12 Day North and South Xinjiang Group Tour Three Lakes Sightseeing Loop Visiting Sayram Lake, Baisha Lake, and Bosten Lake, Complete Travel Expense List and Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
Exploring Northern and Southern Xinjiang:12-Day Deep Travel Guide for the Three-Lake Sightseeing Loop
🌄 Detailed Introduction to the Itinerary or Destination
The 12-day Three-Lake Sightseeing Loop in Northern and Southern Xinjiang is a comprehensive travel route that combines natural scenery, cultural history, and ethnic customs. This route connects three representative lakes in Xinjiang: Sayram Lake, Baisha Lake, and Bosten Lake. Along the way, it traverses the Tianshan Mountains and visits ethnic settlements, allowing travelers to fully experience the vastness and diversity of Xinjiang over 12 days.
Sayram Lake, known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” features crystal-clear blue waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. Baisha Lake, in contrast, is famous for its unique white sandy beach and emerald-green waters, resembling a green gem set in the desert. Bosten Lake, China’s largest inland freshwater lake, boasts a vast expanse of water and lush aquatic vegetation. It serves as an important stopover for migratory birds and an excellent destination to experience Xinjiang’s water town charm.
📅 Simple Itinerary
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi, check into the hotel, acclimate to the environment, and enjoy free time. You can visit attractions in Urumqi city, such as Hongshan Park and the International Bazaar, and sample local cuisine.
Exploring Northern and Southern Xinjiang: 12-Day Deep Travel Guide for the Three-Lake Sightseeing LoopDay 2:Urumqi – Sayram Lake
Travel by car to Sayram Lake, enjoying the scenery of Northern Xinjiang along the way. Upon arrival, tour Sayram Lake, take a boat ride, and admire the lakeside scenery. Stay overnight at a hotel by the lake.
Day 3:Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Yining
Capture the sunrise at Sayram Lake in the morning, then proceed to the Guozigou Bridge, a marvel known as the “Miracle in the Air.” Arrive in Yining in the afternoon, check into the hotel, and enjoy free time.
Day 4:Yining – Nalati Grassland
Travel by car to Nalati Grassland, enjoying the scenery of the Ili River Valley along the way. Upon arrival, tour the Nalati Alpine Grassland, experience horseback riding, archery, and other grassland activities, and stay overnight in a grassland homestay.
Day 5:Nalati Grassland – Northern Section of Duku Highway – Bayanbulak
Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway, experiencing four seasons in one day with a landscape of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons. Arrive in Bayanbulak in the evening, tour the sunset at the Nine Curves Eighteen Bends, and stay overnight at a hotel.
🌄 Detailed Introduction to the Itinerary or DestinationDay 6:Bayanbulak – Small and Big Dragon Pools – Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon – Kuqa
Travel by car to the Small and Big Dragon Pools, admiring the beauty of the alpine lakes. Then, explore the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, marveling at nature’s craftsmanship. Arrive in Kuqa in the evening and check into the hotel.
Day 7:Kuqa – Baisha Lake – Kashgar
Travel by car to Baisha Lake, touring this oasis in the desert. Arrive in Kashgar in the afternoon, check into the hotel, and enjoy free time. You can explore the Kashgar Night Market and sample ethnic snacks.
Day 8:Kashgar – Pamir Plateau – Karakul Lake – Taxkorgan
Travel by car to the Pamir Plateau, enjoying the plateau scenery along the way. Arrive at Karakul Lake and gaze at Muztagh Ata Peak in the distance. Stay overnight at a hotel in Taxkorgan, experiencing the plateau charm.
Day 9:Taxkorgan – Golden Grassland – Stone City – Baisha Lake – Kashgar
Tour the Golden Grassland and Stone City, visiting local families. Then, revisit Baisha Lake and return to Kashgar in the evening, checking into the hotel.
The 12-day Three-Lake Sightseeing Loop in Northern and Southern Xinjiang is a comprehensive travel route that combines natural scenery, cultural history, and ethnic customs. This route connects three representative lakes in Xinjiang: Sayram Lake, Baisha Lake, and Bosten Lake. Along the way, it traverses the Tianshan Mountains and visits ethnic settlements, allowing travelers to fully experience the vastness and diversity of Xinjiang over 12 days.Day 10:Kashgar – Bosten Lake – Korla
Travel by car to Bosten Lake, touring this vast inland freshwater lake and experiencing the water town charm. Stay overnight at a hotel in Korla.
Day 11:Korla – Urumqi
Travel by car back to Urumqi, enjoying the scenery of grasslands and pastures along the way. Upon arrival, check into the hotel, enjoy free time, and purchase Xinjiang specialties as souvenirs.
Day 12:Departure from Urumqi
Depending on your departure time, you can choose to enjoy free time or shop in Urumqi city. Then, proceed to the airport or train station, concluding your pleasant 12-day Three-Lake Sightseeing Loop in Northern and Southern Xinjiang.
💰 Price Information
The price of the 12-day Three-Lake Sightseeing Loop in Northern and Southern Xinjiang varies depending on factors such as season, accommodation standards, and transportation methods. Based on recent market conditions in 2026, the price range for this route is approximately 8,800 to 13,800 yuan per person. The specific price depends on factors such as the accommodation standard chosen by the traveler (e.g., budget hotels, comfortable hotels, or luxury hotels), transportation method (e.g., air-conditioned bus, business car, or custom vehicle), and whether special dining options are included.
Sayram Lake, known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” features crystal-clear blue waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. Baisha Lake, in contrast, is famous for its unique white sandy beach and emerald-green waters, resembling a green gem set in the desert. Bosten Lake, China’s largest inland freshwater lake, boasts a vast expanse of water and lush aquatic vegetation. It serves as an important stopover for migratory birds and an excellent destination to experience Xinjiang’s water town charm.What’s Included:Transportation costs for the entire journey, accommodation costs, entrance fees for the first attraction at each site, guide service fees, and travel accident insurance. What’s Not Included: Round-trip transportation costs to Urumqi, self-paid expenses within attractions, and personal consumption.
Please note that the above price recommendations are for reference only. The specific price is subject to the travel contract signed with Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Prices may fluctuate depending on the departure date, so it is advisable to consult and book in advance.
📝 How to Register
You can register for the 12-day Three-Lake Sightseeing Loop in Northern and Southern Xinjiang through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Travelers can consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for details about the itinerary, price information, and registration process.
💡 Fee Explanation and Service Description
Fee Explanation:
Transportation for the Entire Journey:Air-conditioned bus or business car transfer services are provided to ensure comfortable travel for passengers.
Accommodation Arrangements:Based on the accommodation standard chosen by the traveler, budget hotels, comfortable hotels, or luxury hotels will be arranged. For some special attractions, such as Nalati Grassland and Bayanbulak, local characteristic homestays will be arranged to allow travelers to deeply experience the local charm.
📅 Simple ItineraryEntrance Tickets:Entrance fees for the first attraction at all sites included in the itinerary, such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, are covered.
Guide Service:Professional Chinese-speaking guides provide full-time accompanying services, explaining the history, cultural background, and ethnic customs of each attraction to travelers.
Travel Accident Insurance:Travel accident insurance is purchased for each traveler to ensure their safety during the journey.
Service Description:
Itinerary Changes:Reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made by mutual agreement to adapt to actual conditions such as weather and road conditions.
Room Sharing Arrangements:For solo travelers, Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency will make every effort to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Contract Signing:After registration, travelers will sign a formal travel contract with Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, clarifying the rights and obligations of both parties.
Consultation and Feedback:If travelers have any questions or suggestions during the journey, they can contact the guide or Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency at any time for feedback.
The specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. We hope this travel guide for the 12-day Three-Lake Sightseeing Loop in Northern and Southern Xinjiang provides a useful reference for your Xinjiang trip. Wishing you a pleasant journey!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
