Combined Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang with Yili Group Tour 2026 Recommended Complete Travel Costs Recommended Route Prices
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Icon prefix:✨【2026 Recommended Full Itinerary Cost for Group Tour Combining Northern and Southern Xinjiang with Ili】✨
If you want to unlock Xinjiang’s grasslands, lakes, snow-capped mountains, and cultural charm all at once, the combined route of Northern and Southern Xinjiang plus Ili is a “one-stop premium experience.” This itinerary connects Kanas and Sayram Lake in Northern Xinjiang, Kashgar Old City and the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang, as well as Nalati Grassland and the Xiata Ancient Path in Ili. The 12-15 day trip covers 80% of Xinjiang’s core landscapes. Below, we break down the 2026 travel guide from dimensions such as itinerary highlights, schedule, cost breakdown, and booking methods.
I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destinations: A Double Feast of Nature and Culture
The Northern and Southern Xinjiang combined tour with Ili focuses on “panoramic coverage,” integrating精华 (essential/highlight) scenic spots from three regions:
Natural Scenery: Kanas Lake in Northern Xinjiang is famous as the “Color-Changing Lake.” In September-October, the surrounding forests turn vibrant red and gold, while the lake displays a magical blend of blue and green hues under changing light. Sayram Lake, dubbed “the Last Tear of the Atlantic,” is surrounded by wildflowers in June, offering stunning reflections of the starry sky. Ili’s Nalati Grassland, a representative “sky grassland,” features lush green grass, wild lilies, and snow lotuses from June to August.
Cultural Experiences: Kashgar Old City in Southern Xinjiang, a千年 (thousand-year-old) Silk Road hub, lets you wander labyrinthine streets and visit the Id Kah Mosque and century-old teahouses. The Pamir Plateau’s Taxkorgan County gathers diverse ethnic groups, where you can experience traditional activities like eagle flute performances and yak-herding sheep herding. Ili’s Xiata Ancient Path, a key Silk Road route, offers a light hike to the Flower Terrace for close-up views of the Muzart Glacier.
Seasonal Suitability:June-August is the blooming season for Ili’s grasslands, September-October is the golden period for Northern Xinjiang’s autumn colors, and April-June allows off-peak visits to Southern Xinjiang’s apricot blossoms. For ample time, opt for the 12-15 day itinerary covering all three regions; for 7-10 days, focus on Northern Xinjiang + Ili or Southern Xinjiang + Ili combinations.
II. Simple Itinerary: 12-Day, 11-Night Panoramic Loop Reference
The following itinerary integrates popular routes from Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency for 2026, covering core attractions in Northern/Southern Xinjiang and Ili with a balanced pace:
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Afternoon:Free time; recommended: Xinjiang Museum (free, advance reservation required) to view the “Unique Folk Customs” mummy exhibit;
Evening:Explore the International Bazaar for food; recommended: roasted stuffed buns, hand-pulled rice, and kvass beverage;
Icon prefix: ✨【2026 Recommended Full Itinerary Cost for Group Tour Combining Northern and Southern Xinjiang with Ili】✨Accommodation:4-diamond hotel in downtown Urumqi (breakfast included).
Days 2-4:Northern Xinjiang Segment (Kanas + Sayram Lake)
Day 2:Urumqi → Koktokay (5-hour drive) → Fuyun County
Highlights:Koktokay National Geopark to photograph Zhongshan Peak and the Irtysh River Canyon;
Accommodation:3-diamond hotel in Fuyun County.
Day 3:Fuyun → Kanas (6-hour drive) → Jadenik
Highlights:Kanas Lake boat tour, Fish Watching Pavilion for panoramic views, hiking the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Crouching Dragon Bay);
Accommodation:Characteristic wooden cabin in Jadenik (with floor heating).
Day 4:Kanas → Hemu Village (2-hour drive) → Burqin
Highlights:Morning fog photography in Hemu Village, horseback ride to Beautiful Peak, sunset viewing from the Haden Platform in the evening;
Accommodation:4-diamond hotel in Burqin.
Days 5-7:Ili Segment (Nalati + Xiata)
If you want to unlock Xinjiang’s grasslands, lakes, snow-capped mountains, and cultural charm all at once, the combined route of Northern and Southern Xinjiang plus Ili is a “one-stop premium experience.” This itinerary connects Kanas and Sayram Lake in Northern Xinjiang, Kashgar Old City and the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang, as well as Nalati Grassland and the Xiata Ancient Path in Ili. The 12-15 day trip covers 80% of Xinjiang’s core landscapes. Below, we break down the 2026 travel guide from dimensions such as itinerary highlights, schedule, cost breakdown, and booking methods.Day 5:Burqin → Sayram Lake (8-hour drive) → Yining
Highlights:Self-drive loop around Sayram Lake (agency provides queue-free e-tickets), stops at Jinhuazihui and Songshu Tou scenic spots;
Accommodation:Scenic guesthouse in downtown Yining (breakfast included).
Day 6:Yining → Nalati Grassland (4-hour drive)
Highlights:Hiking on the Sky Grassland, horseback ride to Snow Lotus Valley, evening bonfire party on the grassland;
Accommodation:Characteristic guesthouse in Nalati Town (breakfast included).
Day 7:Nalati → Xiata Ancient Path (5-hour drive) → Zhaosu
Highlights:Light hike to Flower Terrace along the Xiata Ancient Path, viewing the Muzart Glacier en route;
Accommodation:Characteristic guesthouse in Zhaosu (breakfast included).
Days 8-11:Southern Xinjiang Segment (Kashgar + Pamir Plateau)
Day 8:Zhaosu → Yining (5-hour drive) → Kashgar (1.5-hour flight)
Highlights:Kashgar Old City opening ceremony, visit to Id Kah Mosque, listening to live music at the century-old teahouse;
I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destinations: A Double Feast of Nature and CultureAccommodation:4-diamond hotel in downtown Kashgar (breakfast included).
Day 9:Kashgar → White Sand Lake → Muztagata Peak → Taxkorgan (6-hour drive)
Highlights:Photographing the “blue-and-white twin lakes” at White Sand Lake, group photo at the foot of Muztagata Peak, home visit to ethnic families in Taxkorgan;
Accommodation:3-diamond hotel in Taxkorgan (breakfast included).
Day 10:Taxkorgan → Panlong Ancient Path → Wakhan Corridor → Kashgar (8-hour drive)
Highlights:Photo opportunity at the Panlong Ancient Path sign reading “Today, I’ve traversed all the winding roads; from now on, my life will be smooth sailing,” border scenery at the Wakhan Corridor;
Accommodation:4-diamond hotel in downtown Kashgar (breakfast included).
Day 11:Free day in Kashgar
Recommendations:Visit the Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb, shop for dried fruits at Kashgar Bazaar, experience traditional ethnic costumes for travel photos;
Accommodation:4-diamond hotel in downtown Kashgar (breakfast included).
Day 12:Departure
Airport transfer based on flight time; end of itinerary.
The Northern and Southern Xinjiang combined tour with Ili focuses on “panoramic coverage,” integrating精华 (essential/highlight) scenic spots from three regions:III. Pricing Details: Transparent Costs, Customizable Options
2026 group tour fees for Northern/Southern Xinjiang + Ili vary by season, accommodation standards, and vehicle type. Below are reference ranges (subject to contract):
Budget Type (4-diamond hotels + characteristic guesthouses):Per person: 8,500-10,500 RMB
Inclusions:Round-trip transportation (7-seat商务车 (commercial vehicle)/regular tour bus), 11 nights accommodation (breakfast included), first entrance tickets + shuttle buses for attractions, guide service fee, travel accident insurance (coverage: 500,000 RMB).
Exclusions:Round-trip airfare to Urumqi, personal expenses (e.g., horseback riding, travel photography upgrade packages), (approx. 1,500 RMB/person; agency will assist with room-sharing).
Deluxe Type (5-diamond hotels + starry sky tents):Per person: 11,500-13,500 RMB
Inclusions:Upgraded accommodations from Budget Type (e.g., Sayram Lake RV camp, Nalati luxury tents), meal standard increased to 80-100 RMB/person, complimentary grassland picnic and lakeside afternoon tea experiences.
Exclusions:Same as Budget Type.
High-End Custom Type (private group):Starting at 15,000 RMB/person
Inclusions:Dedicated driver + guide, flexible itinerary adjustments, upgraded food/accommodation standards (e.g., boutique guesthouse in Kashgar Old City,雪山 (snow mountain) view hotel in Taxkorgan), complimentary drone aerial photography and helicopter tours.
Exclusions:Same as Budget Type.
IV. Booking Methods: Professional One-Stop Service
Natural Scenery: Kanas Lake in Northern Xinjiang is famous as the “Color-Changing Lake.” In September-October, the surrounding forests turn vibrant red and gold, while the lake displays a magical blend of blue and green hues under changing light. Sayram Lake, dubbed “the Last Tear of the Atlantic,” is surrounded by wildflowers in June, offering stunning reflections of the starry sky. Ili’s Nalati Grassland, a representative “sky grassland,” features lush green grass, wild lilies, and snow lotuses from June to August.Book through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will customize your itinerary based on budget, travel days, and interests. After booking, a 《Team Domestic Travel Contract》 supervised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism will be signed to clarify rights and responsibilities for both parties.
V. Fee and Service Explanations
Inclusions:Round-trip transportation, accommodation, entrance tickets, guide service, travel accident insurance;
Exclusions:Round-trip airfare, personal expenses;
Service Standards:Each group has 1 guide + 1 driver; guides are certified and familiar with Xinjiang road conditions and景区 (scenic area) policies. Vehicles equipped with emergency medical kits, oxygen tanks, and snow chains; 24-hour customer service response;
Special Requests:Single travelers will be assisted with room-sharing; single occupancy requires a supplement fee. If weather or policies force itinerary changes, both parties will协商 (negotiate) for reasonable adjustments;
Subject to Actual Consultation and Contract:Prices may fluctuate by departure date; final confirmation based on contract or day-of agreement.
VI. Practical Tips
Document Preparation:Valid ID, travel permit (required for Taxkorgan; can be processed at Kashgar International Self-Drive RV Camp with agency assistance);
Clothing Guide:Large temperature gaps in Xinjiang; bring fleece jackets, sun protection clothing, and long pants in June-August; windbreakers and thermal underwear in September-October;
Photography Gear:Wide-angle lens recommended for Sayram Lake and Nalati Grassland; telephoto lens for glacier shots at Xiata Ancient Path;
Policy Reminders:Real-name reservation required for Nalati Grassland and Sayram Lake; provide valid ID information in advance.
The Northern and Southern Xinjiang combined tour with Ili is the top choice for an in-depth experience of Xinjiang’s diverse landscapes. Whether it’s Northern Xinjiang’s autumn colors, Ili’s grasslands, or Southern Xinjiang’s cultural charm, this journey unlocks it all. Choose Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency to let our professional team help you avoid crowds and pitfalls while immersing in the summer romance and autumn splendor of this “Paradise Beyond the Great Wall”!
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
