11-Day Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop: Silk Road Wonders, Desert Adventure & Pamir Plateau
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🌟 Tour Highlights
- Discover the essence of Southern Xinjiang with an immersive 11-day private journey covering Urumqi, Bosten Lake, Kuche, Taklamakan Desert, Hetian, Yarkant, Kashi, and the Pamir Plateau.
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage grotto art at the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, experience the vast Taklamakan Desert Highway, and enjoy complimentary camel riding by Karakul Lake.
- Dive into rich Silk Road heritage through Kuche Old Town, Yarkant Kingdom sites, Kashi Old City traditions, Id Kah Mosque, and ancient crafts (pottery, embroidery, woodwork).
- Marvel at dramatic landscapes: Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, Desert Populus Euphratica, White Sand Lake, Oytag Red Mountain, Karakul Lake, Panlong Ancient Road, and Muztagh Ata Glacier Park.
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Enjoy seamless travel with a licensed English-speaking private guide, private car, curated hotel stays, and a festive welcome dinner with ethnic dance performances.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Urumqi + Welcome Dinner
Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Urumqi
Your local guide and driver will greet you at Urumqi Airport and escort you to the hotel for check-in and rest.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Xinjiang dishes and ethnic dance performances. You will also receive a complimentary travel amenities kit.
Day 2 – Urumqi → Bosten Lake → Korla
Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Korla
After hotel breakfast, drive to Bosten Lake, China’s largest inland freshwater lake, known for lush reed wetlands, water lilies, and vibrant birdlife.
Continue to Korla and check in to your hotel.
Day 3 – Korla → Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon → Kuche Old Town → Kuche
Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kuche
Visit the awe-inspiring Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, carved over millions of years by wind and water erosion.
Lunch at your own expense.
Explore Kuche Old Town, filled with Uyghur architecture and Silk Road charm.
Optional: Qiuci Music & Dance Show in Kuche Naan City.
Day 4 – Kuche → Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves → Aral
Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Aral
Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, China’s earliest Buddhist grotto complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Drive to Aral and check in.
Day 5 – Aral → Taklamakan Desert Highway → Desert Populus Euphratica → Hetian
Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Hetian
Journey into the heart of the Taklamakan Desert, known as the “Sea of Death.” Experience vast golden dunes and dramatic desert solitude.
See the resilient Desert Populus Euphratica, famous for surviving thousands of years in harsh environments.
Arrive in Hetian and visit the Yotkan Ancient City Ruins, a window into the ancient Kingdom of Khotan.
Optional: Jade-picking experience along Hetian's riverbanks.
Dinner Suggestion: Hetian Night Market.
Day 6 – Hetian → Yarkant → Kashi
Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kashi
Visit Yarkant Ancient City, capital of the ancient Yarkant Kingdom and home to rich Islamic heritage.
Arrive in Kashi in the evening and explore its legendary old city.
Day 7 – Full-Day Kashi In-Depth Exploration
Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kashi
Experience the Kashi Old City Opening Ceremony.
Wander the old city's maze-like alleys filled with local artisans and traditional craft workshops.
Visit the Gaotai Residential Area, a 600-year-old adobe settlement.
Continue to Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in Xinjiang.
End the day at Xiangfei Garden, dedicated to the legendary Fragrant Concubine.
Day 8 – Kashi → Oytag Red Mountain → White Sand Lake → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan
Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Taxkorgan
See the fiery-colored Oytag Red Mountain.
Continue to White Sand Lake, a glacial moraine lake with jewel-toned water.
Arrive at Karakul Lake, set beneath snow-capped peaks including Muztagh Ata.
Exclusive Experience: Complimentary camel riding at Karakul Lake.
Check into your hotel in Taxkorgan.
Day 9 – Taxkorgan → Bandier Blue Lake → Panlong Ancient Road → Taxkorgan
Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Taxkorgan
Stop at Bandier Blue Lake, an artificial reservoir framed by mountains.
Then conquer the dramatic Panlong Ancient Road, famous for its 608 winding bends.
Day 10 – Taxkorgan → Muztagh Ata Glacier Park → Kashi
Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kashi
Visit Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, where you can take a cable car or hike to see ice towers, glacier lakes, and frozen formations.
Return to Kashi for free time at the bazaars.
Dinner Suggestion: Han Bazaar Night Market.
Day 11 – Kashi Departure
Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
Meals: Breakfast
Your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.
✅ What’s Included & Excluded
| Included | Excluded |
|---|---|
| 10 nights of 4-star accommodation (2 people per room) | International/domestic flights to Urumqi and from Kashi |
| Daily breakfast + welcome dinner with dance show | China entry visa fees |
| Private English-speaking guide | Guide & driver gratuities (suggested USD 5–8/person/day) |
| Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver | Optional shows & entertainment |
| All main attraction entrance tickets | Lunches & dinners (except welcome dinner) |
| Complimentary camel riding at Karakul Lake | Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, bottled water) |
| Disposable amenity kit upon first hotel check-in | Scenic area eco-bus/electric cart fees |
| 24/7 customer support | Border-permit handling fee (USD 20/person if required) |
💡 Useful Tips
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Minimum group size: 4 travelers required. Solo travelers can join with a single-room supplement.
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Border Permit: Taxkorgan requires a border-area permit. Provide passport copy 15 days before departure.
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Weather: Southern Xinjiang has strong temperature swings. Pack layers, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.
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Altitude: Taxkorgan is 4,000+ m. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and prepare altitude medication if needed.
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Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly for mosques; ask permission before photographing locals.
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Connectivity: Buy a local SIM card in Urumqi; remote regions may have weak signal.
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Cash: Carry some cash for small markets (CNY 1,000–2,000).
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Dietary Notes: Uyghur cuisine is halal; inform your guide of special dietary needs.
📅 Booking Information
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Price: From USD 2,399 per person (based on 4 travelers)
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Booking Deadline: At least 60 days before departure
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Late Bookings: Within 72 hours subject to availability & permit processing
Cancellation Policy
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≥15 days before departure: 10% fee (90% refund)
- 7–14 days: 50% fee (50% refund)
- ≤6 days: 100% fee (no refund)
- Suitable For: Travelers interested in Silk Road history, desert landscapes, local cultures, photography, and immersive slow travel. Suitable for couples, friends, groups, and solo travelers with moderate physical fitness.
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."
