Southern Xinjiang & Ili Expedition | 12-Day Journey

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NobleVoya · Less Road. More Xinjiang.

Southern Xinjiang & Ili Expedition

12 days · A journey to shape around your time

A 12-day starting route through Northern and Southern Xinjiang. Shape the connections, stays and daily rhythm around your group.

Make this journey your own. We’ll confirm your stays, access and inclusions for your dates before you book.

MPV + Intra-Xinjiang Flights + High-Speed Rail · all year

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Less Road. More Xinjiang.

Your journey, in five answers.

Who is this journey for?

Travellers interested in old cities, local culture and the Pamir, with private transfers and hotel bases.

Why is this route different?

Fly between Kashgar, Kuqa and Yining, then use rail for the final connection to Urumqi. Local touring remains by road.

How do we make the most of your time?

TIME AT A GLANCE

Kuerdening · Days 8–9

On the road
Private vehicle transfersDriving hours confirmed for your dates
In the destination
Forest visit + next morningTime to explore
Overnight
Scenic-area log cabinInside the scenic area

See how these days balance travel and exploring. Timing varies with the season, traffic and opening hours.

Connections on this route
Flight connectionDay 4 · Kashgar → Kuqa
Flight connectionDay 7 · Kuqa → Yining
Rail connectionDay 10 · Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Urumqi

Your journey includes private transfers and local touring. We’ll help you plan each travel day, including station or airport connections and stops.

Where do you sleep?

  • Kashgar & Kuqa hotel bases
  • Yining hotel
  • Nalati scenic-area cabin
  • Sayram Lake East Gate hotel

Your proposal will name your hotel or camp and outline its facilities.

What does a day actually feel like?

Day 8 Yining → Kuerdunin

Private van to Kuerdunin. planned access. Explore spruce forest and snow mountains (approx. 6 hrs). Overnight in a log cabin inside the park.

Understand the stay options ↗How we choose transport ↗

Your route, day by day

Tap a day for the details. Hotels, access and inclusions are confirmed for your dates.

Day 1Arrive in Kashgar

Private van pickup. Check into a 5‑star hotel in Kashgar.

Day 2Kashgar City Tour

Private van tour: Old Kashgar, Id Kah Mosque, Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb, Century‑Old Teahouse. Stay another night at the same 5‑star hotel.

Day 3Kashgar → Pamir Plateau → Kashgar

Drive on Karakoram Highway to Pamir Plateau. Views of Muztagh Ata Glacier, Karakul Lake, Baisha Lake. Return to Kashgar 5‑star hotel.

Day 4Kashgar → Kuqa

Private van to airport, direct flight to Kuqa. Van pickup upon arrival. Check into a 5‑star hotel in Kuqa.

Day 5Kuqa → Taklamakan Desert → Shaya Poplar Forest → Kuqa

Private van to Taklamakan Desert and Shaya Poplar Forest (best in early November). Return to Kuqa 5‑star hotel.

Day 6Kuqa → Tianshan Grand Canyon → Kuqa King’s Palace → Kuqa

Private van to Tianshan Grand Canyon and Kuqa King’s Palace. Stay at a 5‑star hotel in Kuqa.

Day 7Kuqa → Yining

Van to airport, flight to Yining. Van pickup. Free time at Liuxing Street and Kazanqi Folk Village. Stay at a 5‑star hotel in Yining.

Day 8Yining → Kuerdunin

Private van to Kuerdunin. VIP access. Explore spruce forest and snow mountains (approx. 6 hrs). Overnight in a log cabin inside the park.

Day 9Kuerdunin → Yining → Sayram Lake

Morning further exploration in Kuerdunin. Afternoon return to Yining then drive to Sayram Lake. Stay at a 5‑star hotel outside Sayram Lake East Gate.

Day 10Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Urumqi

VIP access to Sayram Lake for a 90km lake circle tour (approx. 4 hrs). Pass Guozigou Bridge, then take high‑speed train to Urumqi. Check into a 5‑star hotel.

Day 11Urumqi → Tianshan Tianchi or Museum → Urumqi

Private van to Tianshan Tianchi or Xinjiang Regional Museum. Stay at a 5‑star hotel in Urumqi.

Day 12Urumqi Airport Drop‑off

Private van transfer to Urumqi airport according to your flight schedule. End of tour.

Get to know your journey.

A route around your time

Tell us about your Xinjiang trip.

Your dates. Your companions. The places you want to stay. We’ll suggest how to connect them.

More time. More Xinjiang.Plan my journey ↗