There are multiple options for a 12-day tour route in southern Xinjiang. Here is a recommended itinerary**:
Day 1: Assemble in Urumqi and embark on the journey of southern Xinjiang
Day 2: Depart from Urumqi, visit Bosten Lake, and then head to Korla
Day 3: Depart from Korla, visit the Lop Nur Village, and then head to Luntai
Day 4: Depart from Luntai, visit the Tarim Hu Yanglin (Poplar Forest) Park, and then head to Tazhong Base
Day 5: Depart from Tazhong Base, cross the desert highway, and arrive in Minfeng
Day 6: Depart from Minfeng and head to Hotan to enjoy the scenery and culture of Hotan
Day 7: Depart from Hotan and head to Kashgar. Along the way, you can visit the Old Town of Kashgar to experience Uyghur culture
Day 8: Depart from Kashgar and visit attractions such as Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake, then head to Tashkurgan (Taxkorgan County)
Day 9: Depart from Taxkorgan County and return to Kashgar. Along the way, you can visit attractions such as Mount Muztagh Ata
Day 10: Depart from Kashgar and head to Aksu. Along the way, you can visit Kashgar Cattle and Sheep Bazaar (on Sundays), etc.
Day 11: Depart from Aksu, visit attractions such as Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves and Kuqa王府 (王府 is a title, but here it refers to a historical site or palace, so it can be translated as ‘王府 Estate’), and then head to Kuqa
Day 12: Depart from Kuqa and return to Urumqi, ending the delightful journey of southern Xinjiang
This itinerary covers multiple famous attractions in southern Xinjiang, including lakes, deserts, grasslands, canyons, historical relics, etc., allowing you to fully experience the natural scenery and cultural charm of southern Xinjiang. Of course, the specific itinerary can be adjusted appropriately according to personal interests and time.