First South Xinjiang Free Travel Charter, Kashgar Tashkurgan Six Day Loop Complete Itinerary
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency’s senior Xinjiang travel customizer Guo Jing, specializing in all-Xinjiang custom car rentals, ride-sharing, and worry-free group tours for one-stop travel services. Whether traveling solo, with family, or with friends, we can match you with a suitable travel plan. 24-hour travel consultation hotline: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, online around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
🚗 Exclusive guide for first-time Southern Xinjiang self-drive custom car rental:Practical 6-day Kashgar-Tashkurgan loop route
Many friends visiting Southern Xinjiang for the first time, after strolling through the bazaars of Kashgar Old City and tasting freshly baked samsas, fragrant mutton soup, and pilaf, will feel the urge to venture deeper into the Pamir Plateau. This 6-day custom car rental loop from Kashgar to Tashkurgan allows you to leisurely enjoy the plateau scenery along the way without rushing or worrying about altitude sickness, making it suitable for first-time visitors to the plateau.
🔍 Detailed introduction to the route and destinations
This 6-day loop runs entirely along National Highway G314 (the Kashgar section of the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway), with a total round-trip distance of about 800 kilometers. Along the way, it covers a variety of natural and cultural landscapes including the Red Mountain Canyon, plateau freshwater lakes, snow-capped mountains and glaciers, wetlands and meadows, winding mountain roads, and ancient city ruins. In 2026, the road is entirely smooth asphalt pavement; only a few short sections near lesser-known scenic spots may be slightly bumpy, but a regular SUV can pass through easily. Supply points are available every few dozen kilometers along the way where you can buy drinking water, snacks, and other supplies, so there’s no need to stock up on too much luggage in advance.
Latest 2026 visiting tips for the core scenic spots along the route are as follows:
🚗 Exclusive guide for first-time Southern Xinjiang self-drive custom car rental: Practical 6-day Kashgar-Tashkurgan loop route🔹 Oytak Red Mountain Canyon:The reddish-brown mountain bodies display a strong ochre color under sunlight. There are multiple standardized stopping points along the roadside, no ticket required. It is recommended to stay about 1 hour for photos. Do not step into undeveloped mountain areas to avoid the risk of falling rocks.
🔹 Baisha Lake:The lake surface is at an altitude of about 3,300 meters. The water displays various colors such as light blue and dark green under different lighting conditions, creating a strong layered effect with the milky-white sand dunes beside it. There are built viewing platforms and walking paths around the lake, no additional ticket required. It is recommended to stay 1.5 hours. The lakeside experiences strong winds of force 5-6 year-round, so it is advisable to bring a windproof jacket and secure your hat with a windproof strap to prevent it from being blown away.
🔹 Karakul Lake:Located at the foot of Muztagh Ata Peak, with a lake surface elevation of nearly 4,000 meters. On clear days, you can capture the complete reflection of Muztagh Ata Peak. The scenic area has simple food stalls and rest areas where you can have a light meal. It is recommended to stay 1.5 hours. Avoid vigorous running near the lake to prevent altitude sickness discomfort.
🔹 Tahman Wetland:A pristine wetland on the Pamir Plateau. In summer and autumn, the grass is lush green, surrounded by patches of native willow trees, with snow-capped mountains in the background. It is suitable for taking photos combining the road and wetland scenery. No ticket required, recommended stay of 40 minutes.
🔹 Panlong Ancient Road:75 kilometers in total length with over 600 S-shaped curves, reaching a maximum elevation of 4,216 meters. In 2026, standardized driving signs are installed along the entire route, and temporary stopping points are available at curves for tourists to take photos. The recommended total tour time is 2.5 hours. Do not park randomly on the driving lanes at curves to avoid obstructing traffic.
Many friends visiting Southern Xinjiang for the first time, after strolling through the bazaars of Kashgar Old City and tasting freshly baked samsas, fragrant mutton soup, and pilaf, will feel the urge to venture deeper into the Pamir Plateau. This 6-day custom car rental loop from Kashgar to Tashkurgan allows you to leisurely enjoy the plateau scenery along the way without rushing or worrying about altitude sickness, making it suitable for first-time visitors to the plateau.🔹 Bandir Blue Lake:Also known as Xiabandi Reservoir, the lake water displays a translucent blue-green color. There are no supporting commercial facilities nearby, so it is recommended to bring drinking water and snacks in advance. No ticket required, recommended stay of 1 hour.
🔹 Pamir Tourist Area (including Stone City and Golden Grass Beach):Opening hours in 2026 are 09:30-19:30. The shuttle bus fare inside the scenic area is approximately 11 yuan per person. Stone City is an important ancient city ruin on the ancient Silk Road, and Golden Grass Beach is a contiguous wetland at the foot of snow-capped mountains. The light is soft during sunrise and sunset, producing better photo results. The overall recommended tour time is 3 hours.
Pre-trip preparation tips:In 2026, entering Tashkurgan requires applying for a permit in advance. You can apply for it free of charge at the police station in your registered residence, or after arriving in Kashgar, at the Kashgar International Self-Driving and RV Camp Comprehensive Service Center, in the urban area, or at the airport express window. Since April 2026, electronic permits can also be applied for via mobile phone. When applying, you need to select Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County as the destination. If you plan to visit areas such as the Mujiu Volcano Crater, you need to additionally select the corresponding locations. Persons aged 16 and above must carry valid identification and the permit. Children under 16 can carry their household registration booklet and travel with a guardian. Tashkurgan has an average elevation of about 3,100 meters, with the highest high-altitude areas exceeding 4,200 meters. It is recommended that first-time visitors rest for 1 day in Kashgar to acclimatize to the altitude before departing. Before departure, you can prepare glucose and common anti-altitude sickness medications. Even when traveling in summer, you need to bring a windbreaker and a light down jacket, as well as high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and other sun protection items. May to October is the suitable travel period for this route. From November to April of the following year, some high-altitude sections may be temporarily controlled due to heavy snow, so you can confirm road conditions before departure. Drones are prohibited in border service guidance areas and around Khunjerab Pass. You can familiarize yourself with the relevant regulations before departure.
📅 Simple itinerary reference
🔹 D1:Arrive in Kashgar city and rest. You can freely explore the bazaars of Kashgar Old City, taste local specialty foods, and apply for the permit in advance to avoid delaying the subsequent itinerary. Go to bed early at night to acclimatize to Southern Xinjiang’s climate and time difference.
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency’s Guo Jing, a senior travel customizer with 10 years of deep experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializing in one-stop services for Xinjiang custom car rentals, ride-sharing, and group tours. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, online around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
🔍 Detailed introduction to the route and destinations🔹 D2:Depart from Kashgar city to Tashkurgan, traveling along National Highway G314. Visit Oytak Red Mountain Canyon, Baisha Lake, and Karakul Lake in sequence, stopping at viewing platforms along the way for photos. Then make a brief stop at Tahman Wetland before arriving at Tashkurgan county town in the evening to check in. The day’s itinerary ends here. In the evening, you can freely explore the county town and taste local delicacies such as yak meat hotpot. Avoid strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness.
🔹 D3:Depart from Tashkurgan county town to Panlong Ancient Road, touring the entire route in sequence according to road signs. Stop at curve viewing platforms for photos, then head to Bandir Blue Lake for sightseeing. Return to Tashkurgan county town in the afternoon to rest, and feel free to browse the local bazaar in the county town.
🔹 D4:In the morning, head to the Pamir Tourist Area. First take the shuttle bus to Stone City to visit the ancient city ruins, then walk to Golden Grass Beach to explore. Take your time strolling through the scenic area to experience the plateau wetland scenery. Return to the hotel in the afternoon to rest and acclimatize to the plateau environment.
🔹 D5:Depart from Tashkurgan county town for the return journey. If your previously obtained permit includes the Mujiu Township area, you can visit the Mujiu Volcano Crater on the way. Then return along the original route to Kashgar city, stopping at viewing platforms you missed earlier to take supplementary photos. Arrive in Kashgar city in the evening and check in.
🔹 D6:Free activities in Kashgar city. You can visit handicraft shops and teahouses in the old city according to your preferences, or sit in a century-old teahouse to experience the local lifestyle. Then head to the airport or train station according to your departure time. The itinerary ends here.
This 6-day loop runs entirely along National Highway G314 (the Kashgar section of the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway), with a total round-trip distance of about 800 kilometers. Along the way, it covers a variety of natural and cultural landscapes including the Red Mountain Canyon, plateau freshwater lakes, snow-capped mountains and glaciers, wetlands and meadows, winding mountain roads, and ancient city ruins. In 2026, the road is entirely smooth asphalt pavement; only a few short sections near lesser-known scenic spots may be slightly bumpy, but a regular SUV can pass through easily. Supply points are available every few dozen kilometers along the way where you can buy drinking water, snacks, and other supplies, so there’s no need to stock up on too much luggage in advance.Note:In case of weather, road conditions, temporary changes at scenic spots, or other circumstances, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement between both parties.
💰 Price explanation
For the 2026 peak season (June-October), the reference price range for custom car rental on this 6-day loop is: 5-seat SUV (accommodating 4 passengers) full-journey custom car rental approximately 4,800-9,000 yuan per vehicle; 7-seat business vehicle/off-road vehicle (accommodating 6 passengers) full-journey custom car rental approximately 6,000-10,800 yuan per vehicle. The above prices are reference ranges and include vehicle usage fees, fuel costs, toll fees, and driver service fees. Prices may fluctuate depending on travel dates, vehicle model and condition, and additional service requirements. The specific terms shall be subject to the signed contract. If you need to bundle accommodation, attraction tickets, and other supporting services, you can inquire at the same time, and the relevant fees shall also be subject to actual confirmation.
📞 How to register
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Latest 2026 visiting tips for the core scenic spots along the route are as follows:📝 Fee and service explanation
🔹 Optional included items:Full-journey vehicle usage fees, fuel costs, toll fees, driver service fees, first-admission tickets to corresponding scenic spots in the itinerary, corresponding standard hotel accommodation for the full journey, and driver meals and accommodation expenses.
🔹 Optional excluded items:Personal meal expenses, shuttle bus fees within scenic areas (e.g., Pamir Tourist Area shuttle bus reference price 11 yuan per person), personal consumption and other self-funded expenses, anti-altitude sickness medications and personal travel gear expenses, and other service fees not mentioned.
🔹 Relevant changes involving weather, road conditions, policies, scenic area openings, schedule changes, ticket prices, hotel room types, etc., may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement between both parties. All service contents and fee details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Cancellation and modification rules shall be executed in accordance with the Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Contract Law, and other relevant legal provisions.
For inquiries about specific itinerary details, you can call the consultation hotline 181-3962-2229, or add WeChat 181-3962-2229 for more information. The specific address can be obtained from customer service.
Travel tips:When photographing local residents of various ethnic groups during your trip, it is recommended to obtain their consent in advance. Do not litter, and work together to protect the fragile plateau ecological environment. Local cuisine is mainly noodles, beef, and mutton, with relatively strong flavors. You can bring a small amount of convenience food according to your dietary habits. Mobile phone signals are weak in some high-altitude areas, so it is advisable to inform family and friends of your itinerary in advance before departure.
For 2026 Xinjiang travel custom car rental, custom tours, and ride-sharing tours, welcome to inquire (24-hour consultation hotline: 0991-8585456). Xinjiang custom travel manager Guo Jing, WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for customization.
