Golden October | Kashgar in Southern Xinjiang, Pamir Plateau, Khunjerab Pass, Baisha Lake, Huyang Forest in Luntai, Lopnur Village (Assemble in Urumqi/Korla, 8-day tour)
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456
People say,
Xinjiang is a place favored by the Creator,
Almost all the most beautiful and mysterious scenery in China is found here,
Grasslands, canyons, gobi, lakes, snow-capped mountains…
All the beautiful scenery in the world is presented here,
Some say,
God has given Xinjiang the most beautiful seasons of the year,
Regardless of spring, summer, autumn, or winter,
There is always a kind of charm that can urge you to set out,
There is always a season that makes you addicted and fascinated.
Some say,
Having been to Xinjiang is equivalent to having seen the world,
Having been to Xinjiang is equivalent to having traveled to every corner of the world.
Southern Xinjiang
With dreamlike attraction
With fairy tale-like colors
It satisfies people’s longing for all beautiful scenery
It also satisfies people’s restlessness with mundane and boring life
The ambition filled with an exploratory spirit
Day 1: Itinerary: Korla – Lop Nor Village – Taklamakan Desert
Gather at the hotel in Korla (arrival from Chongqing to Korla at 11 am, we’ll arrange airport pickup for free). Then, we’ll head to the [Lop Nor Village] located at the northern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, the largest desert in China, to visit this ancient nation that once lived by fishing along the Tarim River. Continuing further inside, you can see vast areas of Populus Euphratica along the Tarim River. After crossing the Tarim River, the longest inland river in China, you’ll arrive at the vast and boundless Taklamakan Desert, known as the "Sea of Death". Beneath the vast stretches of sand lies a long history and countless ancient civilized cities, such as the well-known Loulan Ancient City and Jingjue Ancient City. Then, we’ll return to Korla for accommodation.
Day 2: Korla – Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest Park – Kuqa
In the morning, we’ll head to the [Luntai Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park]. This is where the largest and most typical primitive Populus Euphratica forest in the Tarim River basin is concentrated. Blue lakes and streams are scattered throughout. Immersed in this vast scenery, it feels like stepping into ancient times. We’ll take a scenic transportation vehicle to go deep into the Populus Euphratica forest scenic area. At the scenic transportation terminal, you can also take a small train within the scenic area (Note: The cost is self-paid) to go even deeper into the heart of the Populus Euphratica forest and enjoy the world’s largest distribution area of Populus Euphratica. We’ll leave at an appropriate time.
If time permits, you can also visit the Kuqa Great Mosque or Kuqa王府 (Note: The cost is self-paid, and it closes late at night) in the old town of Kuqa by yourself to feel the ancient Qiuci charm. In the evening, you can freely search for delicious food; there are many culinary delights at the local night market.
Day 3: Kuqa – Alar City (Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves – Tianshan Grand Canyon)
After breakfast, we’ll head to visit the earliest excavated and also the largest grotto group in Xinjiang, the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves. Can you imagine a thousand Buddha caves that are a century older than the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang? Then, we’ll proceed to Kuqa Grand Canyon to experience the magic of Tianshan Grand Canyon, admire nature’s incredible workmanship, its mystery, and its grandeur, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. After that, we’ll leave at an appropriate time and head to Alar City to check in and rest.
Day 4: Alar City — Hotan (Taklamakan Desert Highway)
After breakfast, after crossing the Tarim River, we will enter the "largest desert in China", the Taklamakan Desert, and travel along the straight desert highway that stretches infinitely across the Tarim Basin from north to south.
Arrive in Hotan in the afternoon. Hotan was anciently known as "Yutian" and is famous for its songs and dances. It is most famous for Yutian music and dance. In the evening, the night market in Hotan downtown is absolutely not to be missed! It’s a gospel for foodies!
Day 5: Hotan — Kashgar (Free Exploration of Kashgar Old Town)
After breakfast, leave Hotan and head to the southern Xinjiang city of [Kashgar]. Upon arrival, first process the border defense documents to enter Taxkorgan County in the Pamirs Plateau, then proceed to the Kashgar hotel to check in. Everyone can explore the Kashgar Old Town on their own.
Day 6: Kashgar — Taxkorgan County (Karakoram Highway — White Sand Lake — Karakul Lake — Hongqilapu)
After breakfast, follow the "highest and most beautiful highway in the world", the Karakoram Highway, to [Karakul Lake], known as the "Black Lake". Along the way, you can enjoy the southern Xinjiang Uyghur countryside scenery and feel the tranquility of Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River) beyond the Great Wall. Then head to [Hongqilapu], the "highest port in the world".
Day 7: Taxkorgan County — Kashgar
After breakfast, depart for the [Aral Golden Grassland Wetland] and [Stone City]. Stone City is located on a small hill in the northeast of the county seat and is one of the important historical landmarks on the Silk Road and also the most significant cultural symbol of the Pamirs Plateau. After visiting, leave at an appropriate time and pass by the Tahman Wetland to take photos and admire the spectacular "Father of Glaciers", [Muztagh Ata], as well as the scenery of the Tahman Wetland. Return to Kashgar along the Karakoram Highway and pass by [Karakul Lake] and [White Sand Lake] again. If the weather is good, you can stop again to play and take photos.
Day 8: Kashgar — Atush Heavenly Gate — Kashgar Disbandment to Various Destinations
Atush Heavenly Gate is located in the southern branch of the Western Tianshan Mountains, Shang Atush Township, Atush City. The right wall of the Heavenly Gate has stone caves like a beehive, and you can hear echoes when speaking in front of it. The left wall surface resembles a bizarre mural. It was identified by American Explorer magazine as one of the world’s 20 most worthwhile places for exploration. In 1932, American journalist Sharauge visited here accompanied by local Uyghur guide Usman Akhon. In 1947, British explorer Shipton hunted here. This "Heavenly Gate" stands on the Pamirs Plateau, shaped like a "∩", about 100 meters wide and over 500 meters high. It is a marvel of nature, with an astonishing thickness that cannot be measured. It is a paradise for tourists and explorers. It is not only magnificent and steep, but also deep, quiet, and mysterious. The right wall of the Heavenly Gate has stone caves like a beehive, where even a child’s voice echoes. The left wall surface resembles a bizarre mural.
Today is the activity disbandment day. Everyone will head to Kashgar Airport or Kashgar Railway Station according to their respective transportation schedules and return to their warm homes.
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456