How Many Days Are Most Suitable for a Group Tour in Xinjiang Duku Highway Itinerary Fee Reference Recommended Routes Cost and Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
A New Perspective on In-Depth Travel in Xinjiang:Comprehensive Analysis of the 12-Day Itinerary Covering the Essence of Northern and Southern Xinjiang via the Duku Highway
🌄 [Key Highlights of the Itinerary:Experience 90% of Xinjiang’s Premium Landscapes in One Trip]
Renowned as a marvel in China’s highway construction history, the Duku Highway is famous for its exceptional landscapes where “one can witness four seasons in a day and different skies every ten miles.” This 561-kilometer scenic route traverses the Tianshan Mountains, connecting the snowy mountains and grasslands of Northern Xinjiang with the canyons and deserts of Southern Xinjiang. Recent traffic data from 2026 indicates that its open period has been extended to mid-October, making it a prime route for autumn scenery.
The itinerary design breaks away from the traditional separation of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, adopting a dual-theme approach of “Northern Xinjiang’s natural beauty + Southern Xinjiang’s cultural heritage”:
Natural Landscape Matrix:Covers six premium landscapes: Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, the Nine Curves of Bayanbulak, and the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon
In-Depth Cultural Experiences:Includes four special activities: the opening ceremony of Kashgar’s ancient city, home visits to various ethnic groups, aerial photography on the Panlong Ancient Road, and a hands-on experience making Kuqa’s giant naan bread
Innovative Transportation Combination:Traverses both the Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway, paired with an off-road experience on the desert highway, forming a three-dimensional scenic corridor
🗺 【12-Day In-Depth Itinerary Plan (2026 Updated Version)】
【Phase 1:Natural Exploration in Northern Xinjiang (6 Days)】
▷ Day 1-2:Gather in Urumqi
Assembly Day:14:00-18:00 Free visit to the Xinjiang Museum (Princess Mummy Exhibit)
Night Tour of the International Bazaar:Taste six authentic local snacks including baked buns and pilaf
Special Arrangement:20:00 Watch the large-scale live performance “Thousand Recollections of the Western Regions” (ticket included)
▷ Day 3:Urumqi → Kanas (580km, 8 hours)
Crossing the Junggar Basin:On-route explanation of the Gurbantunggut Desert ecosystem
A New Perspective on In-Depth Travel in Xinjiang: Comprehensive Analysis of the 12-Day Itinerary Covering the Essence of Northern and Southern Xinjiang via the Duku HighwayTransfer to shuttle buses at Jiadengyu:In-depth exploration of Kanas Lake, Fairy Bay, and Moon Bay
Accommodation Upgrade:Stay in a cabin within the scenic area for nighttime stargazing
▷ Day 4:Kanas → Hemu (90km, 2.5 hours)
Morning Mist Photography in Hemu Village:Professional photography guidance services provided
Tuwa Cultural Experience:Learn to make traditional dairy products
Special Arrangement:Horseback riding through the birch forest (insurance included)
▷ Day 5:Hemu → Burqin → Sayram Lake (620km, 9 hours)
Passing through the Devil City:Aerial photography experience of the Danxia landform
Drive Around the Lake:Eight scenic stops including Golden Flower Purple Herb and Swan’s Delight
Accommodation Upgrade:Lakeside RV camp equipped with professional astronomical telescopes
▷ Day 6:Sayram Lake → Yining (280km, 4 hours)
Photography at the Guozigou Bridge:Panoramic view of “one bridge spanning two mountains”
Lavender Manor Experience:Essential oil-making course provided during the June-July blooming season
Night Stay in Yining:Visit the Kazanqi Folk Village and take a carriage tour
【Phase 2:Traversing the Duku Highway (3 Days)】
▷ Day 7:Yining → Nalati (260km, 4 hours)
🌄【Key Highlights of the Itinerary: Experience 90% of Xinjiang’s Premium Landscapes in One Trip】Crossing the Yizhao Highway:40-minute stop at the Baishifeng Viewing Platform
Nalati Alpine Grassland:Experience horseback riding, archery, and grassland football
Special Arrangement:Grassland bonfire party with roast whole lamb
▷ Day 8:Nalati → Bayanbulak (90km, 2 hours)
Middle Section of the Duku Highway:Lay flowers at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery
Bayanbulak Grassland:Photograph the sunset over the Nine Curves
Accommodation Feature:Yurt experience with electric blankets for nighttime cold
▷ Day 9:Bayanbulak → Kuqa (260km, 5 hours)
Southern Section of the Duku Highway:Stop for photography at the Large and Small Dragon Pools
Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon:Complimentary professional exploration headlamp
Special Arrangement:Night tour of Kuqa’s old city, taste Kuqa’s giant naan bread and roast pigeon
【Phase 3:Cultural Experience in Southern Xinjiang (3 Days)】
▷ Day 10:Kuqa → Aksu → Kashgar (780km, 10 hours)
Desert Highway Crossing:Off-road dune bashing experience (anti-sand masks included)
Night Stay in Kashgar:Check into a characteristic guesthouse near the ancient city
Renowned as a marvel in China’s highway construction history, the Duku Highway is famous for its exceptional landscapes where “one can witness four seasons in a day and different skies every ten miles.” This 561-kilometer scenic route traverses the Tianshan Mountains, connecting the snowy mountains and grasslands of Northern Xinjiang with the canyons and deserts of Southern Xinjiang. Recent traffic data from 2026 indicates that its open period has been extended to mid-October, making it a prime route for autumn scenery.▷ Day 11:In-Depth Tour of Kashgar
Opening Ceremony of Kashgar’s Ancient City:Professional photographer follows to capture ethnic-style blockbuster photos
Exploration of Gaotai Residential Area:Traditional clay pottery-making experience
Special Arrangement:Afternoon tea at a century-old teahouse while enjoying performances of ethnic musical instruments
▷ Day 12:Kashgar → Panlong Ancient Road → Return
Aerial Photography on the Panlong Ancient Road:Shoot during sunrise to avoid crowds
Home Visits to Various Ethnic Groups:Learn about the living customs of plateau ethnic groups
Return Arrangements:Airport drop-off based on flight time, complimentary Xinjiang dried fruit gift box
💰 【Cost Breakdown and Reference Range (2026 Updated)】
【Basic Costs】
Adult Price:8,900-12,800 RMB/person (varies based on accommodation standard)
Child Price:6,200-8,900 RMB/person (under 12 years old, no extra bed)
Cost Includes:
Transportation:5-9 seater business vehicle/SUV (including fuel and toll fees)
Accommodation:Primarily 3-4 star hotels with 3 nights of upgraded characteristic stays
Meals:11 breakfasts + 18 main meals (including 5 special meals)
The itinerary design breaks away from the traditional separation of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, adopting a dual-theme approach of “Northern Xinjiang’s natural beauty + Southern Xinjiang’s cultural heritage”:Admission Tickets:First entry tickets to 12 core attractions throughout the trip
Services:Triple services of professional guide + driver + photography guidance
【Cost Details】
Transportation Proportion:38% (including Duku Highway passage security)
Accommodation Proportion:32% (15% increase during peak season)
Admission Ticket Proportion:12% (total approximately 1,200 RMB for all attraction tickets)
Meal Proportion:10%
Service Proportion:8%
【Special Notes】
Price Validity:June 1, 2026 – October 15, 2026
Price Fluctuation:10-15% increase during July-August peak season, best value in mid-to-late September
Discount Policies:Immediate reduction of 800 RMB/person for groups of 3, 1,200 RMB/person for groups of 5
📝 【Registration and Consultation Methods】
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency with the following steps:
Step 1:Call to consult with Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency’s customer service manager Zhang Jing, specifying the number of travelers, preferred tour dates, and budget range
Natural Landscape Matrix: Covers six premium landscapes: Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, the Nine Curves of Bayanbulak, and the Tianshan Secret Grand CanyonStep 2:Obtain the electronic itinerary and cost details, confirm availability
Step 3:Provide traveler information, pay deposit, and sign electronic contract
📋 【Cost Explanation and Service Guarantees】
【Service Standards】
Vehicle Configuration:New cars within 5 years, mandatory rest every 4 hours
Guide Qualifications:Certified guides with an average of over 8 years of experience
Emergency Support:24-hour emergency response with cooperative hospitals covering the entire itinerary
Meal Standards:Main meal standard of 80-120 RMB/person, including 3 special meals
【Special Commitments】
No Consumption Itinerary Guarantee:Contract explicitly states “zero consumption, zero out-of-pocket expenses”
Accommodation Guarantee:Room reservations locked 30 days in advance with 98% success rate during peak season
Experience Guarantee:Daily driving time not exceeding 4 hours, leaving at least 6 hours for sightseeing
【Precautions】
Document Requirements:Bring original valid identification and green health code
Clothing Preparation:Large temperature difference between day and night requires windbreaker and sun protection items
Special Notes:Duku Highway passage subject to weather conditions; itinerary may be adjusted by mutual agreement
The actual consultation and contract signing shall prevail. This itinerary information is for reference only and does not constitute an offer or commitment. Actual costs and itinerary details are subject to the contract signed by both parties. It is recommended to complete registration 15 days before departure to secure premium accommodations and scenic area quotas.
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
