The best time for a tour of southern Xinjiang is from June to September. A 10-day in-depth tour is recommended to experience the rich natural scenery and cultural heritage.
Southern Xinjiang attracts countless tourists with its unique natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Here, you can admire the interplay between glaciers and volcanoes, flocks of cattle and sheep under Mount Kunlun, and lakes reflecting the magnificent scenery of the desert.
Best travel time:
The best period for self-driving tours in southern Xinjiang is from June to September, when the Duku Highway is open and the fruits are ripe and sweet. Meanwhile, it is recommended to avoid the peak summer vacation period to reduce costs for flights, accommodation, car rentals, etc.
Recommended 10-day tour route:
Day 1: Airport pick-up in Kashgar, free activities or a one-day tour of Kashgar Old Town, stroll around Aiti Gar Square, taste the century-old teahouse, and feel the unique charm of Yangdong Bazaar.
Day 2 to Day 3: Along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, visit White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake, overlook Muztagh Ata, and explore attractions such as the盘龙 (a name, translated as ‘Winding Dragon’) Ancient Road and Bandir Blue Lake.
Day 4 to Day 5: Visit Stone City and Golden Grass Beach in Taxkorgan County, explore the Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, and then return to Kashgar or visit Yarkand Palace and Mausoleum in Yarkand.
Day 6: Visit the Yulong River in Kashgar, experience the fun of picking up stones, and take a night tour of Hotan Night Market.
Day 7: Depart from Hotan, cross the Desert Highway, visit the Taklamakan Desert, and arrive in Alar.
Day 8: Depart from Alar, visit Wensu Grand Canyon and Kuqa Old Town, and taste Kuqa big naan bread.
Day 9: Take a one-day tour of the Kuqa王府 (王府 is a place name here, literally means ‘duke’s mansion’) and Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, and then arrive in Aksu.
Day 10: Depart from Aksu, visit other attractions or return to Kashgar to end the trip.
In addition, there are many delicious foods in southern Xinjiang worth trying, such as grilled meat, kebab, plov, and baked stuffed buns. During the trip, you can also experience activities like desert camel carts and desert bonfire nights to feel the unique charm of southern Xinjiang