12 Day North Xinjiang Group Tour Linking Altay and Yili, Lakes, Grasslands, and Gobi Desert All in One, Special Group Fare Offer, Hurry to Sign Up Online Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quote.
Star Recommendation✨:12-Day In-Depth Linked Tour of Northern Xinjiang – A Comprehensive View of Altay’s Lakes and Mountains and Yili’s Grasslands and Flower Fields
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Visual Feast of Lakes, Grasslands, and Gobi Desert
Summer in Northern Xinjiang is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The Altay region features Kanas Lake and Hemu Village as its core, connecting with the canyon wonders of Koktokay. The Yili Valley highlights the Nalat Grassland and Sayram Lake, showcasing the dual charm of grasslands and lakes. This 12-day itinerary seamlessly connects the精华 (best) attractions of both regions, with daily travel time limited to 4-6 hours to avoid long-distance travel, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.
II. Simple Itinerary: Daily Key Arrangements (Real-time 2026 Version)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi · First Glimpse of the Silk Road Charm
Upon arrival in Urumqi, check into a downtown hotel (with elevator). In the evening, you can freely visit the International Bazaar to taste specialties like roasted stuffed buns and hand-pulled rice, experiencing the cultural blend of various ethnic groups.
Day 2:Urumqi → Koktokay · Exploration of Geological Wonders
Travel along the S21 Desert Highway across the Junggar Basin to reach Koktokay National Geological Park. Tour the Irtysh Grand Canyon and Pit No. 3 to learn about the local mining history. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Fuyun County.
Star Recommendation✨: 12-Day In-Depth Linked Tour of Northern Xinjiang – A Comprehensive View of Altay’s Lakes and Mountains and Yili’s Grasslands and Flower FieldsDay 3:Koktokay → Kanas · First Experience of Hiking the Three Bays
Travel by vehicle to the Kanas Scenic Area and transfer to a shuttle bus to visit Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. A light hike of 1.5 km on a wooden boardwalk is recommended to closely experience the blend of lake water and forest. Overnight in a characteristic wooden cabin within the scenic area.
Day 4:In-Depth Kanas Tour · Overlooking the Panorama from Guanyu Platform
In the morning, take a self-paid boat tour of Kanas Lake, then ascend Guanyu Platform for an overview of the lake and snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, travel to Baihaba Village (pass required in advance) to experience the tranquility of a border village. Overnight in a Baihaba wooden cabin.
Day 5:Baihaba → Hemu · Photography of Morning Mist and Starry Sky
Travel through primeval forests to reach Hemu Village. In the evening, ride a horse to the Haden Viewing Platform to photograph the wisp of cooking smoke at sunset. The next morning, photograph the morning mist (requires early rise). In the afternoon, free activities are recommended, including experiencing a Tuwa family visit. Overnight in a Hemu wooden cabin.
Day 6:Hemu → Burqin · Sunset at Colorful Beach
Travel by vehicle to Burqin County, stopping at Jiadengyu for rest along the way. In the evening, tour Colorful Beach to admire the sunset wonders of the Yardang landform and the Irtysh River. Overnight in a four-diamond hotel in Burqin.
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Visual Feast of Lakes, Grasslands, and Gobi DesertDay 7:Burqin → Sayram Lake · Tears of the Atlantic
Pass through the Karamay Hundred-Mile Oil Field Landscape Belt to reach Sayram Lake. Tour around the lake, with recommended stops at the Command Platform and Kele Yongzhu. Photograph the lake sunset in the evening. Overnight in a four-diamond hotel in Yining City.
Day 8:Sayram Lake → Nalat Grassland · Stroll on the Sky Grassland
Cross the Guozigou Bridge to reach Nalat Grassland. Take a shuttle bus to tour the Sky Grassland, with optional self-paid experiences like horse riding or helicopter sightseeing. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Nalat Town.
Day 9:Nalat → Middle Section of the Duku Highway · Seeing Four Seasons in One Day
Travel through the middle section of the Duku Highway (recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer). Admire the diverse landforms of snow-capped mountains, canyons, and grasslands along the way. Arrive at Bayinbuluk Grassland to photograph the sunset over the meandering river. Overnight in a hotel in Bayinbuluk Town.
Day 10:Bayinbuluk → Urumqi · Rest Before Return Journey
Travel back to Urumqi by vehicle, stopping at Hejing County for rest along the way. Upon arrival, check into a downtown hotel. For free activities, it is recommended to visit Red Hill Park to overlook the city night view.
Summer in Northern Xinjiang is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The Altay region features Kanas Lake and Hemu Village as its core, connecting with the canyon wonders of Koktokay. The Yili Valley highlights the Nalat Grassland and Sayram Lake, showcasing the dual charm of grasslands and lakes. This 12-day itinerary seamlessly connects the精华 (best) attractions of both regions, with daily travel time limited to 4-6 hours to avoid long-distance travel, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.Day 11:Free Activities in Urumqi · Souvenir Shopping
Full day of free activities. You can visit Hualing Market or Western Regions Trade City to purchase dried fruits, handicrafts, and other souvenirs.
Day 12:Return from Urumqi · End of Journey
Transfer to the station according to flight/train schedule, ending the 12-day in-depth tour of Northern Xinjiang.
III. Price Description: Tiered Reference (Subject to Contract)
The price of the 12-day Northern Xinjiang group tour in 2026 varies by season, accommodation standard, and vehicle type. The following are reference ranges:
Economy:Per capita 5800-6500 yuan (off-peak season, including basic accommodation, admission tickets, shuttle buses, with some meals self-paid)
Comfort:Per capita 7200-8000 yuan (peak season, including wooden cabins within scenic areas, four-diamond hotels, all meals, aerial photography services)
II. Simple Itinerary: Daily Key Arrangements (Real-time 2026 Version)High-End:Per capita 8800 yuan or more (including five-diamond hotels, VIP buses, ethnic wedding experiences, and other value-added services)
Note:Visitors aged 65 and above can enjoy partial admission ticket reductions with valid certificates. The specific refund amount will be handled on-site with the assistance of the tour guide. Prices may fluctuate with tour dates and are subject to the contract signed by both parties.
IV. Registration Method: Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency
You can register through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for detailed itinerary, available spots, and prices. After registration, sign the “Team Domestic Tourism Contract” supervised by the national culture and tourism department, with clear rights and responsibilities.
V. Fee Description and Service Description
Fees Include:Air-conditioned tour bus for the entire journey, 11 nights of accommodation (including wooden cabins within scenic areas), first admission tickets + shuttle buses for scenic spots, 11 breakfasts and 18 main meals (including Xinjiang specialties), professional tour guide services, basic travel insurance, and pass processing.
Service Highlights:
Vehicle:Use of 7-seat business vehicles (such as Buick GL8, Maxus G10), with a maximum of 6 passengers per vehicle, equipped with USB charging ports, mineral water, and emergency medicine kits.
Day 1: Gather in Urumqi · First Glimpse of the Silk Road CharmAccommodation:Wooden cabins within scenic areas or four-diamond hotels in downtown areas are arranged according to the itinerary, with stable heating and water supply.
Tour Guide:Local certified tour guides are familiar with the reservation rules and photography spots of each scenic area and can provide hiking route suggestions.
Emergency:Provide 24-hour butler service to assist with communication and handling in case of emergencies.
VI. Precautions and Compliance Tips
Document Preparation:Bring original valid certificates. Visitors aged 65 and above need to bring additional senior citizen cards or household registration books.
Clothing Suggestions:There is a large temperature difference between day and night in mountainous areas. From June to September, it is recommended to bring windbreakers, fleece liners, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Policy Changes:In case of scenic area capacity limits or road restrictions, both parties can reasonably modify the itinerary by mutual agreement.
Note:For single registrants, efforts will be made to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Summer in Northern Xinjiang features the rippling blue waves of Kanas Lake, the lush greenery of Nalat Grassland, and the deep blue of Sayram Lake. This 12-day itinerary combines the tranquility of Altay with the exuberance of Yili, allowing you to deeply experience the beauty of Northern Xinjiang without self-driving. Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency to start your slow travel in Northern Xinjiang!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quote.
