Journey West @ www.xinjiang.travel
Itinerary
Day 1: Urumqi via Desert Dune-Bashing to Shanshan
Starting Point: Urumqi, the vibrant capital of Xinjiang, a modern hub of the Silk Road. Visit the Grand Bazaar, savor spicy lamb kebabs and handmade ice cream to kick off the journey.
Itinerary: Drive to the Shanshan Desert, experience thrilling dune-bashing and sand-sliding, unleash your passion on golden dunes, or take an off-road vehicle through the majestic Kumtag Desert.
Destination: Arrive in Shanshan, a desert oasis town famous for sweet grapes and Hami melons. Stay in a local guesthouse and enjoy the tranquil Gobi night.
Highlights: Capture stunning desert sunsets, enjoy a Shanshan-style roasted whole lamb by a campfire, and listen to Uyghur music.
Day 2: Shanshan to Korla
Itinerary: Depart from Shanshan, traverse the vast Gobi, and admire the desolate beauty of the southern Tianshan Mountains, feeling the timeless Silk Road aura.
Stopover: Visit the Flaming Mountains, experience the scorching landscapes from Journey to the West, or taste local raisins and wines in Turpan.
Destination: Arrive in Korla, the "Pearl of the South" with lush greenery along the Peacock River. Stroll by the river and check into a comfortable hotel.
Highlights: Savor fragrant pear desserts and grilled fish at Korla's night market, experiencing the unique charm of this oasis city.
Day 3: Korla to Kuqa
Itinerary: Drive to Kuqa, crossing the vast Tarim Basin, and experience the wilderness and vitality of southern Xinjiang.
Stopover: Visit Bosten Lake, China's largest inland freshwater lake, take a boat ride or observe migratory birds for a moment of serenity.
Destination: Arrive in Kuqa, a historic Silk Road city. Explore Kuqa Old Town, feeling the rustic charm of mud-brick architecture.
Highlights: Taste Uyghur pilaf and handmade naan at Kuqa's bazaar, visit the Kuqa Mosque at night, and immerse in its rich religious atmosphere.
Day 4: Kuqa to Alar
Itinerary: Depart from Kuqa to Alar, an emerging oasis city surrounded by Tarim reclamation farmlands and orchards.
Stopover: Explore the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, admire the exquisite murals of ancient Kucha culture, and feel the grandeur of Buddhist art.
Destination: Arrive in Alar, check into a modern hotel, and enjoy the harmony of city and nature.
Highlights: Taste Alar's fresh jujubes and walnuts, stroll along the Tarim River at night, and feel the humanistic vibe of the reclamation area.
Day 5: Alar via Wensu Grand Canyon to Aksu
Itinerary: Drive to Aksu, passing the spectacular Wensu Grand Canyon, where red cliffs and winding valleys create a stunning geological wonder.
Stopover: Hike in Wensu Grand Canyon, photograph its Mars-like terrain, or try a thrilling zipline adventure.
Destination: Arrive in Aksu, the "Land of Fruits" famous for apples and white apricots. Stay in a cozy guesthouse to unwind.
Highlights: Pick fresh fruits in local orchards, enjoy Aksu's signature lamb noodle soup, and chat with local fruit farmers at night.
Day 6: Aksu to Bachu
Itinerary: Depart from Aksu to Bachu, an oasis town renowned for its poplar forests and agriculture.
Stopover: Visit the Tarim Poplar Forest, where golden poplars in autumn create a picturesque scene, showcasing the "thousand-year standing" miracle.
Destination: Arrive in Bachu, stay in a rural guesthouse, and experience southern Xinjiang's pastoral charm.
Highlights: Savor Bachu's roasted pigeon and handmade yogurt, join a traditional Uyghur song and dance performance at night, and immerse in the festive atmosphere.
Day 7: Bachu to Xiji
Itinerary: Drive to Xiji (Wuqia County), China's westernmost point, and experience the unique allure of the country's frontier.
Stopover: Stop at a Kyrgyz village, experience Kyrgyz eagle-hunting culture, or taste traditional milk tea.
Destination: Arrive in Xiji, a border town surrounded by the Pamir Plateau. Stay in a local guesthouse and admire the highland starry sky.
Highlights: Photograph Xiji's sunrise, feel the geographic significance of China's westernmost point, and enjoy Kyrgyz-style hand-pulled rice.
Day 8: Xiji to Kashgar
Itinerary: Depart from Xiji to Kashgar, a dazzling Silk Road gem blending Central Asian and Xinjiang cultures.
Stopover: Visit Pamir Plateau pastures, interact with Kyrgyz herders, and experience highland nomadic life.
Destination: Arrive in Kashgar, explore Id Kah Mosque and Kashgar Old Town, and feel the strong Central Asian vibe.
Highlights: Taste Uyghur baked buns and pomegranate juice in Kashgar Old Town, stroll through the handicraft market at night, and shop for exquisite carpets or copperware.
Day 9: Kashgar to Muji
Itinerary: Drive to Muji, a tranquil town on the edge of the Pamir Plateau, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and valleys.
Stopover: Visit Tomb of Fragrant Concubine, learn about Kashgar's legendary history, or shop for local spices and dried fruits at Kashgar's bazaar.
Destination: Arrive in Muji, stay in a highland guesthouse, and breathe the fresh Pamir air.
Highlights: Capture Muji's snowy mountain sunsets, savor local yak meat soup, and listen to highland pastoral songs at night.
Day 10: Muji to Taxkorgan
Itinerary: Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to Taxkorgan County (Tajik County), the pearl of the Pamir Plateau, surrounded by Muztagh Ata and Karakorum peaks.
Stopover: Stop at Baisha Lake, photograph the lake's reflection of snow-capped mountains, or visit the Stone City Ruins to feel the ancient Silk Road's glory.
Destination: Arrive in Taxkorgan, stay in a Tajik-style guesthouse, and experience highland ethnic culture.
Highlights: Dine with a Tajik family, taste cheese bread and yak milk tea, and enjoy a traditional Tajik eagle dance performance.
Day 11: Full-Day Tour in Taxkorgan
Itinerary: Spend the day exploring Taxkorgan, hike Golden Grass Beach, admire the harmonious beauty of highland wetlands and snow-capped mountains, or visit Tajik villages to learn about their nomadic and eagle-hunting culture.
Activities: Ride horses across Golden Grass Beach, photograph the majestic Muztagh Ata panorama, or try Tajik traditional handicraft-making.
Highlights: Capture the starry sky at Golden Grass Beach, sing folk songs with Tajiks around a campfire, and feel the purity and warmth of the highlands.
Day 12: Taxkorgan to Shache
Itinerary: Depart from Taxkorgan, descend along the Pamir Highway to Shache, a town famous for ancient royal tombs and walnuts.
Stopover: Visit the Altun Sultan Mausoleum, feel Shache's historical depth, or pick fresh walnuts in local orchards.
Destination: Arrive in Shache, stay in a cozy guesthouse, and enjoy southern Xinjiang's pastoral scenery.
Highlights: Taste Shache's fig desserts and roasted lamb leg, stroll through Shache's old streets at night, and feel the ancient city's tranquility.
Day 13: Shache to Hotan
Itinerary: Drive to Hotan, the Silk Road's jade capital, renowned for Hotan jade and carpets.
Stopover: Visit the Hotan Jade Market, shop for exquisite jade jewelry, or tour a carpet workshop to learn about traditional weaving techniques.
Destination: Arrive in Hotan, explore the Hotan Museum to dive into southern Xinjiang's Silk Road culture.
Highlights: Savor roasted pigeon and rose tea at Hotan's night market, and experience the city's lively nightlife.
Day 14: Hotan to Dariyabuyi New Village
Itinerary: Drive deep into the Taklamakan Desert to Dariyabuyi New Village, a modern village in a desert oasis.
Stopover: Visit the desert's poplar forests, photograph the "desert guardians," or experience camel riding in the desert.
Destination: Arrive in New Village, stay in an eco-guesthouse, and feel modern life in the desert.
Highlights: Interact with local Uyghur residents, taste desert-style grilled fish and handmade naan, and admire the desert starry sky at night.
Day 15: Dariyabuyi New Village to Old Village
Itinerary: Travel from New Village to Dariyabuyi Old Village, a primitive settlement preserving traditional desert life, and experience the purest Uyghur culture.
Stopover: Visit the old village's mud-brick houses, learn traditional naan-baking techniques with locals, or try desert handicraft-making.
Destination: Stay in traditional village homes, immersing in the serene desert lifestyle.
Highlights: Capture the old village's desert sunset, enjoy a family-style Uyghur dinner, and listen to locals share stories of desert life.
Day 16: Old Village to Yutian
Itinerary: Depart from Old Village to Yutian, a desert oasis known for the Keriya River and poplar forests.
Stopover: Visit Yutian Bazaar, shop for local handicrafts, or stroll through the poplar forests along the Keriya River.
Destination: Arrive in Yutian, stay in a comfortable guesthouse, and relax.
Highlights: Taste Yutian's signature lamb pilaf, attend a traditional Uyghur music concert at night, and feel southern Xinjiang's cultural passion.
Day 17: Yutian to Qiemo
Itinerary: Drive to Qiemo, a jade town on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, famous for Hotan jade deposits.
Stopover: Visit Qiemo Jade Mine, learn about jade extraction, or shop for jade crafts at the local market.
Destination: Arrive in Qiemo, stay in a modern hotel, and enjoy the oasis's tranquility.
Highlights: Savor Qiemo's roasted lamb ribs and sweet melons, stroll along the Cherchen River at night, and feel the desert oasis's unique charm.
Day 18: Qiemo to Yuli
Itinerary: Depart from Qiemo to Yuli, an agricultural hub along the Tarim River, renowned for the Lop Nur poplar forests.
Stopover: Visit Lop Nur Poplar Forest, where golden poplars in autumn create a stunning desert landscape.
Destination: Arrive in Yuli, stay in a rural guesthouse, and experience southern Xinjiang's pastoral charm.
Highlights: Taste Yuli's grilled fish and handmade yogurt, sit around a campfire with locals at night, and share travel stories.
Day 19: Yuli to Korla
Itinerary: Return to Korla from Yuli, enjoying southern Xinjiang's oasis scenery along the Tarim River.
Stopover: Visit Tiemen Pass, feel the history of an ancient Silk Road military fortress, or photograph sunset views by the Peacock River.
Destination: Arrive in Korla, stay in a comfortable hotel, and unwind.
Highlights: Enjoy a fusion of Uyghur and Han cuisine at a top Korla restaurant, celebrating the penultimate day of the journey.
Day 20: Korla to Urumqi
Itinerary: Return to Urumqi from Korla, passing the southern Tianshan Mountains and enjoying the final blend of Gobi and oasis landscapes.
Stopover: Visit Jiaohe Ruins in Turpan, feel the glory of the ancient Gaochang Kingdom, or taste sweet grapes in Grape Valley.
Destination: Return to Urumqi, visit the Xinjiang Museum to reflect on the southern Xinjiang cultural journey, or relax at a spa.
Highlights: Enjoy a grand farewell dinner in Urumqi, featuring a fusion of southern Xinjiang's ethnic cuisines, marking a perfect end to the journey.
What's Included
Not 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
Traveling solo? Traveling with friends? We've got flexible pricing just for you!
•1 traveler: Premium private experience
$7,220/ person
•2 travelers: Save more together｜80% Discount $5,780 / person * 2
•3 travelers: Best value unlocked!｜60% Discount $4,340 / 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!
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