Day 1 Korla★Assembly Day
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Itinerary meeting day/ We sincerely welcome you
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Free airport transfer service, worry-free arrival
Today is the gathering day. Tourists from all over the country are requested to go to [Korla Airport] according to their own means of transportation. Upon arrival, a 24-hour free pick-up service will be provided by a special car, and then you will be driven to the hotel for check-in.
[Viewing time] The best viewing period for Populus euphratica is from mid-to-late October to mid-November
Based on past experience, yellow leaves begin to appear in the Populus euphratica forest in early October, with widespread yellowing occurring in mid-October and continuing until early November. Of course, the exact nature of the autumn colors each year depends on October's temperature and weather patterns.
Accommodation presentation
Stay at a high-end hotel: Renaissance Korla Hotel, a magnificent resort in Xinjiang (2 consecutive nights)
Newly opened in July 2025, this is a must-see for travelers in Korla. Desert elements and poplar trees are incorporated into the architectural details, and art installations are everywhere. The hotel is ideally located, a 20-minute drive from the airport and a 10-minute drive from the Grand Bazaar.
Day 2 Korla → Tata Secret Realm → Korla
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Adventures with Desert Poplars/In-depth Tour of Tata Secret Realm
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Arrange a boat ride to enter the secret realm of Populus euphratica
Southern Xinjiang boasts the largest expanse of poplar forest in China. Tata Secret Realm, a newly discovered hidden gem located in the heart of the Taklamakan Desert, is a mysterious oasis on the Silk Road. This unique desert oasis combines desert, lakes, poplar trees, and human culture, creating a unique desert landscape.
We'll arrange a boat trip into the desert, allowing you to experience the azure lakes and poplar trees from a different perspective. We'll also relax in a Luobu teahouse and listen to ancient desert legends. The breathtaking scenery of sand and water intertwining, and the harmonious blend of movement and stillness, will feel like a journey through the millennia-old Silk Road. We also recommend an off-road vehicle ride across the golden dunes and a camel ride along the ancient desert trails.
Accommodation presentation
Stay at a high-end hotel: Renaissance Korla Hotel, a magnificent resort in Xinjiang (2 consecutive nights)
Newly opened in July 2025, this is a must-see for travelers in Korla. Desert elements and poplar trees are incorporated into the architectural details, and art installations are everywhere. The hotel is ideally located, a 20-minute drive from the airport and a 10-minute drive from the Grand Bazaar.
Day 3 Korla → Tarim Huyanglin National Park → Kuqa
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Autumn Limited Edition/Tarim Populus euphratica Forest
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Arrange a special train tour
The Tarim Populus euphratica National Forest Park, covering a total area of 100 square kilometers, lies on the northeastern edge of the Taklamakan Desert. It is the largest pristine poplar forest park in Xinjiang and the most concentrated area of pristine poplar forest in the entire Tarim River Basin. Explore the ancient cities along the Silk Road, admire the poplar trees in the Tarim River, discover oil in Luntai, and gaze at the sea of sand in the middle of the Tarim River. We took a shuttle bus deep into the scenic area and then a scenic train into the heart of the forest. Blue lakes and rivers dot the landscape, and the dappled light and shadows in the forest create a sense of being immersed in a golden ocean.
Accommodation presentation
Stay in a high-end hotel: Kuqa Tianyuan International Hotel◆◆◆◆◆
Tianyuan International Hotel is one of the largest and most comprehensive hotels in Kuqa. It features 261 guest rooms of various types, a uniquely decorated restaurant, a wide variety of entertainment and fitness facilities, and a fully functional multimedia conference room.
Day 4 Kuqa → Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves → Wensu Grand Canyon → Aksu
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves/Exploring Intangible Cultural Heritage
After breakfast, we'll depart for the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, a large cave complex in Xinjiang known as the "Second Mogao Grottoes." Excavated in the 3rd century AD, they predate the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes by over a century and are among the earliest excavated caves in China. They are a significant cultural heritage site of the Kingdom of Kucha. Afterward, we'll return to Kuqa.
Wensu Grand Canyon/Geological Evolution History Museum
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Upgrade to an off-road vehicle to enter and exit the Grand Canyon Scenic Area, no need to share a car or wait
The Wensu Grand Canyon (also known as the Tomur Grand Canyon) boasts unique salt karst, Danxia, yardang, and sub-yardang landforms. It was once a vital route to the northern and southern Tianshan Mountains, along the ancient Muzhat Road. Within the canyon, the rock formations are clearly defined, with folds formed by compression. Millions of years of wind and rain have eroded the canyon, creating a unique landscape of towering cliffs, towering peaks, and jagged, bizarre, and vibrant colors. We entered the canyon by private vehicle, journeying through the magnificent canyon, marveling at the wonders of nature and gazing down at the breathtaking city of mountains. After our visit, we'll depart for Aksu for our overnight stay.
Accommodation presentation
丨Selected hotel: Aksu Yifei Hotel◆◆◆◆
A selection of newly opened 4-diamond hotels in Aksu this year, which are large-scale hotels with complete facilities in Aksu area.
Day 5 Aksu → Kashgar → Kashgar Old Town
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Kashgar Old City/The Cultural History of the Old City in the Western Regions
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Upgrade your private guide and let Xinjiang's "Guli" take you around the ancient city
After breakfast, depart for Kashgar. Arriving at Kashgar Old Town, you'll discover centuries of history, a network of streets crisscrossing the city. This city, situated at the western end of the country and the filming location for "The Kite Runner," exudes an exotic charm. Walking through the ancient city feels like stepping into the exotic lands of Central Asia.
丨 Local Experience/Exploring Intangible Cultural Heritage
As one of the important cities and trading centers on the ancient Silk Road, Kashgar is a living, thousand-year-old city.
We went to the [Century Old Teahouse]. If you want to better appreciate the local culture in Kashgar, then the old teahouse with nearly a hundred years of history is undoubtedly one of the best places. Sit here, drink a pot of brick tea, integrate into the local life, and listen to the stories of the locals.
Accommodation presentation
Stay at a high-end hotel: Yifei Hotel in Kashgar Old Town Scenic Area, altitude: 1300m
Select a 5-diamond hotel in Kashgar. Kashgar Ancient City Yifei Hotel, part of the Hyatt Group, is a 3-minute walk from the ancient city, offering convenient transportation and easy access to the city. The well-appointed guest rooms are fully equipped with traditional Chinese amenities, offering a high-quality experience for your leisure, vacation, or business trip.
Day 6 Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Tashkurgan County
All day
Itinerary presentation
After breakfast, we'll continue south along the Karakoram Highway. We'll first visit the Aoyitak Red Valley, known as the "Flaming Mountains of Southern Xinjiang" surrounded by the Pamir Plateau. The mountains here blaze like a crimson crimson, creating a magnificent spectacle. We'll then pass by Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake before heading to Tashkurgan County.
丨 Encountering Baisha Lake on the way / Heading south to see the Pamir Plateau
Driving along National Highway 314 towards the Pamir Plateau, Baisha Lake stands out as a dazzling pearl along the route. Nestled beside the massive Baisha Mountain, Baisha Lake is where river water gathers, illuminating the already clear plateau snow-capped lake with a milky blue hue. The lake's surface is as clear as a mirror, the sands as white as snow, and the sun-kissed landscape is breathtaking.
Karakul Lake/Sky Mirror Reflecting Snow-capped Mountains and Glaciers
Arrive at Karakul Lake, nestled at the foot of Mount Muztagh Ata, the "Father of Glaciers." Known as the emerald green embedded in the Kunlun Mountains, Karakul Lake, where streams of water from ancient glaciers melt into the lake. Its surface, ablaze with color, reflects the majestic Muztagh Ata. The lake's depths reflect different colors, creating a breathtaking scene reminiscent of a tropical ocean.
Accommodation presentation
Featured Hotel: Panoramic Starry Sky Hotel ◆◆◆◆, free oxygen for two consecutive nights, altitude: 3100m
This newly opened hotel in Tashkurgan County in 2023 is one of the best in the area. With stunning views of the Karakoram Mountains and the Golden Grasslands, and the snow-capped Hindu Kush Mountains as its backdrop, this hotel offers a convenient location and comfortable, clean rooms, providing a clean and comfortable stay for your trip to southern Xinjiang.
Day 7: Tianta County → National Gate → Panlong Ancient Road → Visiting a Tajik Family → Bandir Blue Lake → Tasha Ancient Road
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Khunjerab Pass/One of the highest national gates in the world
Located at the China-Pakistan border, the National Border Crossing (NCC) is the world's highest border crossing, officially at 5,100 meters above sea level. It serves as a gateway for trade and cultural exchange between China and Pakistan. Standing alongside the boundary marker, you can feel the wind and snow of the Pamir Plateau brushing against your cheeks, and experience the faith of the boundary marker in the clouds. The drive from Tashkurgan County to the National Border Crossing is a long one, approximately 125 kilometers and 2.5 hours. For a more relaxed journey, you can choose not to go to the National Border Crossing and receive a refund.
丨Panlong Ancient Road/A giant dragon winding across the Pamir Plateau
We drove to the Panlong Ancient Road, once a shepherd's trail from Waqia Township. In just 30 kilometers, the elevation rises from 3,000 to 4,200 meters. Six hundred S-shaped bends wind through the desolate Daban Pass of the Pamirs, like a giant dragon lying in the mountains, guarding this sacred place in western China.
丨Interview with the Tajik people/ The "mountain eagles" of the ethnic group on horseback
We will visit a Tajik family and experience the customs of this mysterious plateau people. The Tajiks are China's only pure-blooded, native Caucasian people. A people of horseback, they are known as "mountain eagles" and "visitors from the iceberg." Living deep in the mountains of the plateau, they build houses of stone and mud, subsisting through animal husbandry and maintaining their traditional lifestyle.
丨Tasha Ancient Road/Retracing the Journey of Xuanzang from the East
Continuing our journey, we'll drive to the Tasha Ancient Road. This road, from Tashkurgan County to Shache, was the path Xuanzang took thousands of years ago on his return journey from the Tang Dynasty. It's a secluded and treacherous path that few travel today. We'll travel along the jade-like Tashkurgan River, passing the stunning plateau blue lake of the Xiabandi Reservoir, where the emerald waters contrast with the towering peaks. We'll then journey into the heart of the Pamir Plateau and visit a Tajik village.
Accommodation presentation
Featured Hotel: Panoramic Starry Sky Hotel ◆◆◆◆, free oxygen for two consecutive nights, altitude: 3100m
This newly opened hotel in Tashkurgan County in 2023 is one of the best in the area. With stunning views of the Karakoram Mountains and the Golden Grasslands, and the snow-capped Hindu Kush Mountains as its backdrop, this hotel offers a convenient location and comfortable, clean rooms, providing a clean and comfortable stay for your trip to southern Xinjiang.
Day 8: Tianta County → Stone City & Golden Grass Beach → Muztagh Ata Glacier → Buzhou Mountain Camp
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Exploring the Ancient Stone City/An important stop on the ancient Silk Road
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Arrange scenic area explanations and listen to the thousand-year history of Stone City
After breakfast, we'll visit the thousand-year-old Stone City, once the capital of the Puli Kingdom, one of the "Thirty-Six Kingdoms of the Western Regions," and a key stop on the ancient Silk Road. This area has seen both prosperity and war, and now only the Tashkurgan River winds through it. It's a key cultural relic protection site in the autonomous region. We'll stroll through the Golden Grassland, where the Tashkurgan River flows through. The park is lush with grass and grass, with cattle and sheep roaming everywhere. The scenery blends beautifully with the distant snow-capped mountains, white clouds, and blue sky, creating a picturesque scene.
Then we returned along the beautiful Karakoram Highway, where we discovered more beautiful scenery that we had overlooked on the way here.
丨Experience Wilderness/Visit Muztagh Ata, the "Father of Glaciers"
Head to Muztagh Ata Glacier Park for a light hike to discover the rare seracs. Muztagh Ata Peak, known as the "Father of Glaciers," stands at 7,509 meters above sea level. Covered with snow year-round, the climate is ideal for glacier growth. Come face-to-face with the vast, snow-capped glacier, its vast expanse, a breathtaking scene of vastness and silence.
Accommodation presentation
High-end accommodation: Meet Muztagh Ata Highway Hotel, free oxygen, altitude: 3600m
The room boasts panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, offering multi-angle views of Kongur Peak, Kongur Jiubie Peak, and Muztagh Ata, the "Father of Glaciers." Nestled within Karakul Lake, it's a perfect spot for photographing the sun-lit golden mountains and the galaxy. Diffuse oxygen throughout the room provides comprehensive well-being.
Optional upgrade: Karakul Lake Buzhou Mountain Camp ◆◆◆◆, free oxygen supply, altitude: 3600m
The camp is located on the edge of Karakul Lake, facing Muztagh Ata and Gongger Jiubie Peak. Morning and evening, you'll have the chance to witness the wonders of the golden mountain in the sun, and at night, you can lie in bed and gaze at the Milky Way.
You can upgrade to a Snow Mountain Lake View Room for a fee of 500-1000 yuan.
Day 9 Buzhou Mountain Camp → Kashgar★ Disbandment Day
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Immersive Vacation/Luxury Time in the Snowy Mountains by the Lake
Wake up to the sunrise over the lake, embraced by nature, and share the morning beauty of Karakul Lake. No hustle and bustle, no crowds of tourists. Just immerse yourself in a luxurious, unspoiled escape at the foot of Muztagh Ata, by the crystal-clear Karakul Lake.
丨Farewell on the disbanding day/Looking forward to seeing you next time
Today is our final day, and our wonderful journey is drawing to a close. We will transfer you to Kashgar International Airport based on your flight/train schedule. If you need to depart from Kashgar Airport that day, we recommend booking a flight after 12:00 PM. If you're staying in Kashgar, we'll transfer you to your hotel. We look forward to meeting you again on Yeshebang's itinerary.
Reference: Buzhou Mountain Camp - Kashgar is about 180km, and the drive takes about 3.5 hours
