Details
Urumqi Arrival
We will arrange a dedicated 24-hour airport pickup service to welcome tourists arriving from afar. You will then be transported to the hotel. After checking in, you can rest and prepare for the exciting journey through Xinjiang that awaits you tomorrow.
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Xinglong International Hotel
Urumqi — Bosten Lake — Korla
After breakfast, we will take a bus to Korla. On the way, we will visit Bosten Lake, the largest inland freshwater lake in China. Bosten Lake, also known as Bosten Naor, derives its name from the Mongolian word “standing,” referring to the three hills standing in the middle of the lake. Located 14 kilometers from Bohu County and 24 kilometers from Yanqi County, the lake sits at an altitude of 1,048 meters. It stretches 55 kilometers from east to west and 25 kilometers from north to south, forming a slightly triangular shape. The lake covers an area of about 988 square kilometers, with a water storage capacity of 9.9 billion cubic meters. The southwest part of the lake features dozens of smaller lake areas, with a total area of 240 square kilometers. These small lakes vary in size, with the deepest lake reaching 16 meters and the shallowest at 0.8 meters, with an average depth of about 10 meters.
The 1,646 square kilometer Bosten Lake, together with snow-capped mountains, clear waters, oases, deserts, exotic birds, and animals, forms a stunningly vibrant landscape. The vast expanse of the lake’s waters is serene and vast, blending seamlessly with the sky, earning it the title of a “pearl in the desert sea.” The smaller lake areas are lush with reeds and fragrant lotuses, and their winding paths and tranquil atmosphere have earned it the title of a “paradise on earth.” After visiting Bosten Lake, we will continue our journey to Korla and check in to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Jinjiang Metropolis Hotel
Bosten Lake
Korla
Korla — Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon — Kuche
After breakfast, we will take a bus to the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, located in one of China’s top nine film bases, the stunning Kiziliya landscape. The massive red mountain range was formed during the Cretaceous period, 140 million years ago, and has been shaped by millions of years of wind erosion, rain, and flood runoff. The most spectacular views are at the canyon’s entrance, where three peaks—Naitou Mountain, Beauty Mountain, and Buddha Face Mountain—stand out. Particularly at sunset, when the slanting rays of the sun and the rosy dawn reflect off the mountains, the landscape appears in vibrant red hues, creating a mesmerizing scene reminiscent of the Fire Mountain, though even more stunning.
As for why it’s called the “Mysterious Grand Canyon,” its mystery lies in three main aspects: first, the eerie sounds and strange atmospheres that send chills down your spine; second, the inexplicable changes in shadow and shape that induce fear; and third, the mysterious waters and winds. The true mystery can only be experienced and felt in person.
Afterward, we will continue on to Kuqa and check in to the hotel upon arrival.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Aimei Hotel/ Huayue International Hotel
Tianshan Canyon
Kuche
Kuche — Kuche Royal Palace — Riestan Street — Men Bazaar — Qiuci Alley — Flaming Spring — Aksu
After breakfast, head to the place known as “One Royal Mansion, Half of Southern Xinjiang’s History” – Kuche Royal Palace. It is not only a witness to history, but also a living cultural gene bank. Originally built in 1759 during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, it was the hereditary residence of the “Kuche Kings” family, bearing witness to the glorious history of integration between the Western Regions and the Central Plains dynasties. After being rebuilt on its original site in 2004, this “living museum” covering 40,000 square metres was listed as a national 4A-level scenic spot, becoming a condensed place of Silk Road culture, Uyghur folk customs, and royal legends.
Come here to touch the warmth of the ancient Qiuci Kingdom, listen to the lingering sound of camel bells along the Silk Road, and start a cultural dialogue spanning a thousand years!
Kuche’s internet-famous check-in spot – Riestan Street, experience the thousand-year-old Western Regions style. The street is lined with ancient residential buildings, with brilliantly coloured doorways carved with exquisite patterns – it is simply a paradise for photography enthusiasts and a sacred place for street shooters.
Stroll through Kuche Style Street, and then check in at internet-famous spots Qiuci Alley and Men Bazaar – both are very photogenic places.
Check in at the internet-famous attraction Flaming Spring – leaping flames, boiling spring water… who says water and fire are incompatible?
At Baicheng’s Flaming Spring, water and fire have coexisted for hundreds or thousands of years. Flaming Spring is a natural phenomenon caused by underground natural gas, affected by crustal movement and geological structures, escaping through cracks and pores to the surface, where it reacts with oxygen in the air to produce flames.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Haichuan Century Hotel
Kuche Royal Palace
Flaming Spring
Aksu — Kashgar Ancient City — Rainbow Alley — Cloth Bag Alley
After breakfast, we will head to Xinjiang’s most exotic city—Kashgar, also known as Kashgar Gar, which is the westernmost city in China.
Upon arrival in Kashgar, we will visit the Kashgar Old Town, a millennium-old ancient city that is the only well-preserved maze-like urban area in China. Located in the heart of the old district, this area is the soul of Kashgar. With a history of over 1,000 years, the old town is rich in culture and unique in style. As the night falls, slow your pace and quietly enjoy the evening in the ancient city.
In the Old Town, we will have an in-depth experience with a travel photo shoot (a complimentary activity; no refund if you opt out; makeup is not included; each group is entitled to 1 set of clothing and 3 fine photos). This is a chance to capture beautiful memories with the distinctive charm of the ancient city. Afterward, we will check in to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Boman International Hotel (Screen projection + humidifier)
Kashgar
Cloth Bag Alley
Kashgar — White Sand Lake — Karakul Lake — Tahman Wetland — Tashkurgan
After breakfast, we will depart from Kashgar and drive along National Highway 314, where you can enjoy the scenic views of Uyghur farming villages and local street culture. As we enter the canyon, you’ll be able to see the mountain landscape of the Gai Zi Grand Canyon, with its dark red hues that gradually give way to a deep, blackish color.
We will then catch a glimpse of the Oytak Red Mountain, which is famously known as the “Flame Mountain of Southern Xinjiang.” Continuing our drive, we will pass through the Gai Zi checkpoint before arriving at today’s first destination—Baisha River and Baisha Mountain, also known as the “Flowing Sand River.” Here, you can take photos and enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the cliffs, where nature’s artistry is on full display with the “Brunkou White Sand Mountain.” It’s the perfect spot to capture the stunning scenery.
The Karakul Lake on the Pamir Plateau lies at the foot of the “Father of Glaciers,” Mount Muztagh Ata. The lake’s water constantly shifts with the changing weather, sometimes appearing a gentle green, at other times dark brown, silver-gray, deep blue, or even fiery orange. It reflects one of the landmarks of the Pamirs—Muztagh Ata Peak, majestic yet serene in its beauty.
We will take a light hike along the lake’s edge, slowing our pace to closely experience this ever-changing alpine lake. Surrounded by pristine snow-capped mountains, we will have the opportunity to calm our minds and reconnect with nature.
We will then drive to Stone City, a famous ancient city ruin located along an ancient trade route in Xinjiang. The fortress is perched on a high hill, making it a strategically difficult site to approach. The outer walls are made up of multiple layers, some intact and others broken, with stone mounds and heaps scattered between the walls, creating the distinctive scenery of Stone City.
Next, we will head to Golden Grassland Wetland, where the golden sunlight gently bathes the entire golden field. In the distance, cattle and sheep leisurely graze, while Stone City stands majestically at the foot of the snow-capped mountains, as if silently guarding this tranquil land for millennia. Walking along the boardwalk into the heart of the grassland feels like stepping into a painting—serenity and beauty at every turn. Afterward, we will check into our hotel in Tashkurgan.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Pamir Hotel (Oxygen concentrator + humidifier)
White Sand Lake
Karakul Lake
Panlong Valley Road — Bandier Lake — Muztagh Glacier Park — Kashgar
After breakfast, we will head to the Panlong Ancient Road, locally known as Waqia Highway. This winding mountain road has over 600 turns and stretches for 75 kilometers, reaching an altitude of about 4100 meters. The black road blends perfectly with the earthy tones of the surrounding mountains, while the distant snow-capped peaks provide a stunning backdrop—this is a landscape unique to the Pamir Plateau.
Today, as we journey along these winding roads, it symbolizes traversing all the twists and turns of life. Once we pass through, the path ahead will be clear and smooth.
Afterward, we will drive to Bandir Blue Lake (also known as **Xiabangdi Reservoir**), a stunning series of five interconnected lakes. The lake is renowned for its magnificent beauty and vibrant blue waters, earning it the title of “The Bluest Lake.” This natural wonder is a breathtaking sight, with the deep blue waters surrounded by dramatic landscapes, offering a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Next, we will head to Muztagh Glacier Park (entry ticket included; hiking or horseback riding up and down the mountain, 100 RMB per horse, at your own expense). Located at the foot of the world-renowned Muztagh Peak (known as the “Father of Ice Mountains”), which rises to an elevation of about 7,546 meters, this park sits at an average altitude of around 5,000 meters. The beautiful Green Bow Lake is a perfect spot to pause and take in the scenery. Here, you’ll witness the grandeur of the glacier, the elegance of the ice snakes, the striking ice towers and caves, as well as the softness of the four-tiered ice lakes contrasted with their cold, rugged surroundings. The area is also home to peculiar mountains, strange rocks, exotic flowers, and rare wildlife. Afterward, we’ll return to Kashgar for hotel check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Boman International Hotel (Screen projection + humidifier)
Panlong Valley Road
Muztagh Glacier Park
Kashgar Departure
A brief journey, yet every parting carries its own sentiment. Looking forward to our next meeting in Xinjiang.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Self-arranged
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 2025-5 | $ 773 USD | Book now |
| Jun | 2025-6-1 | $ 773 USD | Book now |
| 2025-6-26 | $ 828 USD | Book now | |
| Jul | 2025-7 | $ 828 USD | Book now |
| Aug | 2025-8-1 | $ 828 USD | Book now |
| 2025-8-26 | $ 967 USD | Book now | |
| Sep | 2025-9 | $ 967 USD | Book now |
| Oct | 2025-10 | $ 968 USD | Book now |
| Nov | 2025-11 | $ 691 USD | Book now |
| Dec | 2025-12 | $ 691 USD | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 8-Day Xinjiang Pamir Plateau Tour: Urumqi, Pamir Plateau, Kashgar, Tashkurgan & More
Fee Description
Fees Include:
- Transportation: 14-seater modified to 7 luxurious airline seats [1+1] with window view, leg rest, massage, heating, and ventilation; driver-guide.
- Accommodation: Stay at high-quality four-star hotels for the entire trip, with 2 nights in scenic village cabins. (Default is two people per standard room. Single occupancy requires an additional 1600 RMB.)
- Meals: Hotel breakfast included.
- Tickets: First entrance tickets and shuttle tickets for the listed attractions.
- Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance + travel accident insurance.
Fees Do Not Include:
- Personal expenses are at your own discretion. It is recommended not to purchase expensive items near scenic areas to avoid potential disputes.
- Lunch and dinner for the entire trip.
- Optional self-paid activities during the itinerary.
- Single occupancy supplement: Single occupancy without room sharing or if no one is available to share a room, an additional single room supplement of 1600 RMB will be charged.
- Round-trip Transportation: Flight and train tickets to Urumqi and back (booking service provided).
- Other Expenses: All expenses incurred by travellers due to breach of contract, personal fault, activities arranged independently during the trip, or personal illness not mentioned in the “Services Included” above.
