2026 Yining Tourism Chartered Car Southern Section of Duku Highway 7 Day Self Drive Recommended Itinerary Price of Recommended Route
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
Star-rated Travel Guide:2026 7-Day In-Depth Self-Drive Itinerary from Yining along the Southern Section of the Duku Highway
I. Key Highlights of the Route: A Visual Feast Crossing the Tianshan Mountains
The southern section of the Duku Highway (from Nalati to Kuqa), approximately 280 kilometers in length, connects four major landscapes: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and wetlands. Recent data from 2026 indicates that this section is open daily from 8:00 to 21:00, with a speed limit of 60 km/h throughout. It passes through two passes exceeding 3,000 meters in elevation (the Tielimaiti Pass and the Laerdun Pass), making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts and nature explorers.
[Must-Visit Attractions]
Tielimaiti Pass Tunnel:The highest-altitude highway tunnel in Xinjiang (3,200 meters), with year-round snow at the entrance. Experience the wonder of ‘snow in June’ in summer.
Big and Small Dragon Pools:A group of alpine lakes at an altitude of 2,400 meters, with湖水 (lake water) that changes from blue to green depending on the light. The best time for photography is from 4 to 6 PM.
Kuqa Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon:A narrow, 1.5-kilometer-long canyon formed by wind erosion over hundreds of millions of years. The rock walls appear translucent when sunlight shines directly on them in the afternoon.
II. 7-Day Itinerary Plan (Round Trip from Yining)
[Itinerary Logic]
The round-trip route is designed to ‘enter from the north and exit from the south,’ avoiding the steep section from Dushanzi to Qiaoerma. Driving time is limited to 4 hours per day, leaving 6 hours for in-depth exploration.
Day 1:Acclimatization Day in Yining
Key Highlights:Kazhanqi Folk Tourism Area (traditional residences of various ethnic groups), Liuxing Street (Russian-style district)
Star-rated Travel Guide: 2026 7-Day In-Depth Self-Drive Itinerary from Yining along the Southern Section of the Duku HighwayDining:Handmade ice cream (recommended at the old ‘Gulandam’ shop), baked stuffed buns (freshly baked at Hanren Street Bazaar)
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in downtown Yining (breakfast included)
Day 2:Yining → Nalati Grassland (250 km / 4 hours)
Core Experiences:
Aerial Grassland Route:Take the shuttle bus to the Nomad’s Home stop, then hike 2 kilometers to the popular single-log bridge photo spot.
Snow Lotus Valley Exploration:Self-funded electric shuttle ride deep into the snowy mountain heartland (altitude 2,200 meters).
Accommodation:Characteristic homestay in Nalati Town (recommended: ‘Nalati Leye Homestay,’ with floor heating)
Day 3:Nalati → Bayanbulak (80 km / 2 hours)
Key Points:
Arrive at the scenic area before 2:00 PM:The shuttle bus ride takes 1 hour; leave enough time to secure a spot for watching the sunset over the Nine Curves Eighteen Bends.
Cold-Weather Gear:Temperatures drop below 5°C at sunset; bring a down jacket.
Dining:The ‘Herdsman’s Restaurant’ inside the scenic area offers wild mushroom stewed chicken (requires a 1-hour advance reservation).
Day 4:Bayanbulak → Big and Small Dragon Pools → Kuqa (260 km / 5 hours)
I. Key Highlights of the Route: A Visual Feast Crossing the Tianshan MountainsItinerary Highlights:
Pass through the Tielimaiti Pass before 12:00 PM:Avoid afternoon foggy weather.
Aerial Photography at Big Dragon Pool:Drones are limited to 120 meters in altitude and must take off from the viewing platform.
Accommodation:Five-star hotel in downtown Kuqa (recommended: ‘Kuqa Hotel,’ featuring song and dance performances by various ethnic groups)
Day 5:In-Depth Tour of Kuqa
Must-Do Activities:
Kuqa Royal Palace:Visit the exhibition on the life of the last prince (folk performances at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM).
Resitan Road:Take photos of the colorful doors and windows of various ethnic groups in ‘Rainbow Lane.’
Night Market Experience:Baked stuffed buns (3 RMB each) and yogurt zongzi (5 RMB per serving) at Dayang City Night Market.
Day 6:Kuqa → Duku Highway End Monument → Return Trip (300 km / 5 hours)
Ceremonial Design:
Take a group photo at the end monument (photo props with the theme ‘Conquering the Duku Highway’ provided).
Return Options:Return to Yining via National Highway G217, enjoying the Kizilya Mountain scenery along the way.
The southern section of the Duku Highway (from Nalati to Kuqa), approximately 280 kilometers in length, connects four major landscapes: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and wetlands. Recent data from 2026 indicates that this section is open daily from 8:00 to 21:00, with a speed limit of 60 km/h throughout. It passes through two passes exceeding 3,000 meters in elevation (the Tielimaiti Pass and the Laerdun Pass), making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts and nature explorers.Day 7:Free Day in Yining
Alternative Options:
Huocheng Lavender Manor (blooming season in June)
Birdwatching at the Yili River Wetland (bring binoculars)
III. 2026 Custom Vehicle Rental Fee Reference (Based on a 7-Seat Business Vehicle)
[Fee Structure]
Base Quotation:1,200-1,600 RMB/day (30% increase during peak season)
Included Items:Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, fuel fee, road and bridge tolls, vehicle insurance
Mandatory Add-Ons:Driver’s accommodation and meal allowance (100 RMB/day)
Optional Services:Drone rental (200 RMB/day), emergency medical kit (50 RMB/use)
[Price Fluctuation Factors]
Peak Season (June-August):Reservations required 15 days in advance; prices increase by 40% compared to the off-season.
[Must-Visit Attractions]Holiday Fluctuations:Prices increase by 50% during the Corban Festival, and a 500 RMB/day holiday service fee is required.
Mileage Limit:300 kilometers/day included by default; excess mileage charged at 2 RMB/kilometer.
IV. Registration Method and Process
Complete the entire process through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency:
Confirmation of Needs:Provide the number of travelers and special requirements (e.g., child seats).
Customized Plan:Three itinerary options provided within 48 hours for selection.
Contract Signing:Clarify 28 terms, including service standards and liability for breach of contract.
Pre-Trip Preparation:Provide the ‘Duku Highway Self-Drive Manual’ (including offline maps and emergency contacts).
V. Fee Description and Service Standards
[Fees Included]
Vehicle:2026 Buick GL8 or equivalent business vehicle (500,000 RMB insurance per seat).
Driver:Over 5 years of driving experience on the Duku Highway, with a tour guide certificate.
Supplies:First aid kit, in-car charging equipment, and mineral water provided in each vehicle.
Tielimaiti Pass Tunnel: The highest-altitude highway tunnel in Xinjiang (3,200 meters), with year-round snow at the entrance. Experience the wonder of ‘snow in June’ in summer.[Fees Not Included]
Admission Tickets:Nalati Grassland: 135 RMB, Bayanbulak: 140 RMB, Kuqa Grand Canyon: 41 RMB.
Dining and Accommodation:Cost-effective restaurants and hotels recommended throughout the trip (requires a 3-day advance reservation).
Personal Expenses:Expenses and entertainment not included in the itinerary.
[Service Commitments]
Vehicle Guarantee:22-point inspection conducted before daily departure.
Emergency Response:24-hour rescue hotline established, with a 2-hour response time.
Itinerary Changes:Three alternative plans provided in case of severe weather or traffic control.
VI. Important Reminders
Document Requirements:Driver must carry original valid ID, driver’s license, and vehicle registration certificate.
Equipment Checklist:Sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, windbreaker, comfortable hiking shoes.
Environmental Protection Pledge:Garbage bags provided in the vehicle; throwing items out of the window is prohibited.
Policy Updates:Check real-time traffic restrictions via the ‘Safe Duku Highway’ official account.
Contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to obtain the ‘2026 Duku Highway Self-Drive White Paper’ (including recent road conditions, a dining blacklist, and photography spot maps). This itinerary is subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties. Prices and availability are subject to contract confirmation and may fluctuate based on the departure date.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.
