Details
Arrive in Urumqi
Arrival: Fly into Urumqi and land at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport. Private airport transfer to your hotel.
After check-in, you may explore the famous Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar to experience the vibrant Silk Road trading atmosphere and shop for local handicrafts.
In the evening, head to Hetian Second Street, a local food paradise. Recommended dishes include fig pilaf, grilled lamb skewers, and Kashgar-style hand-grab rice.
Meals: Not Included
Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Urumqi High-Speed Railway Station or similar
Urumqi – Tianshan Shengli Tunnel – Bosten Lake – Korla
Drive south via the newly built expressway, passing through the world’s longest highway tunnel — Tianshan Shengli Tunnel (22.13 km).
Arrive at Bosten Lake, China’s largest inland freshwater lake. Here you’ll witness the rare view of desert meeting water. In winter, swans may be seen along the river channels.
Continue to Korla, known as the “Pear City.”
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Korla or similar
Bosten Lake
Tianshan Victory Tunnel
Korla – Luntai Poplar Forest – Kuqa
Visit the famous Luntai Poplar Forest along the Tarim River. From late October to early November, the forest turns golden, creating a fairytale-like landscape.
Continue to Kuqa and explore Kuqa Naan City, showcasing traditional Uyghur naan-making culture.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Home2 Suites by Hilton Kuqa or similar
Luntai Populus euphratica Forest
Kuche Dacheng
Kuqa – Kizilya Grand Canyon – 139 Poplar Highway – Aral
Self-drive through Kizilya Grand Canyon (also known as Tianshan Mysterious Canyon), famous for its dramatic red rock formations.
Drive along the 139 Poplar Secret Highway, an untouched stretch of road lined with wild poplar forests along the Tarim River.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Wanda Meihua Hotel Aral or similar
Kezilia Grand Canyon
139 Secret Populus euphratica Highway
Aral – Taklamakan Desert Highway – Yotkan Ancient City – Hotan
Cross the spectacular Taklamakan Desert Highway, the world’s longest highway through shifting desert sands.
Arrive in Hotan and visit Yotkan Ancient City, a reconstructed historical city reflecting the ancient Kingdom of Khotan.
In the evening, explore Hotan Night Market and taste local specialties.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Hotan or similar
Hotan Night Market
desert highway
Hotan – Yarkand Palace – Zepu Poplar Forest
Visit Yarkand Palace (former royal palace of the Yarkand Khanate), rich in Uyghur architecture and cultural heritage.
Continue to Zepu Golden Poplar Forest National Park, known for its “water poplars” reflected in serene lakes.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Zepu Golden Poplar Hotel
Zepu Populus euphratica Forest
Shache Wangfu
Zepu – Kashgar Old City
Drive to Kashgar.
Spend the afternoon exploring Kashgar Old City. Wander through traditional Uyghur alleys, visit tea houses, and taste baked buns and clay-pot lamb.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Home2 Suites by Hilton Kashgar or similar
Kashgar Old City
Kashgar Old City
Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Muztagh Glacier Park – Tashkurgan
Drive along the Karakoram Highway (G314) into the Pamir Plateau.
Stop at Baisha Lake, surrounded by white sand dunes.
Visit Muztagh Glacier Park at the foot of Muztagh Ata, known as the “Father of Ice Mountains.”
Overnight in Tashkurgan.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Dongxun Culture Hotel or similar
Baisha Lake
Mustag Glacier Park
Tashkurgan – Panlong Ancient Road – Bandir Lake – Taxkorgan Wetland
Drive the famous Panlong Ancient Road with hundreds of dramatic switchbacks at 4,100 meters altitude.
Pass Bandir Lake and enjoy views at the Taxkorgan Wetland viewpoint.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Dongxun Culture Hotel
Panlong Ancient Road
Bandier Lake
Tashkurgan – Karakul Lake – Kashgar
Stop at Karakul Lake, where snow peaks such as Muztagh Ata reflect beautifully in the water on clear days.
Return to Kashgar for a relaxing evening.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Home2 Suites by Hilton Kashgar
Karakul Lake
Karakul Lake
Kashgar – Westernmost China Expedition
Visit colorful Danxia landforms and Shell Mountain.
Continue to Simuhana Village and Irkeshtam Port, reaching the symbolic “Westernmost Point of China.”
Witness the last sunset in China.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Home2 Suites by Hilton Kashgar
Intersection of Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains
China’s Western Pole
Kashgar – N39 Desert Scenic Area
Visit the N39 Desert Area at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert.
Optional activities: desert off-road driving, sandboarding, camel riding.
Final evening in Kashgar.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Home2 Suites by Hilton Kashgar
N39 Desert Scenic Area
N39 Desert Scenic Area
Departure from Kashgar
Private transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
End of your unforgettable Southern Xinjiang journey.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: home
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 2026-04 | $ 1480 | Book now |
| May | 2026-05 | $ 1480 | Book now |
| Jun | 2026-06 | $ 1480 | Book now |
| Jul | 2026-07 | $ 1480 | Book now |
| Aug | 2026-08 | $ 1480 | Book now |
| Sep | 2026-09 | $ 1480 | Book now |
| Oct | 2026-10 | $ 1480 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 13 Days Ultimate Southern Xinjiang Expedition
Fee Description
Cost Includes
1. Transportation
Luxury 1+1 first-class business vehicle throughout the journey (Zhongtong 1+1, Yutong 1+1, Higer 1+1 or equivalent models).
Private vehicle travel for maximum flexibility — stop whenever you like, go wherever you wish.
2. Accommodation
12 nights / 13 days hotel stay, based on 3 twin rooms (standard double occupancy).
3. Entrance Tickets
All entrance fees and shuttle bus fees included.
According to scenic area policies, discounted tickets (with valid certificates) will be refunded on-site.
Included attractions:
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Bosten Lake
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Luntai Poplar Forest
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Kizilya Grand Canyon
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Yotkan Ancient City
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Baisha Lake
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Muztagh Glacier Park
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Karakul Lake
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Westernmost China Landmark
4. Meals
Hotel breakfast included (12 breakfasts total).
Lunches and dinners are not included, allowing you to freely explore authentic local Xinjiang cuisine.
5. Insurance
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Personal travel accident insurance (RMB 300,000 coverage)
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Travel agency liability insurance (RMB 2,000,000 coverage)
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Commercial vehicle seat insurance (RMB 1,500,000 coverage)
6. Tour Leader / Driver-Guide
Professional driver-guide assigned based on scheduling (non-designated but top-rated).
Includes guide accommodation, fuel, tolls, parking fees, salary, and operating costs.
Drone aerial photography provided when appropriate.
Guide accompanies guests and assists with photography.
Cost Excludes
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Personal expenses (avoid purchasing expensive items near scenic areas to prevent disputes).
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All lunches and dinners.
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Optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
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Single room supplement.
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International and domestic airfare to/from China.
Important Notes
I. Pre-Departure Preparation (Documents & Essentials)
1. Border Permit (Mandatory)
Days 8–10 (Tashkurgan / Pamir Plateau) and Day 11 (Westernmost Point including Simuhana Village and Irkeshtam Port) are border-controlled areas.
Our driver will assist the group in obtaining the permit.
2. Time Difference & Daily Schedule
Although Xinjiang uses Beijing Time, actual daylight time is about 2 hours later than eastern China.
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Working hours: 10:00–14:00 / 16:00–20:00
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Lunch: around 14:00
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Dinner: 20:00–22:00
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Sunset: around 22:00
You will enjoy long daylight hours, but remember sun protection and proper rest.
II. Altitude & Special Environment Considerations
1. Pamir Plateau
(Including Tashkurgan, Panlong Ancient Road, and Muztagh Ata Glacier area)
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Tashkurgan town: approx. 3,100m
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Glacier Park & Panlong Road highest point: 4,200–4,300m
Tips:
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Stay calm; mild discomfort may occur above 3,000m.
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Avoid intense physical activity.
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Keep warm and protect your head from wind.
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Walk slowly (“moon-walking pace”).
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Optional: portable oxygen (available in Kashgar pharmacies), glucose drinks, chocolate.
2. Desert & Gobi Areas
(Including the Taklamakan Desert Highway and N39 Desert Area)
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Protect cameras and phones from sand.
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Avoid changing lenses in windy conditions.
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Strong UV radiation — sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen, and face coverings are essential.
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Drink 2–3 liters of water daily due to extremely dry air.
III. Cultural Etiquette
Southern Xinjiang is home to Uyghur, Kyrgyz, and Tajik ethnic groups, many of whom practice Islam.
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Do not bring pork products into halal restaurants.
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Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially elders and women.
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When visiting mosques such as Id Kah Mosque, dress modestly (no shorts, short skirts, or slippers; avoid loud behavior).
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In rural markets, greeting locals with “Yakhshimusiz” (Hello) helps build rapport.
Essential Packing List
1. Documents
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Passport / ID
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Border Permit
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Driver’s license (if self-driving)
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Bank card & small amount of cash (approx. RMB 500)
2. Electronics
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Large-capacity power bank
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Multi-plug extension
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Drone (check flight regulations)
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Car charger
3. Personal Care
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Lip balm (extremely important)
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SPF50+ sunscreen
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Moisturizer & hydrating masks
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Wet wipes
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Thermos bottle
4. Medicine
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Cold medicine
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Digestive medicine
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Motion sickness pills (especially for mountain roads)
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Basic first-aid supplies
Clothing Guide (Layering System)
Southern Xinjiang climate: “Wear a coat in the morning, short sleeves at noon.”
October reference temperatures:
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Urumqi / Korla: large day-night temperature difference
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Desert areas: 15–25°C daytime
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Pamir Plateau: -5°C to 10°C
Layering Principle
Base Layer:
Quick-dry long-sleeve shirt (avoid pure cotton).
Mid Layer:
Fleece jacket, light down inner layer, or wool sweater.
Outer Layer:
Windproof jacket or lightweight down jacket (essential for Pamir Plateau).
For photos in Kashgar Old City or poplar forests, a long coat or scarf works beautifully.
Pants & Shoes
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Jeans or casual pants (thermal leggings optional).
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Mid- or high-cut hiking shoes (best for desert sand and rocky terrain).
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Lightweight sneakers for city walking.
Accessories
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Sun hat + warm beanie
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Scarf or multifunctional buff
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Sunglasses (essential near glacier areas)
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Lightweight touchscreen gloves
