Southern Xinjiang is the cultural heart: Uyghur oasis towns, the world’s second-largest desert, and Kashgar’s ancient core.
This 7-day loop covers Urumqi to Kashgar, south to Hotan, loop the oasis towns, return via Aksu, about 1700 km in total. The sweet spot is April to May and September to October.
Why drive this route
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The loop runs the desert rim, so you get long straight highway, sudden green oases, and some of the best food in the region. If you are shaping the bigger trip, our Kashgar old town guide covers the wider picture.
The route day by day
Day 1: Urumqi to Kashgar (1500 km, ~2 h)
Day 1 leaves Urumqi and reaches Kashgar, roughly 1500 km and about 2 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Kashgar. On the way: fly or long drive; many fly and collect a car; settle in. Most drivers fly in and start the loop from Kashgar.
Day 2: Kashgar to Kashgar old town (30 km, ~1 h)
Day 2 leaves Kashgar and reaches Kashgar old town, roughly 30 km and about 1 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Kashgar. On the way: old town lanes; Sunday bazaar if it is the right day. On-foot day; park the car.
Day 3: Kashgar to Hotan (520 km, ~6.5 h)
Day 3 leaves Kashgar and reaches Hotan, roughly 520 km and about 6.5 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Hotan. On the way: drive the desert highway south; oasis stops. Long, straight, desert driving.
Day 4: Hotan to Hotan sights (80 km, ~2 h)
Day 4 leaves Hotan and reaches Hotan sights, roughly 80 km and about 2 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Hotan. On the way: jade market; silk and carpet workshops. Easy local day.
Day 5: Hotan to Aksu via the desert road (600 km, ~7 h)
Day 5 leaves Hotan and reaches Aksu via the desert road, roughly 600 km and about 7 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Aksu. On the way: Taklamakan edge; oil town stops. Another long highway day.
Day 6: Aksu to Kuqa gorges (260 km, ~3 h)
Day 6 leaves Aksu and reaches Kuqa gorges, roughly 260 km and about 3 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Kuqa. On the way: red canyon day trip; bazaar. Refuel.
Day 7: Kuqa to Urumqi (fly) or Korla (420 km, ~5 h)
Day 7 leaves Kuqa and reaches Urumqi (fly) or Korla, roughly 420 km and about 5 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in . On the way: return north. Fly out from Kashgar or drive back.
Where to sleep
- Kashgar (2)
- Hotan (2)
- Aksu (1)
- Kuqa (1)
Best time to drive
April to May and September to October avoid the summer furnace of the Tarim basin. Summer highs are brutal and winter is cold but clear.
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 Sunday bazaar guide.
Practical tips
- Most travellers fly into Kashgar and rent there to skip the 1,500 km haul.
- Desert highway has sparse fuel; keep the tank high.
- Carry cash for small oasis stalls.
- 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 southern Xinjiang safe to self-drive? Yes; the highways are good and the oasis towns are welcoming, with routine checkpoints.
How long is the Kashgar to Hotan drive? Around 520 km and 6 to 7 hours on the desert highway.
When should I visit the south? Spring and autumn are best; summer heat in the Tarim basin is extreme.
Do I need a border permit? Not for this loop; Kashgar town itself is open. The Pamir beyond needs a permit.
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. Checkpoint and permit rules in the south can change, so confirm the current requirements with local authorities before you travel.