Ten days is where Xinjiang finally opens up: you can do the north, dip south, and even reach the Pamir without feeling rushed.
This 10-day loop covers Urumqi, Duku, Kuqa, Aksu, Kashgar, Tashkurgan, back via the north, about 3000 km in total. The sweet spot is June to September.
Why drive this route
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This is the trip for drivers who want the full range, from Kanas-green meadows to the Karakoram. If you are shaping the bigger trip, our 10-day Xinjiang road trip itinerary covers the wider picture.
The route day by day
Day 1: Urumqi to Dushanzi (250 km, ~3 h)
Day 1 leaves Urumqi and reaches Dushanzi, roughly 250 km and about 3 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Dushanzi. On the way: Duku gate. Prep.
Day 2: Dushanzi to Bayinbuluke (270 km, ~7 h)
Day 2 leaves Dushanzi and reaches Bayinbuluke, roughly 270 km and about 7 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Bayinbuluke. On the way: Duku. Mountain.
Day 3: Bayinbuluke to Kuqa (260 km, ~6 h)
Day 3 leaves Bayinbuluke and reaches Kuqa, roughly 260 km and about 6 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Kuqa. On the way: Duku south. Crossing.
Day 4: Kuqa to Aksu (260 km, ~3.5 h)
Day 4 leaves Kuqa and reaches Aksu, roughly 260 km and about 3.5 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Aksu. On the way: Tarim. Easy.
Day 5: Aksu to Kashgar (460 km, ~5.5 h)
Day 5 leaves Aksu and reaches Kashgar, roughly 460 km and about 5.5 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Kashgar. On the way: old town. Long.
Day 6: Kashgar to Kashgar (30 km, ~1 h)
Day 6 leaves Kashgar and reaches Kashgar, roughly 30 km and about 1 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Kashgar. On the way: bazaar. Foot day.
Day 7: Kashgar to Tashkurgan (300 km, ~5 h)
Day 7 leaves Kashgar and reaches Tashkurgan, roughly 300 km and about 5 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Tashkurgan. On the way: Pamir; Karakoram. Permit needed.
Day 8: Tashkurgan to Kashgar (300 km, ~5 h)
Day 8 leaves Tashkurgan and reaches Kashgar, roughly 300 km and about 5 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Kashgar. On the way: return. Back.
Day 9: Kashgar to Urumqi (fly) (0 km, ~2 h)
Day 9 leaves Kashgar and reaches Urumqi (fly), roughly 0 km and about 2 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Urumqi. On the way: fly north. Fly to save a day.
Day 10: Urumqi to home (0 km, ~1 h)
Day 10 leaves Urumqi and reaches home, roughly 0 km and about 1 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in . On the way: depart. Done.
Where to sleep
- Dushanzi
- Bayinbuluke
- Kuqa
- Aksu
- Kashgar (3)
- Tashkurgan
Best time to drive
June to September is the only window that keeps the Duku and the Pamir both accessible. This is a serious distance, so fly one leg if needed.
Most mountain roads, the Duku, the Ili branch routes and Pamir access, close from late October to early June under snow. Plan around the warm window. For the detail you will actually need on the ground, see our Kashgar old town guide.
Practical tips
- Fly Kashgar to Urumqi on day 9 to avoid 1,500 km of repeat driving.
- Pamir needs a border permit, sorted in Kashgar.
- This is 3,000 km; pace it.
- Never let the tank drop below half on remote roads. Fuel stations thin out sharply once you leave the main G30 corridor, and a few only take cash or UnionPay.
- Carry your passport or Chinese ID at all times. Police checkpoints are routine on regional roads and you will be asked to scan or show documents several times a day. Before you commit, read our best time for a Xinjiang road trip so nothing catches you out.
FAQ
Is 10 days enough for the full Xinjiang arc? It covers north, south and the Pamir at a real pace; fly one leg to make it comfortable.
Do I need a permit for the Pamir? Yes, a border defense permit for Tashkurgan; arrange it in Kashgar.
Best season? June to September.
Should I drive or fly the long leg? Flying Kashgar to Urumqi saves a full day and a lot of fatigue.
Final word
Xinjiang rewards drivers who plan, then stay flexible. Build a loose route, book the key overnight towns, and leave room for the unplanned stop that turns out to be the best part of the trip.
Written by Karl Huang, a Xinjiang-based travel writer. Both the Duku and the Pamir have seasonal and permit rules that change, so confirm with local authorities before you commit.