Xinjiang 8–10 Day Loop Guide: Tea in Kashgar Old City + Chasing Snow Mountains on the Pamir Plateau + Camel Riding in the Desert. 3 routes covering culture, photography, and family travel. Group tour or private car — this guide has you covered.
Southern Xinjiang 8–10 Day Loop Guide
I. 3 Routes to Choose From
🅰️ Route A: Cultural & Photography In-Depth Route (8–9 Days)
Best for: Photography enthusiasts, culture lovers, slow-travel seekers
| Day | Itinerary | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| D1 | Arrive in Kashgar | Explore the west district of Kashgar Old City, have tea at the century-old teahouse |
| D2 | Kashgar Old City full day | East district opening ceremony, Khan Bazaar food, artisan bazaar, Old City photoshoot |
| D3 | Kashgar → Baishahu Lake → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan (Tashkurgan) | First taste of the Pamir Plateau, photograph白沙 Mountain reflections and Muztagh Ata Peak |
| D4 | Taxkorgan → Panlong Ancient Road → Bandir Blue Lake → Taxkorgan | Aerial shots of 639 bends, the hidden blue lake |
| D5 | Taxkorgan → Stone Fortress → Golden Grassland → Taheman Wetland → Kashgar | Dawn at the ancient fortress, golden wetland framed with snow mountains |
| D6 | Kashgar → Shache (Yarkand) → Hotan | Yarkent Khan Palace, Hotan night market |
| D7 | Hotan → Desert Highway → Aral | Cross the Taklamakan Desert, ride a camel |
| D8 | Aral → Wensu Grand Canyon → Aksu / return to Kashgar | Red canyon epic shots |
📷 Photography Tips: Use a CPL polarizer at Baishahu Lake to eliminate reflections; use a 200mm+ telephoto lens for Muztagh Ata; the best light at Panlong Ancient Road is around 3:00 PM
🅱️ Route B: Classic Panoramic Loop (10 Days)
Best for: First-time visitors to Southern Xinjiang, those who want to see all the highlights
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| D1 | Kashgar Old City (century-old teahouse, Id Kah Mosque) |
| D2 | Kashgar → Baishahu Lake → Karakul Lake → Muztagh Ata Peak → Taxkorgan |
| D3 | Taxkorgan → Panlong Ancient Road → Bandir Blue Lake → Taheman Wetland → Kashgar |
| D4 | Kashgar → Shache (Yarkent Khan Palace) → Hotan |
| D5 | Hotan → Desert Highway (Taklamakan) → Aral |
| D6 | Aral → Wensu Grand Canyon → Aksu |
| D7 | Aksu → Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves → Kuqa |
| D8 | Kuqa → Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon → Kuqa King's Mansion → Restan Street |
| D9 | Kuqa → Lop Nur Village (desert + poplar forest) → Korla |
| D10 | Korla → return to Urumqi |
🏜️ Desert Camel Riding: There are camel riding spots along the Desert Highway (about 50–80 RMB/ride), and Lop Nur Village also offers desert camel experiences
Route C: Family Leisure Slow-Travel Route (9 Days)
Best for: Families with kids, those who don't want to rush
| Day | Itinerary | Family Tips |
|---|---|---|
| D1 | Arrive in Kashgar, adjust to jet lag | 2 hours behind inland China, get rest early |
| D2 | Kashgar Old City full day (slow pace) | Watch the opening ceremony, eat baked buns, take the sightseeing car |
| D3 | Kashgar → Baishahu Lake → Taxkorgan | Pack snacks in the car; Baishahu Lake is windy, dress warmly |
| D4 | Taxkorgan → Panlong Ancient Road (ride through) → Kashgar | Kids will love counting the bends! |
| D5 | Kashgar → Shache → Hotan | Kids will love the Hotan night market |
| D6 | Hotan → Desert Highway → Aral | Camel riding experience, desert sandboarding |
| D7 | Aral → Wensu Grand Canyon (scenic shuttle) | No need to walk too much |
| D8 | Aksu → Kashgar | Back to Kashgar for souvenirs |
| D9 | Depart from Kashgar | — |
👨👩👧👦 Family Notes: At the plateau section (Taxkorgan elevation ~3,100m), descend immediately if kids feel unwell; in the desert section, protect against sun and stay hydrated; keep daily driving time within 4 hours.
II. Group Tour vs. Private Car — Which to Choose?
| Comparison | 🚌 Group Tour | 🚗 Private Car / Carpool |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (10 days) | Approx. 5,000–7,000 RMB/person | Approx. 10,000–12,000 RMB/person |
| Flexibility | Fixed route, fixed schedule | Stop anytime, go anytime |
| Convenience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ All-inclusive | ⭐⭐⭐ Need to arrange own accommodation & meals |
| Best for | Budget-conscious, don't want to plan | Experience-seekers, have budget flexibility |
| Carpool price | — | 4-person SUV carpool ~400–600 RMB/day/vehicle |
| Private car price | — | Off-season 500–800 RMB/day, peak season 1,000–1,500 RMB/day |
My Recommendation:
- Choose a group tour if you're traveling solo or as a pair, have a limited budget, and don't want to worry about accommodation and route planning. Pick a pure-play tour (avoid shopping tours)
- Choose a private car if you're in a group of 3–4 (carpooling is most cost-effective), or if you're traveling with kids/elderly and need a flexible pace — the experience is far better: stop anytime to photograph beautiful scenery along the Pamir Highway, and stay as long as you like at Panlong Ancient Road
- Compromise option: Small carpool group (4–6 people per vehicle), offering both freedom and lower cost than a private car, about 100–150 RMB/person/day
III. Practical Tips
📋 Must-Do Before Departure
- Border Pass: Required for Taxkorgan and Mujixiang! Apply on the day you arrive in Kashgar (there's a processing point near the Old City)
- Best Season: April–June (apricot blossoms + fewer crowds), September–October (golden poplar forests, cool weather)
- Clothing: Kashgar can be 30°C+, while the Pamir Plateau may be only 10°C — extreme temperature differences, bring a thick jacket
🍖 Must-Try Foods
| City | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Kashgar | Century-old teahouse, roast pigeon (30 RMB/piece), pomegranate juice (10 RMB/cup), Khan Bazaar night market |
| Taxkorgan | Yak hotpot |
| Hotan | Red willow BBQ, baked buns, yogurt zongzi |
| Kuqa | Naan pit BBQ, big plate chicken |
⚠️ Important Notes
- 1.Start taking Rhodiola rosea 3 days before visiting the Pamir Plateau; keep chocolate/cola in the car to alleviate altitude sickness
- 2.Baishahu Lake is very windy — wear a windproof hat; consider bringing portable oxygen canisters
- 3.Choose hotels with underfloor heating in Taxkorgan (recommended: Kaitou International Hot Spring Hotel)
- 4.Carry cash! Some remote areas have no cell signal
- 5.Xinjiang is dry + plateau UV is strong — sunscreen + lip balm + hydrating face masks are essential
One Sentence Summary: Choose a group tour (5,000–7,000 RMB) for value for money; choose a private car/carpool (10,000–12,000 RMB) for the best experience. As for routes — culture & photography lovers go with Route A, first-timers go with Route B, families with kids go with Route C. Every route includes tea in Kashgar Old City, chasing snow mountains on the Pamir Plateau, and camel riding in the desert — you won't miss a thing!
1. Ancient City of Kashgar（喀什古城）
2. Id Kah Mosque（艾提尕尔清真寺）
3. Muztagh Ata Peak（慕士塔格峰）
4. Karakul Lake（喀拉库勒湖）
5. White Sand Lake（白沙湖）
6. Pamirs Plateau（帕米尔高原）
7. Panlong Ancient Road（盘龙古道）
8. Golden Grass Beach Taxkorgan（塔县金草滩）
9. Hotan Old City（和田老城）
10. Yurungkash River（玉龙喀什河）
11. Kuqa Grand Canyon（库车大峡谷）
12. Kizil Caves（克孜尔千佛洞）
13. Wensu Grand Canyon（温宿大峡谷）
14. Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest（塔里木胡杨林）
15. Lop Nor Village（罗布人村寨）
16. Dawakun Desert（达瓦昆沙漠）
1. Kashgar Ancient City 喀什古城
2. Southern Xinjiang Populus euphratica Forest 南疆胡杨林
3. Stone City & Golden Grass Beach 石头城 & 金草滩
4. Panlong Ancient Road 盘龙古道
5. White Sand Lake 白沙湖
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Here is the professional English translation of your detailed 9-day Xinjiang itinerary. I have refined the wording to be culturally accurate and suitable for international clients
🗺️ 9-Day Xinjiang In-Depth Tour: Urumqi – Turpan – Kuqa – Kashgar – Pamir Highway
Status: Foreigner-Friendly (Open Areas Only)
Route: Urumqi ⇋ Tianchi Lake ⇋ Turpan ⇋ Kuqa ⇋ Kashgar ⇋ Pamir Plateau (Karakul Lake)
Focus: Silk Road History, Islamic Culture, Desert & Highland Landscapes.
⚠️ Important Regulations for Foreign Travelers
1. Visa Requirement: Valid passport + Chinese Tourist Visa (L-Visa). Citizens of visa-exempt countries only require a passport.
2. Border Permit: Travel to Karakul Lake / Tashkurgan County (Pamir Plateau) requires a Border Entry Permit. Our agency will process this in Kashgar using your original passport.
3. Accommodation: All hotels selected are officially licensed to receive foreign guests.
📅 Detailed Daily Schedule (Hour-by-Hour)
D1: Arrival in Urumqi · First Impression of the Western Regions
Time Activity
On Arr. Airport/Train Station Pickup. Private transfer to downtown Urumqi. Welcome with Hada (ceremonial scarf) and wet wipes.
14:00–15:00 Hotel check-in and short rest.
15:00–17:00 Visit Xinjiang Regional Museum (Famous for Silk Road artifacts and the "Loulan Beauty" mummy exhibit. Advance booking required).
17:30–19:00 Explore the International Grand Bazaar (Dry fruits, handicrafts, Uyghur musical instruments).
19:30 Welcome Dinner: Traditional Xinjiang cuisine (Big Plate Chicken, Samsa, Handmade Yogurt) at a Halal restaurant.
Stay: Urumqi (4★ Foreigner-Friendly) Meals: Dinner Included, Lunch Excluded
D2: Urumqi → Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) → Urumqi
Time Activity
08:00–08:30 Hotel breakfast.
08:30–10:00 Drive to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) in the Tianshan Mountains (~70km).
10:00–10:30 Take the scenic shuttle bus up to the lake area.
10:30–12:30 Hike along the West Bank plank road to the Taoist Temple Viewing Platform for photos of Bogda Peak reflection.
12:30–13:30 Lunch at the scenic spot (Buffet/Simple meal).
13:30–14:30 Free time for photos or optional boat ride.
14:30–16:00 Shuttle bus down the mountain; return to Urumqi.
16:30–18:00 Optional: Visit Red Hill Park for a city panorama.
19:00 Dinner on your own (Recommended: Lingguan Lane Snack Street).
Stay: Urumqi (4★) Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included, Dinner Excluded
D3: Urumqi → High-Speed Rail → Turpan Basin
Time Activity
07:30–08:00 Hotel breakfast & check-out.
08:20–08:50 High-Speed Train (D-Train) to Turpan North Station (~1h 10m).
09:30–11:00 Visit Karez Well Folk Park (Ancient underground irrigation system).
11:00–12:30 Explore Jiaohe Ancient City (Ruins of the capital of the Cheshi Kingdom).
12:30–13:30 Lunch: Local specialties (Laghman noodles & Hami melon).
13:30–14:30 Flaming Mountains scenic area (Photo stop at the giant thermometer).
14:30–15:30 Uyghur Home Visit: Taste fruits under grape trellises & watch naan baking.
16:00–17:00 Visit Turpan Museum (Small but excellent collection of documents and mummies).
18:00 Check-in at Turpan hotel. Dinner on your own.
Stay: Turpan (4★) Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included, Dinner Excluded
D4: Turpan → Fly to Kuqa (Kingdom of Kucha)
Time Activity
07:30–08:00 Hotel breakfast.
08:30–09:30 Transfer to Turpan North Station/Airport.
10:30–12:30 Fly to Kuqa (~1.5 hours).
13:30–14:30 Lunch in Kuqa city.
14:30–16:00 Visit Kuqa Palace (Residence of the last King of Kucha & Museum).
16:00–17:00 Visit Kuqa Grand Mosque (Second largest mosque in Xinjiang).
17:00–18:30 Stroll along Resitan Road (Colorful old street with blue/yellow Islamic-style doors).
19:30 Dinner: Roast pigeon soup & Tandoori meat.
Stay: Kuqa (4★) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
D5: Kuqa → Mysterious Grand Canyon → Kizil Caves → Aksu
Time Activity
08:00–08:30 Hotel breakfast.
08:30–10:00 Drive to Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon (~70km).
10:00–12:00 Hiking inside the red sandstone canyon (~2km walk).
12:00–13:00 Simple lunch near the canyon exit.
13:00–14:30 Drive to Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (~75km). Requires special permission for foreign groups.
14:30–16:00 Guided tour of the central pillar caves and diamond-grid murals.
16:00–18:30 Drive to Aksu (~250km, ~2.5 hours).
19:30 Check-in at Aksu hotel. Dinner on your own.
Stay: Aksu (4★) Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included, Dinner Excluded
D6: Aksu → Fly to Kashgar · Old City Opening Ceremony
Time Activity
07:30–08:00 Hotel breakfast.
08:30–10:30 Fly to Kashgar (~1.5 hours).
11:30–12:30 Lunch in Kashgar city.
12:30–14:00 Hotel check-in and rest.
14:00–15:30 Border Permit Processing: Guide takes passports to the Public Security Bureau to apply for the Border Entry Permit. Guests wait at the hotel.
15:30–17:00 Kashgar Old City Opening Ceremony (East Gate, starts around 17:00).
17:00–19:30 Wander the alleys: Visit the Century-Old Tea House, copper workshops, and woodcarving shops.
20:00 Explore Handax Bazaar Night Market (Roasted eggs, Pot meat, Yogurt ice cream).
Stay: Kashgar (Near Old City) Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included, Dinner Excluded
D7: Kashgar City Depth · Id Kah Mosque & Apak Hoja Tomb
Time Activity
09:00–09:30 Hotel breakfast.
09:30–10:30 Visit Id Kah Mosque (Largest mosque in China. Non-Muslims may visit designated areas).
10:30–12:30 Explore the Old City Handicraft Bazaar (Blacksmith Street, Hat Street).
12:30–13:30 Lunch: Pigeon soup with naan.
13:30–15:30 Visit Apak Hoja Tomb (Fragrant Concubine Garden).
15:30–17:30 Visit Pan Tuo Cheng Ruins or Kashgar Museum.
18:30 Farewell Dinner: Pilaf (Zhuafan), steamed buns, and fruit platter.
Stay: Kashgar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
D8: Kashgar → Pamir Highway → White Sand Lake & Karakul Lake → Kashgar
Time Activity
07:30–08:00 Hotel breakfast (packed breakfast available).
08:00–10:30 Drive along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (G314) to White Sand Lake (~150km). Border Permit checked.
10:30–11:15 Photo stop at White Sand Lake viewpoint.
11:15–12:00 Continue to Karakul Lake (3600m altitude, view of Muztagh Ata "Father of Icebergs").
12:00–13:30 Light hiking by the lake or optional yak riding.
13:30–14:30 Simple lunch at local yurt restaurant (Beef noodles/Pilaf).
14:30–17:30 Drive back to Kashgar. Optional stop at Oyitak Red Mountain.
18:00 Return to hotel. Dinner on your own.
Stay: Kashgar Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included, Dinner Excluded
⚠️ Note: If access to the plateau is restricted due to weather or temporary control, we will substitute with a tour to Yarkand (Shache) Khan Palace.
D9: Departure from Kashgar · End of Tour
Time Activity
By Flight Hotel breakfast or packed breakfast.
-2 Hours Private transfer to Kashgar Laining International Airport (or fly back to Urumqi for connecting flights).
— End of Service.
Meals: Breakfast Included
白沙湖,帕米尔高原上的蓝宝石，银白沙山环抱碧蓝湖水。
喀什古城,国内唯一保存完整的典型古西域特色历史街区。
塔克拉玛干胡杨林,世界第二大流动沙漠中的金黄胡杨林，展现顽强的生命力。
- 塔什库尔干高原湖泊景观：
在新疆玩过三个多月，向你推荐南疆不可错过的景点和自由行路线
- 南疆雪山草原湿地景观：
南疆旅游最佳时间 南疆有哪些旅游景点 新疆南疆旅游线路推荐
- 巴尔鲁克山南坡冬牧场景观：
- 南疆雪山湖泊倒影景观：
- 白沙湖沙漠奇景：
- 喀喇昆仑山观景台景观：
- 喀什古城街区风貌：
- 喀什古城街巷人文场景：
- 喀什古城游客打卡场景：
喀什古城街巷；海外游客打卡喀什古城
白沙湖,帕米尔高原上的蓝宝石，银白沙山环抱碧蓝湖水。
喀什古城,国内唯一保存完整的典型古西域特色历史街区。
塔克拉玛干胡杨林,世界第二大流动沙漠中的金黄胡杨林，展现顽强的生命力。
新疆南疆旅游景点以壮美的自然风光和独特的人文景观为核心，涵盖雪山湖泊、沙漠戈壁、草原湿地等多样地貌，是展现西域自然与人文魅力的热门旅游区域。- 慕士塔格峰与卡拉库里湖组合景观：
- 南疆雪山森林景观：
- 南疆湿地雪山倒影景观：
冬天，纷飞大雪落满天山
- 昭苏草原牧场景观：
我国著名的四大草原之一这里风景宜人、空气清新骏马驰骋，
- 塔克拉玛干沙漠雅丹地貌景观：
高原与沙漠，是新疆著名的两大自然景观。
- 南疆高原湖泊观景实拍：
邂逅南疆：一次玩遍南疆所有精华景点，四大人文角落+四大古道公路+
- 南疆荒漠湖泊游客打卡实拍：
邂逅南疆：一次玩遍南疆所有精华景点，四大人文角落+四大古道公路+
- 南疆沙漠湖泊景观：
邂逅南疆：一次玩遍南疆所有精华景点，四大人文角落+四大古道公路+
- 南疆经典旅游线路规划图：
金秋大促 报名立减【梦幻新疆 · 南疆塔里木秋色8日】
- 新疆天山景观：
- 南疆雪山冰川湖泊景观：
- 南疆彩色丹霞地貌景观：
峡谷边缘或湖畔，你会被大自然的鬼斧神工所震撼，宛如置身于仙境之中。
南疆美食合集1. 난갱 양고기 굽빵（喀什馕坑烤包子）
한국어 설명：카슈 오래된 바자르 대표 간식으로 밀가루 껍질 안에 양고기와 양파 소를 채워 난갱 고온에 굽는다. 겉은 바삭하고 육즙이 가득 터져 나온다.中文释义：喀什老城巴扎招牌小吃，面皮包裹羊肉洋葱馅馕坑高温烤制，外皮酥脆、肉汁饱满。
南疆特色美食清单2. 법랑 통 양고기 국（缸子肉）
한국어 설명：법랑 통에 양갈비, 당근, 양파를 넣고 약한 불로 천천히 우려낸 맑은 국물 요리. 담백하고 양고기 냄새가 전혀 나지 않으며 난과 함께 먹는다.中文释义：搪瓷缸慢炖羊排、胡萝卜、洋葱，清汤原汁原味无膻味，搭配馕食用。3. 손잡고 먹는 양고기 폴라오（南疆手抓饭）한국어 설명：양기름에 노란 당근, 건포도, 덩어리 양고기와 쌀을 함께 지은 카슈 아침 대표 메뉴. 기름기 적당하고 달콤한 향이 특징이다.
中文释义：羊油焖制黄萝卜、葡萄干、大块羊肉米饭，喀什经典早餐，润香甜。4. 홍류 양고기 대꼬치（和田红柳烤肉
한국어 설명：허티안 야시장 시그니처 음식. 홍류 나뭇가지에 두툼한 양고기를 꿰어 숯불에 구우면 나무 은은한 향이 고기에 배어 맛이 더 진하다.中文释义：和田夜市招牌，红柳枝串厚切羊肉炭火烤制，自带草木清香。5. 쿠마치（沙漠库麦琪 / 沙土烤肉馕）
南疆特色美食清单 - 慕士塔格峰与卡拉库里湖组合景观：
