2026 8 Day Group Tour to Southern and Northern Xinjiang, Devil City on the Sea, Dawakun Cost Inquiry for Budget Small Group Tour to Gobi Yardang and Twin Lakes Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation
Stellar Twin Lakes · Gobi Yardang Exploration Journey – In-Depth Analysis of the 2026 8-Day Budget Small Group Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang
[Itinerary Highlights:Excellent Integration of Twin Lakes’ Wonders and Geological Marvels]
This meticulously designed loop tour of northern and southern Xinjiang will take you through four major geomorphic units: the Gobi Desert, Yardang landforms, deserts, and lakes, with a focus on visiting two distinctive lakes – the “Sea Devil’s Castle” in Fuhai County and the Dawakun Desert Lake in Yuepuhu County. The itinerary covers the Altay region and Kashgar region, connecting the Yardang wonders of northern Xinjiang with the desert charm of southern Xinjiang, with an average daily driving time limited to under 4 hours to ensure a relaxed and comfortable journey.
The “Sea Devil’s Castle” Scenic Area, as a representative of northern Xinjiang’s geological wonders, is unique in the following ways:
Geological strata composed of sandy shale from the Cretaceous period 100 million years ago, eroded by wind and rain to form steep slopes up to 20 meters high
Nine major canyon landscapes, including Lover’s Valley and Eagle Peak, are distributed within the 270-square-kilometer scenic area
New winter ice and snow park and summer hot air balloon projects added in 2026 to meet year-round recreational needs
The Dawakun Desert Tourist Scenic Area is renowned for its “coexistence of sand and water”:
1,500 acres of water area connected to the Taklimakan Desert, forming the “Desert Jade” wonder
12 experience projects within the 4A-rated scenic area, including desert off-roading and camel riding
Newly built starry sky homestay and low-altitude flight center in 2026 to enhance accommodation experience
[Simple Itinerary Arrangement]
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Stellar Twin Lakes · Gobi Yardang Exploration Journey – In-Depth Analysis of the 2026 8-Day Budget Small Group Tour of Northern and Southern XinjiangMorning:After airport pickup, check into a comfortable hotel in the city center (reference: Meimei Hotel)
Afternoon:Visit the Xinjiang Museum at leisure (free admission), with a focus on viewing the “unique folk customs” mummies
Dinner:Taste specialties such as baked stuffed buns and pilaf at the International Bazaar
Day 2:Traverse the S21 Desert Highway
Morning:Travel by car via China’s first desert expressway, S21, to Fuhai
Afternoon:Tour the “Sea Devil’s Castle” (admission 46 yuan + shuttle bus 52 yuan), with a focus on photographing the sunset at Lover’s Valley
Accommodation:Fuhai Changjing Hotel (budget)
Day 3:Secret haven for exploration
All day:In-depth tour of Hemu Village (admission + shuttle bus 102 yuan), experiencing the Tuvan people’s wooden house culture
Special experiences:Horseback riding in the snow and making dairy products (winter) / sketching in the birch forest (summer)
Accommodation:Jiadengyu Bonfire Hotel (budget)
Day 4:Scenic views of Kanas Lake
Morning:Take the shuttle bus to tour the three bays of Kanas (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay)
Afternoon:Climb Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view (subject to opening), with a complimentary visit to a Tuvan family
[Itinerary Highlights: Excellent Integration of Twin Lakes’ Wonders and Geological Marvels]Accommodation:Burqin Green Hotel (budget)
Day 5:Journey to the Pearl of the Tianshan Mountains
Morning:Visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (admission 95 yuan + shuttle bus 60 yuan), experience ice biking (winter)
Afternoon:Travel back to Changji by car and enjoy a “life-ending” Usu beer banquet
Accommodation:Changji Conch Hotel (comfortable)
Day 6:Traverse the Duku Highway
Morning:Travel by car via the northern section of the Duku Highway to Nalati
Afternoon:Tour the Nalati River Valley Grassland (admission 95 yuan + shuttle bus 40 yuan)
Accommodation:Nalati Characteristic Homestay (upgraded accommodation)
Day 7:Desert Carnival Day
Morning:Travel by car to Dawakun Desert (admission 40 yuan) and experience desert off-roading
Afternoon:Visit the Weiguo Image Museum to learn about history
Accommodation:Budget hotel in Yuepuhu County
This meticulously designed loop tour of northern and southern Xinjiang will take you through four major geomorphic units: the Gobi Desert, Yardang landforms, deserts, and lakes, with a focus on visiting two distinctive lakes – the “Sea Devil’s Castle” in Fuhai County and the Dawakun Desert Lake in Yuepuhu County. The itinerary covers the Altay region and Kashgar region, connecting the Yardang wonders of northern Xinjiang with the desert charm of southern Xinjiang, with an average daily driving time limited to under 4 hours to ensure a relaxed and comfortable journey.Day 8:Memories of Kashgar’s Old City
Morning:Fly back to Urumqi and transfer to Kashgar
Afternoon:Tour Kashgar’s Old City (free admission), with a complimentary travel photography service
Evening:See off according to flight schedule, concluding the itinerary
[Price Description]
The reference price range for the 2026 budget small group tour is 3,980-4,580 yuan per person, specifically including:
Basic expenses:7 nights of accommodation (4 nights budget + 3 nights comfortable), 7 breakfasts and 10 main meals
Transportation expenses:Full-service regular tourist bus (including fuel surcharge)
Admission expenses:Covers first-entry tickets to all scenic spots in the itinerary
Service expenses:Professional guide讲解 (interpretation) + travel accident insurance (coverage of 500,000 yuan)
Price fluctuation factors:
1. Prices increase by approximately 15% during the peak season from July to August
2. An additional fee of 300 yuan per night is required for upgrading to the Nalati starry sky homestay
3. An additional fee of 150 yuan per person is required for winter ice and snow project experiences
The “Sea Devil’s Castle” Scenic Area, as a representative of northern Xinjiang’s geological wonders, is unique in the following ways:Special reminder:The final price shall be subject to the contract signed with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. It is recommended to book 30 days in advance to enjoy early bird discounts.
[Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, with the specific process as follows:
1. Consult customer service manager Zhang Jing to inquire about available tour dates
2. Confirm itinerary details and cost composition
3. Sign an electronic travel contract and pay a deposit
4. Pay the remaining balance 7 days before departure and receive the tour notice
[Expense and Service Description]
Basic services include:
Accommodation:Carefully selected hotels throughout the journey. Single registrants will be coordinated for room sharing as much as possible
Meals:Main meal standard of 30 yuan per person, including 3 special meals
Transportation:15-seat commercial vehicle with a 10% empty seat rate
Guides:Certified guides accompany the group throughout the journey, and a summary meeting is held at the end of each day’s itinerary
Geological strata composed of sandy shale from the Cretaceous period 100 million years ago, eroded by wind and rain to form steep slopes up to 20 meters highSelf-funded project description:
Secondary consumption within the scenic area (such as Heavenly Lake boat rides, desert camel rides)
Personal consumption (such as shopping, additional meals)
Expenses incurred due to force majeure factors (such as road closure and detour fees)
Service guarantees:
24-hour emergency response mechanism
Each tour group is equipped with a first aid kit and common medications
Complimentary items such as warm patches and disposable raincoats are provided
Bottled mineral water is provided throughout the journey (1 bottle per person per day)
Important reminders:
1. For high-altitude areas in the itinerary (such as the Pamir Plateau), it is necessary to prepare anti-altitude sickness medication in advance
2. The Dawakun Desert Scenic Area closes at 20:30, so please arrange your游玩 (play) time reasonably
3. The winter business hours of the “Sea Devil’s Castle” Scenic Area have been changed to 10:00-17:30
4. The specific service standards shall be subject to the travel contract signed by both parties
This northern and southern Xinjiang loop tour has been optimized through 12 on-site inspections by a professional team. The newly added Dawakun Desert stargazing and “Sea Devil’s Castle” geological research courses in 2026 breathe new life into the traditional itinerary. Choose Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to embark on your Gobi Yardang twin lakes exploration journey!
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation
