Xinjiang Group Tour Duku Highway Route Quotation List Recommended Routes Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation.
2026 Xinjiang Duku Highway In-Depth Experience Guide:A Crossing Journey from Northern to Southern Xinjiang
[Route Highlights:A Scenic Corridor Through All Four Seasons]
As a representative route in Xinjiang that allows you to ‘experience all four seasons in a day,’ the Duku Highway will continue to connect the grasslands of northern Xinjiang with the deserts of southern Xinjiang over its 561-kilometer length in 2026. Open for only 4-5 months each year, this highway covers four types of landscapes—snow-capped mountains, canyons, wetlands, and deserts—along the way, earning it the title of ‘one of China’s most beautiful highways’ from travelers.
According to the latest 2026 plan by Xinjiang’s transportation department, the Duku Highway will feature three new viewing platforms and two emergency parking areas along its entire route, along with an upgraded electronic guide system. Tourists can scan QR codes to access real-time road conditions and scenic spot explanations. The northern section (Dushanzi to Nalati) is dominated by forest and grassland landscapes, the middle section (Nalati to Bayanbulak) features typical alpine meadows, and the southern section (Bayanbulak to Kuqa) gradually transitions into Danxia landforms and desert scenery.
[2026 Simple Itinerary Reference]
(The following itinerary is designed based on currently available schedules and open policies. Reasonable changes can be made to the itinerary upon mutual agreement.)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Morning:Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and take the shuttle bus arranged by the travel agency to a downtown hotel (approximately 40 minutes by car).
Afternoon:Recommended free activities: Experience handicrafts from various ethnic groups at the International Bazaar, or visit the Xinjiang Museum to see the ‘Niya Site’ special exhibition (advance reservation required).
2026 Xinjiang Duku Highway In-Depth Experience Guide: A Crossing Journey from Northern to Southern XinjiangEvening:Team welcome dinner featuring specialties such as baked stuffed buns and pilaf.
Day 2:Urumqi → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Nalati Town
Morning:Take a 3-hour drive to the Dushanzi Grand Canyon to explore its geological wonders (ticket reference price: 80 yuan, including glass walkway experience).
Afternoon:Drive along the northern section of the Duku Highway, passing by the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery (free admission) to learn about the highway’s construction history.
Evening:Arrive in Nalati Town, check into a characteristic homestay, and participate in a home visit activity with local ethnic groups (including folk performances and dairy product-making experience).
Day 3:Nalati Sky Grassland → Bayanbulak
Morning:Take an in-depth tour of the Nalati Sky Grassland (ticket reference price: 135 yuan, shuttle bus 40 yuan), with options for horseback riding or hiking.
Afternoon:Pass through the Zhongtianshan Tunnel Group and arrive at the Bayanbulak Grassland to visit the Swan Lake Nature Reserve (ticket reference price: 65 yuan, sightseeing bus 20 yuan).
Evening:Wait for the sunset at the Nine Curves Eighteen Bends (optimal viewing time: 20:30-21:30, subject to weather conditions).
[Route Highlights: A Scenic Corridor Through All Four Seasons]Day 4:Bayanbulak → Large and Small Dragon Pools → Kuqa
Morning:Drive along the southern section of the highway, passing by the Large and Small Dragon Pools (free admission) to photograph reflections of snow-capped mountains.
Afternoon:Visit the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon (ticket reference price: 45 yuan) to experience the awe-inspiring red rock landscapes.
Evening:Check into a hotel in downtown Kuqa and freely explore the ancient city ruins (nighttime light show open until 22:00).
Day 5:Kuqa → Return Journey
Morning:Visit the Kuqa Royal Palace (ticket reference price: 55 yuan) to learn about the lives of ethnic princes during the Qing Dynasty.
Afternoon:Transfer to the airport according to flight schedules, or choose an extended itinerary to the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves (advance reservation required 3 days prior).
[Price Description (2026 Reference)]
The basic group tour fee ranges from 4,800-6,200 yuan per person, including:
As a representative route in Xinjiang that allows you to ‘experience all four seasons in a day,’ the Duku Highway will continue to connect the grasslands of northern Xinjiang with the deserts of southern Xinjiang over its 561-kilometer length in 2026. Open for only 4-5 months each year, this highway covers four types of landscapes—snow-capped mountains, canyons, wetlands, and deserts—along the way, earning it the title of ‘one of China’s most beautiful highways’ from travelers.Transportation:Round-trip air-conditioned tour bus from Urumqi (including fuel surcharge)
Accommodation:4 nights at comfortable local hotels (including breakfast)
Admission Tickets:First entrance tickets to scenic spots listed in the itinerary
Meals:4 breakfasts + 3 main meals (main meal standard: 40 yuan per person)
Tour Guide:Licensed Chinese-speaking tour guide service
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance and travel accident insurance
Fees Not Included:
Round-trip transportation to Urumqi
Personal expenses and self-funded items during the itinerary
According to the latest 2026 plan by Xinjiang’s transportation department, the Duku Highway will feature three new viewing platforms and two emergency parking areas along its entire route, along with an upgraded electronic guide system. Tourists can scan QR codes to access real-time road conditions and scenic spot explanations. The northern section (Dushanzi to Nalati) is dominated by forest and grassland landscapes, the middle section (Nalati to Bayanbulak) features typical alpine meadows, and the southern section (Bayanbulak to Kuqa) gradually transitions into Danxia landforms and desert scenery. (For solo travelers, our agency will do its best to arrange shared rooms; special circumstances require separate negotiation.)
Prices may fluctuate based on travel dates and are subject to confirmation in the contract or on the day of booking. It is recommended to book 30 days in advance to secure discounted seats.
[Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency by providing your name, valid ID number, and contact information for pre-registration. Staff will contact you within 24 hours to confirm itinerary details.
[Fee and Service Description]
Transportation Arrangements:15-seat commercial vehicles or 33-seat tour buses will be used throughout the journey, with dynamic changes based on the number of passengers to ensure each person has a proper seat.
Accommodation Standards:Characteristic homestays in Nalati Town, four-star hotels in Kuqa City, and three-star standards in other areas.
Tour Guide Service:Each tour group will be accompanied by one Chinese-speaking tour guide and one assistant to provide full explanations of ethnic histories and highway construction stories.
Emergency Support:First aid kits and oxygen cylinders will be carried on the vehicle, with established green channels to medical stations along the route.
[2026 Simple Itinerary Reference]The actual itinerary is subject to inquiry and contract signing; the contract becomes effective upon signing by both parties.
[2026 Latest Policy Reminders]
Opening Hours:The Duku Highway is expected to be open from June 10 to October 10, 2026 (subject to official announcement by the transportation department), with daily passage hours from 7:00 to 20:00.
Reservation Requirements:The Nalati Grassland and Bayanbulak scenic areas require advance reservations one day prior through the ‘Xinjiang Tourism Service’ official account, with a daily limit of 8,000 visitors.
Equipment Recommendations:Sunscreen and light jackets are recommended for July-August; windbreakers are advised after September. As some sections of the highway have no signal, downloading offline maps is recommended.
[Travel Tips]
There are six gas stations along the highway, but the distance between stations is longer from Bayanbulak to Kuqa; it is recommended to refuel in Nalati Town.
Drones are prohibited at the Large and Small Dragon Pools; violators may face fines.
The Kuqa Royal Palace is closed for maintenance every Monday; the itinerary will automatically change to the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower (free admission).
For more details, consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Let’s embark on this magnificent journey across the Tianshan Mountains together!
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation.
