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Train crossing the red canyon landscape at sunset
Kashgar · Pamir · Shache · Hotan · Taklamakan · Aksu

South Xinjiang, Pamir Plateau & Kashgar 9-Day Tour

The deepest South Xinjiang route in this series: Pamir, Shache, Hotan, the Taklamakan Desert Highway, Wensu Grand Canyon and the Dolan cultural landscape.

9 days2–6 guests1+1 first-class vehicleLocal driver service
Request a written quoteView day by day
9full route
2–6guests
1+1first-class vehicle
USDland-only pricing
Route overview

South Xinjiang, Pamir Plateau & Kashgar 9-Day Tour

The nine-day route turns south from Kashgar into the oasis and desert corridor. It adds Hotan, the desert highway, Wensu Grand Canyon and the Dolan cultural landscape, while still keeping a complete Pamir start.

Signature experiences

Pamir highlands

White Sand Lake, Khunjerab Pass, Panlong Road, Muztagh Glacier Park and the Tajik cultural programme.

Hotan and the southern oases

Shache tea-house culture, Yarkant Old City and the evening food atmosphere of Hotan.

Taklamakan Desert Highway

Cross the desert road from Hotan toward Aral with a dedicated overnight stop.

Wensu Canyon and Dolan culture

Explore the canyon landscape, then visit the Dolan Tribe experience before returning to Kashgar.

Accommodation plan

  • 2 nights in a five-star-standard diffuse-oxygen room in Tashkurgan
  • 5 nights in four-star hotels across Kashgar, Hotan, Aral and Aksu
  • 1 night in a four-star hotel near Kashgar Old City
Train crossing the red canyon landscape at sunsetTravellers walking in a red canyonKashgar fruit market and local vendorPrivate vehicle in a red canyon near Kashgar

Day-by-day itinerary

D1

Arrive in Kashgar

Airport or railway pickup and check-in at a four-star hotel.

Kashgar · 4-star hotel
D2

Kashgar · White Sand Lake · Tashkurgan

Hot-naan experience, Karakoram Highway, Oytagh Red Canyon, Muji Crater, White Sand Lake and Tagharma Wetland.

Tashkurgan · diffuse-oxygen room
D3

Tashkurgan border and culture day

Khunjerab Pass, Wakhan Corridor, Panlong Road, Bandir Blue Lake, Pamir Eye and Tajik family experiences.

Tashkurgan · diffuse-oxygen room
D4

Tashkurgan · Muztagh · Kashgar

Village sunrise, Muztagh Glacier Park, Karakul Lake and Kashgar Old City portrait experience.

Kashgar · 4-star hotel
D5

Kashgar · Shache · Hotan

Shache Old City tea-house culture and Yarkant Old City, then continue to Hotan for the night market. From 8 October, Zepu poplar forest normally replaces the old-city stops.

Hotan · 4-star hotel
D6

Hotan · Taklamakan Desert Highway · Aral

Travel the desert highway across the Taklamakan and stay overnight in Aral.

Aral · 4-star hotel
D7

Aral · Wensu Grand Canyon · Aksu

Visit Wensu Grand Canyon, known for its red rock ridges and canyon roads, then continue to Aksu.

Aksu · 4-star hotel
D8

Aksu · Dolan Tribe · Kashgar

Visit the Dolan Tribe cultural landscape and return to Kashgar with free time near the Old City in the evening.

Kashgar · hotel near the Old City
D9

Depart from Kashgar

Breakfast and transfer according to the confirmed flight or train.

Tour ends in Kashgar
Seasonal prices

9-day price by travel date

Per-person land-only prices. Final room availability and inclusions are confirmed in writing.

Travel datesPrice per person
10 Aug–23 Sep 2026US$889 pp
24 Sep–5 Oct 2026US$972 pp
6 Oct–10 Nov 2026US$944 pp
Included / Not included

Included & Not included

Included

  • Eight hotel nights as listed
  • 1+1 first-class vehicle and local driver service
  • Listed Pamir, oasis, desert and canyon access
  • Tajik cultural programme, Dolan experience and Kashgar portrait
  • 24-hour pickup, travel support and travel insurance

Not included

  • Flights and rail sectors not listed
  • China visa fees and travel documents
  • Meals not confirmed in writing
  • Optional westernmost extension, personal expenses and single-room requests
Before you book

9-day FAQ

Does the nine-day route include China's Westernmost Point?

Not in the base itinerary. The supplied plan notes that a Westernmost Point day can be added for CNY400 per person, subject to dates and operations.

How long is the desert driving day?

The Hotan–Aral desert section is a full travel day with scenic and rest stops. The final timing depends on road control, weather and the confirmed vehicle.

Is this route suitable for a first Xinjiang trip?

It is comprehensive and involves multiple hotel changes. Choose it if you want both the Pamir and the southern desert corridor and are comfortable with consecutive travel days.

Check availability

Plan your South Xinjiang trip

Send your departure city, dates and group details. We will confirm the current hotels, vehicle, route order and inclusions in writing.

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