How Much Does a 5 Day Tour to Yili Cost Quotation for the Route Including Sayram Lake and Nalati Recommended Itinerary Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
Five-Day In-Depth Tour of Ili:The Dreamy Combination of Sayram Lake and Nalati Grassland✨
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Double Feast of Nature and Culture
Summer in the Ili River Valley is a fairy-tale world woven with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and flower fields. This five-day itinerary centers around “Sayram Lake + Nalati Grassland,” connecting essential attractions like the Guozigou Bridge and Kalajun Grassland, offering a blend of natural scenery and ethnic cultural experiences suitable for family trips, photography enthusiasts, and nature explorers.
II. Itinerary Schedule: Daily Focus and Pacing Control
[Day 1:Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Qingshuihe]
Morning:Depart from Urumqi by private or shared vehicle (approx. 5 hours) directly to Sayram Lake. Enjoy the Gobi Desert scenery of the Junggar Basin along the way, gradually transitioning to the majestic views of the Tianshan Mountains.
Afternoon:Drive around the lake or take a shuttle bus (recommended self-drive package: 145 RMB/person, including admission). Stop at popular photo spots like “Moon Bay,” “General’s Platform,” and the “S-Curve Road” to capture the lake, mountains, and wildflowers.
Evening:Pass by the Guozigou Bridge, known as the “First Scenic Spot of Ili” for its suspension structure between cliffs. The interplay of light and shadow at sunset is perfect for stunning photos.
Five-Day In-Depth Tour of Ili: The Dreamy Combination of Sayram Lake and Nalati Grassland✨Overnight:Budget hotel in Qingshuihe Town (approx. 200-300 RMB/night), convenient for the next day’s trip to Nalati.
[Day 2:Qingshuihe → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes Bagua City]
Morning:Head to Kalajun Grassland (2-hour drive). Hike or ride a horse to explore core areas like the Flower Terrace and Falcon Terrace, experiencing the “空中草原” (Sky Grassland) terrain.
Afternoon:Arrive in Tekes Bagua City, built in the shape of the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) with no traffic lights but orderly traffic. Take the Ferris wheel (approx. 50 RMB/person) for a panoramic view or stroll through Lijie Street to experience ethnic handicrafts.
Overnight:Comfortable hotel in Tekes County (approx. 300-400 RMB/night).
[Day 3:Tekes → Nalati Sky Grassland → Bayanbulak]
Morning:Drive to Nalati Grassland (approx. 4 hours). Take the shuttle bus to explore the Sky Grassland route (95 RMB admission + 40 RMB shuttle). Transfer to an electric cart at “Nomad’s Home” to reach Snow Lotus Valley (60 RMB round trip) for close-up views of snow-capped mountains, spruces, and streams.
Afternoon:Continue to Bayanbulak Grassland (approx. 3 hours). Wait for sunset at the Nine-Curve Eighteen-Bend viewpoint to capture the mirage of “Nine Suns” on the river (arrive early for a good spot).
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Double Feast of Nature and CultureOvernight:Basic hotel in Bayanbulak Town (limited conditions, approx. 200-300 RMB/night).
[Day 4:Bayanbulak → Duku Highway → Yining]
All Day:Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway (recommended June-October). Stop at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and Hashilergen Pass (snowy mountain pass) to experience the saying “Four seasons in one day, different weather every ten miles.”
Evening:Arrive in Yining City. Visit the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area, ride a horse-drawn carriage through blue streets, and taste handmade ice cream and roasted baozi.
Overnight:Quality homestay in Yining City (approx. 400-500 RMB/night).
[Day 5:Yining → Sayram Lake (second visit) → Urumqi]
Morning:Re-enter Sayram Lake (new ticket required). Choose a counterclockwise route to photograph lesser-visited spots like Kele Yongzhu and Pine Tree Head on the east shore, avoiding crowds.
Afternoon:Return to Urumqi (6-hour drive) to end the itinerary.
III. Pricing Details: Transparent Costs, No Hidden Fees
Summer in the Ili River Valley is a fairy-tale world woven with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and flower fields. This five-day itinerary centers around “Sayram Lake + Nalati Grassland,” connecting essential attractions like the Guozigou Bridge and Kalajun Grassland, offering a blend of natural scenery and ethnic cultural experiences suitable for family trips, photography enthusiasts, and nature explorers.Basic Cost Reference (per person):
Transportation:Private vehicle (7-seater business van) from Urumqi: approx. 1200-1500 RMB/person (shared over 5 days), including fuel, tolls, and driver’s accommodation.
Admission Tickets:Sayram Lake 145 RMB + Nalati 135 RMB + Kalajun 275 RMB + Bayanbulak 65 RMB = approx. 620 RMB (students/seniors enjoy half-price or free tickets with valid ID).
Accommodation:4 nights in economy-comfort hotels: approx. 1000-1400 RMB/person (based on double occupancy).
Meals:80-100 RMB/day, totaling approx. 400-500 RMB for 5 days.
Others:Horseback riding (approx. 100 RMB/hour), shuttle buses, cable cars, and other extras: approx. 300-500 RMB.
Total Budget Range:2800-4000 RMB/person (subject to actual consultation and contract).
IV. Registration Method: Professional Service, Stress-Free Travel
II. Itinerary Schedule: Daily Focus and Pacing ControlRegister through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide a detailed itinerary, contract, and invoice. Confirm your physical condition is suitable for long-distance travel before registering and book at least 15 days in advance to secure discounts.
V. Cost and Service Details
Included Costs:Round-trip transportation, 4 nights’ accommodation, first admission tickets to attractions, driver-guide service, and travel accident insurance.
Excluded Costs:Round-trip transportation to/from Urumqi, personal expenses, (single travelers will be matched for shared rooms; if unable, a supplement of approx. 600 RMB is required).
Service Commitments:No arranged shopping stops or forced consumption during the itinerary. Reasonable changes can be made by mutual agreement (e.g., due to weather or policy).
VI. Practical Tips: Smoother Travel
Document Discounts:Bring student, senior, or military IDs to save hundreds of RMB at some attractions.
Clothing Suggestions:Large temperature differences between day and night on grasslands; bring a windbreaker, sun hat, and comfortable hiking shoes. Sayram Lake is windy; a windproof jacket is recommended.
[Day 1: Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Qingshuihe]Photography Gear:Wide-angle lens for grasslands, telephoto lens for snow-capped mountains, and drones (must be registered in advance; some areas of Sayram Lake are no-fly zones).
Dining Notes:Higher meal prices inside attractions; bring snacks. Choose restaurants with clear pricing when trying roasted baozi or hand-pulled rice.
VII. Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Should I choose self-driving or shuttle buses at Sayram Lake?
A:Self-driving offers more freedom to stop for photos; shuttle buses are hassle-free, suitable for solo or elderly travelers. Both cost 145 RMB/person in peak season.
Q:What if the Duku Highway is congested?
A:Congestion is common in peak season (July-August). Depart before 7 AM and bring snacks and water. If temporarily closed, the itinerary will switch to “Nalati + Qiaxi Grassland” as an alternative.
Q:Is it worth staying overnight at Nalati Grassland?
A:If time allows, stay in a yurt inside the scenic area (approx. 200 RMB/person) to experience starry skies and morning mist; however, conditions are basic, so weigh comfort accordingly.
Ili’s summer is a love letter to nature. From Sayram Lake’s blue to Nalati’s green, from the Duku Highway’s ruggedness to the vibrant ethnic villages, surprises await everywhere. Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency will help you unlock this visual and spiritual feast with professionalism and passion!🌄
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.

