2026 Urumqi Flexible 8 Day Group Tour with Unrestricted Timing on Ili Loop, Relaxed Group Fare Online Inquiry Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.
Explore Yili:2026 Urumqi 8-Day Flexible-Time In-Depth Group Tour
🌄 Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination
The Yili River Valley, known as the ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall,’ experiences four distinct seasons: wild apricot blossoms in spring, pastoral songs on the grasslands in summer, vibrant autumn foliage in fall, and snow-covered landscapes in winter. In 2026, this 8-day loop tour starting from Urumqi will take you through the northern and southern regions of the Tianshan Mountains, allowing you to experience the blend of diverse ethnic cultures and breathtaking natural scenery. The itinerary covers core attractions such as the Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, the Kalajun Grassland, and the Huocheng Lavender Manor, adopting a ‘flexible-time’ model throughout—where daily itineraries recommend core attractions, but specific停留 (duration) times are determined through negotiation between tourists and guides, truly enabling ‘My itinerary, my decision.’
Core Highlights:
Harmony of Grasslands and Lakes:The aerial grasslands of Nalati and the three-dimensional grasslands of Kalajun, paired with Sayram Lake, known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic,’ create a dual visual and spiritual impact.
Cultural Immersion Experience:Visit Tekes Bagua City to learn about ancient urban planning wisdom; participate in handmade essential oil production at the Huocheng Lavender Manor to feel the unique charm of ethnic handicrafts.
Flexible-Time Design:After visiting core attractions each day, tourists can freely choose to return to the hotel for rest, explore nearby villages, or participate in local festivals (such as the Nadam Festival on the Nalati Grassland).
🗺 ️Simple Itinerary (2026 Reference Version)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Morning:Arrive in Urumqi and check into the hotel (includes airport pickup service).
Afternoon:Free activities; recommended to visit the International Bazaar and taste specialties like baked buns and hand-pulled rice.
Evening:The tour guide holds a pre-trip briefing and distributes itinerary manuals and emergency supplies.
Explore Yili: 2026 Urumqi 8-Day Flexible-Time In-Depth Group TourDay 2:Urumqi – Sayram Lake (approximately 520 km, 6.5-hour drive)
Morning:Drive west along the Lianhuo Expressway, passing by the Shihezi Reclamation Museum (optional stop).
Afternoon:Arrive at Sayram Lake for a scenic drive around the lake (about 3 hours), with key stops including Songshu Head, Jinhua Zihui, and Kele Yongzhu.
Evening:Check into a lakeside characteristic homestay and enjoy a feast of high white trout.
Day 3:Sayram Lake – Huocheng Lavender Manor – Yining (approximately 200 km, 3-hour drive)
Morning:Flexible time for photographing the sunrise at Sayram Lake or participating in cycling activities by the lake.
Noon:Drive to Huocheng to visit the Jieyou Princess Lavender Farm (flowering season from June to July; other seasons replaced with apple orchard or vineyard experiences).
Afternoon:Arrive in Yining to tour the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area and ride a six-rod carriage through the old streets of various ethnic groups.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Yining and freely taste specialties like roast whole lamb and naren.
Day 4:Yining – Kalajun Grassland – Tekes (approximately 180 km, 3.5-hour drive)
Morning:Drive to the Kalajun Grassland to visit core areas such as the Flower Terrace and Falcon Terrace (about 4 hours).
Afternoon:Freely choose to hike or ride horses deep into the grassland to visit the yurts of local ethnic groups.
🌄Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or DestinationEvening:Check into a hotel in Tekes Bagua City and enjoy a night tour of the Bagua City scenery.
Day 5:Tekes – Nalati Grassland (approximately 260 km, 4-hour drive)
Morning:Drive to Nalati, passing by the Qiafuqihai Reservoir (optional stop for photos).
Afternoon:Tour the aerial grasslands of Nalati, with key stops at the Nomadic Family and Heavenly Terrace (about 4 hours).
Evening:Check into a hotel in Nalati Town and participate in a bonfire party (weather permitting).
Day 6:In-Depth Tour of Nalati
Full Day:Flexible-time tour of Nalati Scenic Area, with options including:
River Valley Grassland Route:Panlong Valley Road and Woertajiao Tower.
Snow Lotus Valley Route:Take a shuttle bus to the summit of Tianyun Terrace for a panoramic view of the grassland and snow-capped mountains.
Cultural Experience:Participate in dairy product making and learn to play the dongbula with local ethnic groups.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Nalati Town and enjoy free activities.
Day 7:Nalati – Northern Section of the Duku Highway – Urumqi (approximately 480 km, 7-hour drive)
The Yili River Valley, known as the ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall,’ experiences four distinct seasons: wild apricot blossoms in spring, pastoral songs on the grasslands in summer, vibrant autumn foliage in fall, and snow-covered landscapes in winter. In 2026, this 8-day loop tour starting from Urumqi will take you through the northern and southern regions of the Tianshan Mountains, allowing you to experience the blend of diverse ethnic cultures and breathtaking natural scenery. The itinerary covers core attractions such as the Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, the Kalajun Grassland, and the Huocheng Lavender Manor, adopting a ‘flexible-time’ model throughout—where daily itineraries recommend core attractions, but specific停留 (duration) times are determined through negotiation between tourists and guides, truly enabling ‘My itinerary, my decision.’Morning:Drive back along the northern section of the Duku Highway, passing by the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery (optional stop to pay respects).
Afternoon:Traverse the Tianshan Canyon, enjoying views of snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands along the way.
Evening:Arrive in Urumqi, check into the hotel, and enjoy free activities.
Day 8:Departure from Urumqi
Morning:Free activities; recommended to visit the Xinjiang Museum (advance reservation required).
Afternoon:Airport transfer based on flight schedule, concluding the itinerary.
💰 Price Information (2026 Reference)
Tour Fee Range:5980-7580 yuan/person (includes 7 nights of accommodation, 7 breakfasts and 10 main meals, full transportation, first admission tickets to attractions, and guide service fees).
Fees Include:
Accommodation:Standard rooms in four-star hotels throughout the trip (characteristic homestays in Nalati Town).
Meals:Team meal standard of 60 yuan/person/meal; special meal standard of 100 yuan/person/meal.
Transportation:50-seat air-conditioned tour bus (tour forms with a minimum of 15 people; vehicle type to be negotiated if fewer than 15 people).
Core Highlights:Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to core attractions such as Sayram Lake, Kalajun Grassland, and Nalati Grassland.
Fees Exclude:
Round-trip transportation costs to Urumqi.
Secondary consumption within attractions (such as horse riding, shuttle buses, entertainment projects, etc.).
：For single registrants, our agency will make every effort to coordinate room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Price Information:The above prices are reference ranges; actual fees may fluctuate due to factors such as tour dates, room types, and policy changes. Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
📝 Registration Method
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency; consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency for information on recent tour dates and available spots.
📋 Fee Information and Service Description
Fees Include:See the ‘Price Information’ section for details; specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
Service Standards:
Accommodation:Comfortable hotels selected throughout the trip, striving for cleanliness, hygiene, and complete facilities.
Harmony of Grasslands and Lakes: The aerial grasslands of Nalati and the three-dimensional grasslands of Kalajun, paired with Sayram Lake, known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic,’ create a dual visual and spiritual impact.Meals:Team meals feature dishes from various ethnic groups, catering to both northern and southern tastes.
Transportation:Full air-conditioned tour bus transportation with experienced drivers, striving for safe travel.
Tour Guides:Certified guides accompany the tour throughout, providing professional explanations and emergency assistance.
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance + travel accident insurance (maximum coverage of 500,000 yuan/person).
Flexible-Time:After visiting core attractions each day, tourists can freely arrange their time; guides provide suggestions for nearby activities.
Policy Changes:In case of uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, or attraction openings, both parties may reasonably adjust the itinerary through mutual agreement.
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
💡 Warm Tips
Season and Operating Status:The optimal travel time in the Yili region is from May to October, with the lavender flowering season from June to July and the peak autumn scenery from September to October. Some attractions may close in winter; please consult customer service before traveling.
Clothing Suggestions:Large temperature differences between day and night on the grasslands require windproof jackets and comfortable hiking shoes; strong UV rays in summer necessitate sunscreen and sunglasses.
Cultural Respect:When visiting ethnic villages, please follow local customs and refrain from taking photos of people or entering yurts without permission.
Eco-Friendly Travel:Please do not litter in natural areas such as grasslands and lakes; jointly maintain the ecological environment.
This 8-day loop tour will take you through the four seasons of Yili, allowing you to experience the perfect blend of nature and culture. Whether it’s the vastness of the grasslands, the tranquility of the lakes, or the unique charm of various ethnic cultures, unforgettable memories await you. Contact Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency immediately to embark on your flexible-time journey!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.
