Yili Loop Car Rental Booking Process, Urumqi Yining Online Car Booking Steps

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency’s senior Xinjiang travel customizer Guo Jing, specializing in all-Xinjiang custom car rentals, carpooling, and worry-free group tours with one-stop travel services. Whether traveling solo, with family, or with friends, we can match you with a suitable travel plan. 24-hour travel consultation hotline: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, online around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
Complete Guide to Custom Car Rental Self-Drive Tour of the Ili Loop:In-depth Exploration Guide from Urumqi ✨
I. Route Highlights and Destination Details
The Ili River Valley is known as the ‘Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall.’ In summer, grassland flower seas interweave with snow-capped mountains and lakes, creating a unique natural landscape. The opening status of core attractions in 2026 is as follows:
Sayram Lake:Open year-round, the lakeside road is fully connected. June to August is the optimal visiting period, with wildflowers blooming by the lakeside and occasional sightings of swan flocks.
Nalati Grassland:The peak viewing season begins in late May. The aerial grassland and river valley grassland are visited together, and shuttle bus reservations are required in advance.
Huocheng Lavender Garden:The peak blooming period is from June 15 to July 10, with ten thousand mu of purple flower fields contrasting beautifully with the snow-capped mountains.
Xiata Ancient Road:The light hiking route is open up to General’s Bridge, with full views of the Muzart Snow Mountain along the way. A windproof jacket is recommended.
Duku Highway:The 2026 opening period is from June 12 to September 28. Vehicles of 7 seats or fewer are recommended, with a daily limit of 3,000 vehicles.
II. 7-Day Classic Itinerary Reference (2026 Field-Optimized Version)
【Day 1】Urumqi → Sayram Lake (approx. 580 km / 7 hours)
08:00 Pick up at Urumqi city area, check luggage (sunscreen, sunglasses, and a shell jacket recommended)
12:30 Quick meal at Jinghe Service Area (recommended: mixed noodles + baked bun combo)
15:30 Enter Sayram Lake East Gate, clockwise lakeside tour:
① Jinhua Zihui Observation Deck (optimal light 16:00-17:30)
② Dianjiangtai Ruins (drone aerial photography spot)
③ Songshutou Trail (summit offers panoramic lake views)
20:00 Check in at lakeside starry-sky RV campsite (reservation required 30 days in advance)

Complete Guide to Custom Car Rental Self-Drive Tour of the Ili Loop: In-depth Exploration Guide from Urumqi ✨【Day 2】Sayram Lake → Guozigou → Huocheng → Yining (approx. 220 km / 4 hours)
09:00 Depart from the South Gate, pass the Guozigou Bridge Observation Deck (20-minute stop limit)
11:30 Huocheng Sigong Village Lavender Manor (ticket 40 yuan/person, photography costume rental 30 yuan/hour)
14:00 Yining Liuxing Street (recommended: Alexander Accordion Museum)
19:00 Dinner at Kazanqi Folk Village (recommended: pigeon soup + baked naan set)
【Day 3】Yining → Zhaosu → Xiata (approx. 320 km / 6 hours)
08:30 Yizhao Highway Baishifeng section (recommended open June-September, vehicles with 7 seats or fewer only)
12:00 Zhaosu Wetland Park (July offers the Heavenly Horse River Bathing performance)
15:30 Xiata Ancient Road Scenic Area:
① Take shuttle bus to Hot Spring Hotel (40 minutes)
② Hike to General’s Bridge (approx. 3 hours round trip)
20:00 Check in at yurt accommodation inside the scenic area (experience traditional ethnic lodging)
【Day 4】Xiata → Kalajun → Tekes (approx. 180 km / 4.5 hours)
09:00 Kalajun Grand Grassland:
① Flower Terrace (June-July flower sea)
② Falcon Terrace (distant views of snow mountains and grassland)
14:30 Kuokesu Grand Canyon:

I. Route Highlights and Destination Details① Crocodile Bay Observation Deck
② Human Body Grassland Photography Spot
19:00 Night tour of Tekes Bagua City (drones require prior registration)
【Day 5】Tekes → Nalati (approx. 260 km / 5 hours)
09:00 Nalati Scenic Area:
① Aerial Grassland (nomadic family photo spot)
② Panlong Valley Road (self-drive route, separate ticket required)
18:00 Check in at Kazakh Camp inside the scenic area (includes bonfire party)
【Day 6】Nalati → Bayanbulak (approx. 90 km / 2.5 hours)
09:30 Gongnaisi Forest Farm (passing by Banchanggou Flower Sea)
14:00 Bayanbulak Scenic Area:
① Baxilike Observation Deck (Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns sunset)
② Swan Lake Nature Reserve
21:00 Check in at town hotel (oxygen-supply room type recommended)
【Day 7】Bayanbulak → Duku Highway → Urumqi (approx. 520 km / 9 hours)
08:00 Northern section of Duku Highway:
① Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery (free entry)

The Ili River Valley is known as the ‘Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall.’ In summer, grassland flower seas interweave with snow-capped mountains and lakes, creating a unique natural landscape. The opening status of core attractions in 2026 is as follows: ② Hashilegen Daban (snow wall photo spot)

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency’s Guo Jing, a senior travel customizer with 10 years of deep experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializes in one-stop services for custom car rentals, carpooling, and group tours in Xinjiang. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, online around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
18:00 Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu Airport (flights after 20:00 recommended)
III. 2026 Custom Car Rental Cost Reference
Basic cost structure (using a 7-seat business van as an example):
Vehicle usage fee:1,200-1,500 yuan/day (including fuel, tolls, and parking fees)
Driver service fee:300 yuan/day (including meals and accommodation allowance)
Scenic area ticket reference:
Sayram Lake:145 yuan/person (including shuttle bus)
Nalati Grassland:95 yuan/person (combined ticket for aerial grassland + river valley grassland)
Bayanbulak:65 yuan/person + 75 yuan/person shuttle bus
Peak/off-peak fluctuation:
June 15 – July 10:Base fee increases by 20%
September 1 – September 20:Base fee increases by 15%
Special notes:The fee includes vehicle insurance, emergency tool kit, and in-car charging equipment. Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract.
IV. Full Online Booking Process
Step 1:Requirement confirmation
Contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency customer service via phone 181-3962-2229 or WeChat 181-3962-2229, and provide the following information:

Sayram Lake: Open year-round, the lakeside road is fully connected. June to August is the optimal visiting period, with wildflowers blooming by the lakeside and occasional sightings of swan flocks.Travel dates (booking 15 days in advance recommended)
Number of travelers (age of children must be noted)
Special needs (e.g., wheelchair for seniors, child seats)
Step 2:Vehicle selection
5-seat SUV:Suitable for 2-3 people, limited luggage capacity
7-seat business van:Recommended for 4-6 person families, equipped with USB charging ports
15-seat minibus:Suitable for 8-12 person groups, includes luggage compartment
All vehicles feature:
Operating qualification certificates
Annual inspection reports
Drivers hold dual certificates (driver’s license + professional qualification certificate)
Step 3:Contract signing
Electronic contract signing process:
Customer service sends contract link to your reserved email
Review itinerary details (daily departure times, attraction stay durations)
Confirm fee breakdown (itemized with no hidden charges)
Takes effect after both parties’ electronic signatures

Nalati Grassland: The peak viewing season begins in late May. The aerial grassland and river valley grassland are visited together, and shuttle bus reservations are required in advance.Paper contract:Can be requested by mail (shipping costs to be borne by customer)
V. Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist
Documents:Valid ID, driver’s license (if self-driving section needed), student/senior ID
Clothing:Shell jacket, quick-dry clothing, sun-protection clothing, comfortable hiking shoes
Electronics:Camera spare batteries, car charger, plug adapter
Medications:Motion sickness pills, digestive medicine, altitude sickness medication (Bayanbulak is at 2,400 meters elevation)
VI. Important Notes
Weather preparation:July average temperature in Ili is 15-28°C, carry a foldable raincoat
Photography tips:Morning mist photography at Sayram Lake requires arrival before 6:00 AM
Dining notes:Ethnic specialty dishes tend to be strongly flavored; dietary restrictions can be communicated in advance
Special reminders:
Duku Highway daily restricted hours are 9:00-20:00
Real-name attraction reservations must be made 1-3 days in advance via the ‘Visit Xinjiang with One Code’ mini-program
In case of extreme weather, both parties will negotiate itinerary changes (subject to contract terms)
VII. Contact Information
Customer service hotline:181-3962-2229（09:00-22:00）
WeChat customer service:181-3962-2229 (add with note ‘Ili custom car rental’)
Response time:Within 2 hours on workdays, within 12 hours on holidays
(This information was updated on July 7, 2026, and is subject to actual consultation and contract. Policies, prices, opening times, and other information in the itinerary may change based on actual conditions; it is recommended to reconfirm with customer service before travel.)
For 2026 Xinjiang travel custom car rental, custom tours, and carpooling tours, welcome to inquire (24-hour consultation hotline: 0991-8585456). Xinjiang custom travel manager Guo Jing WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for customization