Xinjiang Ili + Southern Xinjiang 12-Day Pure Travel Tour

【Introduction】: The Duku Highway (G217 National Highway, Dushanzi to Kuqa section) stretches approximately 561 kilometers, crossing the Tianshan Mountains from north to south. It is hailed as "China's most beautiful highway." Along the way, travelers can experience diverse seasonal landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, and lakes, making it a paradise for self-driving enthusiasts. 🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1: Home - Urumqi Day 2: Urumqi - Sayram Lake - Sunset & Starry Sky - Sayram Lake Area Day 3: Second Visit to Sayram Lake (Self-Drive) - Fruit Valley Bridge - Dushanzi Day 4: Dushanzi - Northern Section of Duku Highway - Nalati Grassland VIP Exclusive Route - Nalati Day 5: Nalati Town - Middle Section of Duku Highway - Bayinbuluk Day 6: Bayinbuluk - Southern Section of Duku Highway - Small & Large Dragon Pools - Self-Drive through Keziliya Grand Canyon - Kuqa Kucha Dance Performance - Naan-Making Experience - Kuqa Day 7: Kuqa - Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves - Aksu Day 8: Aksu - Wan Feng Camel Park - Kashgar Old Town + Travel Photography - Kashgar Day 9: Kashgar - China-Pakistan Friendship Snow Mountain Highway - Red Valley of Oytak - North Shore of White Sand Lake - Karakul Lake - Tashkurgan County Day 10: Tashkurgan County - Panlong Ancient Road - Bandir Blue Lake - Tasha Ancient Road - View of Muztagh Ata & Kongur Tiube Peaks - Kashgar Day 11: Kashgar - Westernmost Point - Kashgar Day 12: Kashgar - Home - Dushanzi Grand Canyon: Spectacular canyon landscapes, perfect for photography. - Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery: A tribute to the heroes who built the highway. - Nalati Grassland (Northern Section): Lush green grasslands in summer, dotted with grazing cattle and sheep. - Bayinbuluk Grassland (Middle Section): Stunning sunset views over the "Nine Bends of the River." - Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon (Southern Section): Red-brown mountain formations resembling Martian terrain. - Small & Large Dragon Pools: Alpine lakes with crystal-clear blue waters. Kashgar Region: - Kashgar Old Town: A cultural hub of Uyghur heritage, featuring maze-like alleys and century-old residences. - Id Kah Mosque: The largest mosque in Xinjiang. - Tomb of Xiangfei: A blend of Islamic architecture and historical legends. Pamir Plateau: - Muztagh Ata: Known as the "Father of Ice Mountains," ideal for trekking or distant viewing. - Karakul Lake: Snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake, offering breathtaking scenery. - Tashkurgan County (Tashkurgan): Experience Tajik culture and visit the Stone Fortress ruins. 🍩【Must-Try Cuisine】: Baked Dumplings + Roasted Whole Lamb + Lamb Skewers + Big Plate Chicken + Hand-Grasped Rice 🏨【Accommodation Tips】: Ctrip Four-Diamond Hotels + Classic Homestays 🚌【Transportation Tips】: Seven-seater business vehicles or luxury large seven-seater business vehicles 🧡【Tips】: - The Duku Highway features many mountain roads with strict speed limits; drive cautiously. - Certain sections in Southern Xinjiang (e.g., Pamir Plateau) require a border permit (apply at your place of residence or in Kashgar). 2. Climate & Gear: - The Duku Highway has significant day-night temperature differences; bring windproof jackets and sunscreen. Southern Xinjiang is dry, so keep your skin moisturized. - The Pamir Plateau has high altitudes (3,000-4,000 meters); prevent altitude sickness and avoid strenuous activities. Sayram Lake Nalati Grassland Duku Highway Bayinbuluk Scenic Area Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves Kashgar Old Town White Sand Lake Scenic Area Karakul Lake Scenic Area Panlong Ancient Road Bandir Blue Lake Muztagh Ata