2026FamilyPrivateCarTourinNorthernandSouthernXinjiang KashgarHotan12DayKidFriendlyItinerarywithCostDetails RecommendedRoutePrice

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.

Stars and Moon Accompany You: 12-Day Customized Family Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang by Car:In-Depth Exploration of Kashgar and Hotan: A Comprehensive Itinerary Friendly to Families with Children
[Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination]
Xinjiang’s northern and southern regions form a tapestry interwoven with nature and culture. Northern Xinjiang is characterized by snow-capped mountains, lakes, and grasslands, while Southern Xinjiang features ancient cities, deserts, and oases. In 2026, this 12-day customized car tour, integrating Kashgar and Hotan, is specially designed for families—avoiding high-intensity hiking and selecting child-friendly experiences, allowing parents and children to jointly experience Xinjiang’s diverse charm.
Kashgar Old City: This millennium-old key town on the Silk Road is a ‘living fossil’ of Xinjiang’s culture. Within the old city, characteristic streets such as Pottery Street, Herbal Tea Bazaar, and Kanpuman Bazaar retain traditional craftsmanship and urban life. In 2026, the old city will be open to the public for free, featuring a rich variety of businesses including century-old tea houses, travel photography studios, and folk culture experience centers. Children can participate in pottery making and learn simple Uyghur language, while parents can immerse themselves in the slow-paced life of the old city.
Hotan Tuancheng: Once a shantytown known as ‘Pigeon Lane,’ it has now transformed into a ‘circular’ cultural tourism district. Amidst blue-brick patterned walls, carved wooden doors, and grapevine trellises, children can feed pigeons and observe models of old city renovations, while parents can visit the Atlas silk workshop and taste freshly baked naan. In 2026, a new intangible cultural heritage experience center will be added in Tuancheng, offering interactive projects such as mulberry paper making and ethnic musical instrument performances.
Taklimakan Desert: As China’s largest desert, its Hotan section along the edge is an excellent choice for family desert experiences. In 2026, the desert highway (G580) will be fully accessible, allowing you to take children on dune bashing in a 4×4, camel riding, sandboarding, and stargazing at a desert camp at night while listening to constellation stories.
Pamir Plateau:If the family’s physical condition allows, you can visit Baisha Lake and Muztagh Ata near Kashgar. In 2026, a permit is required to travel to Taxkorgan County, which can be obtained in advance through the ‘Xinjiang Public Security’ mini-program (or at a local police station in your household registration area). The altitude gradually rises from 3,000 meters to 4,500 meters along the way, so it is recommended to carry oxygen cylinders and arrange sufficient rest time during the itinerary.
[Simple Itinerary]
Days 1-2:Gather in Urumqi → Kashgar

Stars and Moon Accompany You: 12-Day Customized Family Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang by Car: In-Depth Exploration of Kashgar and Hotan: A Comprehensive Itinerary Friendly to Families with ChildrenTransportation:Arrive in Urumqi by plane, then transfer to a flight to Kashgar (approximately 2.5 hours). A customized car driver will pick you up at the airport.
Accommodation:Hotel near Kashgar Old City (it is recommended to choose a hotel with a children’s playground).
Activities:In the afternoon, tour Kashgar Old City and participate in the ‘Old City Treasure Hunt’ activity (the travel agency designs a simple map, and children search for handicraft stores to get stamps); for dinner, taste roasted stuffed buns and pot meat.
Day 3:In-Depth Tour of Kashgar Old City
Activities:In the morning, visit the外围 (outer area) of Etiqer Mosque and the Xiangfei Garden (admission includes shuttle bus, half-price for children); in the afternoon, listen to the rubab performance at the century-old tea house, where children can learn simple dance moves.
Tips:There are many stone-paved roads in the old city, so it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes; in summer, bring sun hats and mosquito repellent.
Day 4:Kashgar → Hotan (approximately 5-hour drive)
Transportation:Drive along National Highway G315, stopping at the Yecheng Zero-Kilometer Border Landscape for a photo opportunity along the way.
Activities:In the afternoon, arrive in Hotan Tuancheng and participate in the ‘Little Urban Planner’ experience (the tour guide explains the story of the old city’s renovation, and children use building blocks to construct their ideal street block); for dinner, taste Hotan dried kakhak saler roast whole lamb (approximately 200 yuan per person).
Day 5:Desert Experience in Hotan

[Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination]Activities:In the morning, go to the edge of the Taklimakan Desert to experience dune bashing in a 4×4 and camel riding (children must be accompanied by adults); in the afternoon, participate in the ‘Desert Ecology Class’ at the desert camp (the tour guide explains desert plants and windbreak and sand fixation knowledge).
Accommodation:Hotel in Hotan city (it is recommended to choose a hotel with a swimming pool for children to play in the water).
Day 6:Hotan → Aksu (approximately 4-hour drive)
Transportation:Drive along Desert Highway G580, where you can see poplar forests along the way.
Activities:In the afternoon, arrive at Aksu Wetland Park to observe migratory birds (June 2026 is the breeding season for migratory birds, and the park has bird-watching platforms); for dinner, taste Aksu crystal sugar-heart apples (you can buy seasonal fresh fruits).
Day 7:Aksu → Kuqa (approximately 2-hour drive)
Activities:In the morning, visit Kuqa Grand Canyon (admission includes shuttle bus, half-price for children), where children can collect canyon gravel as souvenirs; in the afternoon, tour Kuqa Royal Palace to learn about the history of Qing Dynasty ethnic group princes.
Accommodation:Hotel in Kuqa city (it is recommended to choose a hotel near Kizil Lane).
Day 8:Kuqa → Bayanbulak (approximately 4-hour drive)
Transportation:Drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway (the Duku Highway will be open in June 2026, but real-time road conditions should be monitored; if there is a traffic control, take National Highway G217 instead).

Xinjiang’s northern and southern regions form a tapestry interwoven with nature and culture. Northern Xinjiang is characterized by snow-capped mountains, lakes, and grasslands, while Southern Xinjiang features ancient cities, deserts, and oases. In 2026, this 12-day customized car tour, integrating Kashgar and Hotan, is specially designed for families—avoiding high-intensity hiking and selecting child-friendly experiences, allowing parents and children to jointly experience Xinjiang’s diverse charm.Activities:In the afternoon, arrive at Bayanbulak Grassland for horse riding (children can ride ponies with a horse handler leading); in the evening, watch the sunset over the meandering river (telescopes are available for rent at the scenic area).
Day 9:Bayanbulak → Nalati (approximately 3-hour drive)
Activities:In the morning, tour Nalati空中草原 (Aerial Grassland) (admission includes shuttle bus, half-price for children), where children can participate in the ‘Little Local’ experience (feeding lambs, milking cows); in the afternoon, fly kites on the grassland (the travel agency provides children’s kites).
Accommodation:Homestay in Nalati Town (it is recommended to choose a wooden house with underfloor heating to cope with low nighttime temperatures in the mountainous area).
Day 10:Nalati → Yining (approximately 4-hour drive)
Transportation:Drive along National Highway G218, passing by the Guozigou Bridge.
Activities:In the afternoon, arrive in Yining and tour Liuxing Street (Russian-style architectural complex), where children can participate in making ‘colored glass paintings’ (local workshops provide materials); for dinner, taste Russian-style leiba (bread) and kvass.
Day 11:Yining → Sayram Lake (approximately 2-hour drive)
Activities:Tour around the lake all day (self-driving requires an additional self-driving ticket, free for children), where children can participate in the ‘Lake Ecology Survey’ (using nets to catch small fish and observe aquatic plants); in the evening, camp by the lake (the travel agency provides tents and moisture-proof mats).
Day 12:Sayram Lake → Urumqi (approximately 7-hour drive) → Departure

Kashgar Old City: This millennium-old key town on the Silk Road is a ‘living fossil’ of Xinjiang’s culture. Within the old city, characteristic streets such as Pottery Street, Herbal Tea Bazaar, and Kanpuman Bazaar retain traditional craftsmanship and urban life. In 2026, the old city will be open to the public for free, featuring a rich variety of businesses including century-old tea houses, travel photography studios, and folk culture experience centers. Children can participate in pottery making and learn simple Uyghur language, while parents can immerse themselves in the slow-paced life of the old city.Transportation:Return to Urumqi along G30 Lianhuo Expressway, and the customized car driver will take you to the airport.
Activities:Stop at Jinghe Service Area along the way to buy dried wolfberries as souvenirs; in the afternoon, arrive in Urumqi and have free time according to your flight schedule (it is recommended to tour the International Bazaar and buy children’s ethnic costumes).
[Price Description]
2026 12-Day Customized Family Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang by Car (based on a 7-seater business vehicle, suitable for families of 4-6 people):
Vehicle Expenses:Approximately 1,200-1,600 yuan/day (including driver’s salary, fuel cost, toll fees, and basic insurance), totaling approximately 14,400-19,200 yuan for 12 days.
Driver’s Food and Accommodation Allowance:Approximately 300 yuan/day (borne by tourists or included in the quotation), totaling approximately 3,600 yuan for 12 days.
Admission Fees:Admission fees for scenic spots such as Kanas, Nalati, and Sayram Lake are half-price for children (subject to the scenic spot’s public notice), totaling approximately 2,000-3,000 yuan for a family of 2 adults and 2 children over 12 days.
Accommodation Expenses:Mid-range hotels/homestays, totaling approximately 8,000-12,000 yuan for 12 days (based on 2 rooms).
Catering Expenses:Daily family meal expenses are approximately 500-800 yuan, totaling approximately 6,000-9,600 yuan for 12 days.
Total Price Range:Approximately 34,000-53,800 yuan (subject to actual consultation and contract signing, prices may fluctuate due to season, vehicle availability, and itinerary complexity).

Hotan Tuancheng: Once a shantytown known as ‘Pigeon Lane,’ it has now transformed into a ‘circular’ cultural tourism district. Amidst blue-brick patterned walls, carved wooden doors, and grapevine trellises, children can feed pigeons and observe models of old city renovations, while parents can visit the Atlas silk workshop and taste freshly baked naan. In 2026, a new intangible cultural heritage experience center will be added in Tuancheng, offering interactive projects such as mulberry paper making and ethnic musical instrument performances.[Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing, providing information such as the number of travelers, preferred tour dates, and children’s ages. The customer service will recommend vehicle types and itinerary plans according to your needs and send a detailed cost list and contract template.
[Fee Description and Service Description]
Fees Include:Vehicle usage fee, driver’s labor, basic fuel cost and toll fees, and basic insurance.
Fees Do Not Include:Scenic spot admission fees, accommodation, meals, driver’s food and accommodation allowance (if the itinerary spans counties or cities), personal travel accident insurance (it is recommended that tourists purchase it themselves, approximately 30-50 yuan/day), high-altitude special insurance, value-added services such as aerial photography equipment rental.
Service Description: The travel agency provides formal tourism operation vehicles and licensed drivers. If uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, or policy changes occur during the itinerary, both parties can reasonably modify the itinerary by mutual agreement; for single registrants, every effort will be made to coordinate room sharing, and special circumstances require separate negotiation. Subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
[Precautions]
There is a large temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang, so even in summer, you need to bring a coat; the ultraviolet rays are strong, so you need to bring sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
The Pamir Plateau has a high altitude, so it is recommended to prepare oxygen cylinders and Rhodiola in advance; if children show symptoms of altitude sickness, they should immediately return to low-altitude areas.
Desert experiences require following the tour guide’s arrangements and not acting alone; when horse riding or camel riding, adults must accompany children and do their best.
Rational consumption is advised when shopping in scenic spots; it is recommended to compare prices before making purchases; the jade market in Hotan is complex, and non-professionals should purchase with caution.

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.