7-Day Xinjiang Tour (Kashgar, Baisha Lake, Karakol Lake, Muztagh Ata, Panlong Ancient Road, Shache, Artush Tianmen)
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🌟 Tour Highlights
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Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Pamir Plateau, including White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake, and the majestic Muztagh Ata Glacier Park.
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Drive through the legendary Panlong Ancient Road, featuring over 600 dramatic hairpin turns above 4,000 meters.
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Discover ancient cultures in Shache Old Town, experience the UNESCO-recognized Twelve Muqam performance, and learn traditional pottery craftsmanship.
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Enjoy exclusive guest privileges: premium stage-side dinner seating, camel riding at Karakul Lake, private pottery workshop, and cultural show experiences.
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Travel worry-free with a private English-speaking guide, personal driver, and carefully selected accommodations.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Kashgar
Transportation: Private car
Accommodation: Kashgar
Meals: Dinner
Upon arrival in Kashgar, your private guide and driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for a rest after your flight.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner in an atmospheric traditional restaurant located in the heart of Kashgar Old Town, featuring live music and dance performances. Guests may also join the dancers on stage.
Guest Privileges:
- Reserved stage-front seating for the dinner performance
- Complimentary travel amenity kit upon hotel check-in
Day 2 – Kashgar → Auyitake Red Mountain → White Sand Lake → Karakul Lake → Tashkurgan
Transportation: Private car
Accommodation: Tashkurgan
Meals: Breakfast
Today’s scenic journey takes you deep into the Pamir Plateau.
Visit:
- Auyitake Red Mountain – a geological wonder formed from red sandstone and mudstone over 150 million years ago, glowing like fire under the sun.
- White Sand Lake – a glacial moraine lake at 3,300 m, famous for its color-shifting waters ranging from Tiffany blue to jade green and milky white.
- Karakul Lake – surrounded by towering snowcapped giants including Muztagh Ata, Kongur Peak, and the Sarikol Range.
Arrive in Tashkurgan (avg. altitude 4,000 m) in the evening and check in.
Guest Privilege:
- Camel riding experience beside Karakul Lake
Day 3 – Tashkurgan → Panlong Ancient Road → Bandier Blue Lake → Tashkurgan
Transportation: Private car
Accommodation: Tashkurgan
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to the spectacular Panlong Ancient Road, open from March to November. This 36-km mountain road features 608 bends, an altitude of over 4,100 m, and dramatic 1,000-m elevation drops.
En route, stop at Bandier Blue Lake, a vivid artificial reservoir framed by snow mountains, ideal for panoramic photography.
Day 4 – Tashkurgan → Muztagh Ata Glacier Park → Kashgar
Transportation: Private car
Accommodation: Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast
Visit Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, located at the foot of the “Father of Glaciers.” Enjoy spectacular views from the observation deck, take a cable car or ropeway for different angles, or walk closer to experience the ice towers, ice caves, and glacier walls.
Return to Kashgar in the afternoon and explore Kashgar Old Town, home to over 2,100 years of history, traditional crafts, folk performances, and Silk Road heritage.
Dinner Suggestion:
Visit Han Bazaar Night Market for classic Xinjiang dishes such as pilaf, kebabs, handmade noodles, grilled eggs, and Dapanji chicken.
Day 5 – Kashgar → Shache → Pottery Village → Shache
Transportation: Private car
Accommodation: Shache
Meals: Breakfast
Drive to Shache Old Town, a historic city dating back over 3,000 years and former capital of the ancient Shache Kingdom. Highlights include the ornate Yarkand Royal Palace and rich cultural heritage.
In the afternoon, visit Pottery Village, where traditional techniques date back over 2,000 years. Learn about natural pigments and craftsmanship.
Return to Shache to explore the local night market.
Guest Privileges:
- Admission to a Twelve Muqam traditional performance (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage)
- Pottery-making workshop – craft your own clay vessel and engrave your name as a personal souvenir
Day 6 – Shache → Atush Heavenly Gate → Kashgar
Transportation: Private car
Accommodation: Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast
Visit Atush Heavenly Gate, one of the world’s highest natural stone arches (457–500 m). Its massive arch resembles the shape of an “N,” far exceeding the scale of Zhangjiajie’s Tianmen Gate.
Return to Kashgar in the afternoon for visits to:
- Gaotai Ancient Homes – a 600-year-old earthen residential complex
- Id Kah Mosque – the largest mosque in Xinjiang, open to visitors on non-prayer days
Day 7 – Departure from Kashgar
Transportation: Private car
Meals: –
Your private guide and driver will transfer you to the airport according to your flight schedule. If departing later in the day, we will gladly recommend additional activities.
✅ What’s Included & Excluded
| Included | Excluded |
|---|---|
| Hotel accommodation with breakfast | International or domestic flights/train tickets |
| Private English-speaking guide | Visa fees |
| Private driver & air-conditioned vehicle | Tips for guide and driver |
| Welcome dinner | |
| Attraction entrance tickets | |
| Twelve Muqam performance & pottery workshop |
💡 Useful Tips
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The itinerary involves high-altitude regions (up to 4,000–4,500 m). Travelers with heart or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor in advance.
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Weather in the Pamir Plateau is unpredictable; bring warm layers, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
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Panlong Ancient Road may close due to weather; alternative arrangements will be made if needed.
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Please carry your passport at all times for border-area checks.
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Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for old towns and cultural sites.
📅 Booking Information
- Price: From USD 1,499 per person (group discount: 10% off for 5+ people).
- Booking Deadline: At least 10 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy:
- Free cancellation up to 7 days before departure.
- 50% charge for cancellations made 3–6 days before departure.
- 100% charge for cancellations within 2 days or no-show.
- Who This Tour Is For:
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- Travelers interested in natural landscapes, photography, and Silk Road culture
- Families, couples, friends, and private groups
- Visitors seeking a comfortable, fully escorted private experience
Frequently Asked Questions About China Travel
It's the Chinese Yuan (CNY), sometimes called Renminbi (RMB).
Generally, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) are great times to visit China. The weather's sweet, not too hot, and perfect for exploring.
It's a HUGE country, so weather goes wild! Think sizzling summers, freezing winters (especially north), and mild springs/autumns. Check the forecast for your specific cities before you pack.
Yep, most foreign nationals usually need a visa. Your visa requirements can change according to your citizenship. Check out our handy visa guide for more.
ATMs are easy to find in major cities, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay & Alipay) are usually the norm in China. In more rural areas, an ATM could be difficult to come across.
Nope, tipping isn't generally a thing in China (and can even be seen as a bit odd).
For the highlights like Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, 10-14 days is a solid start for first-timers. If you want to dive deeper or hit more regions, two to three weeks is even better.
Comfy walking shoes are a must! Layered clothing is smart for all the varied climates. Don't forget any personal meds, a portable power bank, and a travel adapter.
It's best to avoid drinking tap water in China. Stick to bottled water for drinking and even for brushing your teeth to be safe. Most hotels provide complimentary bottles.
Yes, but here's the kicker: China has the "Great Firewall." This means many apps like Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook are blocked. Get an eSIM or VPN set up before you arrive to stay connected.
China uses Type A (two flat pins), Type C (two round pins), and Type I (three flat pins, often angled). A universal travel adapter is your best friend here.
GENUINE REVIEWS
What Travelers Say
Up to now, we have received over 2 million tourists from home and abroad, with a high praise rate of 98%
An Unforgettable Adventure of a Lifetime
"From desert camping to snow mountain trekking, this journey exceeded all my expectations. Professional logistics allowed me to fully focus on enjoying every wonderful moment."
A Cultural Exploration Full of Surprises
"Learning traditional crafts in Beijing's hutongs and tasting authentic food at Hong Kong's night markets helped me appreciate the complex beauty and profound depth of Eastern culture."
A Photographer's Dream Destination
"Yunnan's snow-capped mountain reflections and ancient village morning fog inspired countless award-winning shots. The itinerary avoided crowds, allowing me to capture nature's purest moments."
A Dream Come True Family Tour
"The Xinjiang grasslands gave my children their first sense of the vastness between heaven and earth. Our professional guide explained Silk Road history vividly in English, with every detail perfectly arranged."
