The best travel routes in Xinjiang in October mainly concentrate in Northern Xinjiang, especially the Kanas and Hemu loop routes, as well as the Kashgar + Pamir Plateau small loop route in Southern Xinjiang. Here are specific recommended routes and attractions:
Northern Xinjiang Route
Kanas and Hemu Small Loop Route: This is the highlight of traveling in Xinjiang in October. The autumn scenery of Kanas is breathtakingly beautiful and is a paradise for photographers. Hemu Village is also a great place for photography and experiencing local customs.
Kanas: The lake is located at an altitude of 1,374 meters. In autumn, the lake water is clear and the surrounding mountains are adorned with autumn colors, creating a colorful scene that feels like being in a fairyland.
Hemu Village: With morning mist hovering, the birch forest, suspension bridge, and viewing platform are all great places for taking photos. You can feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Other Recommended Attractions: Keketohai, Colorful Beach, Sayram Lake, Kashgar Old Town, Duku Highway, etc.
Southern Xinjiang Route
Kashgar + Pamir Plateau Small Loop Route: This route allows you to experience rich ethnic customs and magnificent natural scenery.
Kashgar Old Town: Experience the historical culture of the Uyghur people and taste authentic local cuisine.
Pamir Plateau: Including attractions such as Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon,盘龙古道 (Panlong Ancient Road), Muztag Ata Peak, Baisha Lake, etc., all are places worth visiting.
Itinerary Suggestions
5-Day Northern Xinjiang Itinerary:
D1: Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Wulungu Lake – Colorful Beach
D2-D4: Arrange an in-depth tour of Kanas and Hemu Village, including watching sunrises, strolling through the birch forest, taking photos, etc.
D5: You can choose to visit Keketohai National Mining Park or other nearby attractions.
5-Day Southern Xinjiang Loop Route:
D1: Kashgar – Baisha Lake – Muztag Ata Glacier Park – Taxkorgan County
D2-D5: Experience the unique charm of Southern Xinjiang according to the attractions arranged in the Kashgar + Pamir Plateau small loop route.
Precautions
The weather in Xinjiang starts to cool down in October, especially with a large temperature difference between morning and evening. It is recommended to bring warm clothing.
Some attractions may require advance reservations, such as Hemu Village, which needs to be reserved in advance on the official account ‘Kanas Scenic Area’.
Xinjiang has a vast territory with relatively long distances between attractions. It is recommended to reasonably arrange the itinerary and pay attention to driving safety.
In summary, the best travel routes in Xinjiang in October mainly concentrate on the Kanas and Hemu loop routes in Northern Xinjiang, as well as the Kashgar + Pamir Plateau small loop route in Southern Xinjiang. Tourists can choose suitable routes for their trips based on their time and interests.