2026DukuHighwayCarpoolingQuotes NalatiKuerdeningSelfDriveSmallGroupOnlineRegistration RecommendedRouteCostsPrices
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation
Exploring the Backbone of the Tianshan Mountains:2026 Comprehensive Guide to Carpooling on the Duku Highway + Self-Drive Small Group Tour to Nalati and Kurdening
🌄 [Route Highlights:A Scenic Corridor Through All Four Seasons]
The Duku Highway, known as Xinjiang’s scenic route that showcases all four seasons in a single day, continues to be a popular choice after its opening in 2026. Spanning 561 kilometers, this highway connects Northern and Southern Xinjiang, offering encounters with:
▶️ Northern Section of Duku Highway (Dushanzi-Nalati):A 230-kilometer stretch of canyon and grassland, passing through Hashilergen Pass (elevation 3,400 meters) and the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery. Snow remains in June, allowing for snow hiking experiences.
▶️ Middle Section of Duku Highway (Nalati-Bayinbuluk):A 60-kilometer stretch of wetland and grassland, featuring a visual contrast between Nalati’s aerial grasslands and Bayinbuluk’s winding river. Wildflowers bloom everywhere in July.
▶️ Southern Section of Duku Highway (Bayinbuluk-Kuqa):A 270-kilometer stretch of desert and canyon, with the Small and Big Dragon Ponds reflecting snow-capped mountains. The Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon showcases Danxia landforms, with pleasant hiking temperatures in August.
🚗 [Itinerary Design:Flexible Combination of Carpooling and Self-Driving]
Based on the latest schedules from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for 2026, two travel options are recommended:
Option 1:5-Day Carpooling Tour of the Entire Duku Highway (Starting and Ending in Urumqi)
Day 1:Urumqi – Sayram Lake (self-drive around the lake) – Yining
Highlights:Self-drive around Sayram Lake, with a deep blue lake surface in June and panoramic views of the Guozigou Bridge.
Day 2:Yining – Kalajun Grassland – Tekes
Exploring the Backbone of the Tianshan Mountains: 2026 Comprehensive Guide to Carpooling on the Duku Highway + Self-Drive Small Group Tour to Nalati and KurdeningHighlights:Hiking at Kalajun Falcon Platform and night tour of Tekes八卦城 (Bagua City).
Day 3:Tekes – Nalati Aerial Grassland – Nalati Town
Highlights:Self-drive into Nalati Scenic Area, avoiding shuttle bus queues, and ascend to Tianjie Platform.
Day 4:Nalati – Bayinbuluk – Northern Section of Duku Highway – Urumqi
Highlights:Sunset at Bayinbuluk’s winding river and driving through the snow tunnel of the northern Duku section.
Day 5:Free activities in Urumqi (optional one-day tour to Tianchi Lake on the Tianshan Mountains)
Option 2:7-Day Self-Drive Small Group Tour to Nalati + Kurdening (Starting and Ending in Yining)
Day 1:Gather in Yining (acclimate to high-altitude climate)
Highlights:Receive self-drive vehicle (5-seat SUV/7-seat business van) and check snow tires (still required for the northern section in June).
Day 2:Yining – Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery – Northern Section of Duku Highway – Nalati
Highlights:2-hour bike ride in Tangbula and photo stops along the Duku Highway.
Day 3:In-depth self-drive tour of Nalati (aerial grassland + river valley grassland)
Highlights:Visit the网红桥 (internet-famous bridge) of the nomadic families and horse riding in the river valley grassland (80 yuan/hour).
🌄[Route Highlights: A Scenic Corridor Through All Four Seasons]Day 4:Nalati – Kurdening – Hiking on the Ancient Shepherd’s Path
Highlights:Self-drive into Kurdening Scenic Area and hike the light route of Ala Snow Mountain (3 kilometers).
Day 5:Kurdening – Kalajun Private Pasture
Highlights:Experience finding lost lambs and sightseeing at Falcon Platform.
Day 6:Kalajun – Sayram Lake – Yining
Highlights:Sunset afternoon tea at Sayram Lake and star photography (tripod required).
Day 7:Return from Yining (lavender essential oil purchasing available)
💰 [Cost Explanation:Transparent Pricing System]
Based on market research for 2026, the cost breakdown is as follows:
Carpooling Product (5 days):
Base Price:2,599-3,899 yuan/person (including transportation, tickets, and 4 nights’ accommodation)
Peak Season Fluctuations:20% increase in July-August, 15% decrease in September
The Duku Highway, known as Xinjiang’s scenic route that showcases all four seasons in a single day, continues to be a popular choice after its opening in 2026. Spanning 561 kilometers, this highway connects Northern and Southern Xinjiang, offering encounters with:Mandatory Expenses:Nalati shuttle bus: 95 yuan, Bayinbuluk shuttle bus: 75 yuan
Self-Paid Items:Horse riding, Sayram Lake boat tour, specialty meals
Self-Drive Product (7 days):
Adult Price:7,980-9,980 yuan/person (including vehicle, accommodation, tickets, insurance)
Child Price:4,980 yuan/person (no bed, no ticket)
：1,200-1,800 yuan for the entire trip
Vehicle Rental:
5-seat SUV:600 yuan/day (including basic insurance)
7-seat business van:800 yuan/day (recommended for 4 people)
Fuel Subsidy:300 yuan/vehicle for the northern Xinjiang section, 500 yuan/vehicle for the southern Xinjiang section
📞 [Registration Method:Professional Customer Service]
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing provides itinerary consultations. Required information for registration:
Number of travelers and age structure (children’s height must be specified)
▶️ Northern Section of Duku Highway (Dushanzi-Nalati): A 230-kilometer stretch of canyon and grassland, passing through Hashilergen Pass (elevation 3,400 meters) and the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery. Snow remains in June, allowing for snow hiking experiences. Special requests (such as single rooms, vegetarian meals, wheelchair assistance)
Preferred departure date (recommended to book 30 days in advance)
Contract Signing Method:Supports online electronic contract signing and bank transfer/Alipay corporate account payments.
📋 [Service Standards:Quality Assurance Commitment]
Accommodation System:
Comfort Hotels:Characteristic homestays in Nalati Town (including floor heating) and 4-diamond hotels in Yining
Scenic Hotels:Lake-view rooms at Sayram Lake (lake visible from the window) and yurts in Bayinbuluk
Emergency Plan:If the Duku Highway is temporarily closed, automatically switch to a combination of G218 National Highway + Yizhao Highway.
Insurance Coverage:
Basic Insurance:Includes travel accident insurance (coverage of 500,000 yuan)
Upgraded Insurance:Recommend purchasing high-altitude reaction insurance (30 yuan/person/day)
Vehicle Protection:
▶️ Middle Section of Duku Highway (Nalati-Bayinbuluk): A 60-kilometer stretch of wetland and grassland, featuring a visual contrast between Nalati’s aerial grasslands and Bayinbuluk’s winding river. Wildflowers bloom everywhere in July.Each vehicle is equipped with snow chains, first aid kits, and车载充气泵 (vehicle air pumps)
Daily pre-trip checks on tire pressure and brake system
💡 [Pre-Trip Tips:Details Determine the Experience]
Document Preparation:Valid ID, driver’s license (for self-drivers), student ID (for ticket discounts)
Clothing Suggestions:Bring a windbreaker in June (temperatures below 10°C in the northern section) and sun protection clothing in July-August
Photography Equipment:Drones must be registered in Qiaoerma. Aerial photography at Sayram Lake should avoid windy seasons (after 3 PM)
Dining Recommendations:
Nalati Town:Grassland hot pot (80 yuan/person), homemade yogurt (5 yuan/bowl)
Kurdening Town:Horse meat naren (specialty staple), wild mushroom soup with rice
Special Reminders:
The Duku Highway has a daily limit of 3,000 vehicles. It is recommended to pass the checkpoint before 7 AM
Self-driving in Nalati Scenic Area requires a reservation 3 days in advance, with a daily recommendation of 800 spots
Hiking on the Ancient Shepherd’s Path in Kurdening requires signing a risk disclosure form. It is recommended to purchase professional outdoor insurance
(The specific itinerary arrangement and costs are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Prices may fluctuate based on the schedule, with the contract signed by both parties as the primary reference)
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation
