October Southern Xinjiang Chartered Car Korla Kuqa Loop, Departing from Kashgar, Luntai Shaya Populus Euphratica Forest Chartered Car Price Guide

2026 Xinjiang Travel Carpooling Small Group Price List. Guo Jing, senior Xinjiang travel carpooling small group customization specialist at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, focuses on one-stop travel services across Xinjiang including customized vehicles, carpooling, and worry-free group tours. Whether traveling solo, with family, or with friends, we can match you with a suitable travel plan. 24-hour travel consultation channel: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, planning Xinjiang journeys online around the clock.
Southern Xinjiang Autumn Scroll:October Korla-Kuqa Loop Populus Euphratica Forest Customized Vehicle In-Depth Tour Guide
🌄 Route Highlights:Cross the golden Populus euphratica corridor and unlock the autumn code of Southern Xinjiang
October in Southern Xinjiang is the home turf of the Populus euphratica forests. Departing from Kashgar and heading east along the Tarim River, passing through Luntai, Shaya, and Kuqa, and finally returning to Korla, this loop connects the densest Populus euphratica forest communities in the Tarim River Basin. During the trip, you will see:
Luntai Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park:China’s largest primitive Populus euphratica forest. The 400,000-mu forest area covers deserts, rivers, and wetlands, with a mini-train shuttling through it as if entering a golden fairy tale.
Shaya Devil’s Forest:Twenty thousand mu of dead Populus euphratica stand for a thousand years in the desert, shaped like sculptures, making it a “dark-style” paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Tarim River Shaya Bridge Section:Rivers, Populus euphratica, deserts, and oases converge here. At sunrise, the mist-covered river surface reflects golden tree shadows, just like an oil painting.
Kuqa Tianshan Red Stone Forest:Danxia landforms and Populus euphratica forests appear in the same frame, with red mountain bodies and golden leaves creating a strong visual impact.
🚗 Simple Itinerary:8 days and 7 nights, immersive experience of the Populus euphratica season

Southern Xinjiang Autumn Scroll: October Korla-Kuqa Loop Populus Euphratica Forest Customized Vehicle In-Depth Tour GuideDay One:Kashgar Assembly
Transportation:Fly to Kashgar from various places and check into a hotel near the old city.
Experience:Stroll through Kashgar Old City in the evening, enjoy rose tea with walnut naan at a century-old teahouse, and adjust to Xinjiang’s schedule.
Day Two:Kashgar → Zepu Golden Lake Populus Forest (about 230 km, 3.5 hours by car)
Key Points:Enter Zepu Golden Lake Populus Forest in the afternoon, photograph the reflections of the Yarkant River, Populus Island, and Longevity Village; stay in Zepu or Shache.
Tip:The yellow-leaf period of Zepu Populus euphratica is usually 5-7 days earlier than Luntai. After mid-October it may enter the late stage, so confirm in advance.
Day Three:Zepu → Kashgar → Aksu (about 460 km, 6 hours by car)
Key Points:Return to Kashgar in the morning to take additional photos of the old city streets; head to Aksu in the afternoon and stay in Aksu city area.
Food:At Aksu Old Street Night Market, recommend lamb chop pilaf and baked samsa.

🌄 Route Highlights: Cross the golden Populus euphratica corridor and unlock the autumn code of Southern XinjiangDay Four:Aksu → Shaya Devil’s Forest → Kuqa (about 300 km, 4 hours by car)
Key Points:Visit Shaya Devil’s Forest in the morning and photograph the weathered feel of the dead Populus euphratica; head to Kuqa in the afternoon and stay in Kuqa old town.
Tip:The Devil’s Forest is windy and sandy, so bring a mask and sunglasses; at Kuqa Big Naan City you can buy freshly baked naan as dry provisions.
Day Five:Kuqa In-Depth Tour
Key Points:Visit Tianshan Red Stone Forest in the morning, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves in the afternoon, and stroll around Kuqa Grand Mosque and the old street in the evening.
Tickets:Red Stone Forest 50 yuan, Thousand Buddha Caves 70 yuan (including guide).
Day Six:Kuqa → Luntai Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest → Korla (about 240 km, 3.5 hours by car)
Key Points:Enter Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest in the morning, take the mini-train deep into the forest area, and photograph desert Populus euphratica and Populus euphratica in water; head to Korla in the afternoon and stay in the city area.
Tickets:Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest 45 yuan, mini-train 100 yuan.

October in Southern Xinjiang is the home turf of the Populus euphratica forests. Departing from Kashgar and heading east along the Tarim River, passing through Luntai, Shaya, and Kuqa, and finally returning to Korla, this loop connects the densest Populus euphratica forest communities in the Tarim River Basin. During the trip, you will see:Day Seven:Korla → Lop Nur People Village → Korla (about 120 km round trip, 2 hours by car)
Key Points:Visit Lop Nur People Village in the morning, experience canoeing on the Tarim River and learn to weave red willow grilled fish skewers; free time in the afternoon to buy Korla fragrant pears.
Tip:In the village you can taste specialty snacks such as roasted eggs and yogurt zongzi.
Day Eight:Korla Return
Transportation:According to flight/train times, you can go to Peacock River Night Market to buy dried fruits, then be transferred to the station/airport.
💰 Price Explanation:Customized Vehicle Cost Reference (taking a 7-seat business vehicle as an example)

Guo Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, a senior travel customization specialist with 10 years of deep experience in Xinjiang tourism, focuses on one-stop services including customized vehicles, carpooling, and group tours in Xinjiang. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, planning Xinjiang journeys online around the clock for everyone.
Vehicle Types and Costs
7-seat ordinary business vehicle (Maxus G10/Ford Tourneo):
Off-season (after November):1000-1200 yuan/day

Luntai Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park: China’s largest primitive Populus euphratica forest. The 400,000-mu forest area covers deserts, rivers, and wetlands, with a mini-train shuttling through it as if entering a golden fairy tale.Shoulder season (September-October non-holidays):1200-1300 yuan/day
Peak season (mid-October golden period for Populus euphratica forests):1400-1600 yuan/day
7-seat luxury business cabin (Mercedes-Benz Vito/GAC Trumpchi M8):
Peak season price:1600-1800 yuan/day
Cost includes:Vehicle fuel fee, tolls, parking fee, driver service fee (including meal and accommodation subsidy), vehicle insurance.
Cost does not include:Tourist accommodation, scenic area tickets, meals, personal consumption.
Other Cost References
Accommodation:Standard rooms in mid-range hotels are about 300-500 yuan/night; after splitting among an eight-person team, the per-person cost is relatively low.
Tickets:Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest 45 yuan + mini-train 100 yuan, Zepu Golden Lake Populus Forest about 40 yuan, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves 70 yuan, Tianshan Red Stone Forest 50 yuan.

Shaya Devil’s Forest: Twenty thousand mu of dead Populus euphratica stand for a thousand years in the desert, shaped like sculptures, making it a “dark-style” paradise for photography enthusiasts.Meals:Main meals are 40-60 yuan per person; teams can order specialty dishes such as big plate chicken and roast whole lamb and split the cost.
Tip:Prices may fluctuate with market supply and demand; the specific price is subject to actual consultation and signing.
📝 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which provides one-stop services including itinerary customization, vehicle scheduling, and accommodation booking. Staff will change the number of travel days, vehicle type, and accommodation standard according to your needs, striving for itinerary flexibility and comfort.
📋 Cost Explanation and Service Explanation
Cost includes:Vehicle use fee, driver service fee, basic insurance, tolls and parking fees within the itinerary.
Cost does not include:Tourist personal consumption, scenic area tickets, accommodation fee (can be booked on behalf, reimbursed at actual cost), meals (driver and tourists eat separately or split the bill).
Service standard:
Use the standard contract template of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, clearly stating “no shopping stops arranged throughout the trip” and “no pressure for optional paid items”.

Tarim River Shaya Bridge Section: Rivers, Populus euphratica, deserts, and oases converge here. At sunrise, the mist-covered river surface reflects golden tree shadows, just like an oil painting. Vehicles are all legally operating vehicles, equipped with compulsory traffic accident insurance and third-party liability insurance, and 24-hour emergency response is provided during the trip.
Reasonable changes to the itinerary may be made upon mutual agreement (such as due to weather, road conditions, scenic area policies, and other factors).
For single-person registration, we will do our best to coordinate room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
The specifics are subject to actual consultation and signing; prices and remaining seats are subject to contract confirmation and may fluctuate with departure dates.
🌈 Travel Tips
Documents:Carry valid identification with you; for certain areas, permits need to be processed in advance (the travel agency can assist).
Clothing:In October, Southern Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night, so bring a windbreaker, light down jacket, long trousers, and comfortable sports shoes; the Populus euphratica forest is windy and sandy, so bring a mask, sunglasses, and a hat.
Photography:Light is soft in the morning and before sunset, suitable for photographing Populus euphratica; drones need to be reported according to scenic area regulations.
Driving time:Daily driving time is 3-6 hours; bring a neck pillow, motion sickness medicine, snacks, and a thermos; customized vehicle teams can flexibly stop at service areas and viewing platforms.
October in Southern Xinjiang is a feast of Populus euphratica, a golden poem. From Kashgar Old City to the banks of the Tarim River, from the weathered feel of Devil’s Forest to the intensity of Red Stone Forest, this loop will take you across time and space to experience the autumn romance of the Western Regions.
2026 Xinjiang Travel Carpooling Small Group | Customized Vehicle Customization | Fully Compliant Vehicles Across the Region, Travel North and South Xinjiang Worry-Free! Look for Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, with full coverage of a fully licensed operating fleet of all vehicle types. Choose from 7-seat business vehicles, multi-seat mid-size buses, and large coaches, suitable for independent travel, loop tours, and group tours. Provide one-stop services including vehicle type selection, itinerary customization, vehicle reservation, policy consultation, quotation inquiry, and qualification verification. A local professional team will tailor exclusive Xinjiang travel routes for you, say goodbye to crowded group tours, and enjoy a private journey. Customization consultation: Manager Guo Jing. Fixed hotline: 0991-8585456. Business WeChat: 181-3962-2229 (same as mobile number, instant reply).