12-Day Best of Xinjiang from Northern Xinjiang’s Kanas Lake to the Pamir Plateau

Day 1 Arrive Urumqi | Urumqi International Grand Bazaar

Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodation: Local 4-star Urumqi Jingcadia Hotel (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwestern China. Historically, this city was a crucial hub on the ancient Silk Road, where diverse cultures intersected. Today, it boasts significant populations of Uyghurs, Han Chinese, and various other ethnic groups. Upon arriving in the city, dive straight into the vibrant atmosphere of the Urumqi International Grand Bazaar, a lively crossroads of Silk Road culture. Wander its bustling lanes piled high with spices, dried fruits, silk goods, and handicrafts, sample local delicacies, and soak in the music, color, and energy of this iconic marketplace — a fitting finale to your journey through Xinjiang.

Day 2 Urumqi – Burqin | Kurban Tonggut Desert, Rainbow Beach (Wucaitan)

Distance: Approx. 420 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 6 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: Local 4-star Burqin Nightlight Town Hotel (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Set out from Urumqi in the morning and travel across the vast Kurban Tonggut Desert along Xinjiang’s newly built desert highway, a striking route that cuts through the heart of the Jungar Basin, the second-largest in Xinjiang. Pause at the tranquil Wulungu Lake to capture the contrast of water against the arid landscape before continuing to Burqin, where the surreal, multicolored rock formations of Rainbow Beach (Wucaitan) await. As evening falls, immerse yourself in local life at the lively Burqin night market, savoring fresh grilled fish and the warm, bustling atmosphere of this charming frontier town.

Day 3 Burqin – Jiadengyu | Kanas Lake

Distance: Approx. 140 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 3 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: Local 4-star Birch Forest Hotel Jiadenyu (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

After a delightful three-hour drive, arrive at the renowned Kanas National Geopark. The very soul of this breathtaking landscape is Kanas Lake itself, a crescent of turquoise water often hailed as China’s most beautiful lake. A 30-minute shuttle ascends to the Fish Pavilion base, where climbing 1,168 steps rewards you with a sweeping panoramic vista of the shimmering turquoise lake framed by untamed mountain wilderness. Descend via another short shuttle ride to the water’s edge for a tranquil walk along the forested shoreline. On clear days, the surrounding snow-capped peaks mirror flawlessly in the glassy surface, creating a scene of sublime tranquility. Finally, a shuttle carries you to the iconic trio of Kanas Lake’s bays: the ethereal Fairy Bay, the crescent Moon Bay, and the dramatic Crouching Dragon Bay.

Day 4 Jiadengyu –  Orho | Orho Ghost City

Distance: Approx. 350 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 6 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: Local 4-star Haitang Hotel Karamay (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Embark on a captivating journey to Orho, a drive of approximately 6 hours. The endless desert stretches before you, a canvas of shifting sands and dramatic vistas, offering a glimpse into the raw beauty of Xinjiang. Along the way, visit the extraordinary Urho Ghost City, a landscape masterfully sculpted by wind and time. This remarkable site, a classic example of Yadan landforms, has earned its place as one of China’s most breathtaking Yadan landscapes, as celebrated by Chinese National Geography magazine. Also known as the Urho Wind City, its hills have been transformed into fantastical shapes, resembling ancient ruins and imposing castles, creating the illusion of a sprawling medieval European fortress from afar.

Day 5 Orho – Kuitun | Dushanzi Grand Canyon

Distance: Approx. 310 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Kuitun Runjin International Hotel (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Departing Orho in the morning, set out across the open landscapes toward the awe-inspiring Dushanzi Grand Canyon, where millions of years of snowmelt and rain rushing down from the Tianshan Mountains have carved an astonishing chasm straight through the desert plain. Stand along the canyon rim to marvel at the sheer, terraced cliffs, razor-sharp ridges, and intricate fluted soil columns that plummet down into the riverbed below, creating a raw, almost otherworldly geological sculpture. After immersing yourself in the immense scale and dramatic textures of this natural masterpiece, continue your journey to Kuitun to settle in for a comfortable and restful evening.

Day 6 Kuitun – Yining | Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge

Distance: Approx. 450 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 7 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: Local 4-star Ningbai Hotel (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Depart from Kuitun and travel westward into the heart of the Tianshan Mountains toward Yining, a journey that blends soaring peaks, alpine lakes, and engineering marvels into one unforgettable day. Along the way, pause at Sayram Lake, the “Atlantic’s Last Tears,” whose brilliant blue waters shimmer beneath snow-capped ridges and stretch toward the horizon like a jewel set in the mountains. Continue through the dramatic Guozigou Valley, where the soaring Guozigou Bridge — the “First Bridge of the Tianshan Mountains” — arcs gracefully across deep gorges and connects the rugged peaks on either side. Arrive in Yining as the landscape softens into green valleys and fertile plains, closing the day with the warmth and charm of this historic Silk Road city.

Day 7 Yining – Nalati | Flower Sea of Tianshan Mountains

Distance: Approx. 270 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurant
Accommodation: Local 4-star Nalati Minrong Yunting Hotel (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Depart from Yining and head east into the Tianshan Mountains toward Nalati, a scenic journey that carries you from fertile valley plains into sweeping alpine highlands. Along the way, stop at the Tianshan Flower Sea, a vibrant carpet of blooming flowers stretching beneath the Tianshan Mountains — a dazzling splash of color planted and tended by hand against the backdrop of the mountains. Wander through the blossoms, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and soak in the endless views before continuing on to Nalati, where the famous “3D Grassland” of rolling meadows, forests, and snow peaks awaits to crown the day’s adventure.

Day 8 Nalati – Yining | Sky Grasslands, River Grassland, Six-Star Street

Distance: Approx. 270 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: Local 4-star Binglv Kunlun Hotel (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Spend the morning exploring the sweeping beauty of Nalati Grassland, one of the most celebrated alpine meadows in all of Xinjiang. Begin at the Sky Grassland, where rolling green hills rise toward the clouds and snow-capped peaks frame panoramic views in every direction — a truly “three-dimensional” landscape of meadow, forest, and mountain. Continue to the River Grassland, where crystal streams wind gently through open pastures, mirroring the sky and drawing flocks of grazing sheep and horses along their banks. Journey back to Yining in the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the Six-Star Streets of Yining, a charming grid of colorful alleys brimming with local flavor, artisan shops, and warm street-side hospitality. 

Day 9 Yining – Kashgar | Abakh Hoja Mausoleum,  Id-Kah Mosque, Kashgar Old Town

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Mercure Kashgar Ancient City (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Fly to Kashgar, a vital oasis city nestled at the foot of the Pamir Mountains. As a major crossroads on the ancient Silk Road, where northern and southern routes converged, Kashgar thrived as a bustling gateway for caravans journeying towards Central Asia, India, Pakistan, and ancient Persia (modern-day Iran). Visit Abakh Hoja Mausoleum upon arrival. This mausoleum is one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in China. It is an ancient Islamic building complex and a cemetery where five generations of a famous Islamic master were buried. Next, visit the 15th-century Id-Kah Mosque, the largest in Xinjiang. Proceed to Kashgar Old Town, which boasts over 2,000 years of history. Enjoy a stroll, meet Uyghur locals, and observe coppersmiths and cobblers using traditional tools, immersing yourself in their rich culture. 

Day 10 Kashgar – Tashkurgan | Karakoram Highway, Baisha Lake, Karakuri Lake

Distance: Approx. 310 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: Local 4-star Ji Hotel (Tashkurgan Khunjerab Road, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Set off along the legendary Karakoram Highway, a scenic route that winds its way through some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. Stop at Baisha Lake, where the shimmering turquoise waters reflect the surrounding white sand dunes and snow-capped mountains, creating a truly surreal vista. Arrive at the jewel of the Pamirs: Karakuri Lake. Situated at an altitude of over 3,600 meters, this pristine lake offers a mirror-like reflection of the majestic Muztagh Ata, Kongur Tagh, and Kongur Tiube peaks. Take your time to soak in the serene beauty of this high-altitude paradise, breathe in the pure mountain air, and perhaps interact with the local Kyrgyz nomads who call this region home. Continue the overland journey to Tashkurgan along the Karakuri Highway.

Altitude Sickness Notice: Altitude Sickness Notice
Located on the Pamir Plateau at 3,200 meters – with nearby highlights like Karakol Lake and Khunjerab Pass exceeding 3,600 to 4,700 meters – Tashkurgan involves a rapid elevation gain from Kashgar that can cause mild altitude sickness. To ensure a comfortable trip, stay warm, move at a relaxed pace, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid overexertion during your first 24 hours. Carrying portable oxygen canisters and simple headache remedies is highly recommended, and anyone experiencing severe symptoms should immediately rest, use oxygen, or descend to lower altitudes.

Day 11 Tashkurgan –Kashgar | Tashkurgan Fort, Golden Grassland

Distance: Approx. 310 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Mercure Kashgar Ancient City (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Morning visit to the ancient Tashkurgan Fort. Tashkurgan, meaning ‘stone city’ in Uyghur, is named for the ancient Tashkurgan Fort, a 2,000-year-old marvel. Strategically located at the convergence of vital caravan routes to Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Kyrgyzstan, the fort’s weathered stone walls stand as a testament to its pivotal defensive role along the Silk Road. Beyond its historical significance, the fortress offers panoramic views of the surrounding grasslands, deserts, and the majestic, snow-capped peaks of Muztagh Ata and its neighbors. Next, visit the mesmerizing Golden Grassland, where golden hues contrast against the dramatic backdrop of towering mountains. As its name implies, the grassland transforms into a golden paradise during sunrise and sunset, particularly stunning when framed by the fort and the surrounding snow-clad mountains. Return to Kashgar along Karakoram Highway (approx. 5 hours).

Day 12 Depart Kashgar

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel

A private transfer to the airport or train station of Kashgar will be provided for your departure. If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know and we would be delighted to assist you in customizing your itinerary. Have a wonderful trip!