How to Get to Gongnaisi Grassland on a Yili Group Tour Lesser Known Hidden Gem + Average Cost per Person Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quote
Explore Yili:Comprehensive Guide to Off-the-Beaten-Path Deep Travel in Gongnaisi Grassland✨
[Route Highlights:Secret Exploration Away from the Crowds]
While most tourists flock to popular grasslands like Nalati and Kalajun, Gongnaisi National Forest Park lies quietly like a hidden emerald deep in the Tianshan Mountains. This 2,800-square-kilometer原始 (primitive) forest grassland, known as the “Grassland in the Clouds,” boasts an average summer temperature of 18-22℃, making it a rare summer resort in the Yili River Valley.
Core Attractions:
Aikendaban Cloud Sea:From 7-9 AM, stand on the viewing platform at 3,000 meters elevation to witness clouds surging like ocean waves through the valley
Wild Fruit Forest Secret Realm:In June during wild apple blossom season, the mountainside transforms into a sea of pink and white flowers contrasting beautifully with snow-capped peaks
Gongnaisi River Valley:20 kilometers along National Highway 218 with 92% coverage of primitive spruce forests and 30,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter
Kazak Pasture:Visit transhumant local families to experience traditional life like milking cows and making nang (flatbread)
[2026 New Simple Itinerary]
Day 1:Yining Assembly → Initial Exploration of Gongnaisi River Valley
08:00 Depart from Yining city center via G218 National Highway
11:30 Arrive in Gongnaisi Town, visit Kazak Folk Museum
Explore Yili: Comprehensive Guide to Off-the-Beaten-Path Deep Travel in Gongnaisi Grassland✨13:00 Local specialty lunch (recommended: wild mushroom noodles)
14:30 Hike deep into the river valley searching for wild red deer tracks
18:00 Check into forest lodges, experience stargazing
Day 2:Aikendaban → In-depth Wild Fruit Forest Tour
06:00 Travel to Aikendaban for sunrise cloud sea photography
09:30 Visit century-old wild apple forest on return journey
12:00 Riverside picnic (portable grill provided by tour operator)
14:00 Participate in local family homestay activities
17:00 Return to Gongnaisi Town for free mountain product shopping
Day 3:Secret Realm Crossing → Return to Yining
08:00 Cross undeveloped grasslands by off-road vehicle
11:00 Reach hidden attraction “Moon Lake” (40-minute hike required)
[Route Highlights: Secret Exploration Away from the Crowds]13:00 Specialty lunch (red willow skewers + homemade yogurt)
15:00 Depart for Yining with stop at Qiaxi Grassland viewpoint
19:00 Disband in Yining city center
[Pricing Information:Transparent Consumption System]
2026 Reference Price for 3-Day Gongnaisi Grassland Tour:
Budget Carpool Group:1,980-2,380 RMB/person (6-8 person small group)
Comfort Private Group:2,880-3,480 RMB/person (4-person minimum)
Price Includes:
Transportation:Round-trip Yining transportation by off-road vehicle/business van
Accommodation:2 nights in scenic area lodges + 1 night in 4-star Yining hotel
Meals:5 dinners + 2 breakfasts (including 3 specialty meals)
Admission:Gongnaisi National Forest Park tickets + shuttle bus
While most tourists flock to popular grasslands like Nalati and Kalajun, Gongnaisi National Forest Park lies quietly like a hidden emerald deep in the Tianshan Mountains. This 2,800-square-kilometer原始 (primitive) forest grassland, known as the “Grassland in the Clouds,” boasts an average summer temperature of 18-22℃, making it a rare summer resort in the Yili River Valley.Services:Professional tour leader + photography follow service
Important Notice:
Prices subject to seasonal fluctuations; current June rates are mid-season prices
Peak season (July-August) prices increase by ~25%; book 30 days in advance
Final price based on signed tourism contract between both parties
[Registration Method:Professional Service Guarantee]
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing provides:
Real-time seat availability checks
Personalized itinerary modifications
Equipment rental recommendations
Special request coordination (e.g., custom family/senior tours)
[Fee and Service Details]
Core Attractions:Basic Services Include:
Transportation:Includes fuel, tolls, driver allowance
Accommodation Standards:Lodges with private bath, hotels with breakfast
Meal Standards:60 RMB/person/meal for main meals
Insurance Coverage:800,000 RMB travel accident insurance
Optional Items:
Horseback Riding:80-120 RMB/hour (scenic area pricing)
Photography Follow:300 RMB/day (includes 10 retouched photos)
Special Activities:50 RMB/person local family visit fee
Special Agreements:
Single travelers will be matched for shared rooms; 600 RMB supplement for private room entire trip
Itinerary subject to change through mutual agreement in case of force majeure (e.g., rainstorm traffic control)
Aikendaban Cloud Sea: From 7-9 AM, stand on the viewing platform at 3,000 meters elevation to witness clouds surging like ocean waves through the valley. Actual services based on consultation and contract signing
[Practical Information Kit]
Best Seasons:Late May-mid June (wildflower season), mid September-early October (autumn scenery)
Clothing Guide:Daytime: quick-dry shirt + sun protection clothing; Nighttime: thin down jacket required
Recommended Items:High-SPF sunscreen, mosquito repellent, power bank, insulated water bottle
Photography Tips:Tripod required for Aikendaban sunrise; 70-200mm telephoto lens recommended for wild fruit forest
Folk Customs:Avoid stepping on thresholds when entering yurts; accept milk tea with both hands
[In-Depth Experience Suggestions]
Arrive at river valley at 6 AM for morning mist spruce forest photography
When participating in local transhumance, prepare small gifts (e.g., candy) as goodwill gesture
When purchasing mountain products, look for easily preserved specialties like pine nuts and wild honey
No ATMs in scenic area; recommend carrying 500 RMB cash as backup
Gongnaisi National Forest Park currently in peak viewing season with daily limit of 2,000 visitors. Xinjiang Pathfinder provides 24-hour emergency services to ensure all travelers enjoy this secret realm with peace of mind.
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quote
