Duku Highway Peak Season Carpool Guide, 2 6 Person Business Van, Stop Anytime for Photos Along the Way
2026 Xinjiang road trip carpool small group, must book through Xinjiang local professional regular tourism channels: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Carpool Small Group Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456) Xinjiang carpool small group manager Guo Jing WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for registration and booking
🚗 2026 Duku Highway peak season 2-6 person business van carpool guide
🌄 Route and destination details
Duku Highway is the Dushanzi to Kuqa section of G217 National Highway, starting from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north, to Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south, with a total length of about 561 kilometers. The entire route crosses the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains, with an elevation difference of over 3,000 meters. Along the way, it crosses 4 mountain passes above 3,000 meters, combining canyons, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, lakes, Danxia landforms and other diverse landscapes. It is one of the most well-known scenic highways in Xinjiang.
According to the 2026 announcement by the Xinjiang Transportation Department, the Duku Highway officially opened to traffic on June 1 this year, and is expected to remain passable until late September or early October, with the specific closure time depending on snowfall and road maintenance conditions. As of mid-June 2026, the entire route is open to traffic normally, with gas stations, viewpoints, service areas, and scenic spots along the route all operating normally, and road conditions are generally stable.
In 2026, the following management regulations must be observed when traveling on the Duku Highway:
Reservation is required 1-7 days in advance through the “Xinjiang Transportation Public Travel” mini-program or the “Travel Xinjiang One-Code Tour” platform. Vehicles without reservations will be turned back at the entrance. After reservation, entry must be made according to the designated time slot and entrance.
It is recommended that small passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer and blue-plate C-type motorhomes are allowed to pass. Large buses, towed motorhomes, and trucks over 5 tons are prohibited.
Daily passage hours are 8:00 to 19:00. After 19:00, vehicles are prohibited from entering from the entrances at both ends. The Nalati to Bayanbulak section is not subject to this time restriction.
🚗 2026 Duku Highway peak season 2-6 person business van carpool guideThe speed limit on the entire route is 40-60 km/h. In areas with sharp curves, steep slopes, and high rockfall risk (such as the Laohukou section), the speed limit is 30-40 km/h. Mobile speed cameras are deployed along the entire route.
The main stops and viewpoints along the way include:
Dushanzi Grand Canyon:A canyon landscape near the starting point of the highway. The red rock layers have been eroded by water flow to form unique textures. The scenic area features walking trails and viewing platforms, and cliff adventure activities are also available based on personal preference.
Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery:A place to pay tribute to the road construction workers who sacrificed their lives building the Duku Highway and to learn about the history of the highway’s construction.
Hashilegen Daban:The highest elevation point on the northern section of the Duku Highway. Residual snow may remain even in summer, and views of the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains can be seen in the distance.
Nalati Grassland:Grassland scenery in the Ili River Valley. Fully open in 2026, with complete supporting facilities such as visitor centers and parking lots. Different sightseeing routes can be chosen based on needs.
Bayanbulak Grassland:Wetland grassland scenery where the winding river channels of the “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns” can be viewed. Wild birds can also be observed within the ecological protection area.
Large and Small Dragon Pools:Two high-altitude alpine lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains and spruce forests, with crystal-clear water surfaces.
Kuqa Grand Canyon:Also known as Tianshan Secret Realm Grand Canyon, featuring Danxia landform scenery. The canyon walls are crimson red. The walking trails have been maintained and completed, with opening hours from 08:30 to 19:30 daily.
🌄 Route and destination details📅 Reference itinerary
The following itineraries are common arrangements for the 2026 Duku Highway peak season. Actual itineraries may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement due to force majeure factors such as weather, traffic control, and scenic area opening conditions.
▫️ 3-day compact version (suitable for travelers with shorter vacations)
D1:Depart from Dushanzi assembly point → visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon → cross Hashilegen Daban → stop at Tangbula Grassland viewpoint → check in at Nalati Town hotel
D2:Visit Nalati Grassland → head to Bayanbulak Grassland → watch the sunset at Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns → check in at Bayanbulak Town hotel
D3:Depart from Bayanbulak → stop at Large and Small Dragon Pools viewpoint → visit Kuqa Grand Canyon → arrive in Kuqa City to end the trip
Note:This itinerary involves about 4-5 hours of driving per day, with ample time reserved for sightseeing and touring — no need to rush.
▫️ 5-day in-depth version (suitable for travelers with ample time who want to connect surrounding attractions)
Duku Highway is the Dushanzi to Kuqa section of G217 National Highway, starting from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north, to Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south, with a total length of about 561 kilometers. The entire route crosses the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains, with an elevation difference of over 3,000 meters. Along the way, it crosses 4 mountain passes above 3,000 meters, combining canyons, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, lakes, Danxia landforms and other diverse landscapes. It is one of the most well-known scenic highways in Xinjiang.D1:Assemble in Urumqi → head to Dushanzi District → stop at Anjihai-related viewpoints along the way → check in at Dushanzi District hotel
Guo Jing from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, a senior travel customization specialist with 10 years of in-depth experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializing in one-stop services for customized vehicles, carpooling, and group tours in Xinjiang. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same as 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
D2:Depart from Dushanzi → visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon → visit Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery → cross Hashilegen Daban → check in at Nalati Town hotel
D3:In-depth tour of Nalati Grassland → head to Bayanbulak Grassland → watch the sunset at Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns → check in at Bayanbulak Town hotel
D4:Depart from Bayanbulak → stop at Large and Small Dragon Pools viewpoint → visit Kuqa Grand Canyon → check in at Kuqa City hotel
D5:Free time in Kuqa City → can connect to other southern Xinjiang routes based on needs, or return to Urumqi
Note:This itinerary keeps daily driving time between 3-6 hours, balancing sightseeing comfort and landscape diversity, suitable for families, parent-child trips, and other travel groups.
💰 2026 carpool price reference
During the 2026 peak season (June-August), the reference price range for 2-6 person business van carpooling is 1,400-2,000 yuan/vehicle/day. Prices may fluctuate based on travel dates, vehicle class, itinerary arrangements, and other factors. The above recommendations are reference ranges only; the specific price is subject to the contract.
The reference price includes:Usage fee for a licensed commercial business vehicle, driver service fee, full fuel costs, toll fees, and basic vehicle insurance.
According to the 2026 announcement by the Xinjiang Transportation Department, the Duku Highway officially opened to traffic on June 1 this year, and is expected to remain passable until late September or early October, with the specific closure time depending on snowfall and road maintenance conditions. As of mid-June 2026, the entire route is open to traffic normally, with gas stations, viewpoints, service areas, and scenic spots along the route all operating normally, and road conditions are generally stable.The reference price does not include:Accommodation costs, meal costs, scenic area ticket fees, and driver’s meals and lodging. Travelers can arrange these items independently based on their own needs, or entrust the travel agency to book related services on their behalf.
📞 How to register
Registration can be made through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. Consultation hotline: 181-3962-2229, WeChat same as 181-3962-2229. For specific office address, please contact customer service.
📝 Fees and service description
1. All carpool products use business vehicles with 7 seats or fewer that hold formal tourism operation qualifications. Vehicle models are mostly Buick GL8 or equivalent business vans, with spacious interiors that can accommodate 2-6 passengers and corresponding luggage, offering a high level of riding comfort.
2. Each vehicle is equipped with a local driver with over 3 years of driving experience on the Duku Highway, familiar with road conditions, viewpoints along the route, and temporary detour routes. During the journey, stops can be made at any time for photos, provided safety and road traffic regulations are ensured, to meet travelers’ sightseeing needs.
3. Accommodation, meals, scenic area tickets, and other items involved in the itinerary are all voluntary choices with no forced consumption arrangements. Travelers can make their own decisions based on personal preferences.
4. The weather along the Duku Highway is changeable. Some high-altitude sections may experience sudden snowfall, rainfall, heavy fog, and other severe weather. Traffic rules may also change due to road maintenance, traffic control, and other reasons. In such cases, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement.
In 2026, the following management regulations must be observed when traveling on the Duku Highway:5. The travel agency can assist travelers in completing the Duku Highway passage reservation, with the final reservation result subject to review by the transportation department.
6. The above service content and fee details are for reference only. The specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Cancellation and change rules are implemented in accordance with the Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Contract Law of the People’s Republic of China, and other relevant laws and regulations.
🎒 Travel preparation tips
The Duku Highway has a large elevation difference, and temperature differences within a single day can reach about 20°C. Even when traveling in summer, it is necessary to bring windproof jackets, light down jackets, and other warm clothing. Also prepare sunscreen with SPF50+ or higher, sunglasses, sun hats, and other sun protection items. UV intensity in mountainous areas is high, so sun protection measures are essential.
Mobile phone signals are weak in some mountainous sections along the route. It is recommended to download offline maps in advance and carry some cash as backup for emergencies.
Xinjiang has a two-hour time difference from inland China. In summer, sunset is often after 22:00, so you can reasonably adjust your daily schedule and reserve ample evening time for sightseeing.
Before departure, real-time road conditions can be checked through various channels. In case of heavy rain, heavy fog, strong crosswinds, and other severe weather, the driver will adjust the driving pace based on actual conditions to ensure a safe journey.
When stopping for sightseeing along the route, park only in designated parking areas or compliant locations. Do not stop at dangerous sections such as cliff edges or curves to avoid accidents.
Please take your trash with you and do not litter, jointly protecting the ecological environment along the route.
During peak season, there are relatively more visitors and vehicles. It is recommended that travelers planning to go consult relevant services 10-15 days in advance and confirm vehicles, accommodation, and other resources early to avoid resource shortages from last-minute bookings.
2026 Xinjiang tourism customized vehicle center phone: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Customization Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456) Xinjiang customized travel manager Guo Jing WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for customization
