2026 Cost of Group Tour and Chartered Car for Northern and Southern Xinjiang Loop Route Recommended High Quality Routes and Their Prices

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

Comprehensive Analysis of Customized Group Travel Vehicle Costs and Premium Routes for 2026 on the Northern and Southern Xinjiang Loop
[Route Highlights:A Visual Feast Across the Tianshan Mountains]
The Northern and Southern Xinjiang Loop is a classic combination for Xinjiang tourism, starting from Urumqi and connecting the lakes and mountains of Kanas in Northern Xinjiang, the vast and magnificent grasslands of Ili, with the Silk Road charm of Kashgar Old Town in Southern Xinjiang and the majestic snow-capped mountains of the Pamir Plateau. This route covers six major types of landscapes: snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, deserts, canyons, and ancient towns, with an average daily driving time of 4-6 hours, suitable for an in-depth travel of 8-15 days. In 2026, with the extended opening times of seasonal roads such as the Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway, tourists can plan their itineraries more flexibly and experience the unique feeling of “seeing all four seasons in one day.”
[Simple Itinerary Reference (12-Day Classic Version)]
Day 1:Pick up at Urumqi Airport, free activities in the city (recommended: International Bazaar, Xinjiang Museum)
Day 2:Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (3-hour drive) → Fuyun County (overnight stay)
Day 3:Koktokay National Geopark → Burqin (via Ulungur Lake, overnight stay)
Day 4:Burqin → Kanas Lake (Guyu Platform, hiking at the Three Bays) → overnight stay inside the scenic area
Day 5:Kanas → Hemu Village (morning fog photography, Tuwa cultural experience)
Day 6:Hemu → Colorful Beach → Devil City → Karamay (overnight stay)

Comprehensive Analysis of Customized Group Travel Vehicle Costs and Premium Routes for 2026 on the Northern and Southern Xinjiang LoopDay 7:Karamay → Sayram Lake (self-drive/cycling around the lake) → Guozigou Bridge → Yining (overnight stay)
Day 8:Yining → Nalati Grassland in the Sky (horseback riding, visiting families of various ethnic groups) → Bayanbulak (overnight stay)
Day 9:Bayanbulak → Duku Highway → Kuqa Grand Canyon → Aksu (overnight stay)
Day 10:Aksu → Kashgar (by train/customized vehicle, approximately 8 hours) → Opening Ceremony of Kashgar Old Town
Day 11:Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Muztagata Peak → Taxkorgan County (Tashkurgan, overnight stay)
Day 12:Tashkurgan → Panlong Ancient Road → Kashgar (return trip or continue with Southern Xinjiang itinerary)
[Itinerary Change Notice]
The Duku Highway is expected to open in mid-to-late June 2026. Travel in May will require a detour via the G3012 Turpan-Hotan Expressway, adding 1-2 days of driving time. If time is tight, the Southern Xinjiang itinerary can be compressed to 8 days, focusing on visiting Kashgar and the Pamir Plateau; if pursuing natural scenery, the Northern Xinjiang section can be extended to 10 days, increasing the stay time in Kanas and Hemu.
[Price Description (Reference Range for 2026)]
Customized vehicle costs are calculated based on vehicle type and number of days, including vehicle usage fees, fuel costs, road and bridge tolls, parking fees, driver’s salary, and basic insurance. The following are average daily reference prices (based on one vehicle):
Low Season (November-April of the following year):

[Route Highlights: A Visual Feast Across the Tianshan Mountains]5-seat economy car/SUV:400-700 yuan
7-seat business vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8):800-1500 yuan
14-seat minibus:1200-2000 yuan
High Season (June-October):
5-seat vehicle:700-1000 yuan
7-seat business vehicle:1500-2300 yuan
14-seat minibus:2200-2600 yuan
High-end vehicle (e.g., Mercedes-Benz Vito):2300-3500 yuan
[Items Not Included in the Cost]
Driver’s food and accommodation allowance:Approximately 150-200 yuan/day/vehicle (if the itinerary involves accommodation across counties or cities, this must be covered)

The Northern and Southern Xinjiang Loop is a classic combination for Xinjiang tourism, starting from Urumqi and connecting the lakes and mountains of Kanas in Northern Xinjiang, the vast and magnificent grasslands of Ili, with the Silk Road charm of Kashgar Old Town in Southern Xinjiang and the majestic snow-capped mountains of the Pamir Plateau. This route covers six major types of landscapes: snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, deserts, canyons, and ancient towns, with an average daily driving time of 4-6 hours, suitable for an in-depth travel of 8-15 days. In 2026, with the extended opening times of seasonal roads such as the Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway, tourists can plan their itineraries more flexibly and experience the unique feeling of “seeing all four seasons in one day.”Scenic area admission tickets and shuttle buses:Kanas 160 yuan/person, Hemu Village maintenance fee 52 yuan/person, Sayram Lake 70 yuan/person, Nalati Grassland 135 yuan/person, Kashgar Old Town free, Tashkurgan Golden Grassland 30 yuan/person
Personal food, accommodation, and entertainment expenses
[Price Fluctuation Notice]
Prices may fluctuate based on the season, vehicle configuration, and route difficulty. For example, July-August is the peak summer season, and the average daily price for a 7-seat business vehicle can reach 2300 yuan; if choosing an off-road vehicle to cross the Taklimakan Desert, the average daily cost increases by 500-1000 yuan. For continuous customized vehicle usage of 7 days or more, a 5%-10% discount can be enjoyed on the average daily price.
[Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing to obtain information on vehicle types, prices, available vehicle periods, and itinerary suggestions. The travel agency provides a full range of vehicle types from 7-seat to 55-seat, supporting different needs such as family travel, friend groups, and corporate team building.
[Cost Description and Service Standards]
Costs include:
Vehicle usage fees, fuel costs, tolls, parking fees
Driver’s service fee (8-10 hours of work per day, with an additional charge of 50-100 yuan/hour for overtime)
Basic insurance (seat insurance ≥500,000 yuan/person, third-party liability insurance)

[Simple Itinerary Reference (12-Day Classic Version)] Vehicle basic maintenance and emergency rescue
Service Details:
The driver also serves as a guide, providing route planning and scenic spot explanation services
Free provision of mineral water, emergency medicine, and car chargers
If weather, road conditions, or policy changes occur during the itinerary, reasonable changes can be made by mutual agreement between both parties
For single registrants, efforts will be made to coordinate room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation
[Vehicle Recommendation Guide]
2-4 people:Choose a 7-seat business vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8) for spacious space and convenient luggage storage
5-10 people:Choose a 14-seat minibus with adjustable seats and equipped with USB charging ports
11-20 people:Choose a 19-seat medium-sized bus equipped with drinking water facilities and a microphone

Day 1: Pick up at Urumqi Airport, free activities in the city (recommended: International Bazaar, Xinjiang Museum)Over 20 people:Choose a 33-seat bus equipped with a luggage compartment and restroom (some models)
Off-road needs:Choose a Toyota Prado or Mitsubishi Pajero, suitable for complex road conditions such as the Duku Highway and Tashkurgan
[2026 Policy Notice]
Pass permit application:To travel to Tashkurgan, you need to apply for a border pass in advance through the “Xinjiang Public Security” WeChat mini-program or handle it at your household registration location/local police station in Kashgar
Scenic area reservations:Kanas, Sayram Lake, etc., implement real-name reservation systems. It is recommended to book tickets 3 days in advance
Seasonal roads:The Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway are recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer. Confirm the opening times before planning your itinerary
[Travel Tips]
There is a large temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang, so bring a windproof jacket and sun protection items
The grasslands in Northern Xinjiang turn green in May-June, and the poplar forests in Southern Xinjiang turn golden in September-October, both good times for off-peak travel
Respect the customs and habits of various ethnic groups, and obtain consent before photographing local residents
Prepare cash, as signal coverage is weak in some remote areas, making mobile payments inconvenient
The Northern and Southern Xinjiang Loop is a journey that spans geography and culture, from the tranquil lakes of Kanas to the majestic snow-capped mountains of the Pamir Plateau, from the thousand-year-old bricks and tiles of Kashgar Old Town to the galloping horses on the Nalati Grassland. Every scenic spot is worth savoring carefully. Choosing customized vehicle services allows you to enjoy professional guide services from drivers while freely controlling the pace of your itinerary, making it the preferred way for an in-depth travel in Xinjiang.

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