An 18-day tour of the Western Extremities Grand Loop of the Southern Route in Xinjiang can encompass the magnificent scenery and unique cultural customs of Southern Xinjiang. Below is a detailed itinerary planning suggestion:
Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi from all over the country and gather for departure.
Days 2-6: Visit Urumqi, Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Sayram Lake, Lavender Manor, Khorgos Port, and Nalati Grassland in sequence, experiencing the natural beauty and cultural customs of Northern Xinjiang.
Days 7-8: Head to Hejing County and Korla to admire the tranquility and beauty of Bosten Lake, and explore the historical relics of Kuqa王府 (王府 refers to a prince’s mansion, but without specific context, it’s translated directly) and Kuqa Grand Mosque.
Days 9-11: Delve into the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan and Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves to feel the awe-inspiring workmanship of nature and the charm of ancient civilization. Subsequently, head to Kashgar City to experience the exotic charm of Kashgar Old Town.
Days 12-13: Tour Kashgar City and its surroundings, including Baishahu Lake, Kalakuli Lake, Stone City, Jincaotan, and other attractions, while experiencing the opening ceremony of Kashgar Old Town and the culture of Xiangfei Garden.
Days 14-17: Visit the Bachu Red Sea Scenic Area, Wensu Grand Canyon, and the Big and Small Dragon Ponds of the southern section of the Duku Road in sequence, and finally return to Nalati Town to appreciate the magnificent scenery of the northern section of the Duku Road.
Day 18: Return from Nalati Town to Urumqi, concluding a delightful journey.
Travel Tips:
Equipment Preparation: Necessities such as ID cards, driver’s licenses, power banks, data cables, sunscreen, sunscreen spray, sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and so forth, as well as photography equipment like cameras and drones to capture wonderful moments during the journey.
Dining and Lodging: Meals on the road can be paid on an AA basis, while entrance tickets and round-trip airfares should be covered by individuals as needed. In terms of lodging, suitable hotels or homestays can be chosen according to personal preferences and budgets.
Health and Safety: Due to the long hours of sunshine in Xinjiang, it is recommended to start sightseeing after 2 PM each day and end the itinerary around 10 PM. Meanwhile, it is advisable to bring common medications such as stomach remedies in case of need.
Transportation: A self-drive tour is the best way to explore the Western Extremities Grand Loop of the Southern Route in Xinjiang, but attention should be paid to driving safety and traffic rules should be followed. Additionally, car rental services can be considered, with high-chassis SUVs being a good choice for navigating complex road conditions.
Cost Budget:
The total cost of a self-drive tour varies from person to person, but it roughly includes expenses such as airfare, car rental, fuel, tolls, parking fees, entrance tickets, accommodation, and meals. Based on past experience, the cost for an 18-day itinerary is approximately 11,000 to 12,000 yuan per person (higher prices may occur during peak seasons).
Through this Western Extremities Grand Loop of the Southern Route, tourists can deeply experience the natural beauty and cultural customs of Xinjiang, feeling the grandeur and mystery of nature. I hope this itinerary planning suggestion can provide a useful reference for your trip to Xinjiang.