Travel Guide to Southern Xinjiang: Carpooling in Kashgar, Southern Xinjiang
Carpooling Inquiry Hotline: 0991-8585456 (same number)
[Southern Xinjiang Carpooling] Lop Nur Village, Tarim Poplar Forest, Tian Shan Grand Canyon, Thousand Buddha Caves, Pamir Plateau, Kashgar Old Town 6-day carpooling tour — click to view itinerary
Itinerary Highlights:
1. [Young Companions]: Designed specifically for the post-80s, post-90s, and post-00s generations, young enough to go high;
2. [Carpooling Travel]: The super popular way to travel with others by carpooling, starting from 1 person and capping at 6;
3. [Folk Customs]: The ancient Lop Nur people, the enthusiastic Uyghurs, and the plateau-dwelling Tajiks, each with their own unique charm;
4. [Western Regions Scenery]: Gobi Desert, resilient poplar trees, mysterious Tian Shan Grand Canyon, and Mushtagh Peak, desolate and magnificent;
5. [Cultural Odyssey]: Explore Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Fragrant Concubine Tomb, Kashgar Old Town, and Aytarga Mosque;
6. [Gastronomic Experience]: Enjoy local Xinjiang cuisine at your leisure, including naan, kebab, pilaf, baked stuffed bun, and pigeon soup;
7. [Flexible Return]: Arrange your own return trip after the group disbands in Kashgar, saving you the bumpy 1500-kilometer journey back.
Package
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
Car + Room + Entrance Fee
3220
3260
3460
3460
3460
3660
3660
Single room supplement
500
540
640
640
640
660
660
Book and go. Vehicle type will be arranged based on the number of registrants on the day. Five-seater vehicles for 1-4 people, seven-seater vehicles for 5-6 people.
Registration Requirements: Sociable individuals who love traveling, born in the 80s, 90s, or 00s
Small cars offer high flexibility, but trunk space is limited. For 2 people, only 1 suitcase (up to 24 inches) + backpack is allowed.
————————————–Simplified Itinerary————————————
Day 1: Urumqi – Lop Nur Village – Korla. Accommodation: Korla City
Day 2: Korla – Poplar Forest Park – Kuqa. Accommodation: Kuqa
Day 3: Kuqa – Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon – Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves – Aksu. Accommodation: Aksu
Day 4: Aksu – Xiangfei Tomb – Kashgar. Accommodation: Kashgar City
Day 5: Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – Mount Mushtag – Karakul Lake – Kashgar. Accommodation: Kashgar City
Day 6: Kashgar – Kashgar Old Town – Id Kah Mosque – Group Disbands
—————————————-Detailed Itinerary————————————–
Day 1: Urumqi – Lop Nur Village – Korla City (about 630KM, approximately 10 hours of driving)
Accommodation: Korla City (Tianhong Hotel, Mingyue Crowne Plaza Hotel, Langang Business Hotel, or other hotels of the same standard)
The driver will pick you up from the hotel at the agreed time. After everyone has arrived, we will leave Urumqi and head south along the highway, passing through the narrow geographical corridor of the Gan Valley in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains. This area is arid and rainy throughout the year, serving as the geographical boundary between northern and southern Xinjiang. The road conditions are good, but speed limits are strictly enforced.
First, arrive at the Lop Nur Village scenic area in Yuli County. Here, you can see the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, as well as the sparse Populus euphratica trees growing alongside it, the Tarim River disappearing into the desert, and the mysterious Lop people with their primitive and rustic dwellings. The Lop people who lived here once made a living by fishing and hunting in Lop Nur. Later, due to the drying up of the lake and the encroachment of the desert, they were forced to migrate and settle here, continuing to make a living by fishing and hunting.
In the evening, return to the southern Xinjiang’s pearl, Korla City, and check in at the hotel.
Reference Time:
08:00 Depart from Urumqi
13:00 Pass through Tuksun County and Heshuo County, and take care of lunch along the way at an appropriate time (1 hour)
14:00 Continue by car to Lop Nur Village (180 km, approximately 3 hours by car)
17:00 Arrive at the Lop Nur Village scenic area for sightseeing (3 hours)
20:00 Return to Korla City (80 km, approximately 1.5 hours by car) (Note: The original text mentions ‘1.5 minutes’, which is likely a typo and has been corrected to ‘1.5 hours’)
21:30 Arrive at the hotel in Korla
Tips
1. The road conditions today are very good, but the speed limit is strict, and the driving time is relatively long and tiring. Please be mentally prepared;
2. There are many mosquitoes in the scenic area, and the climate is dry. Before visiting, please prepare for mosquito prevention by wearing scarves and bringing along insect repellent, etc.
Day 2: Korla City – Populus euphratica Forest Park – Kuqa County (about 420 km, approximately 6.5 hours by car)
Accommodation: Kuqa County (Baiyue Boutique Hotel, Kuqa International Hotel, Kuqa Hotel, or other hotels of the same standard)
90% of China’s Populus euphratica trees grow in southern Xinjiang, mainly around the Tarim River. Today, we will explore the magical Populus euphratica trees, which are known for their "three thousand years" lifecycle. Luntai County’s Tarim Populus euphratica National Forest Park, located in the middle reaches of the Tarim River on the northeastern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, is representative of the entire Tarim River basin and even Xinjiang in terms of area and quantity. The Populus euphratica trees, with their tenacious vitality, fight against the arid climate. Whether it’s the lush green leaves, cracked trunks, or dried branches, they all symbolize the power of life. Around October 15th each year, the leaves of the Populus euphratica trees naturally turn golden yellow, creating a magnificent spectacle like "the whole city covered in golden armor".
After visiting the Populus euphratica Forest, return to Kuqa and check in at the hotel.
Reference Time:
09:00 Depart from Korla and head to the Luntai Populus euphratica Forest Park (250 km, approximately 3.5 hours by car)
12:30 Take care of lunch along the way at an appropriate time (0.5 hours)
13:00 Arrive at the scenic area for free sightseeing and photos (about 4 hours)
17:00 Head to Kuqa County (160 km, approximately 3 hours by car)
20:00 Arrive at the hotel in Kuqa County
Tips
1. The Populus euphratica belongs to the unique tree species in the arid regions of Xinjiang. Its green leaves are vibrant and full of life, the yellow leaves are golden and beautiful, and the withered leaves show resilience. The yellow leaf period is from mid-October to November each year, which may also vary depending on the weather conditions. Please be aware;
Day 3: Kuqa County — Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon — Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves — Aksu City (about 460KM, driving for about 7 hours)
Accommodation: Aksu City (Tianfu Hotel, Kaixuan Hotel, Jiahe Hotel, or other hotels of the same standard)
In the morning, head to the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon. The southern slope of Tianshan Mountain is made of arid sandstone. Especially here, the mountain bodies appear ocher-red. Under the sunshine, the rock walls seem to be burning red, which is spectacular. The entrance of the canyon is open, and the bottom is flat. The winding paths inside the canyon lead to secluded spots, with cliffs towering into the sky on both sides. The moving sunlight creates countless shadows, adding an exotic atmosphere.
In the afternoon, visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves. As an important grotto in the history of Buddhism spreading eastward along the Silk Road, this place was once filled with Buddhist chants. A thousand years later, only remnants of grottoes and faded murals remain, which is quite saddening. At the entrance, there is a sculpture of the eminent monk Kumarajiva, whose slightly closed eyes gaze upon the visitors today. Climbing up the stairs leading to the cliff, dozens of grotto ruins are scattered across the cliff, making people feel the power of faith.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Aksu.
Reference Time:
08:30 Depart from Kuqa County for the Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon (70 kilometers, driving for about 1.5 hours)
10:00 Arrive at the scenic area for a 2-hour visit
12:00 Head to the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves. Have lunch at one’s own expense with Xinjiang-style simple meals along the way (80 kilometers, driving for about 2 hours)
14:00 Arrive at the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves scenic area for a visit (2 hours)
16:00 Head to Aksu City (300 kilometers, journey of about 4 hours)
20:00 Arrive in Aksu City and check into the hotel
Day 4: Aksu City — Xiangfei Tomb — Kashgar City (about 460KM, driving for about 6 hours)
Accommodation: Kashgar City (Qiniwake Friendship Hotel, Wenzhou International Hotel, Huanqiu Jinzuo Hotel, or other hotels of the same standard)
Today, we head to Kashgar City, an important town in southern Xinjiang. Kashgar is a city at the westernmost tip of China. We drive south along the highway. Upon arrival in Kashgar, we will first visit Xiangfei Tomb. Legend has it that Emperor Qianlong’s Xiangfei is buried here, hence it is commonly known as Xiangfei Tomb. The tomb’s architecture is magnificent and beautiful, with a strong exotic style. Green tiles, round-arched doors and windows all bring a visual impact. In the afternoon, we will head to the Frontier Defense Detachment to apply for a border pass, and then check into the hotel.
Reference Time:
09:00 Depart from Aksu and head to Kashgar City (460 kilometers, driving for about 6 hours)
13:00 Have lunch at an appropriate time along the way (1 hour)
14:00 Continue heading to Kashgar (driving for about 2 hours)
16:00 Arrive at Xiangfei Tomb for a visit (about 1 hour)
17:00 Head to Kashgar Frontier Defense Detachment to apply for a pass
18:30 Return to the hotel for check-in
Day 5: Kashgar City — Pamir Plateau — Mount Muztagh Ata — Karakul Lake — Kashgar City (about 400KM, driving for about 10 hours)
Accommodation: Kashgar City (Qiniwake Friendship Hotel, Wenzhou International Hotel, Huanqiu Jinzuo Hotel, or other hotels of the same standard)
The movie ‘Guests from the Ice Mountains’ has made Pamir Plateau known to the world. Pamir means ‘roof of the world’ in Tajik. When visiting today, please avoid running or jumping to prevent altitude sickness. The flat China-Pakistan Friendship Highway connects the plateau, rising all the way from Kashgar. As the altitude increases, the mountains also rise steeply.布伦口 White Sand Lake along the way reflects the opposite sandy mountains like a mirror on windless days. Continue forward to explore Karakuli Lake and ‘Father of Glaciers’ Mount Muztagh Ata. The tall Mount Muztagh Ata, Kongur, Kongur Tobe, and other permanent snow-capped mountains surround Karakuli Lake. On sunny days, the water reflects the connected snow-capped mountains. Standing by the lake and looking out at the towering snow-capped mountains and the calm lake nearby adds a magical and beautiful color to this lake.
Return to Kashgar via the same route in the afternoon.
Reference Time:
08:00 Depart from Kashgar to Karakuli Lake (200 km, approximately 5 hours by car)
13:30 Have lunch along the way at an appropriate time (0.5 hours)
14:00 Arrive at the scenic area for free exploration and photo-taking (about 1 hour)
15:00 Return to Kashgar (200 km, approximately 5 hours by car)
20:00 Arrive in Kashgar and check into the hotel
Day 6: Kashgar City – Kashgar Old Town – Group Disbands
Kashgar is divided into the new city and the old city, where you can experience the charm of Kashgar. The Kashgar Old Town scenic area has been established. The streets and alleys in the old city are crisscrossed, and most of the residences are made of earth and wood or brick and wood. The buildings are yellow-gray in tone, with brick carvings and wooden doors on the exterior walls showcasing ethnic characteristics. Many traditional residences are over a hundred years old, and almost all streets lead to Aytigar Mosque. Aytigar Mosque is a courtyard-style temple, with a huge Aytigar Square at the main entrance, serving as a landmark of Kashgar. Usually, many people can be seen leisurely playing in the square, such as bearded grandpas and Uyghur children sitting by the square enjoying the sunshine, calm and leisurely. Depending on the tourists’ vehicle or flight schedule, they will be taken to the airport or train station to conclude their southern Xinjiang tour.
Inclusions Transportation + Accommodation + Ticket Package: Vehicle usage fee, fuel fee, driver service fee, toll fees, parking fees, driver’s board and lodging, single occupancy room fee (if requesting a single room, the single room supplement will be charged); first-entry tickets to the attractions listed in the itinerary, shuttle buses. The entire itinerary includes the following attractions: Lop Nur Village, Tarim River Poplar Forest, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Tianshan Mystic Grand Canyon, Xiangfei Tomb, Aytigar Mosque, Karakuli Lake. Complimentary: Travel accident insurance for tourists (insurance coverage of RMB 200,000 per person).
*Note: After booking this product, our customer service will communicate with you regarding the itinerary and require your ID number and name for insurance purposes;
Exclusions
3. Transportation + Accommodation + Ticket Package: Does not include meals, entertainment, shopping expenses, etc.
4. Additional costs for all packages: All personal expenses and any expenses not mentioned in the package details.
Additional consultation available