10 Days North to South Xinjiang Tour with Urumqi, Kashgar and Yili

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver at the hotel and travel to Heavenly Lake, one of the most famous natural attractions in Xinjiang. Located in the Tianshan Mountains, the lake is surrounded by snow-covered peaks, evergreen spruce forests and peaceful alpine valleys.

Upon arrival, take the scenic-area shuttle into the mountain region and enjoy a relaxing walk along the lakeshore. The clear water reflects the surrounding mountains and forests, creating excellent opportunities for photography. Depending on local operating conditions, you may also take an optional boat ride or cable car journey to a higher viewpoint for panoramic views of the lake and the Tianshan Mountains.

After the visit, continue west to Kuitun. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and rest after the day’s journey.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kuitun
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Private vehicle and scenic-area shuttle
Altitude: Approximately 800 meters in Kuitun

After breakfast, travel west to Sayram Lake, one of the largest and highest alpine lakes in Xinjiang. Surrounded by mountains and open grasslands, the lake is known for its clear blue water and expansive natural scenery.

In April, snow may still remain on the surrounding mountains and parts of the lakeshore, creating a striking contrast between the deep blue lake, white peaks and gradually awakening grasslands. Enjoy time walking along the shore and stopping at selected viewpoints for photography.

Continue through Guozigou Valley, a historic passage connecting Sayram Lake with the Ili River Valley. Along the way, admire the dramatic mountain landscape and the impressive Guozigou Bridge.

After arriving in Yining, visit Kazanqi Folk Culture Village, where colorful houses, traditional courtyards, local streets and horse-drawn carriages reveal the everyday culture of the city’s diverse communities.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Yining
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Private vehicle

After breakfast, drive into the eastern Ili River Valley to visit Qiaxi Grassland. Mountains, forests, streams and meadows surround the area, creating a peaceful setting for walking, sightseeing and photography.

Continue toward Turgen Apricot Valley in Xinyuan County. The valley contains an extensive natural wild apricot forest spread across rolling hills near the Gongnais River. During the flowering season, the slopes become covered with soft pink and white blossoms.

Walk through the valley and enjoy views of apricot trees, traditional pastures and distant snow mountains. The exact flowering dates vary according to spring temperatures, rainfall and elevation, but your local team will adjust the visit according to the best available blossom conditions.

After the visit, drive to Nalati and check in at your hotel.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Nalati
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Private vehicle

Spend the day exploring Nalati Grassland, one of the best-known mountain pasture regions in Xinjiang. Located between forested slopes and snow-covered peaks, Nalati combines open meadows, river valleys, spruce forests and traditional Kazakh settlements.

The grassland has served as an important seasonal pasture for generations. During the visit, learn about Kazakh nomadic traditions and enjoy the changing views of mountains, forests and grass-covered valleys.

Depending on weather and local operating conditions, activities may include sightseeing by park shuttle, walking through selected meadow areas, visiting viewpoints or arranging an optional horseback-riding experience. In early April, some higher sections may still be covered with snow, while lower valleys begin to show the first colors of spring.

Return to your hotel in Nalati after the visit.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Nalati
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Private vehicle and scenic-area shuttle

After breakfast, enjoy additional time in the Nalati area or visit another accessible section of the grassland according to weather and road conditions.

Later, drive back to Yining Airport and take an evening flight to Kashgar, the cultural and historical center of southern Xinjiang. Upon arrival, meet your Kashgar guide and transfer to your hotel.

The flight from Yining to Kashgar creates an efficient connection between the Ili River Valley and the western edge of the Tarim Basin, allowing the tour to include both northern and southern Xinjiang within ten days.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Private vehicle and domestic flight

After breakfast, begin the journey along the Karakoram Highway, one of the most scenic mountain roads in China. The route travels through changing landscapes of dry valleys, colorful mountains, highland lakes and snow-covered peaks.

Stop at White Sand Lake, also known as Bulungkol Lake. White sand dunes rise beside the blue water, while the surrounding mountains create a mysterious high-altitude landscape.

Continue to Karakul Lake, located beneath the great peaks of the Pamir Mountains. The lake is especially famous for its views of Muztagh Ata. When the weather is clear and the water is calm, the mountain and surrounding grasslands are reflected on the surface of the lake.

Local Kyrgyz herders traditionally graze yaks, sheep and camels around this region. After enjoying the scenery, continue to Tashkurgan and check in at your hotel.

This day includes a considerable increase in altitude. Travelers should walk slowly, drink sufficient water and avoid strenuous activity after arrival.

Accommodation: Hotel in Tashkurgan
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Private vehicle

After breakfast, visit the ancient Tashkurgan Stone Fortress, which stands on a raised position overlooking the surrounding valley. The site has long been associated with the Silk Road routes linking China with Central and South Asia.

The fortress was constructed with stone foundations and sun-dried brick walls. Although only parts of the original structure remain, its location provides a vivid impression of the strategic importance of Tashkurgan.

Continue to nearby Golden Grassland, a broad wetland and pasture area with wooden walking paths. From the grassland, enjoy panoramic views of the Stone Fortress, snow mountains, rivers and the traditional landscape of the Pamir Plateau.

After the visit, drive back to Kashgar along the Karakoram Highway. Additional photography stops may be arranged at Karakul Lake, White Sand Lake or other viewpoints when time and road conditions permit.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Private vehicle

Meet your guide after breakfast and begin a full-day exploration of Kashgar. Start with Id Kah Mosque, one of the most important Islamic landmarks in Xinjiang. The mosque has served as a major religious and community center for local Muslim residents.

Continue into Kashgar Old City, a lively neighborhood of narrow streets, traditional homes, workshops, tea houses and local markets. When available, watch the Old City opening ceremony before exploring the historic lanes with your guide.

A visit to a local Uyghur family may be arranged to provide a closer understanding of traditional architecture, family customs, food culture and everyday life. Lunch can be enjoyed at a local restaurant featuring regional Xinjiang dishes.

Continue to the handicraft streets, where artisans produce pottery, copperware, woodwork, musical instruments, carpets, hats and decorative items using skills passed down through generations.

When this day falls on a Sunday, the program may also include the Kashgar Livestock Market or other sections of the traditional bazaar. Farmers and traders arrive with sheep, cattle, horses and other livestock, creating a colorful and energetic scene of bargaining and rural commerce.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kashgar
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Private vehicle

After breakfast, enjoy free time according to your flight schedule. Your driver will transfer you to Kashgar Laining International Airport for your onward flight.

Your journey through Xinjiang ends after experiencing the alpine lakes and apricot valleys of northern Xinjiang, the historic streets of Kashgar and the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Pamir Plateau.

Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: Private airport transfer