How Much Does It Cost to Join a Group Tour for the Yili Section of Duku Highway Inquiry and Recommended Routes with Cost and Price Information
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Starred Recommendation✨:Comprehensive Guide to Carpooling on the Ili Section of the Duku Highway | In-Depth Summer 2026 Experience Guide
🌄 [Route Highlights:A Visual Feast Through the Heart of the Tianshan Mountains]
The Ili section of the Duku Highway, known as ‘China’s Most Beautiful Highway,’ is open from June to September each year (subject to official traffic department announcements). It connects four major landscapes: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and canyons. In 2026, a ‘flexible travel period’ will be introduced, extending daily travel hours until 21:00, providing photographers with more time for creation.
Core Attractions:
Northern Section of Duku Highway (Dushanzi-Nalati):A 230-kilometer mountain road offering views of the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery (free admission)
Ili River Valley精华区 (Essence Area):Nalati Aerial Grassland (admission 95 yuan + shuttle bus 60 yuan), Kalajun Grassland (all-area tour 170 yuan), Sayram Lake (admission 145 yuan/person including self-driving)
Summer-Limited Attractions:Huocheng Lavender Garden in June (admission 30 yuan), Bayanbulak’s Nine Bends of the River sunset in July
🚗 [Simplified 2026 Itinerary Reference (8 Days, 7 Nights)]
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Afternoon:Visit Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar to experience handicrafts from various ethnic groups
Starred Recommendation✨: Comprehensive Guide to Carpooling on the Ili Section of the Duku Highway | In-Depth Summer 2026 Experience GuideDinner:Taste baked buns and hand-grabbed rice at Lingguan Lane Food Street
Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (550 km, 7 hours)
Highlights:Drive around the lake and photograph the alpine lake at Jinhua Zihui Scenic Area
Accommodation:Sayram Lake RV Campground (reference price 400 yuan/night)
Day 3:Sayram Lake → Yining (150 km, 2.5 hours)
Morning:Photograph at the Guozigou Bridge Viewing Platform
Afternoon:Experience home visits with various ethnic groups at Kazanqi Folk Village
Day 4:Yining → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes (200 km, 4 hours)
Key Points:Photograph the ‘Human Body Grassland’ at Xianhua Terrace and overlook snow-capped mountains from Eagle Terrace
Night Tour:Tekes Bagua City Light Show
🌄[Route Highlights: A Visual Feast Through the Heart of the Tianshan Mountains]Day 5:Tekes → Nalati Grassland (260 km, 4 hours)
Activities:Horseback riding through the aerial grassland and visiting yurts of local ethnic groups
Accommodation:Nalati Eco Hotel (reference price 600 yuan/night)
Day 6:Nalati → Bayanbulak (90 km, 2 hours)
Core Experience:Wait for the ‘Nine Suns’ phenomenon at sunset at the Nine Bends of the River
Tips:Large temperature differences between day and night on the grassland; bring a windproof jacket
Day 7:Bayanbulak → Duku Highway → Urumqi (550 km, 9 hours)
Stopovers:Small and Big Dragon Pools, Tianshan Secret Canyon (admission 40 yuan)
Special Arrangement:Lunch at Qiaoerma Service Area tasting alpine cold-water fish
Day 8:Disband in Urumqi
Morning:Visit the Mummy Exhibition at Xinjiang Museum (reservation required)
The Ili section of the Duku Highway, known as ‘China’s Most Beautiful Highway,’ is open from June to September each year (subject to official traffic department announcements). It connects four major landscapes: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and canyons. In 2026, a ‘flexible travel period’ will be introduced, extending daily travel hours until 21:00, providing photographers with more time for creation.💰 [Price Explanation for 2026 (Subject to Contract)]
Carpooling Fee Breakdown:
Basic Fee:1,500-2,200 yuan/person (8 days, 7 nights)
Includes:7-seat business vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8), driver service fee, fuel, tolls, basic insurance
Excludes:Scenic area admissions (approx. 800 yuan/person), accommodation (approx. 350-900 yuan/night), meals (approx. 80-180 yuan/day)
Vehicle Selection Advice:
Economy:5-seat SUV (Toyota RAV4), suitable for 2-3 people, 15% higher per capita cost
Comfort:7-seat business vehicle (Maxus G10), cost-effective for 4-6 people
Premium:7-seat first-class (Ford T8), airline seats, 30% higher per capita cost
Seasonal Fluctuations:
Core Attractions:Peak Season (June-August):Prices increase by 30%-50%
Shoulder Season (April-May/September-October):Base price
Low Season (November-March):Some roads closed; recommend in-depth Ili River Valley tour
📝 [Registration Method]
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, offering the following services:
Route Customization:Adjust itinerary days and scenic spot combinations based on group needs
Resource Coordination:Assist with booking characteristic homestays and photography guides
Emergency Support:Equip vehicles with oxygen tanks, first aid kits, etc.
📋 [Fee and Service Explanation]
Fees Include:Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, basic insurance, tolls within itinerary
Northern Section of Duku Highway (Dushanzi-Nalati): A 230-kilometer mountain road offering views of the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery (free admission)Fees Exclude:Driver’s food and accommodation subsidy (recommended 150-200 yuan/day), (single registrants will be matched for shared rooms when possible), personal expenses
Special Tips:
1. The Duku Highway is recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer; vehicle type must be confirmed in advance
2. Scenic area admission policy: Children under 6 years old and seniors over 65 years old with valid ID receive free admission; students with valid student ID receive a 50% discount (no discount for shuttle buses)
3. In case of extreme weather or road closures, both parties may agree to reasonably adjust the itinerary
4. Subject to actual consultation and contract signing; prices may fluctuate based on departure date
🌸 [Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist]
Documents:Valid ID, student ID/senior citizen ID, and other discount certificates
Clothing:Windbreaker, sun protection clothing, comfortable hiking shoes
Photography:Polarizing filter (reduces lake surface glare), telephoto lens (for photographing wildlife)
Others:High-SPF sunscreen, moisturizing mask, common medications
Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for real-time availability information and personalized itinerary plans for 2026. It is recommended to book 15-30 days in advance for higher group formation rates during peak season and to enjoy early bird discounts.
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
