Xinjiang
Xinjiang is larger than many countries. Urumqi is the main northern gateway and a useful place for regional context; Kashgar anchors the far southwest and the Pamir road. Ili via Yining, Altay and Burqin, Turpan and the southern oasis cities are separate journeys connected by long drives, flights or overnight trains.
Choose your region
- Urumqi and Turpan: museums, Heavenly Lake and a lower-elevation oasis contrast in 5–7 days.
- Ili: Yining, grasslands, valleys and seasonal flower landscapes in 7–10 road-based days.
- Altay: Burqin, Kanas and Hemu in 7–9 days, with long access roads and strong seasonality.
- Kashgar and the Pamirs: Kashgar Old City plus Karakul and Tashkurgan in 6–8 days.
- Southern Silk Road: Kashgar with Hotan and other oasis cities, using rail or flights over 10–14 days.
Do not combine Kanas and Ili in one week or call a flight from Urumqi to Kashgar a short transfer. Seven days should answer one regional question.
How many days
Three days suit Urumqi with one mountain day, or urban Kashgar alone. Seven days allow one northern circuit or Kashgar with the Pamirs. Ten days give a weather buffer and fewer one-night hotels. A broad north-and-south journey needs two weeks or more and usually an internal flight.
Bases and route
Urumqi provides air, rail, museums and supplies, while Heavenly Lake and Nanshan point in different directions. Yining is the Ili gateway, but grassland routes require road-based nights. Burqin is a staging town for Kanas rather than a substitute for staying near the landscape. Kashgar needs two city days before the high Pamir road.
Seven-day Kashgar and Pamir route
- Arrive in Kashgar and keep the first old-city walk unstructured.
- Explore Old City, Id Kah and one craft or food cluster.
- Add the museum, Abakh Khoja Tomb or the Sunday livestock market when dates align.
- Begin the approved Pamir road itinerary and acclimatize gradually.
- Continue to Karakul, Tashkurgan or the verified permitted stops.
- Return to Kashgar with margin for checkpoints, weather and road delays.
- Use the city buffer or depart.
For northern Xinjiang, use the same principle: one gateway day, several nights on a coherent road loop and a protected final connection.
On the southern route, Kashgar–Karakul–Tashkurgan is already a substantial mountain journey; adding Shache and Hotan changes it into a longer oasis corridor rather than a casual extra day. Do not copy a self-drive schedule until the operator has confirmed which listed border stops are currently open to your passport and permit.
Documents and border areas
Carry the passport or identity document used for bookings. Some Pamir, border and restricted areas require a border-area travel permit or additional approval. China's National Immigration Administration introduced electronic border-area permits in 2026; its official FAQ says foreign nationals, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan residents use designated in-person channels rather than the mainland-resident online flow. Exact eligibility and route access can change, so confirm with the local authority and a qualified operator before paying.
When to visit
Xinjiang does not have one season. Ili's green and flower periods, Altay's summer access and autumn color, desert heat, Pamir snow and winter road conditions occur on different calendars. Shoulder seasons can be beautiful and operationally fragile. Check the specific road and scenic area, not a province-wide forecast.
Pack for strong sun and large day-to-night temperature changes even in summer: sun protection, water and a warm or wind-resistant layer belong in the day bag. Ask before photographing people, and follow the dress and conduct rules posted at mosques and other religious spaces.
Getting there and around
Urumqi and Kashgar are the main air hubs. Rail is useful across the basin and southern cities, while most mountain circuits need a driver or organized vehicle. Daily road stages can be long, with identity checks, fuel stops and weather delays. Confirm the exact vehicle, licensed operator, pickup, hotel and luggage allowance.
Where to stay
Use city hotels near transport before and after a road circuit. In mountain regions, prioritize safe access, heating and cancellation terms over a decorative “cabin” label. Ask whether the property can register your passport and whether the vehicle reaches the door.
What to book first
Secure permits and route eligibility first, then internal flights or long trains, driver and scarce regional hotels. Book weather-sensitive attractions later when cancellation terms are clear. Keep at least half a day before the final flight.
Compare Xinjiang hotels on Trip.com, check China train tickets, and compare internal flights.
