Northern Xinjiang 6 Day Group Tour Urho Yadan Special Route Traverse Wind Eroded Stone City Enjoy Gobi Sunset Glow Transparent Pricing Easy Registration Recommended Route Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
Explore the Geological Wonders of Northern Xinjiang:6-Day In-Depth Experience Tour of Urho Yardang
(Icon)✨ The magnificence of Northern Xinjiang lies hidden in geological changes spanning hundreds of millions of years. When wind, sand, and time collaborate in sculpting, the Yardang formations in Urho become the most awe-inspiring verses of the earth. In 2026, this 6-day route centered on geological exploration will take you through the wind-eroded stone city, helping you understand nature’s language amid the Gobi Desert sunset.
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Classic Classroom for Geology Enthusiasts
Comprehensive Analysis of Geological Wonders
The core area of Urho Yardang landform covers 120 square kilometers, composed of Cretaceous sandstone, shaped over 2 million years of wind erosion into more than 20 typical forms such as castles, spires, and gullies. A professional geological guide will lead you to identify the causes of the “Ghost City”:In winter, the northwest wind continuously erodes at a speed of 12 meters per second, while in summer, the southeast wind carries sand particles for secondary polishing, ultimately creating this “living geological museum.”
Interweaving of Ecology and Humanity
The itinerary specially arranges an early morning entry into the Ghost City scenic area to avoid crowds and photograph the Yardang formations amid morning mist. In the evening, venture deep into the Populus euphratica Grand Canyon to observe the symbiotic relationship between the Populus euphratica forest and Yardang landforms. Along the way, visit local families of various ethnic groups to learn how to make traditional crafts from Gobi stones and experience the wisdom of coexistence between different ethnic groups and nature.
Popular Destination for Astrophotography
Urho is located at 46 degrees north latitude with a light pollution level of 1, recognized as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. On the third day of the itinerary, a special night observation is arranged, with a professional astronomy instructor guiding the photography of the Milky Way arch and a customized star map handbook gifted.
II. 2026 Simple Itinerary (Real-time Optimized Version)
Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi
09:00-12:00 Airport pickup at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport
12:30 Special lunch (Chaiwobao spicy chicken + hand-pulled noodles)
14:00 Visit the Xinjiang Geology and Mineral Museum (focus on viewing Yardang landform models)
17:00 Travel to Kuitun City by car (3-hour drive)
Explore the Geological Wonders of Northern Xinjiang: 6-Day In-Depth Experience Tour of Urho Yardang20:00 Check into Kuitun Jinhui International Hotel (4-star)
Day 2:Crossing the Junggar Basin
08:00 Depart after breakfast
11:30 Arrive at the Ailik Lake Birdwatching Platform (record the migration of over 200 species of migratory birds)
13:00 Gobi Desert picnic (self-heating rice + seasonal fruits provided)
15:00 Visit Urho Film and Television City (filming location for “The Qin Empire” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”)
18:30 Sunset photography at Ghost City (tripod rental service available)
21:00 Check into Urho International RV Camp
Day 3:Geological Expedition Day
06:00 Morning mist photography at Ghost City
09:00 On-site teaching by geological experts (identify 12 typical Yardang forms)
12:30 Hike in the Populus euphratica Canyon (total distance about 5 kilometers)
16:00 Intangible cultural heritage experience with local families (make felt embroidery crafts)
20:00 Star observation (equipped with professional astronomical telescopes)
Day 4:Gobi Desert Adventure Day
(Icon)✨ The magnificence of Northern Xinjiang lies hidden in geological changes spanning hundreds of millions of years. When wind, sand, and time collaborate in sculpting, the Yardang formations in Urho become the most awe-inspiring verses of the earth. In 2026, this 6-day route centered on geological exploration will take you through the wind-eroded stone city, helping you understand nature’s language amid the Gobi Desert sunset.08:00 Travel by car to the Xiazijie Yardang formations (undeveloped area, requiring a 4WD vehicle)
11:00 Search for the geological wonder of “wind-eroded mushrooms”
13:00 Gobi Desert lunch (baked nang + mutton pilaf)
15:00 Visit the Karamay No.1 Well Museum (learn about the history of oil extraction)
19:00 Return to Karamay City for check-in
Day 5:Cultural Experience Day
09:00 Visit the Black Oil Mountain scenic area (world’s natural asphalt hill)
12:00 Tour the Karamay River landscape belt
14:00 Return to Urumqi (pass by the百里油田观景台百里油田观景台 [Baili Oilfield Viewing Platform] on the way)
18:30 Arrive at the Urumqi International Bazaar for free activities
Day 6:Free Departure
09:00 Airport drop-off according to flight schedule
Complimentary Xinjiang specialty gift package for those leaving before 12:00
III. 2026 Pricing System Explanation
Basic Fee Reference
Adult:Starting from 4980 yuan/person
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Classic Classroom for Geology EnthusiastsChild (under 12 years old):3680 yuan/person (no bed provided)
：1200 yuan for the entire journey
Detailed Fee Inclusions
Transportation:37-seat luxury tourist bus (equipped with USB charging ports)
Accommodation:5 nights in 4-star standard hotels (breakfast included)
Meals:8 main meals (meal standard of 60 yuan/person/meal)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to Ghost City + Film and Television City + Black Oil Mountain
Services:Professional geological guide + astronomy instructor + photography guidance
Fee Fluctuation Explanation
15% increase during peak season (June-August)
25% increase during National Day Golden Week
10% decrease during off-peak season (March-April/October-November)
Prices may change with fuel prices; specifics are subject to contract confirmation
IV. Registration Process Guide
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, providing the following materials:
Comprehensive Analysis of Geological WondersScanned copies of valid identification (children need to provide household registration books)
Emergency contact information
Special needs explanation (such as dietary restrictions, mobility issues, etc.)
The registration deadline is 7 working days before departure, with a minimum group size of 15 people (reasonable itinerary changes can be made by mutual agreement).
V. Service Commitments and Special Notes
Service Standards
Each group is equipped with 2 certified guides + 1 staff member
Vehicles are disinfected daily and equipped with first aid kits
24-hour emergency response service provided
Risk Warnings
The temperature difference between day and night in the Gobi Desert reaches 25℃; windproof and warm clothing should be prepared
Non-slip sports shoes should be worn for hiking sections
Star observation is affected by weather; indoor astronomy lectures can be arranged by mutual agreement
Fee Explanation
The quotation includes services listed in the itinerary; items not mentioned (such as personal expenses, self-funded projects) require additional payment
The core area of Urho Yardang landform covers 120 square kilometers, composed of Cretaceous sandstone, shaped over 2 million years of wind erosion into more than 20 typical forms such as castles, spires, and gullies. A professional geological guide will lead you to identify the causes of the “Ghost City”: In winter, the northwest wind continuously erodes at a speed of 12 meters per second, while in summer, the southeast wind carries sand particles for secondary polishing, ultimately creating this “living geological museum.” For single travelers, room sharing will be coordinated as much as possible; special circumstances require separate negotiation
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing
VI. Supplementary Practical Information
Equipment Suggestions
Photography Equipment:Wide-angle lens (for photographing the panorama of Yardang formations), tripod (for star photography)
Protective Supplies:High-SPF sunscreen, sand-proof face mask, sunglasses
Clothing Recommendations:It is recommended to adopt the 3-layer dressing method (moisture-wicking layer + warm layer + windproof layer)
Transportation Tips
The one-way distance from Urumqi to Urho is about 400 kilometers, with a 5-hour drive
“Large transportation + small transportation” mode is adopted between scenic areas, with electric sightseeing vehicles used in the core area
Daily departure times are dynamically adjusted according to sunrise times
Policy Reminders
Real-name reservation system is implemented in Xinjiang scenic areas; identity information needs to be provided 3 working days in advance
The Ghost City scenic area has a daily limit of 3000 visitors; during peak season, it is recommended to choose the 07:00-10:00 or 18:00-21:00 time slots
Drones need to be reported to the scenic area; some areas are no-fly zones
(Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency)
This specialized route is particularly suitable for geology students, landscape photographers, natural education practitioners, and travelers eager for an in-depth experience of the beauty of Northern Xinjiang. The 2026 itinerary design places greater emphasis on balancing professionalism and comfort, allowing you to explore geological wonders worthy of textbooks with care. When the sunset gilds the edges of the Yardang formations and the Milky Way stretches across the Gobi Desert night sky, you will understand: some sceneries are worth measuring slowly over six days.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
