For a 10-day southern Xinjiang tour departing from Kashgar, you can refer to the following itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Kashgar to prepare for your southern Xinjiang tour.
Day 2: Depart from Kashgar to visit Oytag Red Valley or Oytag Glacier Park, and then proceed to Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake. Overnight stay in Tajik Autonomous County, with opportunities to enjoy plateau scenery and sunrises/sunsets along the way.
Day 3: Depart from Tajik Autonomous County (塔县) to visit Stone City, Golden Grass Beach, and traverse the mysterious Wakhan Corridor to experience the charm of Dragon Spiral Highway and Tasha Ancient Road. Depending on the itinerary, you can choose to stay overnight in Tal Town or Kashgar.
Day 4: Depending on the previous night’s accommodation, depart from Tal Town or Kashgar. If you stayed in Tal Town the previous night, you will continue exploring the second half of Tasha Ancient Road to arrive at Yarkant County and visit the Tomb of the Yarkand Khan; if you stayed in Kashgar, you can choose to visit Kashgar Old Town to feel its charm, and then proceed to Bachu Red Sea Scenic Area. Overnight stay in Yarkant County or Bachu.
Day 5: Depart from Yarkant County or Bachu to head to Aksu. Along the way, you can visit the Daolang Tribe to learn about local folklore. Overnight stay in Aksu.
Day 6: Depart from Aksu to visit the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, and then proceed to Kuqa. Overnight stay in Kuqa, where you can visit Kuqa王府 (王府 means palace) to feel the luxury of ancient aristocracy.
Day 7: In Kuqa, visit Tianshan Grand Canyon and Kizil Caves, or head to Lop Nur Village to experience the unique landscape where deserts coexist with oases. Depending on the itinerary, you can choose to stay overnight in Kuqa or Yuli County.
Day 8: Depending on the previous night’s accommodation, depart from Kuqa or Yuli County. If you stayed in Kuqa the previous night, you will pass through Wensu Tomor Grand Canyon on your way to Aksu; if you stayed in Yuli County, you will head to Kumtag Desert to experience the excitement of desert off-roading. Overnight stay in Aksu or Shanshan.
Day 9: Depart from Aksu or Shanshan to head to Turpan. Along the way, you can visit attractions such as Flaming Mountain and Grape Valley, and learn about the history and culture of Karez Wells. Overnight stay in Turpan.
Day 10: Return from Turpan to Urumqi to conclude your delightful southern Xinjiang tour. If the itinerary allows, you can also make a brief stop in Urumqi, explore the city’s scenery, and then return to your departure point.
The above itinerary is for reference only, and specific arrangements can be adjusted according to personal interests and time. When traveling in southern Xinjiang, please pay attention to safety and respect local customs and habits.