Notes on Chartered Car for Travel in Yili Must Read Before Departure + List of Cost Items Recommended Routes and Their Costs
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
Notes for Customized Vehicle Use in Ili Tourism:Pre-Trip Must-Read + Cost Item Checklist
🌄 [In-Depth Analysis of Routes and Destinations]
The Ili River Valley, known as the ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall,’ features lush summer grasslands, clear lakes, and continuous flower fields, representing the essence of Xinjiang’s natural landscapes. In June 2026, the following core scenic spots are fully open, allowing tourists to flexibly combine them based on their interests:
Sayram Lake:A national 5A-level scenic spot with unobstructed access along the ring-lake road. Entry is available through the East Gate, South Gate, and North Gate. The lake surface sits at an altitude of 2,073 meters, with significant temperature differences between day and night, so a windproof jacket is necessary. The scenic area implements a timed reservation system, and it is recommended to book 1-3 days in advance through the ‘One Phone for Xinjiang Tourism’ platform. The ring-lake road is approximately 90 kilometers long, with stops at Kele Yongzhu, Songshu Tou, and the Guozigou Bridge viewing platform to capture reflections of snow-capped mountains and wildflower landscapes.
Nalati Grassland: A national 5A-level scenic spot divided into three areas: the aerial grassland, river valley grassland, and Panlong Valley Road. The aerial grassland, at a higher altitude, blooms with wildflowers in mid-to-late June, making it ideal for photography; the river valley grassland has gentle terrain, suitable for family leisurely tours. Sightseeing buses operate from 8:30 to 19:30. Admission is 95 yuan per person, with 60 yuan per person for the aerial grassland shuttle and 40 yuan per person for the river valley grassland shuttle.
Kalajun Grassland: Divided into two sections: East Kalajun and West Kalajun, along with the Kuo Kexu Grand Canyon. East Kalajun is famous for its ‘human body grassland,’ with rich layers of light and shadow at sunset; West Kalajun has gentle grasslands suitable for hiking. The Kuo Kexu Grand Canyon requires boat tickets and shuttle buses. Admission is 80 yuan per person, with 90 yuan per person for the shuttle and 60 yuan per person for the boat.
Huocheng Lavender Garden:Mid-to-late June marks the peak blooming period, with gardens such as Jieyou Princess Lavender Manor now open. The blooming period is significantly affected by weather, so it is advised to confirm the opening status before traveling. Admission is approximately 20-40 yuan per person.
Qiongkushatai:This primitive village is well-preserved, with access via gravel roads, some of which are narrow. It is recommended to use vehicles with higher ground clearance. Inside the village, visitors can experience traditional wooden houses of various ethnic groups and photograph landscapes intertwined with snow-capped mountains and grasslands.
Notes for Customized Vehicle Use in Ili Tourism: Pre-Trip Must-Read + Cost Item ChecklistXiata Ancient Path:The hiking trail is open to the General Bridge area, offering views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Admission is 30 yuan per person, with 60 yuan per person for the shuttle. It is essential to pay attention to the scenic area’s announcements on the day and not to blindly venture into high-altitude areas.
🚗 [Simple Itinerary Reference (8-Day Loop)]
The following itinerary is based on actual road conditions and scenic area policies in June 2026. The order can be changed by mutual agreement between both parties:
Day 1:Pick up at Yining City → Stroll through Kazanqi Folk Area → Dinner on Liuxing Street → Overnight in Yining
Day 2:Yining → Ring Sayram Lake (Songshu Tou, Kele Yongzhu) → View from Guozigou Bridge → Overnight in Qingshuihe Town or by the lakeside homestay
Day 3:Qingshuihe → Huocheng Lavender Manor → Check in at Khorgos Port → Return to Yining
Day 4:Yining → Tekes Bagua City → Kalajun Grassland (East and West Kalajun + Kuo Kexu Grand Canyon) → Overnight in Tekes
Day 5:Tekes → Qiongkushatai (narrow mountain roads requiring experienced drivers) → Overnight in a wooden house
Day 6:Qiongkushatai → Nalati Town → Tour the aerial grassland → Overnight in Nalati
🌄[In-Depth Analysis of Routes and Destinations]Day 7:Nalati → Bayinbuluk (sunset at the Nine Bends of Eighteen Streams) → Overnight in Bayin Town
Day 8:Bayinbuluk → Middle Section of the Duku Highway → Yining Airport Drop-off
⚠ ⚠️ Tip:The middle section of the Duku Highway (Nalati-Bayinbuluk) opened in early June 2026 but may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions. It is essential to monitor road conditions dynamically.
💰 [Price Description (Reference for 2026)]
Customized vehicle costs are influenced by vehicle type, number of days, and route complexity. The following are publicly quoted market ranges, with specifics subject to the contract:
Vehicle Type and Daily Rental Price:
5-Seater SUV (e.g., RAV4, CR-V):800-1,300 yuan/day
7-Seater Business Vehicle (e.g., GL8, Trumpchi M8):1,000-1,800 yuan/day
9-13 Seater Minibus (e.g., Toyota Coaster):1,800-2,500 yuan/day
The Ili River Valley, known as the ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall,’ features lush summer grasslands, clear lakes, and continuous flower fields, representing the essence of Xinjiang’s natural landscapes. In June 2026, the following core scenic spots are fully open, allowing tourists to flexibly combine them based on their interests:19-22 Seater Medium Bus:2,500-3,500 yuan/day
Costs Include:Vehicle usage fees, fuel costs, toll fees, parking fees, driver service fees, and basic insurance.
Costs Exclude:Scenic area admission tickets, shuttle buses, accommodation, meals, driver’s accommodation subsidy (approximately 150-200 yuan/day), overtime fees (80-150 yuan/hour), and excess mileage fees (3-5 yuan/kilometer).
⚠ ⚠️ Tip:If the itinerary includes special road sections such as the Duku Highway or Yizhao Highway, a dispatch coordination fee of 200-300 yuan/day may apply.
📞 [Registration Method]
Registration can be done through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will recommend suitable vehicle types and itinerary plans based on the number of people, travel dates, and preferred routes, providing a detailed cost breakdown.
📋 [Cost Description and Service Description]
Service Content:
Provision of compliant commercial vehicles with drivers holding professional qualifications, familiar with Ili’s road conditions and scenic spots.
Sayram Lake: A national 5A-level scenic spot with unobstructed access along the ring-lake road. Entry is available through the East Gate, South Gate, and North Gate. The lake surface sits at an altitude of 2,073 meters, with significant temperature differences between day and night, so a windproof jacket is necessary. The scenic area implements a timed reservation system, and it is recommended to book 1-3 days in advance through the ‘One Phone for Xinjiang Tourism’ platform. The ring-lake road is approximately 90 kilometers long, with stops at Kele Yongzhu, Songshu Tou, and the Guozigou Bridge viewing platform to capture reflections of snow-capped mountains and wildflower landscapes.Assistance in arranging meals and accommodation recommendations (does not include tour guide services, which can be negotiated separately if required).
Necessary parking and toll fees during the itinerary are included in the costs (some routes may have additional charges, which need to be confirmed in advance).
Responsibility Division:
All service content, cost composition, and vehicle standards are subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties, in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China.
If the itinerary needs to be changed due to uncontrollable factors such as weather, traffic control, or temporary closure of scenic areas, reasonable changes can be made after mutual agreement between both parties.
Special Reminder:
For single registrants, efforts will be made to coordinate shared accommodation. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Scenic area admission tickets and shuttle bus fees are the responsibility of the tourists, with specific prices subject to the scenic area’s publicized rates.
The specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing, with prices possibly fluctuating based on travel dates, vehicle types, and the number of people.
Nalati Grassland: A national 5A-level scenic spot divided into three areas: the aerial grassland, river valley grassland, and Panlong Valley Road. The aerial grassland, at a higher altitude, blooms with wildflowers in mid-to-late June, making it ideal for photography; the river valley grassland has gentle terrain, suitable for family leisurely tours. Sightseeing buses operate from 8:30 to 19:30. Admission is 95 yuan per person, with 60 yuan per person for the aerial grassland shuttle and 40 yuan per person for the river valley grassland shuttle.📌 [Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist]
Documents:Valid identification documents (required for border areas such as the Khorgos Port; children need to bring household registration books or valid identification documents).
Clothing:Ili is warm during the day from June to August, but temperatures vary significantly in mountainous areas, with nighttime temperatures in Bayinbuluk possibly approaching 0°C. It is advisable to bring fleece jackets, windbreakers, or light down jackets.
Medications:Medications for altitude sickness (Sayram Lake and Bayinbuluk are at higher altitudes; elderly individuals or those with weaker cardiopulmonary function are advised to assess their physical condition in advance).
Others:Sunscreen, sunglasses, charging equipment, and child seats (if needed).
🌿 [Seasonal and Operational Status Reminders]
Huocheng Lavender Blooming Period:Mid-to-late June to early July, significantly affected by weather. It is recommended to confirm the opening status before traveling.
Duku Highway Access Time:Opened in stages in early June 2026, with high-altitude sections still subject to temporary weather-related closures. It is essential to monitor announcements from traffic control authorities dynamically.
Scenic Area Reservation Policies:Sayram Lake and Nalati Grassland implement real-name reservation systems for entry. It is recommended to confirm the reservation process in advance through official channels.
The beauty of Ili lies in its vastness and layers. A smooth customized vehicle tour requires thorough communication and reasonable expectations in advance. By customizing your itinerary through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, let a professional team help you avoid risks and fully enjoy the scenery of northern Xinjiang!
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
