Nine days lets you genuinely cross regions: start green in the north, cross the Duku, and end in the desert south.
This 9-day loop covers Urumqi, Duku, Kuqa, Aksu, Kashgar, return, about 2600 km in total. The sweet spot is June to September.
Why drive this route
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It is a big loop but the variety, from meadow to oasis, 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: 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 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. Permit.
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 fly out (0 km, ~1 h)
Day 9 leaves Kashgar and reaches fly out, roughly 0 km and about 1 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in . On the way: depart. Fly.
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 open and the south bearable. This is 2,600 km, so pace it.
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
- Pamir needs a border permit, sort it in Kashgar.
- Fly Kashgar to Urumqi to save a long return.
- This is a serious distance; rest days help.
- 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 cross regions in 9 days? Yes, but it is driving-heavy; fly one leg if you prefer.
Do I need a permit? The Pamir day needs one; the rest is open.
Best season? June to September.
Is it too much? Ambitious; focus on north or south if it is your first trip.
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. The Duku and Pamir both have seasonal and permit rules that change, so confirm with local authorities before you commit.