Here is a detailed 17-day Xinjiang tour itinerary recommendation:
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Check in to your hotel to rest. In the evening, you can visit the International Bazaar to feel the unique customs of Xinjiang.
Day 2: Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi
Head to Tianshan Tianchi to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the alpine lake.
Day 3: Urumqi – Fuyun/Koktokay
Cross the Gurbantünggüt Desert and Junggar Basin, heading to Fuyun or Koktokay. Explore the beautiful scenery of the Koktokay scenic area, such as God’s Bell Mountain, waterfalls, and hot springs.
Day 4: Fuyun/Koktokay – Hemo
Head to Hemo Village to experience the original Tuvinian lifestyle. Stay in a characteristic wooden house in the evening and feel the tranquility and peace of the primitive village.
Day 5: Hemo – Jadenyu – Kanas
Get up early to enjoy the dawn in Hemo, then proceed to Jadenyu to visit Kanas Lake and admire the magical changes of the color-changing lake.
Day 6: Kanas – Burqin
Enjoy the scenery along the way and head to Burqin. In the evening, you can explore the night market and local customs of Burqin.
Day 7: Burqin – Karamay – Sayram Lake
Pass by the魔鬼城 (Urho) in Wuerhe and feel the mysterious power of nature. Then proceed to Sayram Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery by the lake.
Day 8: Sayram Lake – Guozigou – Nalati
Head to Nalati Grassland, passing through Guozigou on the way. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Feel the vastness and tranquility of the Nalati Grassland.
Day 9: Nalati – Bayanbulak
Visit Bayanbulak Grassland and enjoy the sunset scenery of the Nine-Bend-Eighteen-Turn River.
Day 10: Bayanbulak – Kuqa Grand Canyon – Kuqa
Cross the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon and feel the grandeur of nature. Then proceed to Kuqa, where you can visit attractions such as Kuqa王府 (王府 is a palace) in the evening.
Day 11: Kuqa – Aksu – Kashgar
Head to Kashgar, passing through Aksu on the way. Upon arrival in Kashgar, feel the rich southern Xinjiang flavor.
Day 12: Kashgar One-Day Tour
Visit famous attractions such as Kashgar Old City, Xiangfei Garden, and Id Kah Mosque. Taste authentic local cuisine.
Day 13: Kashgar – Baishahu Lake – Pamir Plateau – Taxkorgan County
Head to Taxkorgan County, passing through Baishahu Lake and the Pamir Plateau on the way. Explore the mystery and beauty of the plateau.
Day 14: Taxkorgan County – Karakul Lake – Muztagh Ata – Yarkand County
Visit Karakul Lake and Mount Muztagh Ata, then proceed to Yarkand County to experience the multiculturalism of Xinjiang.
Day 15: Yarkand County – Hotan – Minfeng
Head to Minfeng, passing through Hotan on the way. You can visit attractions such as Hotan Round City and Hotan Museum.
Day 16: Minfeng – Taklamakan Desert Highway – Tiemen Pass City
Challenge the excitement of the Taklamakan Desert Highway, and then proceed to Tiemen Pass City.
Day 17: Tiemen Pass – Lop Nor Village – Turpan – Urumqi
Visit the Lop Nor Village, then proceed to Turpan to visit scenic spots such as the Flaming Mountains. Finally, return to Urumqi to end your Xinjiang trip.
This route covers multiple famous scenic spots and unique cultures in Xinjiang, allowing you to fully experience the natural beauty and humanistic customs of Xinjiang. Please adjust the itinerary according to your personal interests and actual situation.