Route overview
Kashgar’s old town, the Taklamakan desert highways, ancient Silk Road oases and the Pamir edge — the deep Xinjiang loop for experienced drivers.
Highlights
- Kashgar old town and Sunday livestock market
- Desert highways crossing the Taklamakan (Tazhong road)
- Korla, Aksu and the ancient oases of Khotan
- Pamir Plateau glimpses on the Karakoram Highway approach
Suggested itinerary
- Day 1Urumqi → Korla (Bosten Lake)
- Day 2Korla → Luntai → Taklamakan desert highway start
- Day 3Desert highway → Minfeng (two days across the sands)
- Day 4Minfeng → Khotan → Yecheng → Kashgar
- Day 5Kashgar old town & rest
- Day 6Kashgar → Akto → Karakul Lake (Pamir) & return
- Day 7Kashgar → Aksu → Kuqa → Korla → Urumqi
Costs to expect
Budget 600–1,000 CNY per day for two people. Fuel stations exist on desert highways but are far apart — plan fuel around the Tazhong service area.
Driving tips
- A sand-driving permit and route filing apply for the desert highways — part of our service
- Carry water, spare fuel and basic recovery gear when crossing the desert
- Sandstorms occur in spring; autumn (Sep–Oct) is the steadiest window
- Border-adjacent areas (Kashgar region) may require additional permits for foreign travellers — confirm with us first
