22 Days Tibet - Xinjiang Highway Overland Tour from Lhasa to Urumqi (National Highway 219)

After breakfast, begin a full day exploring the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet.

First visit the iconic Potala Palace (布达拉宫), the former winter palace of the Dalai Lamas. Explore its grand halls, golden burial stupas, murals, and sacred chapels. From the palace viewpoint, enjoy a panoramic view of Lhasa Old Town.

Next, visit Jokhang Temple (大昭寺), Tibet’s most sacred temple, housing the revered 12-year-old statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. Outside the temple, you will witness devoted pilgrims performing full-body prostrations.

Continue to Barkhor Street (八廓街), a vibrant pilgrimage circuit and local bazaar filled with Tibetan handicrafts, jewelry, prayer wheels, incense, and traditional clothing. You can walk alongside pilgrims doing kora (religious circumambulation).

In the afternoon, experience a traditional Tibetan tea house, where locals gather for sweet tea, chatting, and daily life interactions.

Driving Distance & Time:

• Hotel → Potala Palace: 5–10 km / 15–25 mins (depending on location)
• Potala → Jokhang Temple: 3–5 km / 10–15 mins
• Jokhang → Barkhor Street: walking distance
• Barkhor → Tea house → Hotel: 5–10 km / 15–25 mins

Overnight: Lhasa

Today explores Tibet’s most important Gelugpa monasteries and monastic traditions.

Morning visit Drepung Monastery (哲蚌寺), once the largest monastery in Tibet housing over 10,000 monks. Explore the grand assembly halls and view Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and history. Learn about its role as the former seat of the Tibetan government before the Potala Palace.

You may also explore nearby monastic colleges and courtyards, gaining insight into monk education and daily monastic life.

After lunch, visit Sera Monastery (色拉寺), famous for its lively monk debate sessions held in the courtyard (usually 15:00–17:30, except Sundays). Here monks engage in energetic philosophical debates using hand gestures, clapping, and logic arguments.

Optional: Walk a short kora (pilgrimage circuit) around the monastery if time and energy permit.

Return to Lhasa city in the late afternoon.

Driving Distance & Time:

• Lhasa → Drepung Monastery: 8 km / 20–25 mins
• Drepung → Sera Monastery: 10 km / 25–30 mins
• Sera → Lhasa hotel: 5–10 km / 15–25 mins
• Total driving: ~25–30 km / 1.5–2 hrs (split throughout the day)

Overnight: Lhasa

After breakfast, begin your overland journey toward western Tibet, leaving Lhasa behind and heading across the vast plateau.

Your first major highlight is crossing Gampala Pass (4,790m), where you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the turquoise Yamdrok Lake (4,400m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers stunning photo opportunities.

Continue driving along the lake shoreline before heading toward Gyantse. On the way, pass the spectacular Karola Glacier, where the glacier tongue descends dramatically close to the road.

Upon arrival in Gyantse, visit the famous Pelkor Chode Monastery and its iconic Kumbum Stupa, a unique multi-tiered structure symbolizing different levels of Buddhist teachings.

Afterward, continue driving through scenic Tibetan farmland to reach Shigatse, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama.

Driving Distance & Time:

• Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Gyantse → Shigatse
• ~360 km / 7–8 hours (including stops for sightseeing)

Altitude Change: 3650m → 4790m → 3850m

Overnight: Shigatse

Today is a long but scenic drive as you head deeper into remote western Tibet toward the Ngari region.

After breakfast, depart from Shigatse and drive westward along the Friendship Highway. The landscape gradually changes from cultivated farmland to vast open plateau, dotted with nomadic settlements and grazing yaks.

You will pass through Lhatse, a small town where you may stop for lunch and a short rest.

Continuing onward, cross several high mountain passes and expansive valleys, experiencing the raw beauty of the Tibetan Plateau. Along the way, you may encounter herds of wild animals such as Tibetan antelope and wild donkeys.

Arrive in Saga, an important transit hub on the way to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. Due to the increasing altitude, take it easy and rest well upon arrival.

Driving Distance & Time:

• Shigatse → Saga
• ~450 km / 8–9 hours

Altitude Change: 3850m → ~4500m

Overnight: Saga

After breakfast, continue your journey westward from Saga into the remote Ngari Plateau, one of the most isolated yet spiritually significant regions in Tibet.

Drive across vast barren landscapes and high-altitude grasslands toward Drongpa County, located near the upper reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. Along the way, you will pass both Old and New Drongpa settlements, where you may see traditional Tibetan symbols such as yak skulls carved with sacred mantras like “Om Mani Padme Hum.”

Continue driving through the high plateau, crossing Baryang (4750m), with endless views of rugged terrain, distant snow peaks, and nomadic camps.

By late afternoon, you will arrive at the sacred Lake Manasarovar, one of the holiest lakes in Asia for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. The deep blue waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating an incredibly peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.

If weather permits, enjoy a quiet walk along the lakeshore and witness sunset over the holy lake.

Driving Distance & Time:

• Saga → Drongpa → Lake Manasarovar
• ~500 km / 9–10 hours

Altitude Change: ~4500m → 4550m

Accommodation: Lakeside guesthouse or camp near Manasarovar

Today is a more relaxed and spiritually immersive day around Lake Manasarovar.

In the morning, take time to explore the lakeshore. Many pilgrims perform kora (circumambulation) around the lake, meditate, or simply sit quietly to absorb the sacred energy of this revered site. On clear days, you may catch your first glimpse of the holy Mount Kailash rising in the distance.

During summer months, flocks of migratory birds and swans gather around the lake, adding life and movement to the serene environment.

After the visit, drive a short distance to Darchen, the starting point for the Mount Kailash trek (kora). Upon arrival, check into your guesthouse and take the rest of the day to rest, organize trekking gear, and prepare physically for the upcoming high-altitude trek.

You may also arrange yaks or porters through your guide if needed.

Driving Distance & Time:

• Lake Manasarovar → Darchen
• ~30 km / 1 hour

Altitude Change: 4550m → 4575m

Overnight: Darchen

Today marks the beginning of your sacred Mount Kailash kora (trek).

In the morning, take a short eco-bus ride from Darchen to Sarshung Valley, the official starting point of the trek. Here, you will meet your yak handlers and porters, who will help carry your main luggage.

The trek begins with a relatively gentle walk along a wide valley beneath the southern and western slopes of Mount Kailash. The path is mostly flat and gradual, making it a good day to acclimatize while enjoying the stunning scenery.

Along the way, you will pass nomadic camps, grazing yaks, and small tea tents where you can rest and refresh. The sacred mountain remains in view for much of the trek, offering changing perspectives as you move forward.

After approximately 5–7 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Dirapuk Monastery (4920m), located directly opposite the dramatic north face of Mount Kailash.

In the evening, weather permitting, you can witness a breathtaking sunset illuminating the north face of Kailash—one of the most iconic views of the entire journey.

Trekking Distance: 13 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Altitude Gain: 4575m → 4920m (+345m)
Difficulty: Moderate (gradual ascent)

Accommodation: Guesthouse or basic lodge near Dirapuk Monastery

Today is the most challenging and spiritually significant day of the entire trek.

Start early in the morning from Dirapuk Monastery to begin a steep ascent toward Dolma La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 5630m.

The initial 4 km climb is demanding due to steep gradients and high altitude. As you approach the pass, you will see countless prayer flags fluttering in the wind, marking this sacred crossing point.

After reaching Dolma La Pass, begin a steep descent. Shortly after, you will encounter the beautiful turquoise Guri Kund (Lake of Compassion), believed to hold deep spiritual significance.

The trail continues down into the valley, gradually becoming easier as you follow a river through rocky terrain and open grasslands.

After a long but rewarding trek (8–10 hours total), you will reach Zutulpuk Monastery (around 4790m), known for its connection to the great Tibetan yogi Milarepa.

Trekking Distance: 22 km
Hiking Time: 8–10 hours
Altitude Gain/Loss: 4920m → 5630m → 4790m
Difficulty: Challenging (steep ascent + long descent, high altitude)

Accommodation: Guesthouse near Zutulpuk Monastery

Today marks the final stage of your Mount Kailash kora.

After breakfast, depart from Zutulpuk Monastery and follow a relatively gentle trail along the valley. Compared to the previous day, today’s trek is much easier, with gradual terrain and lower altitude.

You will walk alongside a stream through wide open landscapes, passing prayer walls, mani stones, and small caves associated with Milarepa, the famous Tibetan yogi.

After approximately 3–4 hours of trekking, you will reach the end point of the kora, where your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Darchen.

Upon arrival, check into your guesthouse and enjoy a well-deserved rest after completing the sacred pilgrimage around Mount Kailash.

Trekking Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Altitude Change: ~4790m → 4575m (descent)
Difficulty: Easy

Overnight: Darchen

After breakfast, begin a scenic yet adventurous drive from Darchen toward the ancient ruins of western Tibet.

The journey takes you across dramatic landscapes of eroded canyons, clay formations, and deep valleys as you descend into the Sutlej River basin. After several hours of driving through rugged terrain, you will arrive in Zanda, the historical heart of the ancient Guge Kingdom.

Visit the fascinating Guge Kingdom Ruins, once a powerful civilization that flourished over 1,000 years ago before mysteriously disappearing. Explore the hillside fortress, cave dwellings, temples, and murals that reflect a unique blend of Tibetan and Indian artistic influences.

Continue to Tholing Monastery, founded in the 10th century by the great translator Rinchen Zangpo. It was once the most important religious center in western Tibet and played a key role in the revival of Buddhism in the region.

After sightseeing, check into your accommodation in Zanda.

Driving Distance & Time:

• Darchen → Zanda → Guge Kingdom
• ~243 km / 7–8 hours (mountain roads and stops included)

Altitude Change: 4575m → ~3700–3800m (Zanda region)

Overnight: Zanda

After breakfast, depart from Zanda and begin a long but visually stunning drive across the wild landscapes of western Tibet.

You will first head toward Ali (also known as Shiquanhe), the administrative and logistical center of Ngari Prefecture. This is one of the few relatively developed towns in western Tibet, where you can briefly rest, refuel, and experience a contrast between remote wilderness and modern settlement.

Along the way, follow parts of the upper Indus River, which originates near Mount Kailash and flows westward across the plateau toward South Asia.

Continue northward through vast, barren highland terrain toward the spectacular Pangong Tso Lake, one of the most mesmerizing alpine lakes in the region. Its striking blue waters shift colors throughout the day depending on sunlight and weather.

The lake stretches across international borders, with part of it in Tibet and part in India, surrounded by rugged mountains and open sky.

Upon arrival, enjoy the tranquility of the lakeside environment, perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

Driving Distance & Time:

• Zanda → Ali → Pangong Tso
• ~395 km / 7–8 hours

Altitude Change: ~3800m → ~4200–4300m

Road Conditions: Mostly paved with some rough sections

Accommodation: Lakeside camp or basic guesthouse

Today is one of the most remote and rugged driving days of the entire journey as you approach the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway.

Depart from Pangong Tso Lake and head north toward Dorma, entering increasingly isolated terrain with minimal infrastructure.

As you move further north, road conditions become significantly rougher, with long stretches of gravel roads, rocky surfaces, and uneven terrain. This section offers a true overland expedition experience.

You will cross the high Tialongtan La Pass, exceeding 5,000 meters above sea level. From the pass, enjoy expansive views of desolate plateau landscapes and distant snow-covered peaks.

Continue the long drive to Dahongliutan, a basic but important stopover point before entering Xinjiang.

Due to the remote conditions, accommodation is simple and facilities are limited.

Driving Distance & Time:

• Pangong Tso → Dorma → Dahongliutan
• ~433 km / 9–11 hours (depending on road conditions)

Altitude Change: ~4200m → 5000m+ → ~4500m

Road Conditions: Rough, unpaved sections; physically demanding journey

Accommodation: Basic guesthouse (very limited facilities)

Distance: ~122 km
Driving Time: ~3–3.5 hours
Altitude: 4200m → 3650m
Road Conditions: G219 paved highway with some uneven gravel sections and potholes

Depart at 08:00 from Dahongliutan (大红柳滩), a remote plateau outpost known for its red willow shrubs and basic supply facilities (fuel station, simple eateries, and prefab accommodation). Refuel and stock up before departure.

Drive west along G219 National Highway (G219国道) through vast desert plateau scenery. Around 09:30, arrive at Kangxiwa Pass (康西瓦达坂, 4269m), a classic photo stop where you can see the dramatic contrast of the Karakoram Mountains (喀喇昆仑山脉) with snow peaks rising above barren desert land. Stay 10–15 minutes for photography and views.

Continue for about 20 minutes to visit Kangxiwa Martyrs Cemetery (康西瓦烈士陵园), the highest-altitude military cemetery on the Xinjiang-Tibet route. It commemorates soldiers from the Sino-Indian Border Conflict (1962年中印边境自卫反击战). Visit quietly and respectfully.

By around 10:30, arrive at Sanshiliyingfang / Saitula Town (三十里营房/赛图拉镇), located at about 3650m. This is a key logistics stop on the highway with petrol stations, repair shops, small supermarkets, pharmacies, and basic restaurants. Historically, it was a Qing dynasty frontier post and later developed into an important military supply base.

After check-in and rest, have lunch at local restaurants. Accommodation options include simple guesthouses with private or shared bathrooms (RMB 100–240).

In the afternoon, you may visit Saitula Outpost Ruins (赛图拉哨卡遗址), featuring remnants of old frontier defense walls from Qing and Republican periods. The surrounding highland valley grasslands (高原河谷草甸) offer open scenery where yaks and sheep often graze, ideal for photography.

Dinner can include local Xinjiang cuisine such as Big Plate Chicken (大盘鸡), Pilaf (手抓饭), and Lamb Skewers (羊肉串), providing energy for high-altitude travel.

Night temperature drops sharply, so rest early and prepare for the next day’s journey.

Distance: ~360 km｜Driving Time: ~7–8 hrs｜Altitude: 3600m → 1300m
Road Conditions: G219 paved highway, multiple high passes, long downhill after Kudi Pass

Depart at 07:00 from Sanshiliyingfang (三十里营房 / 赛图拉镇). Eat a solid breakfast (porridge, buns, eggs) and fully refuel, as there are no reliable gas stations before Yecheng.

At 08:30, pass through Heika Pass (黑卡子达坂 / 柯克阿特达坂) at 4909m (tunnel section, old pass 4999m). The modern tunnel replaces the old winding road, saving time and improving safety. Brief stop outside for views of the western Kunlun Mountains (昆仑山脉)—windy and cold, so keep warm.

At 09:30, reach Maza Pass (麻扎达坂 / 塞力亚克达坂, 4969m), one of the most dangerous sections of G219 with sharp curves, long slopes, and possible ice or rockfall. Drive slowly, no overtaking, and stop only in safe areas. The panoramic view here shows both Kunlun Mountains (昆仑山脉) and Karakoram Mountains (喀喇昆仑山脉)—a full 360° snow mountain horizon. Recommended stop: 20–30 minutes.

At 12:00, descend to Kudi Pass (库地达坂, 3150m), known as the “Kunlun First Gate (昆仑第一关).” After this point, altitude drops sharply and the landscape changes into deep canyons and river valleys. Use engine braking on long downhill sections to avoid brake overheating.

At 14:00, arrive at the symbolic endpoint/start point of the highway: Yecheng 0 km Monument (叶城零公里纪念碑), marking the official beginning of G219. A classic photo stop with highway signage and mountain backdrop.

From 14:30–18:00, explore Yecheng (叶城), a comfortable low-altitude town (~1300m). Visit Sitia Ancient City (锡提亚迷城 / 西夜迷城, 3A) with ancient ruins and reconstructed desert architecture, or optionally Zonglang Sacred Spring (宗朗灵泉, 4A) with clear spring water and grasslands at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains. In the evening, explore Pomegranate Bazaar (石榴巴扎) and Qixian Square Night Market (七仙广场夜市) for local fruits and Uyghur cuisine such as Kazan meat (缸子肉), roasted lamb, baked buns, and yogurt drinks.

Distance: ~250 km
Driving Time: ~4–5 hours
Road Conditions: Smooth asphalt highway (G315), desert edge road with stable driving conditions

Depart from Yecheng (叶城) in the morning and head west toward Kashgar (喀什), the largest oasis city in western China. The route follows a well-maintained blacktop highway running along the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠).

As you drive, the scenery gradually transforms into a vast desert landscape—rolling sand dunes, grey-black rocky formations, and endless horizon views that define the character of the Taklamakan. This stretch offers a classic “silk road desert drive” experience, with wide open spaces and strong visual contrast between oasis and desert.

On arrival in Kashgar, you enter one of the most culturally vibrant cities in Xinjiang. If the timing is Sunday, don’t miss the famous Sunday Bazaar (喀什大巴扎 / 周日集市), one of the largest traditional markets in Asia. In the morning especially, the roads leading into the city are lively and crowded, with donkey carts loaded with vegetables, fruit sellers, families, and local traders moving toward the market—creating a vivid scene of traditional Central Asian trade culture still alive today.

Spend the rest of the day exploring Kashgar’s old city atmosphere, preparing for your final travel experiences in Xinjiang.

Today is a relaxed cultural exploration day in Kashgar (喀什), the most important oasis city on the ancient Silk Road and a living center of Uyghur culture.

Start the morning in the Kashgar Old City (喀什古城), one of the best-preserved traditional Islamic old towns in China. Walk through narrow alleys lined with adobe-style houses, wooden balconies, artisan workshops, and tea houses. This area is ideal for photography and experiencing local daily life, where craftsmen still make pottery, knives, and musical instruments by hand.

Continue to the iconic Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺), the largest mosque in China. Located in the heart of the city, it represents the spiritual center of Kashgar’s Muslim community. You can observe its yellow-brick courtyard architecture and peaceful atmosphere while learning about local religious traditions.

Afterwards, visit the lively Kashgar Grand Bazaar (喀什大巴扎), a major trading hub in Xinjiang. Here you can browse spices, dried fruits, carpets, silk products, traditional hats, and local handicrafts. The atmosphere is vibrant, with traders from different ethnic groups gathered in one place.

In the afternoon, you may explore Abakh Khoja Tomb (香妃墓), a beautiful historical complex known for its elegant Islamic architecture and turquoise domes. It is one of Kashgar’s most important cultural landmarks and reflects the heritage of the region’s noble families.

End the day with a walk in the evening streets or enjoy Uyghur cuisine such as roasted lamb, hand-pulled noodles, and naan bread in a local restaurant. Kashgar at night is calm but atmospheric, with warm lights and a relaxed desert city vibe.

Distance: ~580 km｜Driving Time: ~7–8 hrs｜Altitude: 1300m → 1200m
Road Conditions: G315 National Highway + partial expressway, smooth asphalt with desert–oasis scenery

Depart at 08:00 from Kashgar (喀什), driving east along G315 through the southern Xinjiang corridor, where desert landscapes gradually blend with green oasis towns and distant Kunlun foothills.

At 09:00, arrive at Yingjisha Knife Village (喀拉巴兰干村 / Kalabalan Village) in Yingjisha (英吉沙). This is a key highlight of the day, known for its centuries-old handmade Xinjiang knife craftsmanship, where artisans forge, carve, and decorate traditional blades. Nearby, you may also visit Pottery Village (恰克日库依村 / Qiaquerikuy Village) to see non-heritage clay pottery production and local rural life. (Stop ~30 min)

Continue to Shache (莎车), arriving around 11:30–12:00 for lunch. After a local Uyghur meal (roasted buns, hand-pulled lamb, noodles), visit the Amanisa Khan Mausoleum (阿曼尼莎汗纪念陵墓)—a cultural landmark dedicated to the legendary queen who preserved Muqam music traditions. (Optional short visit)

At 13:30, continue toward Yecheng (叶城). Around 15:30, reach one of the most iconic photo stops of the entire journey:
Xinjiang–Tibet Highway 0 km Monument (新藏线零公里纪念碑)
This landmark marks the official starting point of G219 National Highway (Xinjiang–Tibet Highway), often called the “Gateway of the Sky Road.” A must-stop for photography. (Stop 20–30 min)

From 16:00–18:30, drive the final section to Hotan (和田), passing desert plains and scattered green oases. Optional short rest in Pishan (皮山) along the way.

Arrive in Hotan (和田) around 18:30. In the evening, visit the city’s most vibrant attraction:
Hotan Grand Bazaar (和田大巴扎) — a bustling night market famous for its Uyghur culture, handicrafts, and food. Highlights include Hotan Jade (和田玉), dried dates, walnuts, and street food such as lamb skewers, baked buns, grilled eggs, and yogurt drinks.

Distance: ~500 km｜Driving Time: ~8–9 hrs｜Altitude: 1200m → 1250m
Road Conditions: G580 Desert Highway + desert asphalt road, long straight sections, stable but remote driving

Today is a signature desert crossing day, traveling through the heart of the Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠)—the largest shifting desert in China, often called the “Sea of Death.” The route combines endless dunes, desert shelterbelts, and engineered highway infrastructure cutting through one of the most extreme environments on Earth.

Depart at 07:30 from Hotan (和田), joining the Alaer–Hotan Desert Highway (阿拉尔-和田沙漠公路 / G580). Shortly after departure, the landscape transforms into vast sand dunes stretching endlessly on both sides of the road. Designated pull-off points along the highway allow for safe photography of the desert scenery—rolling dunes, wind-shaped ridges, and deep silence defining the experience. Driving requires steady speed, safe distance, and fatigue control due to long straight sections.

At around 12:00, arrive at Tazhong Town (塔中镇), the only major supply station in the desert highway. This is a key stop for lunch and refueling. Enjoy simple Xinjiang or Sichuan-style meals (40–60 RMB/person). After lunch, rest for about 1 hour and fully refuel the vehicle, as no reliable services exist further along the desert road. Check tires, brakes, and stock up on water, snacks, and energy supplies.

At 13:00, continue driving north through the desert corridor. This section showcases iconic Taklamakan Desert landscapes (塔克拉玛干沙漠)—golden dunes, sparse desert vegetation, and protective shelterbelts of desert poplar (胡杨林防护带). On clear days, the contrast between blue sky and endless sand creates dramatic scenery. Short stops can be made only at safe designated areas.

By around 18:30, exit the desert highway and arrive in Kuqa (库车), an important cultural city of the ancient Kucha Kingdom (龟兹文化). After hotel check-in and rest, head to Kuqa Old Town (库车老城) for evening exploration. Walk through traditional Uyghur streets and enjoy local cuisine such as Kuqa baked buns (库车烤包子), naan meat (馕坑肉), and large traditional naan bread (库车大馕), reflecting strong Uyghur and ancient Silk Road influences.

Distance: ~290 km｜Driving Time: ~4–5 hrs｜Altitude: 1250m → 930m
Road Conditions: G3012 Turpan–Hotan Expressway (吐和高速), excellent highway with occasional speed monitoring sections

A relaxed transition day from the ancient Kucha cultural region into the oasis city of Korla, known as the “Pear City (梨城)” of Xinjiang, passing through desert-edge oases, river valleys, and agricultural landscapes.

Depart at 09:00 from Kuqa (库车). Before leaving, you may visit Kuqa Big Naan City (库车大馕城), where traditional Uyghur naan bread is baked in large clay ovens. You can observe the production process and purchase freshly baked naan for the road.

Drive east on G3012 Expressway for about 1.5 hours to reach Luntai County (轮台县). Stop briefly (~30 min) to visit the outskirts of Luntai Poplar Forest Park (轮台胡杨林公园), one of the most famous desert poplar ecosystems in Xinjiang. In autumn, the golden Populus Euphratica Forest (胡杨林) creates a spectacular desert–golden landscape.

At around 12:00, stop in Luntai (轮台) for lunch. Try local specialties such as roasted lamb skewers and hand-pulled noodles (30–40 RMB/person). After lunch, rest and continue driving east after checking fuel, water, and vehicle condition.

At 13:30, continue along G3012 through alternating landscapes of Tarim River tributaries (塔里木河支流), irrigated farmland, and oasis settlements. The scenery gradually becomes greener as you approach northern Xinjiang’s agricultural belt.

Arrive in Korla (库尔勒) around 15:30–16:00 and check into your hotel. After rest, take a walk along the Kongque River (孔雀河), the city’s signature waterway, where riverside parks and evening lights create a relaxing atmosphere.

In the evening around 18:00, visit Korla Grand Bazaar (库尔勒大巴扎) to explore local fruit markets and food stalls. This is a great place to try Korla pears (库尔勒香梨), grapes, and other seasonal fruits. You can also enjoy Xinjiang dishes such as roasted whole lamb, pilaf (抓饭), and baked buns.

Accommodation: Korla city hotels (160–380 RMB/night), with full facilities and convenient access to riverside and downtown areas.

Distance: ~380 km｜Driving Time: ~4–5 hrs｜Altitude: 930m → 910m
Road Conditions: G0711 Xinjiang–Wuwei Expressway (新乌尉高速), modern highway with excellent surface and regular service areas

Final driving day of the journey, transitioning from the Tarim Basin oasis city into the political and cultural center of Xinjiang—Urumqi, passing along the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains (天山山脉).

Depart at 08:30 from Korla (库尔勒), joining G0711 Expressway. The route runs through a mix of Tianshan grasslands (天山草原), river valleys, and desert-steppe landscapes, offering a final overview of Xinjiang’s diverse geography.

Around 10:30, stop at Heshuo Service Area (和静服务区) for a short break (~30 min). This is a good point to rest, refill hot water, check tire pressure, fuel level, and have snacks before the final leg of the journey.

Continue driving north toward Urumqi (乌鲁木齐), with smooth highways and well-developed infrastructure along the route. Arrive in Urumqi around 12:00 and check into your hotel. Recommended area is Tianshan District (天山区), close to the city’s main attractions and dining streets.

After check-in and rest, enjoy lunch at a local Xinjiang restaurant. Recommended dishes include roasted whole lamb, hand-pulled rice (抓饭), and red willow kebabs (红柳烤肉), offering a final taste of Xinjiang’s rich cuisine.

At 14:00, visit the highlight of the city:
Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar (新疆国际大巴扎) — a landmark cultural complex featuring Islamic-style architecture, observation tower, handicraft markets, and dried fruit shops. Here you can buy raisins, almonds (巴旦木), dried fruits, and dairy products, and optionally watch Uyghur dance performances.

Nearby, walk to Xinjiang Folk Street (新疆民街) and the Ethnic Culture Museum area (民俗博物馆) to gain a quick overview of Xinjiang’s multicultural heritage.

In the evening around 18:30, return to the Grand Bazaar Night Food Street (大巴扎美食广场) to try local snacks such as baked buns (烤包子), yogurt drinks (酸奶), and mutton soup (羊杂汤). The illuminated bazaar at night is one of the most atmospheric urban scenes in Xinjiang.

Distance: Local transfer｜Driving Time: 30–60 min (hotel → airport/railway station)｜Altitude: ~910m
Road Conditions: Urban roads, smooth and well-developed

Final day of the journey in Xinjiang. A short transfer day for departure from the regional capital Urumqi (乌鲁木齐), marking the end of the overland expedition across Tibet and Xinjiang.

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a relaxed morning depending on your flight or train schedule. If time allows, you may take a final walk around nearby streets or purchase last-minute souvenirs such as dried fruits, nuts, or local specialties.

Transfer to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (乌鲁木齐地窝堡国际机场) or Urumqi Railway Station for departure. Your driver will assist with luggage and ensure timely arrival for check-in procedures.

End of service.