2026 Departing from Urumqi 9 Day Aletai Group Tour S21 Golden Highway Sandaohaizi Deer Stone Loop Latest Quotes Online Registration Recommended Itinerary Price

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

Icon introduction:✨【Departing from Urumqi in 2026 · 9-Day Deep Altay Loop】✨
S21 Golden Highway + Three Lakes + Deer Stone Culture: Explore the multiple ways to uncover the mysteries of Northern Xinjiang!
I. Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations: Traverse Three Geographical Wonders and Unlock the Cultural Codes of Northern Xinjiang
(I) S21 Desert Highway:The “Golden Corridor” Through Time and Space
As Xinjiang’s first desert expressway, the S21 Aru Expressway spans 342 kilometers and became the “golden route” connecting Urumqi and Altay after its full opening in 2021. In 2026, this highway will amaze visitors with its “one district, one scenic view” design:
Kelameili Service Area:Combining desert surfing, camel riding, and UTV racing, it is adjacent to a 100,000-square-meter desert park with golden sand dunes undulating like waves, making it a paradise for aerial photography enthusiasts.
Ulungur Lake Viewing Platform:Passing by Xinjiang’s second-largest freshwater lake, the water presents a deep blue-green color, creating a striking visual contrast with the Gobi Desert. In the evening, capture the stunning scenery of the “Gobi Sapphire.”
Ecology Along the Route:When traversing the Gurbantunggut Desert, you may encounter wild horses, yellow goats, and other naturally occurring animals. Strong crosswinds are common in the summer afternoons, so hold the steering wheel firmly.
(II) Three Lakes:The “Millennium Puzzle” of Alpine Lakes
Located in Qinghe County, the Three Lakes Scenic Area consists of three alpine lakes in series at an altitude of 2,650 meters, known as the “Jiuzhaigou of Northern Xinjiang”:
Natural Wonders:The lake water presents blue, green, and white hues due to varying mineral content. Wildflowers bloom everywhere in summer, the forests turn colorful in autumn, and it transforms into a winter wonderland in winter.
Cultural Codes:The scenic area is home to over 200 deer stones—massive stones carved with deer-shaped patterns regarded by various ethnic groups as symbols of the “path to heaven.” Archaeologists speculate they are related to ancient nomadic sacrifices.
Hiking Experience:The scenic area offers multiple hiking routes, ranging from 1-hour light hikes to 6-hour deep traverses, suitable for visitors with different physical abilities.

Icon introduction: ✨【Departing from Urumqi in 2026 · 9-Day Deep Altay Loop】✨(III) Ahe Highway:The “Hundred-Li Gallery” in a Secret Realm
This highway connecting Altay City and Hemu Village will become a new favorite on the Northern Xinjiang loop in 2026:
Tongba Forest:Lush green in summer and golden in autumn, it offers an immersive forest bathing experience.
Tolehaite Grassland:A 2,000-meter-altitude alpine meadow where wildflowers bloom from June to July and the forests turn colorful after September, making it a hidden gem for photographers.
II. Simple Itinerary: 9 Days and 8 Nights, with Daily Highlights Fully Explained
(Designed based on the latest 2026 schedules. Reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made upon mutual agreement)
Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi
Private airport transfer to a downtown hotel. Recommended activities include visiting the International Bazaar and tasting local specialties like roasted stuffed buns and hand-pulled rice.
Day 2:Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → Beitun
Morning:Traverse the S21 Desert Highway, experience desert activities at the Kelameili Service Area, and capture stunning highway photos.
Afternoon:Pass by Ulungur Lake and capture the visual spectacle of the “Gobi and Ocean.”
Evening:Arrive in Beitun and check into a comfortable hotel.
Day 3:Beitun → Three Lakes → Qinghe County
All day:Deeply explore the Three Lakes, uncover the deer stone culture, and hike around the alpine lakes.

S21 Golden Highway + Three Lakes + Deer Stone Culture: Explore the multiple ways to uncover the mysteries of Northern Xinjiang!Evening:Check into a characteristic homestay in Qinghe County and enjoy a dinner featuring flavors from various ethnic groups.
Day 4:Qinghe County → Ahe Highway → Hemu Village
Morning:Traverse the Ahe Highway, passing by Tongba Forest and Tolehaite Grassland.
Afternoon:Arrive in Hemu Village, check into a scenic area cabin, and experience the Tuvan lifestyle.
Day 5:Full Day in Hemu Village
Early Morning:Ascend the Haden Viewing Platform to capture the sunrise over Hemu.
Morning:Stroll through the birch forest and visit Tuvan wooden houses.
Afternoon:Free time for optional horseback riding or hiking.
Day 6:Hemu Village → Kanas Scenic Area
Morning:Head to Kanas and take a shuttle bus to visit Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wulong Bay.
Afternoon:Ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake.
Evening:Check into a cabin within the scenic area.
Day 7:Kanas → Burqin

I. Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations: Traverse Three Geographical Wonders and Unlock the Cultural Codes of Northern XinjiangMorning:Re-enter Kanas Lake for a second visit.
Afternoon:Head to Burqin and visit the Colorful Beach Scenic Area.
Evening:Take a night tour of Burqin’s Internet-famous bridge and photograph the Irtysh River夜景 (night view).
Day 8:Burqin → Sayram Lake → Jinghe
Morning:Head south along National Highway 217 and arrive at Sayram Lake.
Afternoon:Drive or cycle around the lake and overlook the Guozigou Bridge in the distance.
Evening:Check into a four-diamond hotel in Jinghe County.
Day 9:Jinghe → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Urumqi
Morning:Visit the Dushanzi Grand Canyon and experience the glass walkway.
Afternoon:Return to Urumqi and transfer to the airport based on your flight schedule.
III. Pricing Explanation: Transparent Consumption, No Hidden Tricks
(Price ranges are based on the latest 2026 market data and may fluctuate with schedules. The contract shall prevail.)
Budget Large Group (20-25 people):Approximately 4,500-5,200 yuan per person
Includes:Vehicle usage fees, fuel costs, toll fees, driver labor fees, basic insurance, accommodation (budget hotels or homestays), and admission tickets.

(I) S21 Desert Highway: The “Golden Corridor” Through Time and SpaceExcludes:Meals, personal expenses, and optional activities like horseback riding.
Quality Small Group (4-8 people):Approximately 5,300-6,500 yuan per person
Upgraded Services:7-seat business vehicle, comfortable hotels, some meals included, and professional tour guide explanations.
High-End Customized Group (2-4 people):Approximately 6,800-8,000 yuan per person
Special Services:Luxury business vehicle, four-diamond hotels, all meals included, drone aerial photography, and exclusive itinerary customization.
IV. Registration Method: Online Consultation for an Effortless Northern Xinjiang Journey
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for information on schedule availability, cost breakdowns, and itinerary details.
V. Fee Explanation and Service Description: Clear Consumption, Worry-Free Travel
Fees Include:
Vehicle:Vehicles meeting tourism operation qualifications with certified drivers.
Accommodation:Budget to four-diamond hotels based on different group types.
Admission Tickets:First entrance tickets to scenic areas like Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake.
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance and vehicle seat insurance.

As Xinjiang’s first desert expressway, the S21 Aru Expressway spans 342 kilometers and became the “golden route” connecting Urumqi and Altay after its full opening in 2021. In 2026, this highway will amaze visitors with its “one district, one scenic view” design:Fees Exclude:
Meals:40-80 yuan per meal in urban areas and 90-160 yuan per meal near scenic areas.
Personal Expenses:Optional activities like horseback riding and UTV racing.
：Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms whenever possible. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Service Commitments:
Consumption-Free Itinerary Experience:No arranged shopping or hidden consumption throughout the trip.
Flexible Changes:In case of extreme weather or force majeure, reasonable itinerary changes can be made upon mutual agreement.
Emergency Support:8 service stations across Xinjiang with 24-hour rescue response.
VI. Travel Tips: Make Your Northern Xinjiang Journey Even Better
Document Preparation:Bring valid identification. Students/senior travelers should carry preferential certificates.
Clothing and Gear:Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night. Bring windproof and warm outerwear, comfortable hiking shoes, and sun protection items.
Reservation Tips:Scenic areas like Kanas and Hemu require advance reservations through the “One Phone for Traveling in Xinjiang” platform.
Photography Advice:The S21 Highway offers excellent light and shadow effects for photography in the afternoon. Bring a wide-angle lens for Sayram Lake.
Eco-Friendly Travel:Do not litter in scenic areas and respect the cultural customs of various ethnic groups.
(The prices, schedules, and other information in the text may change with market conditions. The specifics shall be subject to actual consultation and contracting. Choose Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency for a professional team to plan a worry-free, comfortable, and reassuring Northern Xinjiang journey for you!)

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