Journey West @ www.xinjiang.travel
Day 1: Urumqi → Ghost City of Karamay → Urho Town
Depart from Urumqi in the morning, passing through the Gobi Desert and the oil city of Karamay.
Visit the spectacular Ghost City, one of China's most dramatic Yardang landscapes, with wind-eroded formations resembling alien ruins.
Arrive in Urho Town by evening and stay overnight in a local guesthouse, enjoying the peaceful border town vibe.
Day 2: Urho → Populus Euphratica Forest in Baiyang River → Dragon Ridge Valley → Kanas
Drive through the golden Populus Euphratica Forest along the Baiyang River— a dream spot for autumn photography.
Continue north into the desert mountain range of Dragon Ridge Valley, along the legendary National Highway 219, known as "the loneliest road."
Arrive at Kanas National Geological Park by sunset and check in to hotel, ready for a magical night among trees and lakes.
Day 3: Full-Day Exploration of Kanas
Visit the highlights of Kanas Lake, Moon Bay, Fairy Bay, and Wolong Bay.
Option to hike up Fish Viewing Pavilion for breathtaking views of glacial lakes and pristine forests.
Autumn in Kanas is a colorful dream for photographers. Optional activities include horseback riding, light trekking, or a lakeside picnic.
Day 4: Jiadengyu → Trekking Day 1 to Hemu Village
Begin a 2-day light trekking journey from Jiadengyu to Hemu, known as one of China's most beautiful highland trails.
Walk through alpine meadows, forested gorges, and crystal-clear valleys.
A professional guide and pack horse support are provided. Check into a local hotel.
Day 5: Trek Ends → Arrive in Hemu
Complete the second day of trekking along the Hemu River Valley, gradually entering the fairytale-like Hemu Village.
Home to the Tuva people, the village is known for wooden cabins, colorful autumn hillsides, and wisps of smoke from chimneys.
Stay overnight in a Hemu homestay. Perfect for shooting sunset scenes or relaxing with a foot soak.
Day 6: Hemu → Beitun
After breakfast, drive south to Beitun, an important transport hub in the Altay region and a gateway to northern Xinjiang.
Rest in the city, replenish supplies, and enjoy a night of comfort.
Day 7: Beitun → Populus Euphratica Forest in Mulei → Hami
Leave northern Xinjiang and cross the Tianshan heartland. Stop at the Mulei Populus Euphratica Reserve, one of China's best-preserved ancient forests.
Arrive in Hami, a desert oasis city famous for melons and fruits. Enjoy local delicacies and Eastern Xinjiang culture.
Day 8: Hami → Nanhu Yardang → Earth's Core → Dadi Dao → Hongliutan → Urumqi
Final day exploring the wild beauty of Eastern Xinjiang with these epic stops:
Nanhu Yardang – a surreal landscape of layered, wind-eroded formations
Earth's Core – unique "valley bottom" terrain resembling a crack in Earth's crust
Dadi Dao (Grand Traverse Route) – sci-fi-like desert where The Three-Body Problem was filmed
Drive through Hongliutan and ancient Great Wall ruins, returning to Urumqi by evening to complete your Northern Xinjiang adventure.
Itinerary
What's Included
Private Vehicle & Driver
A dedicated Toyota Prado or similar 4WD vehicle, driven by a professional local driver who knows the region inside out.
Local Guide Services
Friendly and knowledgeable guides who will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing stories, culture, and hidden gems of Xinjiang.
Fuel & Road Costs
All fuel, highway tolls, and parking fees are fully covered—no hidden costs.
Accommodation
Handpicked hotels with comfort and cleanliness in mind, included for each night of the trip. For international travelers: due to local regulations, foreigners must stay in licensed hotels with prior approval. Our team will handle all the necessary applications and booking arrangements for you in advance.
Entrance Tickets
All standard entrance fees to scenic spots mentioned in the itinerary.
Airport Pick-up & Drop-off
Worry-free airport transfers at the beginning and end of your trip.
×Flights to and from Xinjiang
×Travel insurance
×Daily meals during the trip
×Fees for translator or language guide services (available upon request)
×Any personal expenses, such as shopping, alcohol, or tips
Not Included
Traveling solo? Traveling with friends? We've got flexible pricing just for you!
•1 traveler: Premium private experience
$2,888/ person
•2 travelers: Save more together｜80% Discount $2,312 / person * 2
•3 travelers: Best value unlocked!｜60% Discount $1,736 / person * 3
🎯 Every 3 travelers form a group and unlock the lowest rate!
If your group has more than 3 people, the extra travelers will be counted into a new group.
For Example
4 travelers = 3-person group rate + 1-person rate
5 travelers = 3-person group rate + 2-person group rate
6 travelers = double 3-person group rate
7 travelers = two 3-person groups rate + 1-person rate
...and so on!
Bring your friends, share the adventure, and save big on your unforgettable Xinjiang journey.
Don't worry if your group isn't full — we make sure every traveler is taken care of with the best possible arrangement.
👉 Book now, travel smarter, and discover Xinjiang like a local!
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Journey West