Southern Xinjiang October Populus Euphratica Forest Loop Customizable Group Tours or Private Car Charters

Xinjiang Travel Customized Vehicle Service for a Comfortable Trip, Regular Fleet, Itineraries Customized as You Wish, Consultation Hotline Landline: 0991-8866234 Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, Customization Consultant Manager Zhang Jing Phone: 181-3962-2233 (Copy and add as friend for detailed consultation on Xinjiang travel itineraries and prices)
Southern Xinjiang Autumn Colors Feast:October Populus Euphratica Forest Loop In-Depth Tour Guide (Group Tour/Customized Vehicle Dual Mode)
[Route Core Highlights]
In golden October, Southern Xinjiang transforms into a golden ocean—the Populus euphratica forests on both banks of the Tarim River shed their green attire and don golden autumn colors, together with deserts, snow mountains, and wetlands forming a visually layered picture. This loop connects three core scenic areas: Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest, Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica Forest, and Luobu People’s Village, covering three major themes: desert highway self-driving, Pamir Plateau exploration, and Kashgar Old City culture. Daily driving time is controlled within 3 hours, balancing in-depth sightseeing with a comfortable experience.
I. Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination
[Three Major Populus Euphratica Forest Viewing Areas]
Luntai Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest National Forest Park
As the world’s largest primitive Populus euphratica forest reserve, it has 400,000 mu of native forest. October 20 to November 5 is the excellent viewing period. The newly added retro mini-train route in the scenic area (30 minutes one way) can directly reach the thousand-year-old Populus euphratica king at the desert edge, with check-in spots such as mirror-like water views and dune lakes distributed along the way. In 2026, a new drone aerial photography service will be added, with professional pilots guiding panoramic shots of the Populus euphratica forest.
Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica Forest National Forest Park
The Yarkant River forms a natural river bend here, and the Populus euphratica forest contrasts beautifully with the clear water and blue sky. Compared with Luntai’s desolate grandeur, this place has more delicate beauty and liveliness. The scenic area has a water boardwalk where you can observe the reflection landscape of waterside Populus euphratica up close. Migratory birds often inhabit here in late October, making it suitable for ecological photography enthusiasts.
Luobu People’s Village
The Tarim River and the Taklamakan Desert meet here, forming a unique landform of “desert + Populus euphratica + river.” Visitors can ride camels through the Populus euphratica forest, experience the traditional fishing methods of the Luobu people, and watch intangible cultural heritage song and dance performances. The century-old Populus euphratica in the village forms a strong contrast with the desert homestays, and night sky photography here is excellent.
[Featured Experience Areas]

Southern Xinjiang Autumn Colors Feast: October Populus Euphratica Forest Loop In-Depth Tour Guide (Group Tour/Customized Vehicle Dual Mode) Desert Highway Self-Driving Section
Cross the 566-kilometer Taklamakan Desert Highway, with 3 viewing platforms set along the way for photographing dune lines and the sense of the road stretching into the distance. In 2026, a new service area will be added in the middle section of the highway, providing simple meals, charging piles, and desert off-road experience projects.
Pamir Plateau Extension Line
The itinerary can be extended to attractions such as Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Muztagh Ata. In October, the plateau weather is stable, and the lake water presents a Tiffany blue color, forming a “sky mirror” effect with snow mountain reflections. Note that traveling to Tashkurgan County requires an advance permit.
II. Simple Itinerary (Taking the 8-Day Loop as an Example)
D1 Urumqi Gathering
After airport pickup, check in at a downtown hotel. Recommended free activities:Shop for dried fruits and handicrafts at Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, or go to Lingguan Lane to taste specialty snacks such as baked samsa and gangzi meat.
D2 Urumqi→Korla (5-hour drive)
In the morning, cross the Dabancheng windmill array; in the afternoon, visit the Dahekou Scenic Area of Bosten Lake and photograph the autumn scene of golden reeds contrasting with the lake water. Arrive in Korla in the evening and taste the local specialty fragrant pear stewed mutton.
D3 Korla→Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest→Kuqa (3.5-hour drive)
Spend the whole day deeply touring Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest. Suggested photography by time period:
Early morning:Silhouettes of Populus euphratica in light mist

[Route Core Highlights]Noon:Light and shadow effects of sunlight penetrating golden leaves
Evening:Desert sunset and Populus euphratica outlines
Overnight in Kuqa, visit Kuqa Prince’s Mansion to learn about Western Regions history.
D4 Kuqa→Wensu Grand Canyon→Aksu (3-hour drive)
Visit Wensu Grand Canyon, where red rock walls present a flame-like texture under autumn sunlight. The full hike is about 5 kilometers; it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket. In the afternoon, go to Aksu and taste noodles with stir-fried meat.
D5 Aksu→Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica Forest→Shache (4-hour drive)
In the morning, photograph the water reflections of Zepu Populus Euphratica Forest; in the afternoon, visit the Shache Royal Tombs and appreciate the architectural art. Overnight in Shache and experience a Twelve Muqam performance.
D6 Shache→Luobu People’s Village→Korla (5-hour drive)
Ride a desert off-road vehicle through the Populus euphratica forest, experience Tarim River rafting, and watch traditional Luobu song and dance. Return to Korla in the evening and photograph the night view of the Peacock River.
D7 Korla→Turpan (4-hour drive)
Cross the Gangou Canyon; in the afternoon, visit the Flaming Mountains Geological Park and photograph Danxia landforms and the autumn scenery of Grape Valley. Overnight in Turpan and taste mulberry paste with naan.
D8 Turpan→Urumqi (3-hour drive)

In golden October, Southern Xinjiang transforms into a golden ocean—the Populus euphratica forests on both banks of the Tarim River shed their green attire and don golden autumn colors, together with deserts, snow mountains, and wetlands forming a visually layered picture. This loop connects three core scenic areas: Luntai Populus Euphratica Forest, Zepu Golden Populus Euphratica Forest, and Luobu People’s Village, covering three major themes: desert highway self-driving, Pamir Plateau exploration, and Kashgar Old City culture. Daily driving time is controlled within 3 hours, balancing in-depth sightseeing with a comfortable experience. In the morning, visit the Karez Paradise to learn about ancient water conservancy projects; in the afternoon, transfer to the airport according to flight time.
III. Price Description (2026 Reference)
[Group Tour Cost Range]
Economy:5800-6800 yuan/person (including 7-seat business vehicle, four-star hotel, first admission tickets)
Comfort:7800-8800 yuan/person (including 13-seat minibus, five-star hotel, specialty meals, travel photography service)
High-End Custom:Starting from 12,000 yuan/person (including 37-seat coach, desert starry-sky homestay, exclusive guide)
[Customized Vehicle Cost Reference]

No need to worry about traveling around Northern and Southern Xinjiang. Professional customized vehicles for customized free travel. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency landline hotline: 0991-8866234. Exclusive customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (same number on WeChat, can be added)
7-seat business vehicle (Buick GL8):1200-1800 yuan/day (this quotation is for reference only; the specific vehicle price is subject to customer service quotation!)
13-seat minibus (Toyota Coaster):1800-2500 yuan/day (this quotation is for reference only; the specific vehicle price is subject to customer service quotation!)
37-seat coach (Yutong Bus):3000-4500 yuan/day (this quotation is for reference only; the specific vehicle price is subject to customer service quotation!)
Cost includes:Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, fuel fee, toll fee, basic insurance
Cost excludes:Tickets (about 800-1200 yuan/person), accommodation (about 400-1000 yuan/night), meals (about 80-150 yuan/person/meal)

I. Detailed Introduction to the Route or DestinationIV. Registration Method
You can register through the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which provides the following services:
Free customized route book:Adjust attraction stay times according to family needs
Resource guarantee:Long-term cooperation with local high-quality hotels and restaurants
Emergency service:Child seats, bottled water, and oxygen cylinders equipped in the vehicle
V. Cost Description and Service Description
[Items Included in the Cost]
Transportation:Regular tourism operating vehicles throughout the trip (7-55 seats)
Tickets:First major admission tickets to scenic areas in the itinerary
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance + travel accident insurance
Service:Professional driver and guide service
[Service Upgrade Highlights]

[Three Major Populus Euphratica Forest Viewing Areas]Complimentary VIP viewing seats for the Kashgar Old City opening ceremony
Tashkurgan accommodation upgraded to oxygen-supplied rooms
Daily seasonal fruit platter provided
24-hour emergency response service
[Notes]
For single-person registration, we will try our best to coordinate room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation
The specific itinerary may change dynamically due to weather, road conditions, and other factors; the route can be optimized after mutual agreement
Prices and remaining seats are subject to contract/customer service confirmation and may fluctuate with departure dates
VI. Practical Information
[Document Preparation]
Original valid ID documents (children need household registration booklet)
Discount documents (student ID/senior citizen card/officer card, etc.)

Luntai Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest National Forest Park permit (advance processing required for traveling to Tashkurgan County)
[Clothing Suggestions]
Windbreaker or thin down jacket (large temperature difference between morning and evening)
Comfortable hiking shoes (high-top recommended for walking in the desert)
Sun protection equipment:Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen
[Photography Equipment]
Camera:Wide-angle lens (for Populus euphratica forest) + telephoto lens (for snow mountains)
Spare batteries:Low-temperature environments drain power quickly
Tripod:Used for photographing starry skies and slow-shutter flowing water
[Special Tips]
October 2026 is the peak season for Populus euphratica forest viewing, and prices are about 25% higher than the off-season
Self-paid projects in scenic areas (such as desert off-roading and rafting) require on-site price confirmation
Daily departure time changes dynamically according to sunrise time to strive for excellent photographic lighting
This Southern Xinjiang Populus Euphratica Forest Loop excellently integrates the magnificence of golden Populus euphratica with the profoundness of Western Regions culture. A professional team escorts you throughout the trip, allowing you to both take blockbuster photos that will flood your social media and deeply experience the traditional lifestyles of various ethnic groups. Contact the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency immediately to start your golden late-autumn journey!
For Xinjiang travel, look for Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customized vehicle travel is worry-free and reliable. Landline: 0991-8866234 Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing Phone: 181-3962-2233