Yining Start and End 9 Day Carpooling Registration Fee Inquiry Recommended Routes Cost and Price

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quote.

9-day in-depth carpool tour starting and ending in Yining:Unlock a visual feast of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
Itinerary Highlights:Immersive experience traversing three major geographical units
Yining, as a transportation hub in western Xinjiang, serves as a golden starting point for exploring both the northern and southern regions of the Tianshan Mountains. This 9-day carpool itinerary connects the forest lakes of northern Xinjiang, the desert ancient cities of southern Xinjiang, and the Danxia landforms of eastern Xinjiang, with daily driving distances limited to under 3 hours and ample 6-hour in-depth exploration time. The journey covers the Duoku Highway and Yizhao Highway, two of China’s most beautiful highways, passing through core attractions such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Kalajun Grassland, Xiata Ancient Road, Kashgar Old Town, and the Taklimakan Desert. Each day features unique experiences, allowing travelers to appreciate Xinjiang’s grandeur and culture from multiple dimensions.
Core Attractions and Experience Design
Sayram Lake:Drive 70 kilometers around the lake with 8 scenic stops, including 2 undeveloped原始 (primitive) shorelines. Capture morning mist over the lake at the Jinhua Zihui Scenic Area in the early morning, wait for the sunset over the golden mountains at Xihai Grassland in the evening, and stay overnight at a lakeside RV camp to participate in astrophotography lessons.
Nalati Grassland:Explore both the aerial and valley grasslands, with a complimentary visit to local families of various ethnic groups. Learn to brew milk tea and make cheese in local yurts, participate in horseback riding and archery, join a grassland bonfire party at night, and savor roast whole lamb and kumis (fermented mare’s milk).
Xiata Ancient Road:Embark on an 8-kilometer light trek to the Muzart Glacier viewpoint, traversing three scenic zones of snow-capped mountains, forests, and streams. Avoid peak tourist hours by scheduling sunrise photography and providing drone aerial photography services.
Kashgar Old Town:Led by a professional photographer, capture three sets of ethnic-style photos and explore 10 off-the-beaten-path alleys. Visit the Id Kah Mosque, listen to ethnic music performances at a century-old teahouse, and shop for handmade copperware and Aidelai silk at night markets.
Taklimakan Desert:Experience sand dune surfing in a 4×4 vehicle, with comprehensive equipment including anti-sand masks and mineral water. Learn to set up tents at a desert camp and observe the Milky Way through telescopes at night.
2026 9-Day Carpool Simple Itinerary
【Day 1:Gather in Urumqi】
14:00-18:00 Free Time:Recommended: Visit the Xinjiang Museum’s ‘Princess’ Mummy Exhibit to learn about Western Region history.

9-day in-depth carpool tour starting and ending in Yining: Unlock a visual feast of Northern and Southern Xinjiang20:00 International Bazaar Night Tour:Sample six authentic local snacks including roasted stuffed buns, pilaf, and yogurt zongzi, while watching ethnic song and dance performances.
【Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake】
09:00 Traverse the Junggar Basin:Learn about the Gurbantunggut Desert ecosystem and observe the wild horse breeding base along the way.
16:00 First Leg of Lakeside Drive:Capture lake scenery at the Jinhua Zihui Scenic Area and feed swans at their habitat.
20:30 Lakeside RV Camp:After dinner, participate in astrophotography lessons using professional equipment to capture star trails.
【Day 3:Sayram Lake → Yining】
09:00 Second Lake Entry:Drive the remaining lake route, visiting the General’s Platform ruins and Kele Yongzhu Wetland.
14:00 Stop at Guozigou Bridge:Photograph the ‘Bridge Spanning Two Mountains’ spectacle from the viewpoint and learn about its construction history.
17:00 Lavender Manor (June-July bloom):Create scented sachets amidst a purple flower sea, or visit Zhaosu Jade Lake (other months) to photograph its turquoise waters.
【Day 4:Yining → Tekes】
09:00 Traverse Yizhao Highway:Stop for 40 minutes at Baishifeng Viewpoint to photograph cloud seas and granite peak forests.
14:00 Xiata Ancient Road Light Trek:Follow wooden walkways to the glacier viewpoint, observing snow leopard activity traces along the way.
19:00 Tekes Bagua City:Ascend the central viewpoint on Li Street to capture city panoramas, with a complimentary aerial video.

Itinerary Highlights: Immersive experience traversing three major geographical units【Day 5:Tekes → Nalati】
09:00 Pass by Qiafuqihai Lake:Photograph alpine lake reflections with snow-capped peaks from the mountainside highway.
13:00 Nalati Aerial Grassland:Take a shuttle bus deep into spruce forests and experience horseback riding across valleys.
20:00 Grassland Bonfire Party:Learn the Black Walking Horse dance from ethnic groups and savor baursak (fried dough) and horse sausages.
【Day 6:Nalati → Bayanbulak】
09:00 Traverse Middle Section of Duoku Highway:Lay flowers at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and listen to stories of road construction heroes.
14:00 Bayanbulak Grassland:Photograph the sunset over the meandering river and use a tripod to capture the ‘Nine Suns’ phenomenon.
21:00 Stay in a Yurt:Experience traditional ethnic costumes and learn to craft saddles and leather goods.
【Day 7:Bayanbulak → Kuqa】
09:00 Southern Duoku Highway:Stop at the Large and Small Dragon Pools for photography and observe geological changes in the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon.
14:00 Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon Trek:Receive complimentary canyon exploration headlamps and traverse the Narrow Sky Pass and Lover’s Valley.
19:00 Kuqa Old Town Night Tour:Sample Kuqa’s giant naan and roast pigeon while visiting the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower ruins.

Yining, as a transportation hub in western Xinjiang, serves as a golden starting point for exploring both the northern and southern regions of the Tianshan Mountains. This 9-day carpool itinerary connects the forest lakes of northern Xinjiang, the desert ancient cities of southern Xinjiang, and the Danxia landforms of eastern Xinjiang, with daily driving distances limited to under 3 hours and ample 6-hour in-depth exploration time. The journey covers the Duoku Highway and Yizhao Highway, two of China’s most beautiful highways, passing through core attractions such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Kalajun Grassland, Xiata Ancient Road, Kashgar Old Town, and the Taklimakan Desert. Each day features unique experiences, allowing travelers to appreciate Xinjiang’s grandeur and culture from multiple dimensions.【Day 8:Kuqa → Kashgar】
09:00 High-Speed Rail to Kashgar:Learn about Silk Road history and watch the documentary ‘Xinjiang is a Wonderful Place’ en route.
14:00 Kashgar Old Town Opening Ceremony:Watch ethnic song and dance performances and participate in the ‘Pass Under the City Gate for Good Luck’ folk activity.
19:00 Explore Gao Tai Folk Residences:Learn pottery-making techniques at a clay craftsman’s home and purchase intangible cultural heritage souvenirs.
【Day 9:Kashgar → Urumqi】
09:00 Id Kah Square:Observe the morning prayer ceremony and engage in cultural exchanges (respecting privacy).
14:00 Xiangfei Garden:Learn about the Xiangfei family history, watch folk wedding performances, and take photos in ethnic costumes.
18:00 Return to Urumqi:Receive a complimentary Xinjiang dried fruit gift box to conclude the itinerary.
Pricing Explanation and Schedule Changes
2026 Summer Reference Price Range:
Economy Group:4,280-4,980 RMB/person (6-person small group, includes comfortable hotels)
Quality Group:5,880-6,588 RMB/person (4-person boutique group, includes four-star hotels)
Light Luxury Group:7,980-8,988 RMB/person (2-person guaranteed departure, includes five-star hotels + characteristic homestays)

Core Attractions and Experience DesignFees Include:
Transportation:7-9 seat business vehicle (including fuel, tolls, parking)
Accommodation:8 nights’ stay (breakfast included), single travelers will be coordinated for room-sharing when possible
Admission Tickets:First entrance tickets to all attractions in the itinerary
Meals:8 breakfasts + 3 special main meals (roast whole lamb,大盘鸡 (big plate chicken), etc.)
Services:Professional guide + photographer dual accompaniment
Fees Exclude:
Round-trip major transportation (airfare assistance available)
Personal expenses and off-itinerary self-funded items
Secondary consumption within attractions (e.g., horseback riding, desert off-roading)
Schedule Change Notice:
The Duoku Highway is typically open from June to October. In case of extreme weather, the route will be changed to Yizhao Highway + S101 combination.

Sayram Lake: Drive 70 kilometers around the lake with 8 scenic stops, including 2 undeveloped primitive shorelines. Capture morning mist at Jinhua Zihui in the early morning, wait for sunset over golden mountains at Xihai Grassland in the evening, and stay overnight at a lakeside RV camp for astrophotography lessons. Xiata Ancient Road limits 2,000 visitors daily; reservations required 30 days in advance. Failure to secure a spot will result in replacement with the Kalajun Falcon Platform trek.
Prices and availability are subject to contract confirmation or same-day verification and may fluctuate based on departure dates. The signed contract shall prevail.
Registration Method and Rights Protection
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for specific departure dates and vehicle matching. The registration process involves three steps:
1. Call to specify traveler count, preferred departure date, and budget range
2. Customer service sends electronic itinerary and cost breakdown to confirm availability
3. Provide traveler information, pay deposit, and sign electronic contract
Fee Explanation and Service Description
Contract Terms:Clearly states ‘no arranged shopping or self-funded items throughout the journey’ and prohibits guides from selling goods or forcing participation in self-funded activities.
Emergency Support:24-hour emergency response with partner hospitals covering the entire itinerary route. Vehicles equipped with first aid kits and satellite phones.
Vehicle Configuration:All vehicles feature GPS tracking, in-car refrigerators, USB charging ports, and daily disinfection.
Guide Qualifications:Certified guides with an average of 8+ years of experience, fluent in ethnic languages and customs taboos.
Special Arrangements:Complimentary travel accident insurance for travelers aged 65+, child seats and family activities provided for family trips.
Specifics based on actual consultation and contract signing. Travelers may choose different service tiers to enjoy customized travel experiences within regulatory frameworks.

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quote.