Two weeks is the sweet spot for Xinjiang. You can finally link the green north and the desert south into one loop without living in transit. This plan balances iconic sights with real downtime — and leaves room for the detours that become your favorite memories.
The Shape
Fly into <<), fly or train to the south, finish in <, fly out. Or reverse. The north needs more days; the south is compact but intense.
Day-by-Day
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Museum, bazaar, Tianchi. Acclimatize.
Days 3–5 – Yili Grasslands
Fly to Yining. Nalati (Day 4), Kalajun + Tekes (Day 5). Overnight Yining.
Days 6–8 – Kanas & Hemu
<, the “God’s Lake.” Stay in Hemu village (Day 7) for sunrise over wooden cabins. Autumn is the peak.Day 9 – Back to Urumqi, overnight train south
Evening sleeper to Kashgar (or fly).
Days 10–11 – Kashgar
Old city, Sunday bazaar, Abakh Hoja tomb. Deepen with a food walk.
Day 12 – Karakul Lake & Pamir
Day-trip to the lake under Muztagh Ata. Return to Tashkurgan or Kashgar.
Jiaohe Ruins, Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley. Overnight Turpan.
Day 14 – Turpan to Urumqi, depart
Morning site, high-speed train to Urumqi, fly out.
Pacing
This is full but not frantic. Drop Kanas if you’d rather slow the north; drop Turpan if the south is your focus. The loop assumes 2 internal flights — worth it to save 2 days of driving.
Seasonal Notes
- Summer: green north, hot south — start north, end south late.
- Autumn (Sep–Oct): Kanas/Hemu at their best; book early.
- Spring: flowers in Yili; south is mild.
- Winter: stunning but many passes close.
FAQ
Car or tours? For this loop, mix: tours in the north, train/flight between hubs. Self-drive only if confident.
Too much? If 14 days feels packed, cut to the north (Days 1–9) for a calmer trip.
Border pass? Needed only for the Pamir (Karakul). Get it in Kashgar.