The Poplar & Pamir Odyssey | 10-Day Journey

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NobleVoya · Less Road. More Xinjiang.

The Poplar & Pamir Odyssey

10 days · A journey to shape around your time

A 10-day starting route through 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.

RV + MPV + Intra-Xinjiang Flights · all year

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Less Road. More Xinjiang.

Your journey, in five answers.

Who is this journey for?

Couples, families and friends who want a driver-led RV experience. Discuss passenger seating, beds and camp facilities for your group.

Why is this route different?

An RV chapter around Bosten Lake and the poplar forests leads to Kuqa; a flight to Kashgar connects the Pamir chapter.

How do we make the most of your time?

TIME AT A GLANCE

Bosten Lake · Day 2

On the road
RV transfer from UrumqiDriving hours confirmed for your dates
In the destination
Lake, wetlands & reed bedsTime to explore
Overnight
RV camp or Korla hotelOvernight option to confirm

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

Connections on this route
Flight connectionDay 6 · Kuqa – Flight to Kashgar – Hotel Check-in

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?

  • Bosten Lake RV camp or Korla hotel
  • Kuqa hotel base
  • Kashgar hotel
  • Tashkurgan hotel

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

What does a day actually feel like?

Day 2 · Urumqi RV Departure – Bosten Lake

Depart Urumqi by RV to Bosten Lake, the largest inland freshwater lake in China. Enjoy the lake views, wetlands, and reed beds. Overnight at the Bosten Lake RV camp or a 4-5 star hotel in Korla.

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 1Arrival in Urumqi – Private Transfer to Hotel

Self-arrival at Urumqi; private business van pick-up and transfer to a 4-5 star hotel in the city. Free time to acclimate to the local time zone and climate.

Day 2Urumqi RV Departure – Bosten Lake

Depart Urumqi by RV to Bosten Lake, the largest inland freshwater lake in China. Enjoy the lake views, wetlands, and reed beds. Overnight at the Bosten Lake RV camp or a 4-5 star hotel in Korla.

Day 3Korla / Bosten Lake – Tarim Poplar Forest – Kuqa

RV departs from Bosten Lake or Korla to Tarim Poplar Forest National Park, home to the world’s largest poplar forest. In the evening, drive to Kuqa and check into a 4-5 star hotel.

Day 4Kuqa RV – Tianshan Mystic Grand Canyon, Kuqa King’s Mansion, Qiuci Alleys

RV tour to Tianshan Mystic Grand Canyon (red rock wonders), then visit Kuqa King’s Mansion and the ancient Qiuci alleyways to experience the cultural heritage. Stay overnight at a 4-5 star hotel in Kuqa.

Day 5Kuqa RV – Shaya Poplar Museum, Shayan Prefecture Park, Route 139 Secret Forest

RV to Shaya County, visit the Poplar Museum, explore Shayan Prefecture Poplar Park, and drive along the secret Route 139 poplar forest road for pristine scenery. Return to Kuqa and stay at a 4-5 star hotel.

Day 6Kuqa – Flight to Kashgar – Hotel Check-in

Business van transfers to Kuqa airport for your flight to Kashgar. Upon arrival, private pick-up and transfer to a 4-5 star hotel in Kashgar city. Free time.

Day 7Kashgar Old City Tour – Opening Ceremony, Apak Khoja Mausoleum, Id Kah Mosque

Full-day business van tour of Kashgar Old City, attend the opening ceremony, visit Apak Khoja Mausoleum (Xiangfei Garden) and Id Kah Mosque, and wander through the ancient alleys for Uyghur culture. Stay at a 4-5 star hotel in Kashgar.

Day 8Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – White Sand Lake – Karakul Lake – Tashkurgan

Business van drives along the Karakoram Highway to Pamir Plateau, visiting White Sand Lake (with white sand mountain reflections) and Karakul Lake (with Muztagh Ata reflections). Arrive in Tashkurgan county in the evening and check into a 4-5 star hotel.

Day 9Tashkurgan – Dragon Bend Highway (or Golden Grassland & Stone Fort) – Bandier Blue Lake – Return to Kashgar

Business van to Dragon Bend Highway (famous for its numerous curves). If closed, visit Golden Grassland and Stone Fort instead. Then visit Bandier Blue Lake. Return to Kashgar in the afternoon and check into a 4-5 star hotel.

Day 10Kashgar Departure – Airport Transfer

Business van transfers to Kashgar airport according to your flight schedule. End of the wonderful Southern Xinjiang 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 ↗