2026 Altay Gobi Short 4 Day Private Car Rental via S21 Salt Lake Yardang Group City SUV Rental Fee Real Time Inquiry Recommended Itinerary Pricing

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.

Explore Altay:4-Day Customized In-Depth Tour of S21 Salt Lake Yardang Group in 2026
[Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination]
The Altay region, located in northern Xinjiang, is renowned for its four major landscapes: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and Gobi deserts. The newly upgraded S21 Desert Highway (Awati-Urumqi Expressway) in 2026 shortens the travel time from Urumqi to Altay to 3.5 hours, connecting unique landscapes such as the Gurbantunggut Desert, Huanghuagou Salt Lake Yardang Group, and the Kelameili Desert Park along the way. This route is particularly suitable for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences: you can feel the grandeur of the desert highway, delve deep into the Yardang landform to capture sci-fi-esque blockbuster photos, and experience the purity of the “Mirror of the Sky” at the salt lake.
Key Highlights:
Salt Lake Yardang Group:The area around Huanghuagou Service Area features red sandstone Yardang landforms. At sunrise, sunlight tints the rocks flame-red, and drone aerial photography can capture stunning scenes reminiscent of the Martian surface.
Desert Highway Experience:The S21 Highway offers multiple viewing platforms where you can stop to photograph the expansive desert highway. The white wind turbines of the Kelameili Wind Farm create a striking visual contrast against the desert.
Gobi Desert Ecology Observation:The Ulungur Lake Wetland on the east bank of Jili Lake is an important stopover for migratory birds, where rare species such as swans and grey cranes can be seen in summer.
Geological Wonders:The Golden Coast Scenic Area in Fuhai County presents the unique spectacle of “desert coexisting with lake,” where you can enjoy sandboarding, speedboat rides, and other activities.
[Simple Itinerary]

Explore Altay: 4-Day Customized In-Depth Tour of S21 Salt Lake Yardang Group in 2026Day 1:Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → Fuhai County (approx. 380 km)
Morning:Depart from Urumqi and head north along the S21 Highway, passing by the Qinggeda Lake Wetland (tulip fields can be seen from April to May) and the Dongdao Haizi Viewing Platform (photograph golden sand dunes alongside the lake).
Noon:Dine at the Kelameili Desert Park Service Area. We recommend trying “desert tea” with hand-pulled rice.
Afternoon:Traverse the Yardang landform area and wait for the silhouette of a camel caravan at kilometer marker K209 (optimal photography time is 1 hour after sunrise).
Evening:Arrive in Fuhai County and check into the Tianshan Hotel (floor heating available for comfortable winter stays). For dinner, savor a cold-water fish feast (huchen and five-banded barb can be grilled or steamed).
Day 2:Fuhai County → Huanghuagou Salt Lake → Ulungur Lake Wetland (approx. 150 km)
Morning:Head to Huanghuagou Salt Lake. When windless in summer, the lake surface reflects like a mirror, perfect for capturing reflection masterpieces (admission ticket 49 yuan + mini-train 30 yuan, floating experience 50 yuan).
Noon:Dine at the Salt Lake Scenic Area restaurant. We recommend “desert tea” to cut the grease.
Afternoon:Drive to the Ulungur Lake Wetland, visit local Kazakh yurts, and experience horseback riding (the 8 km crossing experience requires advance reservation).
Evening:Return to Fuhai County. For free time activities, we recommend strolling the night market to try baked stuffed buns and hand-pulled rice.

[Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination]Day 3:Fuhai County → Kelameili Desert Park → Altay City (approx. 220 km)
Morning:Venture deep into the Kelameili Desert Park and experience UTV dune bashing (200 yuan per person) or hot air balloon rides (500 yuan per person).
Noon:Dine at the desert camp. We recommend “desert roast whole lamb” (requires 3 hours advance reservation).
Afternoon:Head to Altay City, stopping by the Jimunai County Desert Racecourse along the way (experience modified off-road vehicles charging up sand dunes).
Evening:Arrive in Altay City and check into a downtown hotel. For dinner, we recommend trying “dried meat naren.”
Day 4:Altay City → S21 Return Trip → Urumqi (approx. 450 km)
Morning:For free time activities, we recommend visiting the Altay Regional Museum (learn about various ethnic cultures) or heading to the Birch Forest Park to photograph the birch grove.
Noon:Dine in downtown Altay. We recommend “kumis with baursak.”
Afternoon:Return via the S21 Highway, with the option to detour onto National Highway G216 for different scenery.

The Altay region, located in northern Xinjiang, is renowned for its four major landscapes: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and Gobi deserts. The newly upgraded S21 Desert Highway (Awati-Urumqi Expressway) in 2026 shortens the travel time from Urumqi to Altay to 3.5 hours, connecting unique landscapes such as the Gurbantunggut Desert, Huanghuagou Salt Lake Yardang Group, and the Kelameili Desert Park along the way. This route is particularly suitable for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences: you can feel the grandeur of the desert highway, delve deep into the Yardang landform to capture sci-fi-esque blockbuster photos, and experience the purity of the “Mirror of the Sky” at the salt lake.Evening:Arrive in Urumqi and transfer to the airport/train station based on your flight/train schedule.
[Price Information]
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency offers 5-seater city SUV (e.g., Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV) rental services. The reference price range for the 2026 peak season is:
Basic Package:1000-1400 yuan/day (includes vehicle usage fee, fuel fee, toll fee, driver service fee, basic insurance)
Upgraded Package:1400-1800 yuan/day (adds driver accommodation and meal allowance of 200 yuan/day and scenic area shuttle service to the basic package)
High-End Customization:1800-2200 yuan/day (adds multilingual guide service, 24-hour emergency rescue, exclusive route planning)
Special Notes:
Prices may fluctuate based on travel dates, vehicle configuration, and market supply and demand. The specific price shall be subject to the tourism service contract signed by both parties.
The fee does not include scenic area admission tickets, shuttle buses, accommodation, dining, and personal consumption items.
For solo travelers, we will do our best to arrange shared accommodation. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.

Key Highlights:[Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. For details, consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
[Fee Information and Service Information]
Fees Include:Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, basic insurance, fuel fee, toll fee.
Fees Do Not Include:Tourist admission tickets, shuttle buses, accommodation, dining, personal consumption, and permit processing fees.
Service Standards:
We provide 5-seater city SUVs with formal operation qualifications, equipped with GPS navigation, first aid kits, and car chargers.
Our drivers are locals with over 5 years of experience, familiar with northern Xinjiang road conditions and reasonable driving rhythms. They do not promote or guide consumption throughout the journey.
We have established a 24-hour emergency response mechanism to quickly communicate and adjust the itinerary in response to sudden changes in weather or road conditions.

Salt Lake Yardang Group: The area around Huanghuagou Service Area features red sandstone Yardang landforms. At sunrise, sunlight tints the rocks flame-red, and drone aerial photography can capture stunning scenes reminiscent of the Martian surface. The specific itinerary is subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
[Practical Tips]
Season Selection:June to August is the ideal travel season in northern Xinjiang, with lush grasslands and clear lakes. However, vehicles should be reserved 15 days in advance. September to October offers splendid autumn scenery with fewer tourists and better value for money.
Equipment Suggestions:
Documents:Valid identification, discount certificates (for half-price benefits).
Clothing:There is a large temperature difference between day and night. Even in summer, bring a windproof jacket. Signal strength is weak in some mountainous areas, so it is advisable to download offline maps in advance.
Photography Equipment:Drones (for stunning salt lake/Yardang shots), polarizing filters (to reduce salt lake glare), tripods (for starry sky photography).
Other Items:High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, windproof face masks, thermos cups, power banks.
Respect Customs:Please respect local customs and traditions in ethnic minority areas. Do not litter randomly or damage the ecological environment.
Health Preparations:If you have special dietary requirements or health conditions, please inform customer service in advance for coordination and arrangement.
This 4-day route, which combines deserts, salt lakes, Yardang landforms, and wetlands, allows you to experience both the grandeur of northern Xinjiang and the unique charm of off-the-beaten-path attractions. Choose the formal customized vehicle service of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to make your journey worry-free and comfortable.

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.