How to Book a Group Tour of Duku Highway Complete Guide Recommended Routes and Costs
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
Exploring the Duku Highway:Complete Guide to Booking a Group Tour for 2026✨
The Duku Highway, a legendary road stretching across the Tianshan Mountains and connecting northern and southern Xinjiang, is recommended to be open for about four months each year, yet it attracts countless travelers eager to explore its grandeur and mysteries. Known for its unique landscape of ‘four seasons in one day and different weather every ten miles,’ it has become a popular choice for both self-drive and group tours. If you plan to embark on this journey across the Tianshan Mountains in 2026, the following comprehensive guide to booking a group tour will help you easily plan your itinerary.
Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations
The Duku Highway starts from Dushanzi District in Karamay City in the north and ends in Kuqa City in Aksu Prefecture in the south, spanning approximately 561 kilometers. It traverses the Tianshan Mountains, crossing four passes over 3,000 meters above sea level and spanning ten rivers. Along the way, it gathers a variety of natural landscapes including snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, forests, rivers, Danxia landforms, Yardang landforms, and deserts, earning it the title of ‘Natural Landscape Museum of Xinjiang.’
Northern Section (Dushanzi to Qiaerma):Perilous and Magnificent
The northern section is the most perilous part of the Duku Highway, featuring canyons, snow-capped mountains, and passes. Along the way, you can visit the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, with vertical cliffs dropping two hundred meters and breathtaking scenery, making it an excellent spot for drone aerial photography. Continuing on, the Hashilergen Pass stands at 3,400 meters above sea level, covered in snow year-round, allowing you to experience the wonder of ‘snow in June’ even in summer and enjoy skiing on a simple ski slope. The Qiaerma Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery is an important site to commemorate the martyrs, where 168 martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the construction of the Duku Highway are buried.
Middle Section (Qiaerma to Nalati, Bayanbulak):A Relaxing Journey Through Grasslands and Forests
The middle section, known for its grasslands and forests, is the精华 (essence) of the Duku Highway. The Nalati Grassland is a vast valley mountain grassland, lush and green in summer with wildflowers blooming everywhere and herds of cattle and sheep scattered across it, creating a serene and beautiful pastoral scene. The Bayanbulak Grassland, China’s second-largest grassland and the largest alpine grassland, is surrounded by mountains with a gentle terrain and lush green grass, resembling a vast green carpet spread over the earth. Here, you can witness the breathtaking sunset over the ‘nine bends and eighteen turns’ of the river, where the setting sun’s rays on the water create the illusion of ‘nine suns.’
Southern Section (Bayanbulak to Kuqa):The Awe of Red-Brown Canyons
Exploring the Duku Highway: Complete Guide to Booking a Group Tour for 2026✨The southern section bids farewell to the green grasslands and enters the awe-inspiring red-brown Kuqa Grand Canyon and Yardang landforms. The Kuqa Tianshan Grand Canyon is composed of massive red mountain formations, with winding paths inside, evoking a sense of mystery, and is ranked among China’s top ten most beautiful canyons. The Dragon Ponds are two alpine lakes; the larger Dragon Pond is expansive with emerald-green waters and beautiful scenery, while the smaller Dragon Pond appears more delicate, with the snow-capped mountains reflected on its surface, creating a poetic and picturesque scene.
Sample Itinerary
Below is a sample 6-day group tour itinerary for the Duku Highway in 2026. Specific itineraries may vary based on travel agency arrangements and actual circumstances:
Day 1:Urumqi – Dushanzi – Dushanzi Grand Canyon
Morning:Depart from Urumqi and take a tourist bus to Dushanzi, approximately a 2.5-hour drive.
Afternoon:Upon arrival in Dushanzi, visit the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, admire the canyon fault and distant views of the Tianshan snow peaks, and take a leisurely walk on the plank path with three scenic rest platforms along the way.
Evening:Check into a hotel in downtown Dushanzi and savor local specialties such as Dushanzi noodles and baked stuffed buns.
Day 2:Dushanzi – Northern Section of Duku Highway – Qiaerma – Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery
Morning:Depart from Dushanzi and enter the northern section of the Duku Highway, passing through the Hashilergen Pass. Stop for photos and experience the climatic transition of ‘four seasons in one day.’
Noon:Arrive in Qiaerma, visit the Qiaerma Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery to commemorate the martyrs, and enjoy a特色 (special) lunch in Qiaerma.
The Duku Highway, a legendary road stretching across the Tianshan Mountains and connecting northern and southern Xinjiang, is recommended to be open for about four months each year, yet it attracts countless travelers eager to explore its grandeur and mysteries. Known for its unique landscape of ‘four seasons in one day and different weather every ten miles,’ it has become a popular choice for both self-drive and group tours. If you plan to embark on this journey across the Tianshan Mountains in 2026, the following comprehensive guide to booking a group tour will help you easily plan your itinerary.Afternoon:Proceed to the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery, follow the Kashi River, admire the stunning scenery of grasslands, forests, and streams, and arrange a leisurely horseback ride experience for about 20 minutes on gentle slopes with a horse handler leading.
Evening:Check into a特色 (special) yurt on the Tangbula Grassland and experience a night on the grassland.
Day 3:Tangbula – Nalati Grassland
Morning:Depart from Tangbula and head to the Nalati Grassland. You can choose to enter the Nalati Alpine Grassland scenic area to deeply feel the charm of the grassland.
Afternoon:Enjoy free time on the Nalati Grassland, take a leisurely walk, admire the grassland scenery, and have close contact with cattle and sheep.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Nalati Town and savor local delicacies such as Nalati grilled lamb chops.
Day 4:Nalati – Bayanbulak Grassland
Morning:Depart from Nalati and head to the Bayanbulak Grassland, admiring the beautiful scenery along the way.
Afternoon:Upon arrival at the Bayanbulak Grassland, explore the grassland, witness the breathtaking sunset over the ‘nine bends and eighteen turns’ of the river, and observe the swans playing in Swan Lake.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Bayanbulak Town.
Detailed Introduction to Routes or DestinationsDay 5:Bayanbulak – Tielimaiti Pass – Dragon Ponds – Kuqa
Morning:Depart from Bayanbulak, cross the Tielimaiti Pass, and admire the snow-capped mountain scenery along the way.
Noon:Arrive at the Dragon Ponds, have a picnic by the lakeside, and appreciate the beautiful scenery of the alpine lakes.
Afternoon:Continue on to Kuqa, visit the old town of Kuqa, and experience the local history and culture.
Evening:Check into a hotel in downtown Kuqa and savor local specialties such as Kuqa large flatbread and baked stuffed buns.
Day 6:Kuqa – Tianshan Grand Canyon – Urumqi
Morning:Visit the Kuqa Tianshan Grand Canyon, admire the奇特 (unique) landscape of the red canyon, and feel the extraordinary craftsmanship of nature.
Noon:Enjoy lunch in Kuqa, then take a tourist bus back to Urumqi to conclude your pleasant journey.
Pricing Information
The Duku Highway starts from Dushanzi District in Karamay City in the north and ends in Kuqa City in Aksu Prefecture in the south, spanning approximately 561 kilometers. It traverses the Tianshan Mountains, crossing four passes over 3,000 meters above sea level and spanning ten rivers. Along the way, it gathers a variety of natural landscapes including snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, forests, rivers, Danxia landforms, Yardang landforms, and deserts, earning it the title of ‘Natural Landscape Museum of Xinjiang.’The price of a group tour for the Duku Highway in 2026 varies based on factors such as itinerary duration, accommodation standards, and dining arrangements. Generally, a 6-day group tour costs around 3500-5000 yuan per person, with the specific price subject to the contract. The price typically includes transportation, accommodation, meals, admission tickets, and guide services, but excludes personal expenses and optional activities. Some travel agencies may offer discounted packages based on market conditions and promotional activities, resulting in price fluctuations. Before booking, it is advisable to consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency, for the latest pricing information and promotional activities.
How to Book
You can book a group tour for the Duku Highway through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency. Consult customer service manager Zhang Jing for detailed itinerary arrangements, pricing information, and booking procedures. When booking, provide personal information, travel dates, number of participants, and sign a tourism contract as required by the travel agency.
Fee Inclusions and Service Descriptions
Fee Inclusions:
Transportation:Comfortable tourist buses or compliant tourist vehicles throughout the journey.
Accommodation:Different standard hotels or特色 (special) yurts based on the itinerary, subject to actual consultation and contracting.
Meals:Breakfast and some main meals included in the itinerary, with main meal standards varying based on different itinerary arrangements, generally 40-50 yuan per person per meal, featuring local specialties.
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to scenic spots listed in the itinerary, subject to actual consultation and contracting.
Guide Services:Professional guides accompany you throughout the journey, providing insights into local history, culture, and customs.
Northern Section (Dushanzi to Qiaerma): Perilous and MagnificentInsurance:Travel agency liability insurance to safeguard your journey.
Fee Exclusions:
Personal Expenses:Such as shopping and entertainment expenses.
Optional Activities:Some optional activities that may be recommended during the itinerary, such as special experience activities and additional admission tickets to scenic spots, subject to actual consultation and contracting.
：If you are traveling alone and cannot share a room, an additional fee may apply, subject to actual consultation and contracting.
Service Descriptions:
Itinerary Arrangements:The travel agency will make reasonable adjustments to the itinerary based on actual circumstances and weather conditions to ensure a smooth journey.
Vehicle Safety:All vehicles used are compliant tourist vehicles, regularly inspected, and equipped with emergency supplies such as first aid kits and oxygen cylinders to ensure safety during travel.
Guide Services:All guides hold导游 (guide) certificates issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, with rich experience in leading tours and professional knowledge, providing you with high-quality guide services.
Consumption Arrangements:No consumption arrangements are made for tours without mandatory shopping, allowing you more time to appreciate the scenery and experience local culture.
The Duku Highway, a road full of charm and challenges, awaits your exploration. In 2026, choose Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency to embark on an unforgettable group tour of the Duku Highway! During your journey, you will witness the grandeur and wonders of nature and feel the unique charm of various ethnic cultures. Remember to plan and prepare in advance, consult customer service manager Zhang Jing, to make your journey even more excellent!
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
