2024 Most Comprehensive Guide to Yizhao Highway Tour Charter and Carpooling + Customization Recommended Routes Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
⭐【In-Depth Exploration of the Yizhao Highway:2026 Custom Vehicle and Carpooling Comprehensive Guide】⭐
The Yizhao Highway (S237), known as Xinjiang’s “Mini Duku”, condenses the essence of the Tianshan Mountains into 122 kilometers, connecting snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and flower fields. It has become a popular choice for summer self-drive tours and custom vehicle travel. In 2026, this scenic route will officially open on June 1st, with daily operating hours from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and is recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer. This article provides a practical guide for travelers from the perspective of custom vehicle carpooling, incorporating recent policies and empirical data.
I. Route Highlights and Destination Analysis
(I) Core Scenic Zones
The Yizhao Highway starts in Yining City in the north and ends in Zhaosu County in the south, spanning an altitude range from 800 meters to 3,475 meters. Along the way, there are four core scenic areas:
Qapqal Canyon Section (0-60 km):A mix of plains and gentle hills, passing through Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, with views of the Wusun Mountain range in the distance. Villages and herds of cattle and sheep dot the landscape; be cautious of livestock crossing the road.
Baishifeng Steep Section (60-90 km):Continuous hairpin turns and long, steep slopes pose driving challenges, with an abrupt elevation gain to 3,475 meters. Viewing platforms 1 and 3 offer panoramic views of Wild Wolf Valley and the Tianshan Mountains, respectively, creating a picturesque scene in cloudy weather.
Angelete Daban Pass (90-100 km):After crossing the pass, you enter the Zhaosu Grasslands, with a sudden expansive view. In summer, you may encounter marmots, while winter requires caution due to snow accumulation.
Zhaosu Grassland Section (100-122 km):Downhill sections are prone to fog. The endpoint, Zhaosu County, is renowned as the “Hometown of Heavenly Horses,” with summer fields of rapeseed and perilla flowers creating a visual feast of gold and purple.
(II) Extended Scenic Recommendations
Xiata Ancient Trail:Located 70 km from Zhaosu County, a light hike to General Bridge allows close-up views of the Muzart Glacier. Combining shuttle buses and electric carts saves energy.
Kalajun Grassland:Located in Tekes County, its three-dimensional grassland terrain and Eagle Platform viewing point make it a photography hotspot, ideal for family leisurely tours.
Huocheng Lavender Manor:Blooming from mid-June to early July, the purple fields form a “blue-purple combo” route with Sayram Lake.
II. 2026 Simple Itinerary Reference
⭐【In-Depth Exploration of the Yizhao Highway: 2026 Custom Vehicle and Carpooling Comprehensive Guide】⭐Option 1:6-Day Family-Friendly Light Hiking Itinerary
Day 1:Gather in Yining
Afternoon:Stroll through the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area, ride a “horse cart” through blue streets, and taste handmade ice cream.
Evening:Experience ethnic cuisines at the Six-Star Street Night Market; recommended are Gulandam Ice Cream and Xibe Flatbread.
Day 2:Yining → Yizhao Highway → Zhaosu
Morning:Traverse the Yizhao Highway, stopping at Baishifeng and Angelete Daban viewing platforms.
Afternoon:Upon arrival in Zhaosu, visit the Heavenly Horse Cultural Park and watch equestrian performances.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Zhaosu County and savor Heavenly Horse grilled meat and horse meat naren.
Day 3:Zhaosu → Xiata Ancient Trail → Tekes
Morning:Light hike the Xiata Ancient Trail to the Flower Platform, carrying carrot sticks to feed marmots.
Afternoon:Head to Tekes Bagua City and ascend the central viewing tower for a panoramic view of the city layout.
Evening:Stay in a Bagua City guesthouse and experience the nighttime light show.
Day 4:Tekes → Kalajun Grassland → Nalati
Morning:Explore the East and West Kalajun areas and experience horseback riding on the grasslands.
Afternoon:Cross the Qiapuqi Sea Reservoir and arrive in Nalati Town by evening.
The Yizhao Highway (S237), known as Xinjiang’s “Mini Duku”, condenses the essence of the Tianshan Mountains into 122 kilometers, connecting snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and flower fields. It has become a popular choice for summer self-drive tours and custom vehicle travel. In 2026, this scenic route will officially open on June 1st, with daily operating hours from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and is recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer. This article provides a practical guide for travelers from the perspective of custom vehicle carpooling, incorporating recent policies and empirical data.Evening:Attend a bonfire party on the Nalati Grasslands and taste roast whole lamb.
Day 5:In-Depth Nalati Tour
Full Day:Self-drive the Nalati Aerial Grasslands and River Valley Grasslands, visiting nomadic homes and the Heavenly Terrace.
Special Experiences:Dress in ethnic costumes for photos, feed lambs, and experience embroidery by various ethnic groups.
Day 6:Nalati → Duku Highway → Return to Yining
Morning:Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway, stopping at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery.
Afternoon:Return to Yining and purchase lavender products based on flight schedules.
Option 2:4-Day Essence Crossing Itinerary
Day 1:Yining → Yizhao Highway → Zhaosu
Highlights:Aerial photography at Baishifeng and sunset at Zhaosu Wetland Park.
Day 2:Zhaosu → Xiata Ancient Trail → Tekes
Highlights:Hiking the Xiata Ancient Trail and night view of Bagua City.
Day 3:Tekes → Kalajun → Nalati
Highlights:Viewing from Eagle Platform and horseback riding on the Nalati River Valley Grasslands.
I. Route Highlights and Destination AnalysisDay 4:Nalati → Return to Yining
Highlights:Viewing platform at the Guozigou Bridge and appreciation of wild cherry plums on Huocheng Fushou Mountain.
III. Custom Vehicle and Carpooling Pricing Explanation
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency offers a variety of vehicle options, with fees covering vehicle usage, driver service, fuel, tolls, and insurance. Specific references are as follows:
7-Seat Business Vehicle:Suitable for 3-5 people, with an average daily cost of approximately 1,200-1,600 RMB.
13-Seat Coaster:Suitable for 6-10 people, with an average daily cost of approximately 1,800-2,200 RMB.
15-19 Seat Minibus:Suitable for 10-15 people, with an average daily cost of approximately 2,200-2,800 RMB.
Price Fluctuation Factors:
Peak season (June-August) fees increase by 10%-15%.
Upgrading the vehicle model (e.g., choosing a high-clearance SUV) requires an additional price difference.
Driver’s food and accommodation subsidies are typically calculated at 200-300 RMB per day.
Special Note:
The above prices are reference ranges; actual fees are subject to the contract signed with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms as much as possible; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
IV. Registration Method and Process
(I) Core Scenic ZonesRegistration can be done through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, with the following process:
Needs Communication:Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing, providing departure time, number of people, interests, and budget.
Itinerary Customization:Match vehicle models and routes based on needs, providing a preliminary plan within 24 hours.
Contract Signing:Sign an electronic contract after confirming itinerary details and pay a deposit (usually 30% of the total cost).
Pre-Trip Preparation:Receive a detailed supply list and weather warnings, confirming the final itinerary 7 days in advance.
V. Fee Explanation and Service Content
Fees Include:
Usage fees for officially operated vehicles.
Services of a licensed local driver (including food and accommodation subsidies).
Vehicle fuel, tolls, and parking fees.
Basic travel insurance (it is recommended to purchase additional high-coverage insurance).
Fees Do Not Include:
Scenic area tickets (approximately 145 RMB per person for Sayram Lake, approximately 95 RMB per person for Nalati Grasslands, subject to scenic area announcements).
Self-paid items outside the itinerary (e.g., 20 RMB per person for the Xiata Ancient Trail electric cart).
The Yizhao Highway starts in Yining City in the north and ends in Zhaosu County in the south, spanning an altitude range from 800 meters to 3,475 meters. Along the way, there are four core scenic areas: Personal expenses (e.g., specialty dining, souvenir purchases).
Service Standards:
Vehicles are disinfected daily and equipped with first aid kits and emergency tools.
Drivers are familiar with road conditions and can provide historical background explanations of scenic spots.
Itinerary changes require mutual agreement; emergency plans are activated in case of sudden weather or policy changes.
VI. Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist
Documents:Valid identification, driver’s license (if self-driving is an option), and permits (recommended for border areas such as Muzart).
Clothing:Windbreaker, thin down jacket, sun protection clothing, non-slip hiking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses.
Supplies:SPF50+ sunscreen, moisturizing mask, thermos, high-energy snacks, car charger.
Medications:Motion sickness medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, cold medicine, altitude sickness medication (Xiata Ancient Trail has a high altitude).
VII. Compliance and Risk Warnings
Traffic Compliance:Strictly adhere to the Yizhao Highway’s 9:00 AM-9:00 PM operating hours; night driving is prohibited.
Driving:The Baishifeng section has a speed limit of 40 km/h; no overtaking on curves or parking on cliffs.
Environmental Responsibility:Carry out all garbage; no treading on grasslands or picking wildflowers.
Policy Changes:In case of temporary road closures, both parties will negotiate to change the itinerary or take a detour via Tekes.
The charm of the Yizhao Highway lies in “seeing all four seasons in one day,” but complex road conditions and variable weather require higher itinerary planning standards. Choosing the custom vehicle services of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency ensures a balance of safety and in-depth experience. For specific itinerary details and fees, please consult customer service manager Zhang Jing; actual consultation and contracting shall prevail.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
