Eight days is the entry point to a real Xinjiang: half green alpine north, half desert-oasis south, joined by the Duku.
This 8-day loop covers Urumqi, Duku, Kuqa, Aksu, Kashgar, then fly or drive back, about 2200 km in total. The sweet spot is June to September.
Why drive this route
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It is a lot of driving, but the contrast between the Tian Shan and the Tarim is the whole point. If you are shaping the bigger trip, our Duku Highway self-drive guide 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: north gate of the Duku. 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 climb; swan lake. Big mountain day.
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; red canyons. Crossing day.
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 fringe. 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: reach the old town; sunset lanes. Long but good road.
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: old town and bazaar. On-foot day.
Day 7: Kashgar to Tashkurgan (Pamir) (300 km, ~5 h)
Day 7 leaves Kashgar and reaches Tashkurgan (Pamir), roughly 300 km and about 5 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Tashkurgan. On the way: Karakoram views; border town. Needs a border permit.
Day 8: Tashkurgan to Kashgar and fly (300 km, ~5 h)
Day 8 leaves Tashkurgan and reaches Kashgar and fly, roughly 300 km and about 5 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in . On the way: return and fly out. Fly home from Kashgar.
Where to sleep
- Dushanzi
- Bayinbuluke
- Kuqa
- Aksu
- Kashgar (2)
- Tashkurgan
Best time to drive
June to September keeps the Duku open and the south bearable. This is a big loop, so build in rest days if you can.
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
- The Pamir day needs a border permit, sort it in Kashgar.
- This loop is 2,200 km; consider flying one leg back.
- Book Kashgar stays ahead.
- 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
Can I do north and south Xinjiang in 8 days? Yes, but it is driving-heavy; fly one return leg if you want more time in towns.
Do I need a permit for the Pamir? Yes, the Tashkurgan area requires a border defense permit; arrange it in Kashgar.
What is the best season? June to September, when the Duku is open and the south is not furnace-hot.
Is this loop too much for a first visit? It is ambitious; if it is your first time, focus on the north or the south, not both.
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. Pamir permit and Duku opening rules change, so confirm both with local authorities before you commit.