If it’s your first time visiting Southern Xinjiang, following this guide will definitely be the right choice!
Departing from Urumqi, passing through Korla ☞ Kuqa ☞ Kashgar ☞ Muztagh Ata ☞ Taxkorgan County ☞ Khunjerab Pass, along the way, you will see a beautiful Xinjiang with a unique charm.
Day1
On the first day, take a bus from Korla to Lop Nur Village. There are fewer tourists during the early spring off-season
Travel time: 2 hours
My Recommendation Index:★★★★★
In the afternoon, you can head to Lop Nur’s Yadan Landform Grand Canyon. The road conditions are not very good, so friends should be mentally prepared.
After the visit, I suggest arriving in Kuqa that night to prepare for the Kuqa trip the next day!
Travel time: 45 minutes
My Recommendation Index:★★★★
Day2
To visit all three attractions in Kuqa on the second day, depart at 9 am. The first stop is Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves.
Reminder: Book a tour guide in advance (during peak seasons, reservations may not be available).
Travel time: 1 hour
Recommendation Index:★★★★
After lunch, set off for Kuqa Grand Canyon to experience the wonders of nature. Time for photos! Remember to prepare your phone and selfie stick~
Travel time: 1 hour
Recommendation Index:★★★★
Wuqia Starry Night Market in Kuqa has many delicious foods. Foodies should not miss it!
Travel time: 2 hours
Recommendation Index:★★★★
Day3
Arriving in Kashgar on the third day, friends must remember not to waste time. The journey to Taxkorgan County takes a long time, so everyone should prepare enough food in advance, but drink water sparingly on the way. Don’t ask me how I know…
The first attraction is Baisha Lake. I had heard that the scenery here was very good. After arriving, I found that it was indeed very impressive. I highly recommend couples to come here to take wedding photos!
Travel time: 30 minutes
Recommendation Index:★★★★
The second attraction is Karakul Lake, with an altitude of about 3700 meters. If needed, remember to bring an oxygen bag to avoid altitude sickness! However, I believe the scenery here, like a fairyland, will make you forget your physical discomfort.
Reminder: Although the journey is long, you must arrive in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County on the same day! In addition, due to the high altitude here, when resting, friends should try to avoid bathing to prevent physical discomfort~
Travel time: 30 minutes
Recommendation Index: Strongly recommended!!!
Day4
On the fourth day, departing from Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, we drove all the way to Bazadasht Village, where everyone can watch the authentic sheep-snatching contest
Travel time: 2 hours
Recommendation Index:★★★★
The second stop is the Stone City in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, an ancient city site! I think it’s worth seeing~
Travel time: 20 minutes
Recommendation Index:★★★
Day5
Finally arrived in Kashgar on the fifth day. The unique charm and scenery of Kashgar truly fascinated me!
and all kinds of Kashgar cuisine. My taste buds were truly satisfied!
Travel time: one day
Recommendation Index: Strongly recommended!!!
heading south
The movement and awe in my heart have never diminished
precipitated by history
those ruins filled with history
that endless prairie
not to mention the mountains, deserts, cuisine, and culture…
inspires people’s longing