Price of Xinjiang Special Train in the South of the Great River 2026 Kanas + Yili Itinerary Guide Recommended Route Cost and Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
Galaxy Train Departs! 2026 In-depth Tour of Kanas + Yili in Xinjiang: A Complete Guide
【Itinerary Highlights:Traversing the Four Seasons Poetry of Northern Xinjiang】
✦ Kanas Lake:The ‘Oriental Switzerland’ in Morning Mist
In the morning, Kanas Lake is shrouded in a thin mist, where the smoke from the Tuwa people’s wooden houses intertwines with the steam rising from the lake, creating a picturesque ink painting. Visitors can take a boat to the heart of the lake (reference price: 120 yuan/person, subject to scenic area notice) to closely observe the birthplace of the legend of the ‘lake monster’—the color-changing lake that reaches a depth of 188 meters. The Fish-Viewing Pavilion by the lakeside is an excellent spot for capturing morning mist photos, requiring a hike of 1,068 steps to reach the summit.
✦ Hemu Village:The Fairy-Tale Wooden Houses of the Tuwa People
This primitive village surrounded by birch forests preserves the traditional lifestyles of various ethnic groups. Visitors can participate in a ‘Tuwa Home Visit’ (reference price: 100 yuan/person), taste freshly squeezed milk wine, learn to make the ‘Sudi’ musical instrument, and spend the night in a wooden cabin, gazing up at the starry银河 (Milky Way) sky.
✦ Nalati Grassland:Summer Pastoral Song of the Sky Grassland
As one of the four major grasslands in Xinjiang, Nalati is renowned for its ‘three-dimensional grassland’ landscape. From June to August, wildflowers blanket the grassland, and local Kazak herders move their flocks. Visitors can experience horseback riding across the Kongnaisi River (reference price: 200 yuan/hour) or take a shuttle bus to the summit of the nomadic homestead at an altitude of 2,200 meters to overlook the boundary between spruce forests and grasslands.
✦ Sayram Lake:The Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic
This alpine lake is famous for its ‘Sayram Blue,’ with a 90-kilometer circular road featuring 13 scenic viewpoints. It is recommended to stop at ‘Songshu Head,’ where a 20-minute hike to the summit offers a panoramic view of both the lake and the Guozigou Bridge. In summer, golden lotuses and wild poppies bloom along the lakeside, making it a paradise for photographers.
【Simple Itinerary:12-Day Panoramic Loop of Northern and Southern Xinjiang】
Days 1-2:Gathering in Urumqi
Galaxy Train Departs! 2026 In-depth Tour of Kanas + Yili in Xinjiang: A Complete GuideAfter arrival, check into the hotel. Recommended free activities:
Xinjiang International Bazaar:Taste baked stuffed buns, hand-pulled rice, and purchase ethnic handicrafts
Xinjiang Museum:View the ‘Loulan Mummy’ and artifacts unearthed from the Niya Site
Days 3-4:Natural Feast in Northern Xinjiang
Urumqi → Beitun (overnight train)
Beitun → Kanas (5-hour drive):Visit the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Crouching Dragon Bay), ascend the Fish-Viewing Pavilion
Kanas → Hemu Village (2-hour drive):Stay in characteristic wooden houses and experience Tuwa culture
Days 5-6:Grasslands and Lakes in Western Xinjiang
Hemu → Burqin (4-hour drive):Tour the五彩滩 (Colorful Beach) Yardang landform
Burqin → Sayram Lake (8-hour drive):Cycle or drive around the lake, spend the night at a lakeside RV campground
Sayram Lake → Nalati (6-hour drive):Cross the Guozigou Bridge and tour the lavender farm (blooming season: June-July)
Days 7-8:Duku Highway and Southern Xinjiang Culture
【Itinerary Highlights: Traversing the Four Seasons Poetry of Northern Xinjiang】Nalati → Northern Section of Duku Highway (4-hour drive):Experience four seasons in one day, passing by the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery
Duku Highway → Kashgar (overnight train):Visit the Id Kah Mosque and watch the ancient city gate-opening ceremony
Days 9-10:Exploring the Pamir Plateau
Kashgar → Taxkorgan (6-hour drive):Obtain a permit and tour Baisha Lake and Muztagh Ata
Taxkorgan → Stone City:Visit villages of various ethnic groups and watch eagle dance performances
Days 11-12:Return Journey and Summary
Kashgar → Urumqi (overnight train):Summarize the itinerary and purchase specialties
Urumqi Return:Airport transfer based on flight schedule
【Price Description:Multiple Room Types to Meet Different Needs】
In 2026, the Tianshan No. Special Train will offer four room type systems, with reference price ranges as follows (subject to the final contract):
▶ Blue Diamond Series (High Cost-Performance)
4-person Upper Bunk:16,999 yuan/person
4-person Lower Bunk:17,999 yuan/person
✦ Kanas Lake: The ‘Oriental Switzerland’ in Morning Mist2-person Room:24,999 yuan/person
▶ Silver Diamond Series (Comfortable Experience)
2-person Room:25,888 yuan/person
4-person Room:17,888 yuan/person
Presidential Suite (with en-suite bathroom):42,888 yuan/person
▶ Executive Series (Exclusive Services)
2-person Room:26,888 yuan/person (equipped with smart toilet, thermostatic shower)
▶ Children’s Policy
Under 1.2 meters: 13,980 yuan/person (excluding bunk and tickets)
1.2-1.5 meters: 80% of adult price (bunk supplement required)
【Registration Method:Customized Services by Professional Team】
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide the following services:
In the morning, Kanas Lake is shrouded in a thin mist, where the smoke from the Tuwa people’s wooden houses intertwines with the steam rising from the lake, creating a picturesque ink painting. Visitors can take a boat to the heart of the lake (reference price: 120 yuan/person, subject to scenic area notice) to closely observe the birthplace of the legend of the ‘lake monster’—the color-changing lake that reaches a depth of 188 meters. The Fish-Viewing Pavilion by the lakeside is an excellent spot for capturing morning mist photos, requiring a hike of 1,068 steps to reach the summit.① Recommend suitable room types based on the number of travelers and budget
② Assist with permit applications and scenic area ticket reservations
③ Provide guides on Xinjiang’s climate, clothing, and high-altitude response
④ Coordinate special train stop transfer services
【Fee Description and Service Standards】
◉ Included Fees:
Transportation:Urumqi round-trip special train sleeper + ground bus
Accommodation:10 nights in hotels/characteristic homestays (including breakfast)
Meals:17 main meals (8 dishes, 1 soup standard)
Tickets:First entrance tickets to Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati, etc.
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance + travel accident insurance
◉ Self-Paid Items:
✦ Hemu Village: The Fairy-Tale Wooden Houses of the Tuwa PeopleConsumption within the scenic area, such as Kanas boat rides and Tuwa home visits
Duku Highway car rental fees (if choosing self-drive sections)
Personal expenses and entertainment outside the itinerary
◉ Service Description:
Each tour group is equipped with 1 full-time tour guide + 1 local guide
The special train has a medical room equipped with common medications and oxygen equipment
Daily provision of mineral water and fruit
Subject to actual consultation and contracting
【Pre-Trip Tips】
① Document Preparation:Valid ID, senior citizen/student ID (discount certificates), permit (processed in Kashgar)
② Clothing Suggestions:From June to August, bring a windbreaker (large temperature difference in mountainous areas), sun protection clothing, and comfortable hiking shoes
③ Photography Equipment:Drones must be reported in advance; Sayram Lake and Kanas are restricted flight zones
④ High-Altitude Response:The Pamir Plateau is over 3,000 meters above sea level; it is recommended to prepare Rhodiola in advance
From the morning mist of Kanas Lake to the starry sky of the Pamir Plateau, this 12-day loop journey will take you through 80% of Xinjiang’s 5A-rated scenic areas. Customer service manager Zhang Jing from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency reminds:June to September 2026 is the peak tourist season; it is recommended to secure seats 45 days in advance. Double occupancy registrations will be prioritized for lower bunks. Let’s collect the four seasons and humanities of this land with the most leisurely posture!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
