Conquer Southern Xinjiang in 10 Days!

The winds of the Western Regions whisper through ancient city walls millennia old, the snow-capped peaks of the Pamirs reflect in the mirror of Karakul Lake, and the golden waves of the Taklamakan Desert surge endlessly. This epic Southern Xinjiang route takes you across the Congling Pass of Xuanzang's pilgrimage, tracing the living memories of the Silk Road—enchanted by the eagle flute melodies of Tajik herders, wandering alone under desert highway stars, savoring the vibrant flavors of oasis cities. Ten days of breathtaking landscapes await!

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🛬【Itinerary】:
D1: Arrive in Kashgar - Airport transfer - Free time in Kashgar
D2: Kashgar - White Sand Lake - Karakul Lake - Tashkurgan Wetland - Pamir Scenic Area - Tajik family visit - Overnight in Tashkurgan (289km, 5h)
D3: Tashkurgan - Wakhan Corridor - Khunjerab Pass - Panlong Ancient Road - Bandier Blue Lake - Overnight in Tashkurgan (231km, 4h)
D4: Tashkurgan - Muztagh Ata Glacier Park + horse riding - Overnight in Kashgar (289km, 5h)
D5: Kashgar - Intangible Cultural Heritage Pottery - Shache King's Mausoleum - Shache Old Town - Overnight in Shache (197km, 4h)
D6: Shache - Xitiyan Lost City - Yotkan Ancient City - Overnight in Hotan (319km, 4.5h)
D7: Hotan - Yurungkash River - Cross Taklamakan Desert Highway - Overnight in Aral (440km, 6h)
D8: Aral - Wensu Grand Canyon - Overnight in Aksu (208km, 3h)
D9: Aksu - Visit a Uyghur family in Kashgar - Gaotai Ancient Residence - Overnight in Kashgar (405km, 5h)
D10: Kashgar airport transfer - Tour concludes
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⛺【Must-Visit Attractions】:
White Sand Lake: Where pale desert meets azure waters—Pamir's most surreal mirror world. The north shore viewpoint (if open) offers crowd-free vistas.
Panlong Ancient Road: 639 hairpin turns over 75km. Snap a photo with the iconic sign: "After navigating all these bends, life's path will be smooth."
Muztagh Ata Glacier Park: Touch millennia-old ice at 4,688m altitude. Horseback ascent recommended (bring oxygen).
Taklamakan Desert Highway: The world's longest crossing through shifting sands—a straight road splitting golden dunes, perfect for cinematic solitude.
Gaotai Ancient Residence: Kashgar's last surviving earthen architecture. Get lost in maze-like alleys with naan bakers and potters, where sunset light evokes Arabian Nights.
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🍩【Must-Try Foods】:
Rose-stuffed tandoori lamb buns—Crispy shells with fragrant rose-infused meat, only found in century-old Kashgar shops.
Yak bone hotpot—Wild mushroom broth simmered with highland yak bones, unbearably umami.
Muqam roasted pigeon—Secret-marinated squab charcoal-grilled to juicy perfection.
Desert-baked eggs—Yolks mixed with saffron honey, pit-roasted to molten sweetness.
Applewood lamb skewers—Fruitwood-smoked meat paired with Xinjiang's famed "honey heart" apples.
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🚌【Transport Tips】:
Recommended:
✅ Private/chartered cars (4-6 person groups ideal):
Local drivers handle Pamir mountain roads + border checkpoints
~¥1500-1800/person (10-day all-inclusive)
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Self-drive warnings:
⚠️ Experienced drivers only! Note:
Obtain border permit in Kashgar (list Tashkurgan & Muji Township)
Desert highway crosswinds require firm steering (speed limit 60km/h)
Panlong Road bans vehicles over 7 seats
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🧡【Pro Tips】:
Altitude: Avoid nighttime showers in Tashkurgan; use oxygen if needed.
Drone rules: No-fly zones at Khunjerab Pass & Wakhan Corridor! White Sand Lake requires registration (forms at entrance).
Packing:
Pamirs: Windbreaker + fleece (July nights ~10°C)
Desert: UV face cover + sunglasses (ground temps >50°C)
Hidden gems:
Learn Uyghur dance during home visits—earn handmade hats as gifts
Bring a small shovel for jade-hunting at Yurungkash River (best at dawn)
Signal alert: Mid-desert highway has no reception—download offline maps
🌟 Essentials: ID + border permit, moisturizers, neck pillow, cash (some tolls cash-only), power strip (hotels lack outlets)