8 Day Private Car Tour in Northern Xinjiang Traversing the Entire Duku Highway, Crossing Canyons and Grasslands to Enjoy Diverse Landscapes with Clear Quotes for Tourists Reference Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
Secret Realm of Northern Xinjiang:8-Day Deep Exploration Tour of the Customized Vehicle on the Duku Highway 🚗✨
Panoramic Guide to Routes and Destinations
The Duku Highway, known as the “Heroic Road” that traverses the spine of the Tianshan Mountains, spans 561 kilometers and connects the magnificent landscapes of northern and southern Xinjiang. Recent road conditions in 2026 indicate that the highway is expected to be fully open on June 5th, with the travel period lasting until mid-October. The changing landscapes along the way are as magical as a fantasy: from the red rock formations of Dushanzi Grand Canyon to the year-round snow of Hasilegen Daban; from the lush green carpet of Nalati Grassland to the winding meanders of Bayinbuluk Wetland; ultimately reaching the red maze of Kuqa Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon. This highway encapsulates 80% of Xinjiang’s landform types and is hailed by travelers as the “Geological Museum of China.”
Must-Visit Landscapes Along the Way:
Geological Wonders:Dushanzi Grand Canyon (glass-bottomed bridge viewing platform), Anjihai Grand Canyon (cliffside café)
Serene Snow-Capped Mountains:Hasilegen Daban (snow wall at 3,400 meters above sea level), Yuximolegai Daban
Pastoral Serenade on the Grasslands:Nalati Sky Grassland (internet-famous single-plank bridge), Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery (yurt smoke)
Secret Wetland Realm:Bayinbuluk Swan Lake (birdwatching platform), Winding Meanders (sunset nine suns spectacle)
Jewels of the Waters:Large and Small Dragon Pools (alpine jade), Sayram Lake (cycling path around the lake)
Cultural Treasures:Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery (monument to highway construction heroes), Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves (Buddhist art of the Western Regions)
Essential Guide to the 8-Day Itinerary
[Day 1:Initial Exploration of Urumqi’s Culture]
Arrive at Diwopu International Airport in the morning and be picked up by a private car arranged by Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency to a four-star hotel. Recommended afternoon activities: Xinjiang Museum (mummy exhibit requires advance reservation), International Bazaar (recommend trying freshly squeezed pomegranate juice and baked buns). In the evening, visit Hongshan Park for a panoramic view of the city’s nightscape.
Secret Realm of Northern Xinjiang: 8-Day Deep Exploration Tour of the Customized Vehicle on the Duku Highway 🚗✨[Day 2:Secret Realm Around Sayram Lake]
Head west along the Lianhuo Expressway in the early morning, passing by the Guozigou Bridge viewing platform. Arrive at Sayram Lake in the afternoon, with special accommodation arranged at a lakeside RV campground. Recommended experiences:Cycling around the lake (from the East Gate to the South Gate), starry sky photography at Dianjiang Terrace (professional tripod rental provided by the travel agency).
[Day 3:Grassland Feast in the Ili River Valley]
Travel through the Huocheng lavender fields in the morning (peak bloom in late June), and arrive at Kalajun Grassland in the afternoon. In-depth experiences include: hiking at Eagle Platform (with bilingual guide), boat tour of Kuokesu Grand Canyon (aerial photography service gifted by the travel agency). Stay overnight in Tekes八卦城 (Bagua City), with free exploration of the Lijie Night Market.
[Day 4:In-Depth Exploration of Nalati Grassland]
Spend the whole day exploring the Nalati Scenic Area, with special arrangements including:
Sky Grassland Route:Nomadic Family – Heavenly Terrace (horseback riding experience)
River Valley Grassland Route:Panlong Valley Road (off-road vehicle crossing)
In the evening, participate in a home visit to families of various ethnic groups (coordinated by the travel agency with local families to experience making kumis).
[Day 5:Crossing the Northern Section of the Duku Highway]
Depart from Nalati in the early morning and traverse Hasilegen Daban (equipped with snow chains and oxygen bottles). Stopovers along the way:
Tiger’s Mouth Dangerous Section (viewing platform)
Tianpu Viewing Point (raincoats provided by the travel agency)
Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery (professional guiding service)
Panoramic Guide to Routes and Destinations Stay overnight in Kuytun City, with a recommendation to try Shawan Big Plate Chicken (at a restaurant partnered with the travel agency).
[Day 6:Wonders of Bayinbuluk Wetland]
Travel through the central section of the Grassland Sky Road and arrive at China’s second-largest grassland. Core experiences:
Enter the scenic area before 18:00 (interval bus tickets booked by the travel agency)
Secure a spot at the Brazilik Viewing Platform (folding chair rental provided)
Wetland science讲解 (interpretation) (equipped with binoculars)
Stay overnight in a yurt within the scenic area (moisture-proof mats and sleeping bags provided by the travel agency).
[Day 7:Geological Exploration in Southern Xinjiang]
Head south along the Duku Highway, passing by:
Large and Small Dragon Pools (drone follow-shot service)
Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon (professional lighting讲解 (interpretation))
Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves (guided tour by specially invited researcher)
Stay overnight in Kuqa City, with a recommendation to try Kuqa Big Nang Bread and grilled meat (at a time-honored shop recommended by the travel agency).
[Final Day:Return Journey and Cultural Conclusion]
The Duku Highway, known as the “Heroic Road” that traverses the spine of the Tianshan Mountains, spans 561 kilometers and connects the magnificent landscapes of northern and southern Xinjiang. Recent road conditions in 2026 indicate that the highway is expected to be fully open on June 5th, with the travel period lasting until mid-October. The changing landscapes along the way are as magical as a fantasy: from the red rock formations of Dushanzi Grand Canyon to the year-round snow of Hasilegen Daban; from the lush green carpet of Nalati Grassland to the winding meanders of Bayinbuluk Wetland; ultimately reaching the red maze of Kuqa Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon. This highway encapsulates 80% of Xinjiang’s landform types and is hailed by travelers as the “Geological Museum of China.”Visit the Kuqa Royal Palace in the morning (ethnic costume experience arranged by the travel agency), and return to Urumqi in the afternoon. Stop at Dabancheng Ancient Town along the way (gift box of dried fruits presented), and be escorted to the airport/station in the evening.
Transparent Breakdown of Customized Vehicle Costs
2026 Recent Quotation System (based on a 7-seater business vehicle):
Basic Package:13,800 yuan/vehicle (includes driver, fuel, toll fees)
Upgrade Services:
Bilingual Guide:600 yuan/day
Aerial Photography Service:800 yuan/session
Special Accommodation:Grassland Starry Sky Room + 800 yuan/night
Fees Include:
Vehicle usage fee (Toyota Prado or equivalent)
Driver service fee (over 10 years of mountainous experience)
Basic travel insurance (coverage of 500,000 yuan/person)
Fees Exclude:
Scenic area tickets (approximately 1,200-1,500 yuan/person)
Must-Visit Landscapes Along the Way: Catering expenses (approximately 100 yuan/person/day)
Driver’s food and accommodation subsidy (200 yuan/day)
Special Notes:
Prices increase by 20% during peak season (June-July)
Book 30 days in advance for a 5% discount
Single travelers can be coordinated for carpooling (additional charge required)
Registration and Service Guarantees
Register through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide:
Real-time road condition updates (daily)
Personalized itinerary customization (support for adding/removing attractions)
Emergency plan formulation (including vehicle breakdown handling)
Contract signing guidance (electronic and paper versions available simultaneously)
Service Commitments:
All vehicles equipped with GPS positioning and emergency call devices
Geological Wonders: Dushanzi Grand Canyon (glass-bottomed bridge viewing platform), Anjihai Grand Canyon (cliffside café) Each vehicle accompanied by a basic medical kit and first aid manual
Partnered restaurants all certified for food safety
Accommodation hotels all meeting three-diamond or higher standards
Important Reminders
Document Preparation:Valid ID, driver’s license (for self-drive travelers), permit (not required)
Equipment Recommendations:Windbreaker, sunscreen, high-top hiking shoes, power bank
Policy Information:
Daily travel hours 9:00-20:00
Vehicles with more than 7 seats must be reported in advance
Drones prohibited in management areas
Special Situation Handling:
In case of temporary traffic control, the travel agency will coordinate to take the Yizhao Highway instead
When scenic area capacity is limited, alternative plans provided (e.g., Xiata Ancient Path)
In case of sudden weather changes, itinerary order changed free of charge
This magnificent road crossing the Tianshan Mountains is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual baptism. Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency, with its professional services, helps you unlock the N ways to properly experience the Duku Highway. For specific itinerary details and fee standards, please consult customer service manager Zhang Jing for a customized plan.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
