How to Get to Duku Highway by Chartered or Shared Vehicle from Urumqi Crossing the Tianshan Mountains + Chartered Vehicle Price Recommended Route Cost and Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Star Recommendation✨:Depart from Urumqi and travel through the Duku Highway in a custom vehicle—unlock a premium landscape corridor offering ‘four seasons in one day’ over 4 days and 3 nights.
I. Key Highlights of the Route: A Landscape Epic Crossing the Tianshan Mountains
The Duku Highway (G217 section from Wusu Post to Kuruili) spans approximately 561 kilometers, starting from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north and ending in Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south. It traverses the Tianshan Mountains, connecting the snowy mountains and grasslands of northern Xinjiang with the Gobi deserts and Danxia landforms of southern Xinjiang. The 2026 traffic policy specifies: Open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with the Kuruili to Nalati section potentially extending to 9:00 PM based on weather conditions. Renowned for its ‘ever-changing scenery every ten miles,’ the highway offers encounters with:
Symphony of Snowy Mountains and Grasslands:The Hashilergen Pass (elevation 3,400 meters) remains snow-covered year-round, with touchable snow walls even in summer; Nalati’s aerial grasslands ripple with green waves, dotted with herds of cattle and sheep like scattered pearls.
Clash of Canyons and Lakes:Dushanzi Grand Canyon’s V-shaped terrain resembles a crack in the earth, while Kuqa Grand Canyon’s reddish-brown rock layers blaze like fire; the Dragon Pools (Large and Small) nestle like emeralds at the foot of snowy peaks.
Dialogue Between Humanity and Nature:The Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery honors the names of 168 road-building heroes, while the meandering Ba音布鲁克 River (Nine Bends) reflects ‘nine suns’ at sunset on the Bayanbuluk Grassland.
II. 2026 Custom Vehicle Itinerary Reference (4D/3N Classic North-to-South Route)
Designed based on current traffic policies and scenic area operations, daily driving time is limited to 4-6 hours to balance in-depth exploration with comfort.
[Day 1:Urumqi → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Qiaoerma (Overnight)]
Star Recommendation✨: Depart from Urumqi and travel through the Duku Highway in a custom vehicle—unlock a premium landscape corridor offering ‘four seasons in one day’ over 4 days and 3 nights.Driving Time:Approx. 4 hours (Urumqi to Dushanzi)
Key Experiences:
Dushanzi Grand Canyon:Overlook the 200-meter-deep canyon from a cliff viewpoint; experience the cliff swing in summer (self-paid).
Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery:Pay tribute to road-building heroes and learn the history of the Duku Highway’s construction. Free admission.
Accommodation Advice:Qiaoerma offers basic homestays and guesthouses; book in advance and pack warm clothing (low nighttime temperatures).
[Day 2:Qiaoerma → Hashilergen Pass → Nalati Grassland → Bayanbuluk Town (Overnight)]
Driving Time:Approx. 5 hours
Key Experiences:
Hashilergen Pass:Visit the ‘Highest Point of China’s Highways’ monument; summer snow walls reach 3 meters thick. Park at designated viewpoints.
Nalati Aerial Grassland:Self-driving entry requires advance reservation; core zones require shuttle buses. Enter in the morning for soft lighting to capture grasslands and snowy peaks together.
I. Key Highlights of the Route: A Landscape Epic Crossing the Tianshan MountainsAccommodation Advice:Peak-season rates in Bayanbuluk Town are high with unstable hot water; choose inns with electric blankets.
[Day 3:Bayanbuluk → Nine Bends River → Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon → Kuqa City (Overnight)]
Driving Time:Approx. 6 hours
Key Experiences:
Nine Bends River:Arrive at the viewpoint 1 hour before sunset; bring a windbreaker for low temperatures and photograph the winding river with sunset glow.
Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon:Hike 1.5 km through red rock layers on well-maintained trails; family-friendly.
Accommodation Advice:Choose comfortable hotels in Kuqa City; try local specialties like Kuqa Big Nang (flatbread) and grilled stuffed buns.
[Day 4:Free Time in Kuqa City → Return Journey]
Flexible Arrangements:
Kuqa Royal Palace:Learn Uyghur history; admission includes guided tours.
The Duku Highway (G217 section from Wusu Post to Kuruili) spans approximately 561 kilometers, starting from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north and ending in Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south. It traverses the Tianshan Mountains, connecting the snowy mountains and grasslands of northern Xinjiang with the Gobi deserts and Danxia landforms of southern Xinjiang. The 2026 traffic policy specifies: Open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with the Kuruili to Nalati section potentially extending to 9:00 PM based on weather conditions. Renowned for its ‘ever-changing scenery every ten miles,’ the highway offers encounters with:Restan Street:Stroll through the old town of diverse ethnic groups; admire colorful doors/windows and handicraft shops.
Return Advice:Fly out of Kuqa or return to Urumqi based on subsequent plans.
III. 2026 Custom Vehicle Pricing Reference (Subject to Contract)
Prices vary by vehicle type, duration, and season. Current market ranges:
7-Seater Business Vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8, SAIC Maxus G10):
Low Season (Apr-May, Oct):1,000-1,200 RMB/day
Peak Season (Jun-Sep):1,300-1,600 RMB/day
9-Seater Business Vehicle:
Low Season:1,200-1,500 RMB/day
Symphony of Snowy Mountains and Grasslands: The Hashilergen Pass (elevation 3,400 meters) remains snow-covered year-round, with touchable snow walls even in summer; Nalati’s aerial grasslands ripple with green waves, dotted with herds of cattle and sheep like scattered pearls.Peak Season:1,600-1,800 RMB/day
Inclusions:Vehicle usage, fuel, tolls, driver’s salary, basic insurance.
Exclusions:Scenic area tickets, shuttle buses, accommodation, meals, personal expenses, and additional fees due to weather/policy changes.
IV. Booking Methods and Procedures
Book through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency for:
Vehicle Selection:Choose 7-seater, 9-seater, or mid-size buses based on group size; all vehicles hold legal operating licenses.
Itinerary Customization:Adjust sightseeing order and duration by mutual agreement.
Contract Guarantee:Sign a formal tourism contract clarifying costs and responsibilities.
Contact:Consult Zhang Jing, Customer Service Manager at Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency, for detailed itinerary materials.
V. Fee and Service Explanations
Clash of Canyons and Lakes: Dushanzi Grand Canyon’s V-shaped terrain resembles a crack in the earth, while Kuqa Grand Canyon’s reddish-brown rock layers blaze like fire; the Dragon Pools (Large and Small) nestle like emeralds at the foot of snowy peaks.Transparent Pricing:Custom vehicle fees, tickets, and accommodation are billed separately with no hidden costs.
Driver Services:Local drivers familiar with Duku Highway conditions provide basic commentary and driving.
Emergency Response:24-hour concierge service assists with communication during incidents.
Solo Travelers:We will coordinate room-sharing when possible; special cases require separate negotiation.
Prices and availability are subject to change based on departure dates; consult for exact details.
VI. Pre-Trip Tips
Document Preparation:Bring valid ID, driver’s license (if self-driving sections), and cash (weak mountain signals may disrupt mobile payments).
Essentials List:Portable oxygen tank (for altitude), snow chains (for sudden snow), high-energy snacks, and at least 2L water per person.
Reservation Policy:The northern Duku Highway (Wusu Post to Nalati) requires advance reservations via ‘Xinjiang Traffic Police’ or ‘Xinjiang Road Network’ WeChat accounts; one reservation per vehicle.
Off-Peak Travel:Avoid congestion (10:00 AM-2:00 PM) by departing early or taking the reverse south-to-north route.
The magic of the Duku Highway lies in its unpredictability. Instead of rushing, choose a comfortable vehicle and reliable driver to slow down, stop, and capture your own Tianshan masterpiece. This summer, let Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency guide you along this ‘once-in-a-lifetime drive’ landscape route!
Contact Manager Maizi at 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

