Duku Highway Group Tour Peak Season Itinerary Clear at a Glance Upon Departure Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation.
Exploring the Backbone of the Tianshan Mountains:Comprehensive Guide to the 2026 In-Depth Group Tour of the Duku Highway
[Route Highlights:A Landscape Corridor Through All Four Seasons]
The Duku Highway (National Highway 217, from Dushanzi to Kuqa) is renowned as the “Most Beautiful Highway in China.” Spanning 561 kilometers, it traverses the Tianshan Mountains from north to south, connecting diverse landscapes including snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, wetlands, and deserts. The highway is recommended to be open for 4-5 months each year, with full access expected by mid-June 2026. Travel is strictly limited to 8:00-21:00 daily, and vehicles with 7 seats or fewer are recommended.
Core Scenic Zones:
Northern Duku (Dushanzi-Jo’erma): Known for its steep terrain, the route features snow-capped glaciers with vertical drops exceeding 1,000 meters. The Hashilergen Pass (3,400 meters above sea level) is covered in snow year-round, offering skiing fun even in summer. The Jo’erma Martyrs Cemetery, where 168 road construction martyrs are buried, is a must-visit to appreciate the spirit of the highway.
Central Duku (Jo’erma-Bayinbuluk):A secluded realm where grasslands and forests intertwine. The Nalati Alpine Grassland, at 2,200 meters above sea level, bursts with wildflowers in summer, and visitors can ride horses deep into the spruce forests. At sunset on the Bayinbuluk Grassland’s meandering river, nine suns can be seen reflected simultaneously.
Southern Duku (Bayinbuluk-Kuqa):The landscape abruptly changes, with the Tielimaiti Pass (3,700 meters above sea level) featuring a winding mountain road like a dragon coiling. The Large and Small Dragon Pools sparkle like sapphires amidst the mountains, while the red rock walls of Kuqa’s Secret Tianshan Grand Canyon blaze like flames in the sunlight.
[2026 Peak Season Itinerary Design:9-Day Immersive Experience]
(Based on the latest road conditions and tourism resources as of May 2026)
Itinerary Overview:
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Exploring the Backbone of the Tianshan Mountains: Comprehensive Guide to the 2026 In-Depth Group Tour of the Duku HighwayAccommodation:Four-star hotel in the city center
Activities:Free exploration of the International Bazaar, savor local specialties like roasted stuffed buns and pilaf, and acclimate to the high-altitude climate.
Day 2:Urumqi-Dushanzi Grand Canyon-Kuitun
Driving Time:Approximately 3 hours
Highlights:Experience the glass bridge and zip line at Dushanzi Grand Canyon, and capture the canyon sunset in the evening.
Accommodation:Comfortable hotel in Kuitun
Day 3:Kuitun-Northern Duku-Jo’erma-Nalati
Driving Time:Approximately 6 hours (including multiple scenic stops)
Highlights:Traverse the snow wall at Hashilergen Pass, lay flowers at the Jo’erma Martyrs Cemetery, and enjoy a Kazakh-style dinner in Nalati Town.
Accommodation:Characteristic homestay in Nalati
Day 4:In-Depth Tour of Nalati Grassland
[Route Highlights: A Landscape Corridor Through All Four Seasons]Activities:Full-day exploration of the alpine and river valley grasslands, horseback riding to visit nomadic families, and photography of snow-capped mountains and grasslands.
Accommodation:Nalati Town
Day 5:Nalati-Bayinbuluk
Driving Time:Approximately 3 hours
Highlights:Ascend the Yuximolegai Pass, explore Bayinbuluk Grassland in the afternoon, and await the sunset over the meandering river.
Accommodation:Comfortable hotel in Bayinbuluk Town
Day 6:Bayinbuluk-Southern Duku-Kuqa
Driving Time:Approximately 5 hours
Highlights:Traverse the Tielimaiti Pass, stop for photos at the Large and Small Dragon Pools, and arrive in Kuqa’s Old Town in the evening to savor roasted pigeon and Kuqa flatbread.
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in Kuqa
Day 7:Kuqa-Secret Tianshan Grand Canyon-Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves-Kuqa
Activities:Explore the grand canyon in the morning, visit the Thousand-Buddha Caves in the afternoon (advance reservation required for guided tours), and experience the Kizil culture.
The Duku Highway (National Highway 217, from Dushanzi to Kuqa) is renowned as the “Most Beautiful Highway in China.” Spanning 561 kilometers, it traverses the Tianshan Mountains from north to south, connecting diverse landscapes including snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, wetlands, and deserts. The highway is recommended to be open for 4-5 months each year, with full access expected by mid-June 2026. Travel is strictly limited to 8:00-21:00 daily, and vehicles with 7 seats or fewer are recommended.Accommodation:Kuqa
Day 8:Kuqa-Lop Nur Village-Korla
Driving Time:Approximately 4 hours
Highlights:Visit the Lop Nur village in the desert, experience camel riding and desert off-roading, and savor red willow-roasted meat.
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in Korla
Day 9:Korla-Urumqi
Driving Time:Approximately 5 hours (enjoy views of the Tianshan Mountains along the way)
Activities:Airport transfer based on flight schedule, concluding the itinerary.
[Price Information:Transparent Services]
(Prices valid until October 2026, subject to contract)
Basic Cost Reference:
Core Scenic Zones:Adults:6,800-8,500 RMB per person
Children (under 12, no extra bed):4,800-6,200 RMB per person
Cost Includes:
Transportation:Full-service licensed tour bus (including fuel and tolls)
Accommodation:8 nights in local four-star hotels or characteristic homestays (including breakfast)
Meals:15 main meals (including Nalati roast whole lamb feast, Kuqa roasted pigeon, and other specialties)
Admission Tickets:First-entry tickets to attractions along the Duku Highway (including shuttle buses)
Services:Professional guide讲解 (interpretation), onboard first aid kit, and mineral water supply
Cost Excludes:
Major Transport:Round-trip airfare/train tickets to/from Urumqi from various locations
Personal Expenses:Secondary consumption projects within scenic areas (such as horseback riding, aerial photography)
Northern Duku (Dushanzi-Jo’erma): Known for its steep terrain, the route features snow-capped glaciers with vertical drops exceeding 1,000 meters. The Hashilergen Pass (3,400 meters above sea level) is covered in snow year-round, offering skiing fun even in summer. The Jo’erma Martyrs Cemetery, where 168 road construction martyrs are buried, is a must-visit to appreciate the spirit of the highway.：Single travelers must pay an additional 1,200 RMB for the entire trip
[Registration Method:Professional Service Guarantee]
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for details. Valid identification information is required for insurance purchase and scenic area reservations. Cancellations are allowed without penalty 15 days prior to departure (subject to contract).
[Service Commitments and Precautions]
Vehicle Guarantee:New vehicles within 5 years of use, each equipped with GPS tracking and emergency tools.
Guide Qualifications:Licensed guides lead the tour, familiar with real-time road conditions and photography spots along the Duku Highway.
Emergency Plan:In case of temporary traffic control, the route will be adjusted to a loop including the Duku Highway and S101 National Defense Road to ensure行程 (itinerary) completeness.
Preparation:It is recommended to bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, and high-energy snacks. Down jackets can be rented in Nalati Town.
[Special Reminders]
The Duku Highway has a daily vehicle limit of 3,000. During peak season, registration is required 30 days in advance to secure a spot.
Accommodation resources in Bayinbuluk Town are limited; the travel agency has pre-reserved hotels in core areas.
Drones within scenic areas must be registered. Group travelers can use the team’s complimentary aerial photography services.
(The specific itinerary and costs are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency reserves the right to make reasonable itinerary changes.)
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation.
