2026 North Xinjiang Group Tour 12 Day Natural Scenery Tour of Alpine Lakes, Grasslands, and Pastures Inquire About Prices in Advance Recommended Itinerary Cost and Pricing
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.
Explore the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang:12-Day In-Depth Natural Scenery Tour of Alpine Lakes, Grasslands, and Pastures in 2026
🌄 [Route Highlights:Superb Presentation of Northern Xinjiang’s Natural Scenery]
Northern Xinjiang, a land embraced by snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and forests, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. In 2026, our meticulously planned 12-day natural scenery tour will take you through the精华 (best) regions of Northern Xinjiang, offering a visual feast from alpine lakes to grassland pastures. The itinerary covers three core regions: Urumqi, Altay, and Ili, connecting three major alpine lakes—Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas Lake, and Sayram Lake—as well as two major grassland pastures—Nalati Grassland and Bayanbulak Grassland. Along the way, you will also explore the geological wonders of Koktokay and the Yardang landforms of Urho Devil City, experiencing the四季 (four seasons) changes of the Duku Highway.
📅 [Simple Itinerary:Key Daily Arrangements]
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Upon arrival in Urumqi, check into your hotel to rest and adjust to the time difference. In the evening, feel free to explore the International Bazaar and savor ethnic specialties such as baked buns and pilaf.
Day 2:Urumqi → Tianshan Tianchi → Fukang
Depart early in the morning for Tianshan Tianchi, the “Pearl of the Tianshan Mountains.” Take a shuttle bus into the scenic area and hike the Mayashan Trail for a panoramic view of the azure lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Check into a hotel in Fukang City in the evening.
Explore the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang: 12-Day In-Depth Natural Scenery Tour of Alpine Lakes, Grasslands, and Pastures in 2026Day 3:Fukang → Koktokay → Fuyun
Drive through the Gurbantunggut Desert to reach Koktokay National Geological Park. Explore the Irtysh Grand Canyon and visit the Gongxun No. 3 Mine to witness the awe-inspiring geological transformations. Overnight in Fuyun County.
Day 4:Fuyun → Colorful Beach → Burqin
In the morning, head to Colorful Beach to admire the Danxia landforms alongside the poplar forests on both banks of the Irtysh River. Arrive in Burqin in the evening to enjoy a cold-water fish feast and stroll through the Russian-style street.
Day 5:Burqin → Kanas Lake → Jiadengyu
Spend the entire day exploring the Kanas Lake scenic area. Take a shuttle bus to visit Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay, and hike the Three Bays Trail. In the evening, ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of the lake and stay overnight in a Jiadengyu wooden cabin.
Day 6:Kanas → Hemu Village
In the morning, travel to Hemu Village, known as “nature’s backyard.” Visit the Hemu Observation Deck to capture photos of wooden cabins amidst morning mist. In the afternoon, stroll through the birch forest and experience the tranquil life of the Tuwa village. Overnight in a Hemu wooden cabin.
🌄[Route Highlights: Superb Presentation of Northern Xinjiang’s Natural Scenery]Day 7:Hemu → Urho Devil City → Kuitun
Cross the Gobi Desert to reach Urho Devil City. Take a mini-train to tour the Yardang landforms and witness the fantastical landscapes shaped by wind erosion. Check into a hotel in Kuitun City in the evening.
Day 8:Kuitun → Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Yining
Drive to Sayram Lake, known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic.” Drive around the lake and visit attractions such as Dianjiangtai and Swan’s Delight. Pass by the Guozigou Bridge to admire the harmonious blend of nature and engineering. Overnight in Yining City.
Day 9:Yining → Nalati Grassland → Bayanbulak
In the morning, explore Nalati’s空中 (aerial) grassland and ride horses through Xuelian Valley. In the afternoon, traverse the middle section of the Duku Highway to reach Bayanbulak Grassland. In the evening, await the sunset over the meandering river and capture the奇观 (wonder) of nine suns. Overnight in Bayanbulak Town.
Day 10:Bayanbulak → Northern Section of Duku Highway → Urumqi
Spend the entire day traversing the northern section of the Duku Highway, experiencing the fantastical journey of “four seasons in one day.” Make stops at attractions such as the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and Hashilegen Daban along the way. Return to Urumqi in the evening and check into a hotel.
Day 11:Free Activities in Urumqi
Northern Xinjiang, a land embraced by snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and forests, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. In 2026, our meticulously planned 12-day natural scenery tour will take you through the精华 (best) regions of Northern Xinjiang, offering a visual feast from alpine lakes to grassland pastures. The itinerary covers three core regions: Urumqi, Altay, and Ili, connecting three major alpine lakes—Tianshan Tianchi, Kanas Lake, and Sayram Lake—as well as two major grassland pastures—Nalati Grassland and Bayanbulak Grassland. Along the way, you will also explore the geological wonders of Koktokay and the Yardang landforms of Urho Devil City, experiencing the四季 (four seasons) changes of the Duku Highway.We recommend visiting the Xinjiang Museum to learn about the history of the Western Regions or heading to Hongshan Park for a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, you may opt to watch the large-scale performance “A Thousand Returns to the Western Regions” at your own expense.
Day 12:Departure from Urumqi
See off according to flight schedule, concluding the Northern Xinjiang journey.
💰 [Price Explanation:Transparent and Reasonable, Subject to Contract]
The reference price range for the 12-day Northern Xinjiang natural scenery tour in 2026 is 5,980 to 7,980 yuan per person, with specific prices varying based on travel dates, room type selection, and group size. The cost includes:
Accommodation:Comfortable hotels or characteristic wooden cabins throughout the journey (including breakfast)
Transportation:Air-conditioned tour buses throughout the journey (including fuel and toll fees)
Admission Tickets:First entrance tickets and shuttle bus fees for all attractions in the itinerary
📅[Simple Itinerary: Key Daily Arrangements]Meals:11 breakfasts and 10 lunches (including special meals such as cold-water fish feast and roast whole lamb)
Tour Guide:Professional Chinese-speaking tour guide services
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance and travel accident insurance
Price Excludes:Round-trip transportation costs, personal expenses, and optional activities outside the itinerary. The final price is subject to the contract signed with Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. It is advisable to consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing in advance to inquire about availability and discounts.
📝 [Registration Method:Convenient and Efficient]
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. When registering, please provide your name, valid ID number, contact information, and travel dates. Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing will assist you in completing the booking process. For solo travelers, we will do our best to arrange room-sharing. Special circumstances will require separate negotiation.
💡 [Fee Explanation and Service Explanation:Clear and Transparent]
The included items in the cost have been detailed extensively, and no consumption links or hidden costs will be arranged throughout the itinerary.
Day 1: Gather in Urumqi. The tour guide may make reasonable changes to the itinerary sequence based on actual weather and road conditions to ensure the best travel experience.
The opening hours and policies of scenic areas are subject to local announcements. In the event of景点 (attraction) closures due to force majeure factors, we will negotiate to replace them with attractions of equal value.
The room type is subject to the contract. In the event of special circumstances such as full occupancy at the hotel, we will coordinate accommodation at a hotel of the same level.
Specific service standards and rights are subject to actual consultation and contracting. Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency is committed to providing compliant and high-quality services.
📞 [Warm Tips]
Northern Xinjiang experiences significant temperature variations between day and night. Please bring warm clothing (such as windbreakers, thin down jackets) and sun protection items (sunscreen, sunglasses, hats).
There are significant altitude differences among various scenic areas. It is advisable to bring common medications (such as cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine) and medications for altitude sickness.
The Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway are recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer, and their annual opening times are limited. Please confirm road conditions before traveling.
There are many mosquitoes in grassland areas. It is advisable to bring mosquito repellent.
Northern Xinjiang’s summer is a tapestry woven from the azure of alpine lakes, the emerald of grassland pastures, and the purity of snow-capped mountains and white clouds. In 2026, let’s follow in the footsteps of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to embark on this 12-day in-depth natural scenery tour, experiencing the superb beauty and cultural charm of Northern Xinjiang!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.
