Ili Private Car Tour How to Arrange an 8 Day Itinerary + Detailed Pricing Explanation Recommended Routes and Costs
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Icon introduction:✨【Customized Yili Car Tour Complete Guide】8-Day In-Depth Loop: Unlock the Summer Poetry of Grasslands, Lakes, and Canyons✨
Detailed introduction to the route or destination
【Yili River Valley:The “Concentrated Essence” of Xinjiang’s Natural Scenery】
The Yili River Valley is located in the western section of the Tianshan Mountains. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and enjoying a mild climate, it is known as the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.” Here, you’ll find a convergence of diverse landscapes including grasslands, snow-capped mountains, lakes, flower fields, and canyons. Summer (June-August) is the prime travel season, with lush green grass, wildflowers in abundance, significant temperature differences between day and night, but plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for summer retreats and photography.
【Highlight of Core Attractions】
Sayram Lake: A national 5A-level scenic spot, it is Xinjiang’s highest and largest alpine lake. The lake water is as blue as a gem, and the scenic road around the lake is approximately 90 kilometers long, offering views of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and flower fields along the way. From 2026, timed entry reservations will be implemented, with daily opening hours from 8:00 to 21:00. The combined ticket price for admission and self-drive is approximately 145 yuan per person.
Nalati Grassland:Divided into the aerial grassland and the river valley grassland, the admission ticket and shuttle bus fee for the peak season in 2026 will be 135 yuan per person, with opening hours from 8:30 to 20:30. The aerial grassland offers a broad view, overlooking continuous mountains, while the river valley grassland features winding streams, perfect for leisurely walks.
Kalajun Grassland:A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, it is famous for its “human body grassland” topography, with undulating grasslands resembling waves with distinct layers. In 2026, the all-inclusive ticket (grassland + canyon) will be approximately 275 yuan per person, with opening hours from 9:00 to 20:00. East and West Kalajun have merged operations.
Xiata Ancient Path:A historic hiking trail offering views of snow-capped mountains, forests, and river valleys along the way. The admission ticket and shuttle bus fee are approximately 80 yuan per person, suitable for light hiking enthusiasts.
Icon introduction:✨【Customized Yili Car Tour Complete Guide】8-Day In-Depth Loop: Unlock the Summer Poetry of Grasslands, Lakes, and Canyons✨Duku Highway: It will fully open on June 5, 2026, and remain accessible until the end of September, with daily opening hours from 8:00 to 19:00 (extended to 21:00 for some sections). It is recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer. This “Most Beautiful Highway in China” connects attractions such as Nalati and Bayanbulak, offering breathtaking scenery along the way.
Simple Itinerary
【8-Day Loop Itinerary Framework (Real-time Version for 2026)】
Day 1:Urumqi → S101 → Anjihai Grand Canyon → Overnight in Shawan
Highlights:Traverse the hundred-mile Danxia landform, visit the “Earth’s Crack” Anjihai Grand Canyon, and experience the wonders of nature.
Day 2:Shawan → Guozigou Bridge → Sayram Lake → Overnight in a lakeside homestay
Highlights:Overlook snow-capped mountains and forests from the Guozigou Viewing Platform, enjoy the sunset at Sayram Lake in the evening, and stay overnight by the lake with scenic views from your window.
Day 3:Sunrise at Sayram Lake → Huocheng Lavender → Yining Kazanqi → Overnight in Yining
Highlights:Capture the morning mist over the lake in the early morning, witness the blooming lavender in Huocheng from mid-June to early July, and stroll through the blue streets of Kazanqi in the afternoon.
Day 4:Yining → Yizhao Highway → Xiaata in Zhaosu → Overnight in a scenic area homestay
Detailed introduction to the route or destinationHighlights:Traverse the “Mini Duku” Yizhao Highway (recommended for summer opening), enjoy a light hike on the Xiata Ancient Path in the afternoon, and get up close to snow-capped mountains.
Day 5:Xiata → Kalajun Human Body Grassland → Tekes Bagua City → Overnight in Tekes
Highlights:Spend the whole day exploring Kalajun Grassland, ascend the viewing platform of Tekes Bagua City in the evening for an aerial view of the city.
Day 6:Tekes → Qiaxi Grassland → Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery → Overnight in a wild luxury campsite
Highlights:Ride horses on Qiaxi Grassland, traverse the forests and streams of Tangbula in the evening, and stay overnight in a starry tent.
Day 7:Tangbula → Northern Section of Duku Highway → Bayanbulak Nine Curves Eighteen Bends → Overnight in Bayan
Highlights:Drive along the Duku Highway, wait for the “Nine Suns” spectacle at sunset in Bayanbulak in the evening.
Day 8:Bayanbulak → Return to Urumqi/Yining
Highlights:Flexibly adjust according to flight/train times, with the option to stop along the way to purchase souvenirs.
【Yili River Valley: The “Concentrated Essence” of Xinjiang’s Natural Scenery】Pricing Information
【Reference for Customized Car Rental Fees (Peak Season 2026)】
5-seater SUV/Urban SUV:Approximately 1200-1500 yuan per day (including vehicle, driver, fuel, and toll fees)
7-seater Business Vehicle (Buick GL8):Approximately 1500-1800 yuan per day (suitable for 4-6 people, more spacious)
9-17-seater Minibus:Approximately 1800-2500 yuan per day (suitable for teams of 8-15 people)
【Items Included in the Fee】
Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, fuel fee, toll fee, basic insurance (seat insurance of 100,000 yuan per person)
【Items Not Included in the Fee】
Tourist accommodation, meals, admission tickets, and personal expenses
Driver’s accommodation and meal subsidies (some quotes may include this, need to confirm in advance)
The Yili River Valley is located in the western section of the Tianshan Mountains. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and enjoying a mild climate, it is known as the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.” Here, you’ll find a convergence of diverse landscapes including grasslands, snow-capped mountains, lakes, flower fields, and canyons. Summer (June-August) is the prime travel season, with lush green grass, wildflowers in abundance, significant temperature differences between day and night, but plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for summer retreats and photography. Excess mileage fee (charged at 1.5-2 yuan per kilometer beyond the agreed 300 kilometers per day)
Special section dispatch fee (an additional 200-300 yuan per day for sections like Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway)
Note:Prices may fluctuate based on season, vehicle type, and itinerary duration. The specific price shall prevail in the contract.
Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will customize your itinerary, select the appropriate vehicle type, and assist with hotel and ticket bookings based on your needs.
Pricing Information and Service Description
【Service Guarantees】
Vehicles:All vehicles used are legally registered for tourism operations, regularly maintained, and fully insured.
Drivers:Experienced local drivers familiar with the road conditions of northern and southern Xinjiang, knowledgeable about off-the-beaten-path viewing spots, and dedicated to driving and route guidance throughout the journey.
【Highlight of Core Attractions】Itinerary:In case of uncontrollable factors such as weather changes or temporary road closures, both parties may agree to make reasonable changes to the route or accommodation through consultation.
【Transparent Pricing】
The quote includes basic fees such as vehicle, driver, and fuel costs. Admission tickets and accommodation are to be borne by the tourist or entrusted to the travel agency for booking.
For single registrants, we will do our best to arrange shared accommodation. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
The specific fees and itinerary details shall prevail based on actual consultation and contract signing.
Travel Tips
Document Preparation:Bring valid identification, student ID/senior citizen card (for admission ticket discounts).
Clothing Suggestions:Even in summer, bring a windproof jacket and a thin down jacket. The grasslands have strong UV radiation, so a sun hat and sunglasses are recommended.
Offline Maps:Some grassland areas have weak signals, so download navigation in advance.
Real-time Road Conditions:Follow platforms like “Xinjiang Road Network” and “Xinjiang Transportation” for the latest information.
Yili’s summer is short and splendid. Instead of rushing to check off attractions, choose a reliable vehicle and a familiar driver, slow down, and truly take in the scenery. Contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency now to start your Tianshan journey!
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
