How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car for Tourism in Ili to Kuokesu Grand Canyon Cost Overview and Reference Recommended Routes and Costs
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Starred Recommendation✨:Customized Vehicle Tour of Kuo Kesu Grand Canyon in Ili – A Comprehensive Guide to Costs and Itinerary for 2026
I. Key Highlights of the Route: The “Dual World Heritage” Combination of the Kalajun Grassland and Kuo Kesu Grand Canyon
The Kuo Kesu Grand Canyon is located within Tekes County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, and is one of the core areas of the Kalajun International Ecological Tourism Zone. It is renowned for its interwoven landscapes of “canyon, grassland, wetland, and snow-capped mountains,” and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List in 2013. The canyon stretches approximately 20 kilometers in length, reaching a maximum depth of 380 meters. The Kuo Kesu River winds through it, forming iconic landmarks such as Crocodile Bay and the Nine Bends of the River. When combined with visits to areas like the Flower Terrace and Falcon Terrace on the Kalajun Grassland, travelers can simultaneously experience the vastness of the “sky grassland” and the rugged terrain of the canyon, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts, nature explorers, and family trips.
II. Sample Itinerary for 2026 (Based on a 5-Day Custom Vehicle Loop)
Day 1:Yining City – Kalajun Grassland (Sky Grassland Route)
Morning:Depart from Yining City and drive for approximately 3 hours along the Yizhao Highway (S237) to reach the Kalajun Visitor Center. Take the shuttle bus to explore the Sky Grassland area, with key stops at the Flower Terrace and Falcon Terrace viewpoints to capture the stunning scene of snow-capped mountains framed by a sea of flowers.
Afternoon:Transfer to a grassland off-road vehicle to venture deep into the Falcon Terrace hinterland. Hike approximately 2 kilometers to explore the primitive spruce forest and encounter naturally occurring animals such as marmots.
Accommodation:Stay in the Bagua City of Tekes County (1-hour drive). We recommend staying at a homestay in the Lijie Cultural District to experience traditional architecture from various ethnic groups.
Day 2:Kalajun Grassland – Kuo Kesu Grand Canyon
Starred Recommendation✨: Customized Vehicle Tour of Kuo Kesu Grand Canyon in Ili – A Comprehensive Guide to Costs and Itinerary for 2026Morning:Transfer by boat from the Kalajun Visitor Center into the Kuo Kesu Grand Canyon (approximately 20-minute boat ride). The first stop is Crocodile Bay, where you can overlook the spectacular sight of the river bend resembling a crocodile’s open mouth.
Afternoon:Take the shuttle bus to the Nine Bends of the River viewpoint to capture the curving river under changing light. Experience optional recreational activities within the canyon:
Sightseeing Carriage:30 RMB per person, 2-kilometer loop through flower fields and wheat fields
All-Terrain Vehicle (Photography Route):300 RMB per person (round trip), venture deep into the core area of the World Heritage site to photograph undeveloped primitive landscapes
Glass Walkway:10 RMB per person, suspended viewing platform offering a panoramic view of the canyon
Accommodation:Stay in a yurt within the Kuo Kesu Grand Canyon scenic area (experience traditional living styles of various ethnic groups) or return to Tekes County.
Day 3:Kuo Kesu Grand Canyon – Xiata Ancient Path (Zhaosu County)
Morning:Drive for approximately 2.5 hours to reach the Xiata Ancient Path scenic area. Take the shuttle bus to the Hot Spring Hotel and hike or ride a horse (80 RMB per hour) to explore the Muzart Snow Mountain Glacier.
Afternoon:Focus on photographing the “three-dimensional” landscape formed by snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands. In summer, you may encounter herds of Tianshan red deer.
Accommodation:Stay in Zhaosu County (we recommend staying at a hotel near the Wetland Park for convenient viewing of the morning mist over the wetlands the next day).
I. Key Highlights of the Route: The “Dual World Heritage” Combination of the Kalajun Grassland and Kuo Kesu Grand CanyonDay 4:Zhaosu County – Huocheng Lavender Farm – Sayram Lake
Morning:Head to the Princess Jieyou Lavender Farm in Huocheng County (mid-to-late June is the peak blooming season) to capture the scene of a purple flower sea framed by snow-capped mountains.
Afternoon:Drive for approximately 3 hours to reach Sayram Lake. Take a self-drive tour around the lake (approximately 90 kilometers), with key stops including:
Xihai Grassland:Photograph the boundary between the grassland and the lake
Jinhua Zihui:Wildflowers bloom everywhere in summer, making it ideal for portrait photography
Kele Yongzhu:Get up close to waterfowl such as swans
Accommodation:Stay at the Sayram Lake RV campground or a hotel in Huocheng County.
Day 5:Sayram Lake – Yining City
Morning:Capture the sunrise over Sayram Lake in the early morning, then return to Yining City. On the way, stop at the Guozigou Bridge viewpoint to photograph the magnificent bridge and tunnel landscape known as the “First Scenic Spot of Ili.”
Afternoon:Arrive in Yining City and conclude the itinerary.
The Kuo Kesu Grand Canyon is located within Tekes County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, and is one of the core areas of the Kalajun International Ecological Tourism Zone. It is renowned for its interwoven landscapes of “canyon, grassland, wetland, and snow-capped mountains,” and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List in 2013. The canyon stretches approximately 20 kilometers in length, reaching a maximum depth of 380 meters. The Kuo Kesu River winds through it, forming iconic landmarks such as Crocodile Bay and the Nine Bends of the River. When combined with visits to areas like the Flower Terrace and Falcon Terrace on the Kalajun Grassland, travelers can simultaneously experience the vastness of the “sky grassland” and the rugged terrain of the canyon, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts, nature explorers, and family trips.III. Custom Vehicle Cost Explanation for 2026 (Based on a 7-Seat Business Vehicle)
Basic Custom Vehicle Cost (Including Driver)
Peak Season (June–September):1,600–2,200 RMB per day (based on 8 hours of basic duration + 300 kilometers of basic mileage)
Off-Peak Season (October–May of the following year):1,200–1,600 RMB per day
Cost Includes:Vehicle usage fee, fuel fee, toll fee, parking fee, driver service fee, and basic insurance.
Overtime and Excess Mileage Fees
Overtime Fee:No charge for overtime within 30 minutes; 80–120 RMB per hour for overtime between 30 minutes and 1 hour; overtime exceeding 1 hour is charged based on the actual duration (a 20%–50% surcharge may apply after 10:00 PM).
Excess Mileage Fee:2–5 RMB per kilometer for mileage exceeding the basic allowance (either overtime or excess mileage is charged, not both).
Driver Accommodation and Meal Subsidy
The industry standard is 150–200 RMB per day, which can be covered by the tourists or negotiated as part of the total price.
II. Sample Itinerary for 2026 (Based on a 5-Day Custom Vehicle Loop)Other Fees
Scenic Area Tickets and Recreational Activities:Kalajun combined ticket (grassland + canyon) 170 RMB per person (includes shuttle bus). For prices of recreational activities within the Kuo Kesu Grand Canyon, refer to the “Sample Itinerary” section above.
Special Route Dispatch Fee:If the itinerary includes traffic-controlled sections such as the Duku Highway or Yizhao Highway, an additional fee of 200–300 RMB per day may apply.
Total Estimated Cost (Based on a 5-Day Peak Season Itinerary)
Custom Vehicle Cost:2,000 RMB per day × 5 days = 10,000 RMB
Driver Accommodation and Meal Subsidy:180 RMB per day × 5 days = 900 RMB
Scenic Area Tickets and Recreational Activities:Approximately 800–1,200 RMB per person (approximately 3,200–4,800 RMB for 4 people)
Total Cost Range:Approximately 14,100–15,700 RMB (specifics are subject to the contract and may fluctuate based on vehicle type and itinerary changes).
IV. Registration Method and Service Description
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide a customized plan based on the number of tourists and itinerary preferences. Services include:
Day 1: Yining City – Kalajun Grassland (Sky Grassland Route)Vehicle Configuration:We provide compliant commercial vehicles including 5-seat SUVs, 7-seat business vehicles, and 9–17-seat minibusses. All vehicles are equipped with basic insurance and emergency tools.
Driver Services:Experienced licensed drivers familiar with road conditions in Ili can provide basic scenic spot explanations and itinerary suggestions.
Itinerary Changes:In the event of uncontrollable factors such as weather or policies, both parties can agree to make reasonable changes to the itinerary.
Cost Description:Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Please read the contract terms carefully before registering to clarify included costs and self-paid items.
V. Precautions
Document Preparation:Bring valid identification, a driver’s license (if driving certain sections yourself), and discount certificates such as student or senior IDs.
Clothing and Equipment:Ili has large temperature differences between day and night. In summer, bring a windproof jacket and sun protection items. For hiking on grasslands and canyons, wear non-slip shoes.
Booking Timing:During peak season (June–September), it is recommended to book vehicles 15–30 days in advance to avoid unavailability or significant price increases.
Environmental Protection Tips:Littering is prohibited within the canyon. When photographing naturally occurring animals, maintain a distance and do not feed or disturb them.
VI. Compliance Statement
The information in this article is updated as of July 2026. All prices and policies are subject to the contract provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and may fluctuate based on market supply and demand or policy changes. The opening hours and ticket prices of scenic areas mentioned in the itinerary are subject to official announcements from the scenic areas.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
