Xinjiang Tour Charter Car How Much for the Entire Duku Highway 6 Day Crossing Quotation List Recommended Routes Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send the itinerary and quotation.
Exploring the Duku Highway:A Comprehensive 6-Day Deep Crossing Guide for 2026
🌄 Duku Highway:A ‘Scenic Corridor’ Connecting Northern and Southern Xinjiang
The Duku Highway (G217 National Road from Dushanzi to Kuqa), stretching 561 kilometers, starts from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north and ends in Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south, traversing the Tianshan Mountains. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery where ‘one can witness four seasons in a day and different weather every ten miles,’ the highway passes through five distinct landscapes: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, wetlands, and deserts. It is recommended to be open for four months each year (usually from June to October, subject to local transportation department announcements) and is a must-visit destination for self-drive enthusiasts.
In 2026, the infrastructure along the Duku Highway will undergo a comprehensive upgrade, with three new viewing platforms and two service areas added. Some curves will be widened and renovated, significantly improving driving comfort. There are 7 checkpoints along the highway where inspections will be conducted. It is advisable to carry valid identification documents with you.
🚗 6-Day Itinerary Plan:A Panoramic Deep Crossing
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi → Dushanzi Grand Canyon (approximately 260 kilometers, 3.5 hours)
Morning:Depart from Urumqi and head west along the Lianhuo Expressway (G30) to reach Dushanzi District.
Afternoon:Visit the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, famous as the starting point of the Duku Highway. The canyon is 200 meters deep, offering experiences such as glass walkways and high-altitude swings (admission reference price: 60 yuan per person, additional fees for activities).
Evening:Check into a hotel in Dushanzi District and savor local specialties like roast whole lamb and pilaf.
Exploring the Duku Highway: A Comprehensive 6-Day Deep Crossing Guide for 2026Day 2:Dushanzi → Qiaoerma (approximately 140 kilometers, 5 hours)
Morning:Drive along the northern section of the Duku Highway, crossing the Hashilergen Daban (elevation 3,400 meters). Stop along the way to photograph snow-capped mountains and sea of clouds scenery.
Afternoon:Arrive at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery to pay tribute to the 168 soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the highway’s construction and learn about the history of this ‘Heroic Road.’
Evening:Check into a yurt near Qiaoerma (experience traditional accommodations of various ethnic groups, reference price: 200 yuan per yurt per night, accommodating 4-6 people).
Day 3:Qiaoerma → Nalati Grassland (approximately 80 kilometers, 2.5 hours)
Morning:Cross the Yuximolegai Daban to enter the core area of Nalati Grassland.
Afternoon:Go horseback riding on the Nalati Sky Grassland (reference price: 120 yuan per hour) or take a shuttle bus to tour the valley grassland (admission + shuttle bus reference price: 135 yuan per person).
Evening:Check into a characteristic homestay in Nalati Town and enjoy delicacies such as horse meat naren and milk skin.
Day 4:Nalati → Bayinbuluk (approximately 90 kilometers, 2 hours)
🌄 Duku Highway: A ‘Scenic Corridor’ Connecting Northern and Southern XinjiangMorning:Drive along the middle section of the Duku Highway, passing through the Gongnaisi National Forest Park and observing herds of cattle and sheep and naturally growing animals along the way.
Afternoon:Arrive at Bayinbuluk Grassland to visit the Nine-Curve Eighteen-Bend and Swan Lake (admission reference price: 65 yuan per person, shuttle bus 90 yuan per person). In the evening, capture the ‘Nine Suns’ spectacle (optimal shooting time is from 21:00 to 22:00 in summer).
Evening:Check into a hotel in Bayinbuluk Town and experience ethnic歌舞 (song and dance) performances (reference price: 150 yuan per person).
Day 5:Bayinbuluk → Kuqa (approximately 260 kilometers, 5 hours)
Morning:Drive along the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing through the Large and Small Dragon Pools. These alpine lakes, with their blue-green hues due to mineral deposits, are known as the ‘Pearls of the Tianshan Mountains.’
Afternoon:Arrive in Kuqa City and visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (admission reference price: 70 yuan per person, advance reservation required). This is the earliest excavated grotto temple in China, with 349 existing caves and a mural area of 10,000 square meters.
Evening:Check into a hotel in downtown Kuqa and savor local specialties such as Kuqa large nang bread and roast baozi (stuffed buns).
Day 6:Kuqa → Return to Urumqi (approximately 750 kilometers, 9 hours, or choose to return by air)
Morning:Tour the old town of Kuqa, visiting the colorful porches of Resitan Road and the Kuqa Royal Palace (admission reference price: 55 yuan per person) to experience the diverse cultures of the ancient Silk Road city.
Afternoon:Based on your return arrangements, you can choose to fly back to Urumqi (two daily flights from Kuqa Airport to Urumqi Diwopu Airport, flight time approximately 1.5 hours) or return by car (it is recommended to split the journey into two days and stop in Turpan along the way).
The Duku Highway (G217 National Road from Dushanzi to Kuqa), stretching 561 kilometers, starts from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north and ends in Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south, traversing the Tianshan Mountains. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery where ‘one can witness four seasons in a day and different weather every ten miles,’ the highway passes through five distinct landscapes: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, wetlands, and deserts. It is recommended to be open for four months each year (usually from June to October, subject to local transportation department announcements) and is a must-visit destination for self-drive enthusiasts.💰 Cost Explanation:Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Fees
I. Custom Vehicle Rental Fees (Reference Prices)
The custom vehicle rental fees for the Duku Highway in 2026 vary based on vehicle type, season, and number of passengers. Taking a 5-seat SUV as an example:
Regular Season (June, September):Approximately 1,200-1,500 yuan per day (including fuel, tolls, and driver service fees)
Peak Season (July-August, National Day):Approximately 1,600-2,000 yuan per day
Off-Peak Season (mid-to-late October):Approximately 1,000-1,200 yuan per day
II. Other Fee References
Admission Tickets:The total cost of admission tickets for all attractions along the way is approximately 500-700 yuan per person (subject to the actual attractions visited).
Accommodation:Budget hotels cost approximately 200-400 yuan per night, characteristic homestays cost approximately 400-800 yuan per night, and yurts cost approximately 200 yuan per yurt per night.
In 2026, the infrastructure along the Duku Highway will undergo a comprehensive upgrade, with three new viewing platforms and two service areas added. Some curves will be widened and renovated, significantly improving driving comfort. There are 7 checkpoints along the highway where inspections will be conducted. It is advisable to carry valid identification documents with you.Catering:Approximately 80-120 yuan per person per day (including main meals + breakfast)
III. Special Notes
The above fees are reference prices and may change due to market fluctuations, vehicle selection, accommodation standards, and other factors. The actual fees shall be subject to the consultation and contract signing with Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency. For solo travelers, we will do our best to arrange room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
📝 Registration Method and Precautions
I. How to Register
You can register through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency by providing your name, valid identification number, contact information, and travel dates to complete the reservation. It is recommended to register 15 days in advance to ensure vehicle and accommodation arrangements.
II. Service Explanation
Vehicles:We provide 5-seat SUVs, 7-seat commercial vehicles, or mid-sized buses, all equipped with basic supplies such as car chargers, first aid kits, and mineral water.
Drivers:Our drivers are licensed, familiar with the road conditions of the Duku Highway and the customs of various ethnic groups, and can provide basic interpretation services.
🚗 6-Day Itinerary Plan: A Panoramic Deep CrossingInsurance:The travel agency uniformly purchases travel accident insurance (coverage of 500,000 yuan per person), with specific terms subject to the insurance contract.
III. Important Reminders
The Duku Highway is open from 7:00 to 20:00 daily, and night driving is prohibited.
Some road sections may be temporarily closed due to weather or construction. Both parties can reasonably adjust the itinerary upon mutual agreement.
Xinjiang experiences significant temperature variations between day and night, so it is advisable to carry warm clothing (especially for high-altitude road sections).
Respect the customs of various ethnic groups and avoid bringing outside food or alcohol into restaurants.
🌈 Why Choose Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency?
Rich Experience:With 12 years of experience in the Xinjiang tourism market, we have served over 200,000 tourists.
High-Quality Resources:We have established long-term cooperation with hotels and attractions along the route to ensure accommodation and admission ticket supplies.
Service Guarantee:Our 24-hour customer service responds promptly. If you encounter any problems during the trip, you can contact customer service manager Zhang Jing at any time for coordination and resolution.
Crossing the Duku Highway is not just a visual feast but also a profound exploration of nature and humanities. In 2026, let’s embark on this ‘once-in-a-lifetime journey’ in a more comfortable way!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send the itinerary and quotation.
