-58,999 yuan/person
Third/Fourth Person in Same Cabin:30,000 yuan/person
[October Departures (Southern Xinjiang Autumn Colors)]

🌄Route Highlights: A Moving Scenic Line Through Northern XinjiangPremium Gold Diamond:44,999 yuan/person
Royal Gold Diamond:39,999 yuan/person
Platinum Gold Diamond:36,999 yuan/person
Third/Fourth Person in Same Cabin:20,000 yuan/person
⚠ ️Price Includes:
Soft sleeper fees for the entire special train journey (including bathroom and 24-hour hot water)
First entrance tickets to scenic spots and shuttle buses
Meals throughout the journey (including special dishes:roast whole lamb, cold-water fish banquet, hand-grabbed rice)
Services of excellent local guides
⏰Departure Reminder:
May and October are off-peak seasons, while June and September are peak seasons, with the highest prices for the September 3rd departure; the October Southern Xinjiang itinerary offers excellent value due to the poplar forest scenery. Prices may fluctuate based on market supply and demand, so it is advisable to inquire about availability 30 days in advance.
📅 Simple Itinerary (Summer Version)

After its upgrade in 2025, the New Oriental Express Tourism Special Train has become a popular choice for in-depth tours of Northern Xinjiang, featuring ‘panoramic sightseeing carriages + high-end soft sleeper configurations.’ The 2026 route covers core scenic spots such as Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake, spanning three major regions: Urumqi, Altay, and Ili. It connects diverse landscapes including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and canyons. The train operates on a ‘daytime sightseeing + nighttime travel’ model, maximizing time savings on the journey and allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the autumn colors or summer scenery of Northern Xinjiang in comfort.Day 1:Gather in Urumqi from various locations
Recommended Free Activities:Xinjiang Museum (view ‘unique folk customs’ mummies), International Bazaar.
Day 2:Urumqi – New Oriental Express – Koktokay – Altay
Key Points:Koktokay National Geopark, photographing Zhongshan and the Irtysh Grand Canyon.
Day 3:Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Highlights:Drive along the Ahe Highway, with stops at Xiaodonggou and Wuxilike Wetland along the way.
Day 4:Hemu – Kanas
Activities:Kanas Lake boat tour, hike to Guanyu Platform.
Day 5:Kanas – Chonghu’er – Colorful Beach – Special Train
Photography Points:Sunset at Colorful Beach, with Yardang landforms and the Irtysh River in the same frame.
Day 6:Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Yining
Experiences:Cycle around the lake, stay in a characteristic homestay on Yining’s Six-Star Street.

🚂Itinerary Design: Scientific Pacing and In-Depth ExperiencesDay 7:Yining – Nalati Grassland
Activities:Hike the aerial grasslands, participate in folk performances by people of various ethnic groups.
Day 8:Nalati – Duku Highway – Bayinbuluk
Must-Photograph:Sunset at the Nine Curves Eighteen Bends, searching for the ‘Nine Suns’ spectacle.
Day 9:Bayinbuluk – Kuqa Grand Canyon – Special Train
Geological Wonders:Red layer landforms of the Kuqa Grand Canyon, hike the 1.2-kilometer core area.
Day 10:Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Pamir Scenic Area – Taxkorgan
Border Region Charm:Reflections at Baisha Lake, Muztagata Peak, obtain a Taxkorgan permit.
Day 11:Taxkorgan – Tajik Home Visit – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Cultural Experiences:Eagle dances by people of various ethnic groups, taste yak meat hotpot.
Day 12:Kashgar – Turpan – Special Train
Historical Journey:Jiaohe Ancient City ruins, explanation of the Karez irrigation system.

Based on the newly scheduled departures for 2026, the route is divided into a Summer Version (June-September) and a Southern Xinjiang Autumn Colors Version (October). Below are the core highlights of the Summer Version:Day 13:Turpan – Urumqi
Preparations for Return:One-day tour to Tianchi on Tianshan Mountain (optional).
Day 14:See off the group in Urumqi
📝 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and inquire with customer service manager Zhang Jing about departure availability and contract details. Registration requires providing valid identification information for ticket purchase and permit processing; children must be accompanied by a guardian.
💡 Fee Explanation and Service Standards
Fees Do Not Include:Personal consumption, (single registration will do its best to coordinate room sharing), self-funded items (such as helicopter sightseeing in Nalati).
Service Standards:The train is equipped with an onboard doctor, providing bottled water and emergency medications throughout the journey; ample time is allocated for scenic spot visits, avoiding a rushed experience.
Special Notes:In case of extreme weather or policy changes, both parties may agree to make reasonable changes to the itinerary, subject to actual consultation and contracting.
🌿 Travel Tips
Document Preparation:Valid identification, permits (obtained in Kashgar), discount certificates (such as student ID, senior citizen card).
Clothing Suggestions:Bring sun protection clothing and a windbreaker in summer (large temperature differences in mountainous areas); a down jacket is needed in October.
Photography Equipment:Wide-angle lens for grasslands, telephoto lens for snow-capped mountains, tripod for starry skies.
The New Oriental Express Tourism Special Train focuses on ‘slow travel, in-depth experiences,’ suitable for tourists pursuing quality and cultural depth. After optimization of the 2026 route, the itinerary offers a balanced pace, allowing visitors to both check off classic attractions and have ample time for photography or recording travel stories.

Contact Manager Yang Jia at 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation