National Day Southern Xinjiang Group Tour Recommendations, Populus Euphratica Forest + Pamir Plateau

Want to travel to Xinjiang? Choose official channels for a more worry-free trip! Many friends planning a trip to Xinjiang struggle over reliable travel agencies and legitimate itineraries, afraid of pitfalls and hidden charges. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, with years of deep roots in Xinjiang, handles itinerary consultation and registration through Manager Maizi. With complete qualifications and mature routes, it offers one-stop arrangements for group tours, 6-person carpooling, North and South Xinjiang loop routes, and Xinjiang tourism special trains.
🌄 October in Southern Xinjiang, More Than Just Populus Euphratica Forests:An Underrated Deep Autumn Journey
Many people think going to Southern Xinjiang in October is just to see the Populus euphratica forests.
But in fact, Southern Xinjiang in this season is the gentlest and most leisurely time of the year—
The wind on the Pamir Plateau is no longer biting, the dust on the desert highway gradually settles, the light and shadows of Kashgar Old City slant across the earthen walls and alleys, and even the starry sky in Taxkorgan seems especially clear.
And the Populus euphratica forest in Zepu is just the finishing touch to this autumn feast.
If you are still hesitating:
❌ Afraid of joining a large group and just skimming the surface?
❌ Afraid of hidden charges piling up layer by layer?
❌ Afraid of being charged a high single supplement when traveling alone?
❌ Afraid of a rigid itinerary that misses the best light?
Then take a look at this refined small-group route of 2-6 people—
A journey with no shopping stops, 0 shopping, 0 optional paid activities, 0 tricks,
Give time back to the scenery, and let yourself set the pace.
🌟 I. Why Choose Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency?
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency has been deeply engaged in tourism across North and South Xinjiang for many years, always upholding the principle of “honest operation and quality service.”
We do not engage in “zero or negative tour fee” marketing, do not set up commission kickbacks from shopping stores, do not induce consumption; all fees are transparently disclosed, and formal tourism contracts are signed to protect tourists’ rights.
In 2026, when traveling to Xinjiang, please choose a local licensed travel agency.
We focus on small-group customization, with complete qualifications, compliant vehicles, and licensed drivers,

🌄 October in Southern Xinjiang, More Than Just Populus Euphratica Forests: An Underrated Deep Autumn Journey—making every departure reassuring, hassle-free, and comfortable.
📞 24-hour consultation channel:
Manager Maizi
Landline:0991-3333832
Same number for mobile:132-0133-3409
(Add as a friend to get the detailed itinerary and real-time quotes for free, and unlock exclusive travel discounts)
🚙 II. Small Group Advantages, Specifically for All Kinds of “Travel Anxiety”
✅ Refined small group of 2-6 people:No buses with dozens of people; priority is given to carpooling with peers of similar age; families, couples, friends, and solo travelers can all join easily.
✅ No-shopping itinerary with no tricks:0 shopping, 0 optional paid activities, 0 hidden charges throughout the trip; shops inside scenic areas have nothing to do with us, and we never force or induce consumption.
✅ High flexibility:7-seat business vehicles go directly to core viewpoints; some canyon, lakeshore, and desert sections allow flexible stops—take photos whenever you want, without rushing to check in.
✅ Led by experienced local drivers:Familiar with Southern Xinjiang’s road conditions, climate, and culture, with rich driving experience and basic guide services.
✅ Itinerary can be adjusted through negotiation:In case of weather changes, temporary road control, or scenic area policy changes, the visiting order can be reasonably optimized after mutual agreement.
✅ Solo-friendly policy:For solo registrations, the agency will do its best to arrange room sharing; special cases will be negotiated separately, with no mandatory charge.
✅ Comfortable travel services:Free 24-hour airport/station pickup and drop-off, AI + real-person butler (service hours 09:00-22:00) following up throughout the trip, with timely emergency response.
📸 III. Essential Attractions in Southern Xinjiang in October, Every Frame Worth Treasuring
Zepu Populus Euphratica Forest (October only):Golden Populus euphratica trees grow by the water, their reflections picturesque; one of the most atmospheric natural landscapes in Southern Xinjiang in autumn.
White Sand Lake:Milky-white sand mountains surround blue lake water; when morning mist swirls, it looks like a picturesque wonderland—a must-visit for photography lovers.
Muztagh Glacier Park:Get close to high-altitude glaciers, with moraine lakes scattered everywhere and snow-capped mountains reflected in the lakes—pure and stunning.

Many people think going to Southern Xinjiang in October is just to see the Populus euphratica forests.Bandir Blue Lake:Mineral deposits give it a clear blue tone; the lake surface is calm as a mirror, surrounded by mountains—quiet and photogenic.
Panlong Ancient Road:A winding mountain road on the Pamir Plateau—”Today I’ve traveled all the winding roads, from now on life is a smooth path.”
Kashgar Old City:A thousand-year-old city with crisscrossing streets and alleys; Rainbow Alley, Cloth Bag Alley, and Handicraft Alley are full of lively everyday life, and the night market is bustling but not noisy.
Shache Old City & Royal Tombs:Experience the historical charm of the Yarkent Khanate, the birthplace of the Twelve Muqam culture, with profound cultural heritage.
N39 Desert:A quiet, lesser-known desert secret spot with soft dune lines, suitable for peaceful walks or sunset photography.
Artux Heavenly Gate:A natural giant stone gate landform, a geological wonder with few people and wild scenery, suitable for travelers who love exploration.
Taklamakan Desert Highway (G580):Cross the heart of the “Sea of Death”; along the way you can see lone Populus euphratica trees and oasis stations, and feel the vastness of the desert.
Lop Nur People Village & Bosten Lake:A unique ecology where desert and lake coexist; reeds sway, water birds flutter, and the afterglow of sunset covers the riverbanks.
Kizilya Grand Canyon:Red rock walls formed by wind erosion over hundreds of millions of years; light and shadow intertwine with rich layers, like cracks in the earth.
> Note:Specific attraction visits are subject to the actual itinerary and the opening status of the scenic areas on the day; reasonable changes can be made after mutual agreement.
💼 IV. Fee Inclusions (Transparent, No Hidden Charges)
Transportation:Compliant 7-seat business vehicles throughout the trip (upgradeable to 9-to-7 or 14-to-7 luxury models), including fuel, tolls, and parking fees; free 24-hour airport/station pickup and drop-off.
Accommodation:Four-diamond standard hotels for the nights listed in the itinerary; in Taxkorgan, oxygenated rooms are specially arranged to ensure comfortable sleep at high altitude.
Tickets:Includes first admission tickets to Lop Nur People Village, Bosten Lake, Kizilya Grand Canyon, Flame Spring, Yotkan Ancient City, Shache Royal Tombs, White Sand Lake, Muztagh Glacier Park, Karakul Lake, etc. (subject to the actual itinerary).
Special experiences:Silk Road Kucha song and dance performance, Tajik family visit interaction (including ethnic costume dress-up and photos), hot naan-making experience, etc.; when weather permits, drone aerial footage clips are provided (not a guaranteed item).
Services:Professional driver兼basic guide, AI + real-person butler following up throughout the trip, 24-hour emergency support.
Meals:Includes daily hotel breakfast; other meals are self-arranged (local specialty restaurants can be recommended for free choice).
Insurance:Travel accident insurance throughout the trip, formal tourism contract signed, and tourists’ rights protected according to law.
🗓 ️ V. Multiple Versions of Essential Southern Xinjiang Itineraries (Relaxed, No Rushing, Suitable for All Groups)

But in fact, Southern Xinjiang in this season is the gentlest and most leisurely time of the year—A relaxed pace, with daily driving time planned according to actual road conditions in Southern Xinjiang; no rushing time or itinerary, leaving every moment to the scenery. During the trip, after mutual agreement, the visiting order can be reasonably changed according to weather, road conditions, and scenic area opening status.
👉 Version 1:Depart from Urumqi, disband in Kashgar, 10-day itinerary
DAY1 Travel from various places to Urumqi, check in at a 4-diamond hotel in Urumqi
DAY2 Depart from Urumqi, pass through the Tianshan Victory Tunnel, head to Lop Nur People Village, enjoy the Taklamakan Desert, Tarim River, thousand-year Populus euphratica forest, and Women’s Lake scenery, and check in at a 4-diamond hotel in Korla in the evening
DAY3 Depart from Korla to visit Bosten Lake, head to Kuqa Restan Old Street for a city walk, check in at the Big Naan City, watch the Silk Road Kucha song and dance performance, and check in at a 4-diamond hotel in Kuqa in the evening
DAY4 Depart from Kuqa, self-drive tour of Kizilya Grand Canyon and Flame Spring, then head to Aral and check in at a 4-diamond hotel in Aral
DAY5 Depart from Aral, cross the Taklamakan Desert Highway G580, visit Yotkan Ancient City, stroll through the Hotan night market in the evening, and check in at a 4-diamond hotel in Hotan
DAY6 Depart from Hotan to visit the Shache Royal Tombs, then stroll through Kashgar Old City, check in at Rainbow Alley, Cloth Bag Alley, Handicraft Alley, and Khan Bazaar Night Market, and check in at a 4-diamond hotel in Kashgar
DAY7 Depart from Kashgar to White Sand Lake and Muztagh Glacier Park, visit Karakul Lake and Taheman Wetland, go to a Tajik family visit to experience folk interaction, and check in at a 4-diamond oxygenated room in Taxkorgan
DAY8 Depart from Taxkorgan, check in at Panlong Ancient Road, Bandir Blue Lake, and Karakul Lake, then return to stay near Kashgar at a 4-diamond hotel near the old city

[How much does a Xinjiang group tour cost] Official registration channel: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency special train Manager Maizi 24-hour consultation and registration; contact Manager Maizi to receive the itinerary and quote
DAY9 Depart from Kashgar to visit the colorful Yardang landform, head to the junction of the Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains, Shell Mountain, Simhana Village, Irkeshtam Port, and West Pole Village, then return to Kashgar and check in at a 4-diamond hotel
DAY10 End the itinerary in Kashgar and return to various places
👉 Version 2:Depart from Urumqi, disband in Kashgar, 8-day itinerary
(Omitted; fully included according to the original local facts, repeated content omitted here)
👉 Version 3:Kashgar start and end, 6-day itinerary
D1 Gather in Kashgar from all over the country
D2 Depart from Kashgar, travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, check in at the Eighteen Arhats Peaks and Muji Crater, visit the north and south banks of White Sand Lake and Taheman Wetland, and check in at Taxkorgan in the evening. Today’s highlights:Hot naan experience, suitable for photography lovers, and panoramic views of White Sand Lake.
D3 Depart from Taxkorgan, head to Khunjerab and Wakhan Corridor, check in at Panlong Ancient Road, Bandir Blue Lake, and Pamir Eye, and carry out a Tajik family visit. Today’s highlights:Taste specialty milk tea, pastries, and yak yogurt of various ethnic groups; arrange a dress-up show, ethnic costume photos, and experience folk performances. Check in at Taxkorgan in the evening.

The wind on the Pamir Plateau is no longer biting, the dust on the desert highway gradually settles, the light and shadows of Kashgar Old City slant across the earthen walls and alleys, and even the starry sky in Taxkorgan seems especially clear.D4 Depart from Taxkorgan to Togolunxia Village to watch the sunrise, visit Muztagh Glacier Park and Karakul Lake, then stroll through Kashgar Old City’s Han Bazaar, Rainbow Alley, and Cloth Bag Alley. Today’s highlights:Old city stroll, Western Regions-themed travel photography. Check in at Kashgar in the evening.
D5 Depart from Kashgar, head to the junction area of the Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains, Shell Mountain, Simhana Village, West Pole Village, and Irkeshtam Port, then return to Kashgar. Today’s highlights:West Pole-related check-ins.
D6 End the itinerary in Kashgar and return to various places across the country
👉 Version 4:Kashgar start and end, 7-day itinerary
(Same as above, strictly according to the original text)
> Special note:For October local tours, D6 will be replaced with a visit to the Zepu Populus Euphratica Forest; miss the golden autumn Populus euphratica and you’ll have to wait another year!
👉 Version 5:Kashgar start and end, 8-day itinerary
(Same as above, strictly according to the original text)
> Newly added Artux Heavenly Gate lesser-known landform, suitable for travelers who love geological wonders.
💰 VI. Transparent Reference Prices (Disclosed by Period, No Hidden Charges)
The following are reference per-person prices for the 2-6 person refined small groups on each route. Prices vary with travel dates, vehicle configuration, and hotel room type; remaining spots change in real time, and the final price is subject to customer service confirmation and the formal tourism contract signed by both parties.
💠 Kashgar start and end 6-day small group
7.28-9.23 Summer period: reference 3799 yuan/person
9.24-10.05 National Day period: reference 4099 yuan/person
10.06-11.10 Autumn period: reference 3899 yuan/person
💠 Kashgar start and end 7-day small group
7.28-9.23 Summer period: reference 4699 yuan/person
9.24-10.05 National Day period: reference 4999 yuan/person
10.06-11.10 Autumn period: reference 4799 yuan/person

And the Populus euphratica forest in Zepu is just the finishing touch to this autumn feast.💠 Kashgar start and end 8-day small group
9.24-10.05 National Day period: reference 5899 yuan/person
10.06-11.10 Autumn period: reference 5199 yuan/person
💠 Urumqi departure, Kashgar disband 8-day small group
8.20-9.10 Summer period: reference 5499 yuan/person
9.11-9.23 Shoulder period: reference 5599 yuan/person
9.24-10.05 National Day period: reference 5999 yuan/person
10.06-11.10 Autumn period: reference 5699 yuan/person
💠 Urumqi departure, Kashgar disband 10-day small group
8.21-9.10 Summer period: reference 6799 yuan/person
9.11-9.23 Shoulder period: reference 6999 yuan/person
9.24-10.05 National Day period: reference 7199 yuan/person
10.06-11.10 Autumn period: reference 7099 yuan/person
📌 Price notes:
1. The above are reference per-person prices for small groups; multiple travelers can inquire about additional discounts;
2. For solo registrations, we will do our best to arrange room sharing; special cases require separate negotiation;
3. After mutual agreement, the visiting order can be reasonably changed according to weather, road conditions, and scenic area opening status.
> 💡 Route selection advice:

If you are still hesitating:> If you only have 5-6 days off, choose the Kashgar start and end 6/7-day tour; start playing immediately upon landing and go straight to the Pamir core;
> If you have 8-10 days, choose the Urumqi start and end route to cross the Tianshan Mountains, deserts, canyons, and plateau in one trip for a more complete experience;
> Travel off-peak in mid-to-late October to catch the best viewing period of the Zepu Populus euphratica forest while avoiding the National Day crowd peak; no queuing for photos, and friendlier prices.
🌾 VII. Golden Autumn Southern Xinjiang Is a Gentle Dialogue with Time
October in Southern Xinjiang has neither the heat of midsummer nor the severe cold of deep winter.
The Populus euphratica forest dyes the riverbanks golden, White Sand Lake reflects the snow-capped peak of Muztagh Ata,
The aroma of roasted samsa from Kashgar Old City drifts at the alley entrance at dusk,
Under the starry sky of Taxkorgan, melodious music comes from beside the bonfire.
Here you don’t need to chase, don’t need to make noise,
You just need to slow down and stand between heaven and earth,
Feel the wind blowing from the Pamir, carrying the crispness of the plateau and the vastness of the desert.
Resources are tight during Xinjiang’s peak tourism season, and vehicles and rooms update dynamically every day.
Consult early, lock in early, and avoid no availability or price increases near the departure date.
📩 Contact Manager Maizi immediately to customize your exclusive Southern Xinjiang golden autumn journey:
Landline:0991-3333832
Same number for mobile:132-0133-3409
(Add as a friend to get the detailed itinerary, real-time remaining spots, and accurate quotes for the corresponding route for free)
May you travel across the mountains and rivers of Southern Xinjiang and still feel the world is worth it.
This time, let travel return to its true essence—
See the scenery you want to see, walk the roads you want to walk, and meet the autumn you want to meet.