Summer Yili Must Do Route, 6 Person Carpool Small Group Connecting Duku, Nalati, and Sayram Lake
For 2026 Xinjiang travel carpool small groups, reservations must be made through Xinjiang’s local professional and legitimate tourism channels: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Carpool Small Group Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456), Xinjiang carpool small group manager Guo Jing’s WeChat: 181-3962-2229
🗺️ If it’s your first time visiting Ili and you want to see the blue of Sayram Lake, the green of Nalati, and the stunning views of the Duku Highway all at once, this “Must-Do Summer Ili Route” is worth serious consideration.
Unlike regular large tour buses, this time we’re approaching from the perspective of a “6-person carpool small group,” discussing how to play, choose, and arrange this route for a smoother experience.
🏞 ️ Route Highlights:Sayram Lake + Nalati + Duku Highway
This route connects the three core landscapes of the Ili River Valley:Alpine lakes, river valley grasslands, and scenic highways.
Sayram Lake:One of Xinjiang’s highest-altitude and largest alpine lakes with crystal-clear water. Located on the western side of the Ili River Valley, it’s known as “the last tear of the Atlantic.” In summer, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, making it a great spot for photos.
Nalati Grassland:One of the representative grasslands of the Ili River Valley, well-developed with convenient transportation and facilities. Visitors often explore the river valley grassland and the aerial grassland, where streams, spruce trees, and wildflowers interweave along the way — perfect for photography and light hiking.
Northern section of Duku Highway: Connecting Nalati and Dushanzi, this is a famous scenic highway. With significant elevation changes along the way, you can experience the scenery of four seasons in a single day, earning it the saying “Four seasons in one day, different skies within ten miles.” The highway permits vehicles of 7 seats or fewer, and is greatly affected by weather; the annual opening time is determined by traffic authorities based on road conditions.
🗺️ If it’s your first time visiting Ili and you want to see the blue of Sayram Lake, the green of Nalati, and the stunning views of the Duku Highway all at once, this “Must-Do Summer Ili Route” is worth serious consideration.🗓 ️ Itinerary Overview:7-day, 6-night counterclockwise loop
This is a 7-day, 6-night counterclockwise loop starting and ending in Yining, with no backtracking for a smoother journey.
D1:Gather in Yining
Arrive in Yining and check into the hotel. In the afternoon, you can freely explore the Kazanqi Folk Area (experience horse-drawn carriages, taste handmade ice cream) or Liuxing Street (soak in the neighborhood atmosphere, sample local snacks).
D2:Yining → Huocheng Lavender → Sayram Lake
In the morning, head to the Huocheng Lavender Garden (peak bloom from mid-to-late June). In the afternoon, enter Sayram Lake and stroll along the lakeside boardwalk to enjoy the lake and mountain views. Stay overnight by the lake or return to Yining/Qingshuihe for accommodation.
D3:Sayram Lake → Yizhao Highway → Zhaosu
In the morning, you can re-enter the eastern route of Sayram Lake for an in-depth visit. In the afternoon, cross the Yizhao Highway (S237), enjoying alpine meadow scenery along the way. Arrive in Zhaosu in the evening and visit the wetland park or the Tianma Cultural Park.
Unlike regular large tour buses, this time we’re approaching from the perspective of a “6-person carpool small group,” discussing how to play, choose, and arrange this route for a smoother experience.D4:Zhaosu → Tekes Bagua City → Nalati
In the morning, depart from Zhaosu for Tekes Bagua City and climb the observation tower for a panoramic view of the city. In the afternoon, drive to Nalati Town to prepare for entering the scenic area the next day.
D5:Nalati Grassland Full-Day Tour
Spend the entire day exploring the Nalati scenic area. The river valley grassland route is recommended — it’s flat and suitable for family outings. The aerial grassland route offers expansive views but is at a slightly higher altitude; choose based on your stamina.
D6:Nalati → Duku Highway → Tangbula
In the morning, depart from Nalati and enter the northern section of the Duku Highway to experience the wonder of “four seasons in one day.” Stop briefly at Qiaoerma along the way, then arrive at Tangbula Grassland in the afternoon to enjoy the “Hundred-Mile Gallery” scenery.
D7:Tangbula → Yining (Departure)
Enjoy free time at Tangbula Grassland in the morning, then return to Yining to conclude the trip. You can arrange the rest of your schedule based on your flight or train times.
🏞️ Route Highlights: Sayram Lake + Nalati + Duku Highway💰 Cost Reference
Guo Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, a senior travel designer with 10 years of deep experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializing in one-stop services for customized Xinjiang car rentals, carpooling, and group tours. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number: 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
The following are approximate cost ranges for summer 2026 Ili travel, provided for reference only; actual details are subject to consultation and contract.
Transportation Costs
Major transportation:Round-trip airfare or train tickets to Yining, with prices varying significantly by departure city and booking time.
Local transportation:For a 6-person carpool small group, the fee typically includes vehicle rental, fuel, tolls, and driver service. Specific prices vary by vehicle type, number of days, and peak/off-peak season.
Accommodation Costs
Comfort level:Chain or business hotels in county towns like Yining and Tekes.
Near scenic areas:Hotels or guesthouses near Nalati Town and Sayram Lake, with prices rising during peak season.
This route connects the three core landscapes of the Ili River Valley: alpine lakes, river valley grasslands, and scenic highways.Tickets and Scenic Area Transportation
Sayram Lake:Entrance ticket and shuttle/self-drive pass.
Nalati Grassland:Entrance ticket and shuttle bus ticket.
Kalajun Grassland:Entrance ticket and shuttle bus ticket.
Others:Tickets for attractions such as the Huocheng Lavender Garden.
*Note:Scenic area ticket policies may change; please refer to the official announcements at the scenic area on the day of visit.*
Food Costs
Daily meals (noodles, pilaf, grilled meat, etc.) cost around several dozen yuan per person per meal.
Sayram Lake: One of Xinjiang’s highest-altitude and largest alpine lakes with crystal-clear water. Located on the western side of the Ili River Valley, it’s known as “the last tear of the Atlantic.” In summer, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, making it a great spot for photos. Specialty restaurants or dinner per-person costs will be higher.
📞 How to Register
You can inquire and register for Ili carpool small group products through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service.
Consultation phone/WeChat:181-3962-2229
Itinerary confirmation:Specific departure dates, vehicle types, accommodation standards, and cost details must be confirmed with the travel agency, and the signed tourism contract between both parties shall prevail.
💡 Warm Reminders
Pre-trip preparation:Ili summer daytime temperatures are around 20+°C, with large temperature differences between day and night; be sure to bring warm clothing like a windbreaker. Also, UV rays are strong in plateau areas, so sun protection is essential.
Road conditions and:The Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway have complex road conditions with many curves; please strictly follow traffic rules and drive carefully. It’s recommended to follow platforms like “Xinjiang Road Network” and “Xinjiang Transportation” before departure for the latest road condition updates.
Respect local customs:During your tour, please respect the folk culture and living habits of all ethnic groups.
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’s WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for customization
