Xinjiang Tour Charter June Is Duku Highway Open Opening Time Charter Price Recommended Routes Costs
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.
Starred✨ [Comprehensive Guide to the Opening of Xinjiang’s Duku Highway in June 2026:Custom Vehicle Pricing, Itinerary Planning, and Practical Policies]
I. Duku Highway: A Scenic Corridor Through All Four Seasons
The Duku Highway (G217 National Road, Dushanzi to Kuqa section) is Xinjiang’s most renowned scenic route, spanning 561 kilometers from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north to Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south. Traversing the Tianshan Mountains, it connects snow-capped peaks, canyons, grasslands, lakes, and forests, earning its reputation as a natural canvas where ‘four seasons can be experienced in a single day and every ten li brings a different landscape.’
Key Highlights:
Scenic Diversity: The northern section features alpine meadows and the Hashilegen Pass (elevation 3,400 meters), offering views of the perpetually snow-capped Tianshan main peak. The middle section passes through the Nalati Grassland and Bayanbuluk Wetland, where winding rivers complement Swan Lake. The southern section enters the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, with striking red rock formations and yardang landforms.
Seasonal Access:Recommended open for approximately 4 months annually (typically early June to mid-to-late October). The specific opening date for 2026 is June 1, though temporary closures may occur due to snowfall. Real-time road conditions should be monitored.
Engineering Marvel:Constructed over 10 years with the sacrifice of 168 soldiers, it is hailed as the ‘Road of Heroes.’ Memorials are placed along the route for visitors to pay respects.
II. 2026 Access Policies and Custom Vehicle Guidelines
(I) Access Hours and Restrictions
According to the Xinjiang Transportation Department’s announcement, the 2026 Duku Highway implements ‘daytime access for travel, nighttime access for construction’ measures:
Daily Access Hours:
Wusu Post to Kuruli Section:8:00 AM–7:00 PM (vehicles with 7 seats or fewer and trucks under 5 tons allowed).
Kuruli to Nalati Entrance Section:Flexible hours based on traffic and weather, extending until 9:00 PM at the latest.
Starred✨ [Comprehensive Guide to the Opening of Xinjiang’s Duku Highway in June 2026: Custom Vehicle Pricing, Itinerary Planning, and Practical Policies]Nighttime Restrictions:After 7:00 PM, the Nalati to Wusu Post entrance and Qiaoerma to G217 entrance are closed to private vehicles, with the entire route sealed for construction.
Reservation System (Northern Section):
Starting June 25, the Wusu Post to Nalati entrance section requires advance reservations via platforms like the ‘Visit Xinjiang One-Code Travel’ mini-program 1–7 days prior. Five time slots (e.g., 8:00–10:00 AM, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM) are available, with a daily limit of ~3,000 vehicles. The 4:00–7:00 PM slot is reservation-free.
Failure to reserve or adhere to time slots results in a 200 RMB fine and 1 demerit point.
(II) Eligible Vehicle Types and Restrictions
Permitted Vehicles:
Non-commercial blue-plate passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer (sedans, SUVs, MPVs).
Blue-plate trucks with a payload capacity of 5 tons or fewer.
Regular two-wheeled motorcycles (with corresponding licenses).
Small blue-plate Type C self-propelled RVs (length ≤6 meters, height ≤4.5 meters).
New energy electric vehicles (charging stations available along the route).
Traffic Service Vehicles:
Passenger vehicles with 8+ seats (tour buses, minibusses).
I. Duku Highway: A Scenic Corridor Through All Four Seasons Trailer-mounted RVs (regardless of towing vehicle’s seat count).
Three-wheeled motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, and hazardous materials transport trucks are prohibited.
III. Sample Itinerary Planning (7-Day Custom Vehicle Example)
Option 1:Northern Xinjiang In-Depth Tour (Duku Northern Section + Ili)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi to acclimate to the plateau climate and gather supplies.
Day 2:Urumqi → Dushanzi (overnight). Visit the Duku Highway Museum to learn about its construction history.
Day 3:Dushanzi → Hashilegen Pass → Nalati Grassland (overnight). Photograph snow-capped peaks and spruce forests along the way.
Day 4:Nalati → Bayanbuluk (overnight). Explore the winding rivers and await the ‘Nine Suns’ at sunset.
Day 5:Bayanbuluk → Small/Big Dragon Pools → Kuqa (overnight). Traverse the southern canyon and visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves.
Day 6:Kuqa → Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon → Return, or continue to Southern Xinjiang (Kashgar, Pamir Plateau).
Day 7:Return to Urumqi based on flight schedules.
Option 2:Short Essence Tour (4 Days)
Day 1:Urumqi → Kuitun → Dushanzi (overnight).
The Duku Highway (G217 National Road, Dushanzi to Kuqa section) is Xinjiang’s most renowned scenic route, spanning 561 kilometers from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north to Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south. Traversing the Tianshan Mountains, it connects snow-capped peaks, canyons, grasslands, lakes, and forests, earning its reputation as a natural canvas where ‘four seasons can be experienced in a single day and every ten li brings a different landscape.’Day 2:Dushanzi → Nalati (overnight). Focus on photographing northern section landscapes.
Day 3:Nalati → Bayanbuluk (overnight). Experience the grassland and wetland.
Day 4:Bayanbuluk → Kuqa → Return.
IV. 2026 Custom Vehicle Pricing Reference (Includes Driver, Fuel, Tolls)
Prices vary by season, vehicle type, and route length. Below are market reference ranges:
7-Seat Business Vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8):
Peak Season (June–August):1,300–1,800 RMB/day.
Off-Peak Season (September–October):800–1,000 RMB/day.
13–19-Seat Minibus (e.g., Coaster):
Peak Season:2,000–2,600 RMB/day.
Off-Peak Season:1,500–2,000 RMB/day.
37–55-Seat Bus:
Peak Season:3,500–6,000 RMB/day (license plate registration required in advance).
Key Highlights:Segmented Custom Vehicles (e.g., Nalati to Bayanbuluk):Approximately 1,100–1,800 RMB/vehicle one-way.
Notes:
Prices may include driver accommodation subsidies (typically 150 RMB/day/person). Confirm with the travel agency in advance.
Reserve vehicles 15–30 days ahead during peak season to avoid shortages.
V. Registration Methods and Fee Explanations
Registration Channels:
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which offers vehicle selection and itinerary customization services for families, friends, corporate team-building, and other group sizes.
Fee Explanations:
Included Items:Vehicle rental, driver service fees, vehicle insurance, tolls, and basic fuel costs.
Excluded Items:Visitor accommodation, meals, attraction tickets, personal expenses, and driver accommodation subsidies (for overnight stays across counties/cities).
Prices are subject to change based on actual consultation and contracting. Final prices may fluctuate by departure date, with the signed contract taking precedence.
VI. Service Guarantees and Risk Warnings
Professional Team:Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency provides licensed drivers familiar with Duku road conditions and emergency procedures. Vehicles undergo regular maintenance and are equipped with first aid kits and fire extinguishers.
Scenic Diversity: The northern section features alpine meadows and the Hashilegen Pass (elevation 3,400 meters), offering views of the perpetually snow-capped Tianshan main peak. The middle section passes through the Nalati Grassland and Bayanbuluk Wetland, where winding rivers complement Swan Lake. The southern section enters the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, with striking red rock formations and yardang landforms.Itinerary Changes:In cases of extreme weather, temporary road closures, or other force majeure, both parties may negotiate route or date modifications.
Solo Travelers:The agency will strive to arrange shared rooms. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Warnings:
Some mountain sections feature cliffs and sharp curves. Maintain safe following distances and avoid fatigued driving.
After rain, landslides and mudslides are common. Quickly pass areas with small debris on the ground.
If unusual mountain sounds occur, immediately reverse and evacuate. Do not linger in dangerous sections.
VII. Practical Information Summary
Real-Time Road Conditions:Follow the ‘Xinjiang Road Network,’ ‘Xinjiang Traffic Police,’ and ‘Xinjiang Meteorology’ WeChat accounts, or call the 12328 hotline.
Attraction Ticket Prices (2026 Reference):
Nalati Scenic Area:Approximately 135 RMB/person (ticket + shuttle bus).
Bayanbuluk Scenic Area:Approximately 140 RMB/person (ticket + shuttle bus).
Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon:Approximately 41 RMB/person.
Contact Information:Reach out to Zhang Jing, customer service manager at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, for the latest departure dates, availability, and route details.
The Duku Highway is not merely a road but a journey of dialogue with nature. In 2026, when the snow melts, consider traveling in a reliable vehicle with an experienced driver through the heart of the Tianshan Mountains. Watch clouds drift and listen to the wind echo through the canyons. For specific itinerary planning and fees, refer to the contract signed with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.

