2026 Private 10 Day Northern Xinjiang Tour with No Shared Passengers Car Rental with Flexible Stops in Ili and Altay Grand Loop Price Inquiry Recommended Itinerary Cost
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
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10-Day In-Depth Private Tour of Northern Xinjiang:Unlock the Freedom and Poetry of the Great Loop of Ili and Altay
Spring comes a bit late to Northern Xinjiang, but when the first warm breeze sweeps across the Ili River Valley, the grasslands awaken from their slumber, wildflowers dotting the earth like stars; the snow-capped mountains of Altay glisten with silver light under the sun, while lakes are nestled like jewels among the mountains. In 2026, if you yearn for an in-depth travel experience away from the crowds, where you can stop wherever and whenever you like, this 10-day custom vehicle loop of “Ili + Altay” without shared travelers may fulfill all your imaginations of Northern Xinjiang.
Detailed Introduction of Itinerary or Destination:From grasslands to snow-capped mountains, from lakes to forests, capturing the essence of Northern Xinjiang
This loop starts in Urumqi and travels counterclockwise around Northern Xinjiang, connecting the grassland scenery of the Ili River Valley with the snow-capped mountain secrets of Altay. The itinerary covers core attractions such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Kalajun Grassland, Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Baihaba Village, while also incorporating lesser-known secrets like the Xiata Ancient Path and Qiongkushitai Village, avoiding the crowds of conventional tour groups and bringing travel closer to nature and authenticity.
Sayram Lake: Known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” the lake is crystal clear, with wildflowers blooming along the shore in spring, boat rides available in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and breathtaking blue ice phenomena in winter. In 2026, the scenic area implements a “capped reservation system” with a maximum daily capacity of 12,000 visitors. Tickets must be reserved in advance through the platform (145 yuan/person, including shuttle bus).
Nalati Grassland: As one of Xinjiang’s most famous grasslands, it features both the vastness of the aerial grasslands and the gentleness of the river valley grasslands. In 2026, the scenic area opens a self-drive tour channel (300 yuan/vehicle, limited to 4 people), allowing free stops at scenic viewpoints along the way to capture layered scenes of snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands.
Icon prefix:✨Kanas Lake:A mysterious lake famous for its “water monster” legend, Kanas in autumn is known as a “spilled palette,” with golden birch forests contrasting beautifully with the blue lake. In 2026, the scenic area implements a “timed reservation entry” system. It is recommended to reserve tickets 3 days in advance (160 yuan/person, including shuttle bus) and monitor weather changes, as the mountainous area may be temporarily closed due to snowfall.
Hemu Village:Known as “God’s Private Reserve,” Tuva wooden houses are scattered throughout the valley, with morning smoke intertwining with mist, resembling a fairy-tale world. In 2026, private vehicles are prohibited from entering the village, and visitors must transfer to scenic shuttle buses (50 yuan/person). It is recommended to stay in village homestays to experience tranquility under the starry sky.
Xiata Ancient Path:A thousand-year-old path connecting the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, featuring snow-capped mountains, grasslands, glaciers, and forests, it is a paradise for hikers. In 2026, the core area of the ancient path implements a “daily cap of 300 visitors.” Hiking permits must be applied for in advance from the scenic area (free), and local guides must be hired (approximately 500 yuan/day).
Simple Itinerary:10 days and 9 nights, blending freedom and in-depth exploration
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Upon arrival in Urumqi, visit the International Bazaar to taste specialties like baked buns and pilaf, or explore the Xinjiang Museum to learn about the history of various ethnic groups. Stay overnight in a city hotel to acclimate to the high-altitude climate.
Day 2:Urumqi — Sayram Lake (approximately 550 kilometers, 7 hours)
10-Day In-Depth Private Tour of Northern Xinjiang: Unlock the Freedom and Poetry of the Great Loop of Ili and AltayDepart early in the morning and head west along the Lianhuo Expressway, arriving at Sayram Lake in the afternoon. Drive around the lake or take the shuttle bus, with key stops at viewpoints like Dianjiangtai, Kele Yongzhu, and Songshu Tou to capture the lake’s scenery. Stay overnight in a lakeside homestay to experience tranquility under the starry sky.
Day 3:Sayram Lake — Guozigou Bridge — Yining (approximately 150 kilometers, 3 hours)
Capture the sunrise at Sayram Lake in the morning, then cross the Guozigou Bridge to admire the magnificent canyon known as the “First Scenic Spot of Ili.” Arrive in Yining City in the afternoon and visit the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area to experience traditional crafts and cuisine of various ethnic groups. Stay overnight in Yining City.
Day 4:Yining — Nalati Grassland (approximately 260 kilometers, 4 hours)
Travel south along the southern section of the Duku Highway, arriving at Nalati Grassland in the afternoon. Choose to self-drive or take the shuttle bus into the scenic area, with key stops at aerial grasslands, nomadic homes, and Tianjie Tai to capture the blend of snow-capped mountains and grasslands. Stay overnight in Nalati Town.
Day 5:Nalati — Kalajun Grassland — Tekes (approximately 200 kilometers, 4 hours)
Depart Nalati in the morning and head to Kalajun Grassland, famous for its “human-shaped grassland.” The soft afternoon light provides excellent photography conditions. Then proceed to Tekes Bagua City and ascend Li Street Observation Deck to overlook the city layout. Stay overnight in Tekes.
Spring comes a bit late to Northern Xinjiang, but when the first warm breeze sweeps across the Ili River Valley, the grasslands awaken from their slumber, wildflowers dotting the earth like stars; the snow-capped mountains of Altay glisten with silver light under the sun, while lakes are nestled like jewels among the mountains. In 2026, if you yearn for an in-depth travel experience away from the crowds, where you can stop wherever and whenever you like, this 10-day custom vehicle loop of “Ili + Altay” without shared travelers may fulfill all your imaginations of Northern Xinjiang.Day 6:Tekes — Xiata Ancient Path — Zhaosu (approximately 180 kilometers, 4 hours)
Depart early for the Xiata Ancient Path, hike or ride horses deep into the path to get up close to snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Return to Zhaosu County in the afternoon and visit the Tianma Cultural Park to watch equestrian performances. Stay overnight in Zhaosu.
Day 7:Zhaosu — Burqin (approximately 700 kilometers, 10 hours)
The day’s drive is long, so an early start is recommended. Enjoy the desert scenery of the Junggar Basin along the way, arriving in Burqin County in the evening to taste local specialty grilled fish. Stay overnight in Burqin.
Day 8:Burqin — Kanas Lake (approximately 150 kilometers, 3 hours)
Enter the Kanas scenic area early in the morning and take the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Crouching Dragon Bay). In the afternoon, ascend Guanyu Tai for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake. Stay overnight in Jiadengyu or a small wooden house within the scenic area.
Day 9:Kanas — Hemu Village (approximately 70 kilometers, 2 hours)
Detailed Introduction of Itinerary or Destination: From grasslands to snow-capped mountains, from lakes to forests, capturing the essence of Northern XinjiangCapture the morning mist at Kanas Lake in the morning, then proceed to Hemu Village. Transfer to the scenic shuttle bus to enter the village, stay in a Tuva wooden house, and experience traditional activities like gathering firewood and baking nang bread. Photograph the sunset at Hemu in the evening and stay overnight in the village.
Day 10:Hemu Village — Urumqi (approximately 600 kilometers, 8 hours)
Capture the morning mist and smoke at Hemu in the morning, then return to Urumqi. Stop at the Karamay Devil City along the way (additional time required), arriving in Urumqi in the evening to conclude the itinerary.
Price Information:Reference information for 2026, subject to contract
Custom Vehicle Cost:Depending on the vehicle model, the cost for a 10-day custom vehicle ranges from 12,000 to 20,000 yuan (including fuel, tolls, and driver service fees). It is recommended to choose a 5-seat SUV or 7-seat business vehicle for higher comfort.
Ticket Costs:Total ticket costs for various attractions are approximately 800-1000 yuan/person (including shuttle buses), with additional hiking permit fees required for some attractions like the Xiata Ancient Path.
Accommodation Costs:Accommodation throughout the trip is primarily in comfortable hotels and characteristic homestays, with costs ranging from 300-800 yuan/night/room. Accommodation prices are higher in scenic areas like Kanas and Hemu.
This loop starts in Urumqi and travels counterclockwise around Northern Xinjiang, connecting the grassland scenery of the Ili River Valley with the snow-capped mountain secrets of Altay. The itinerary covers core attractions such as Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Kalajun Grassland, Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Baihaba Village, while also incorporating lesser-known secrets like the Xiata Ancient Path and Qiongkushitai Village, avoiding the crowds of conventional tour groups and bringing travel closer to nature and authenticity.Dining Costs:Xinjiang cuisine is rich and diverse, with average daily dining costs around 100-150 yuan/person, adjustable based on personal taste preferences.
Total Cost Reference:For 2 people traveling together, the average cost per person is approximately 12,000-18,000 yuan; for 4 people, it is approximately 9,000-13,000 yuan per person. Specific costs are subject to actual consultation and contracting.
Registration Method:You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency
If you are interested in this loop, you can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Our travel consultants will customize the itinerary based on your needs and provide detailed quotations and contracts.
Cost and Service Information
Inclusions:Custom vehicle cost, driver service fee, accommodation cost (default double occupancy; single occupancy will be coordinated for拼房 [room sharing] as much as possible; special circumstances require separate negotiation), first admission tickets to attractions within the itinerary (excluding self-funded items).
Exclusions:Round-trip transportation costs, personal expenses, self-funded item costs, and additional expenses incurred due to force majeure factors.
Service Information:Reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made by mutual agreement during the trip, subject to actual consultation and contracting.
Spring in Northern Xinjiang is fleeting, but its beauty is enough to be remembered for a lifetime. In 2026, why not give yourself a chance to embark on this great loop of Ili and Altay, run on the grasslands, meditate under the snow-capped mountains, and daydream by the lakeside, making travel a dialogue with nature. Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to start your Northern Xinjiang journey!✨
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
