You most likely have to stop on the way to Kashgar so might as well check out a few places enroute.
Urumqi is a practical jumping point and is good for a day visit. we stayed in People’s Park, walked around the Bazaar and visited the museum. Rented a car and drove 2h to Turpan. Good for another night or two. June, so 40c + !!!! Stayed in Grape Valley in a cool mingsu with context and some great grapes / raisins! Interesting visit to the ancient ruins of Jiaohe/Yarghul, the capital of the Tocharian kingdom (108BC), the very nice Emin Minaret / Sugong Tower 1778 and Tuyugou old town in a valley of the Flaming Mountains plus a winery to finish it off!. Easy drive back to the airport and a flight off to Kashgar.
NWX（西北新疆）似乎是沿边境和G219公路骑行新疆的最佳路线。道路大多适合骑行，沿途风景壮丽，且有对外国人友好的住宿点。 关于喀纳斯与河木地区的注意事项如下：九月（国庆假期前）是观赏秋色的理想时节，五月或六月或许也不错？冬季则因严寒不宜前往。无论何时出行都需备好冬季雨具，因极端天气可能突发。上海至伊宁或阿尔泰均有直飞航班（5小时航程）。 NWX (North West Xingjiang) seems to offer the best point to point riding in Xinjiang along the border …
