2026XinjiangCarpoolingTravelGuide Nalati+BayinbulukCarpoolingCostBreakdown RecommendedRoutesPricing

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

✨ 【2026 In-Depth Carpooling Tour of Xinjiang:Nalati Grassland + Bayanbulak Grassland: A Complete Guide to the Hidden Gems of Dual Grasslands】✨
The grasslands of Xinjiang are like green velvet carpets spread across the earth, stages where the wind and clouds dance together. In the summer of 2026, if you want to avoid the crowds and experience the vastness of the grasslands in a freer way, carpooling is undoubtedly an excellent choice. This article will provide you with a practical guide, covering route features, itinerary planning, cost analysis, and registration methods, to help you embark on a spontaneous grassland journey.
I. Route Highlights: A Visual Feast of Dual Grasslands + the Duku Highway
【Nalati Grassland】🌿
As one of Xinjiang’s “Four Major Grasslands,” Nalati is renowned for its “Air Grassland.” Summer (June-August) is the prime viewing period, with wildflowers covering the grasslands, herds of cattle and sheep, and distant snow-capped mountains meeting the blue sky, forming a natural painting. The scenic area is divided into three routes: River Valley Grassland, Air Grassland, and Panlong Valley Road. Carpooling allows for flexible selection of stops, enabling you to disembark at any time to take photos and feel the poetic charm of “the wind blowing low, revealing cattle and sheep.”
【Bayanbulak Grassland】🦢
This is the filming location of “Pegasus” and is famous for the “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns” of the Kaidu River and Swan Lake. In the evening, the setting sun tints the river gold, creating the spectacular sight of nine suns reflected (weather permitting). The grassland also bears cultural imprints of the Tuerhute ethnic groups, and you can visit the Donggui Museum to learn about this epic migration history.
【Middle Section of the Duku Highway】🛣️
The 60-kilometer stretch connecting Nalati and Bayanbulak is the精华 (essence) section of the Duku Highway. Along the way, you pass through the Gongnaisi Forest Farm, densely covered with spruce trees and babbling streams, earning it the title of “China’s Most Beautiful Highway.” Carpooling allows for stops at any time to overlook the interweaving of canyons and grasslands from viewpoints, experiencing the awe of “seeing four seasons in a day and different skies every ten miles.”
II. Simple Itinerary: A 5-Day Classic Loop Reference
(Note:The following itinerary is a common arrangement for small carpooling groups. Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.)

✨【2026 In-Depth Carpooling Tour of Xinjiang: Nalati Grassland + Bayanbulak Grassland: A Complete Guide to the Hidden Gems of Dual Grasslands】✨【Day 1:Urumqi – Sayram Lake – Yining】
Morning:Depart from Urumqi and head west along the Lianhuo Expressway, enjoying the Gobi scenery of the Junggar Basin along the way.
Afternoon:Arrive at Sayram Lake, known as “the last tear of the Atlantic,” and drive around the lake (approximately 4 hours) to capture the scenic views of the lake and mountains.
Evening:Check into Yining City and savor local specialties such as roast whole lamb and hand-grabbed rice.
【Day 2:Yining – Kalajun Grassland – Tekes】
Morning:Head to the vast Kalajun Grassland and explore attractions such as the Flower Terrace and Falcon Terrace on foot or by horseback.
Afternoon:Tour Tekes Bagua City and ascend the Liji Street viewpoint to overlook the city layout.
Evening:Check into Tekes and experience homestays of various ethnic groups.
【Day 3:Tekes – Nalati Grassland】
All day:Explore Nalati in depth, recommending the Air Grassland route. Ascend the Tianjie Terrace for a panoramic view and experience the life of various ethnic groups at the nomadic homestead.
Evening:Check into Nalati Town and participate in a bonfire party (seasonal activity).
【Day 4:Nalati – Bayanbulak】

The grasslands of Xinjiang are like green velvet carpets spread across the earth, stages where the wind and clouds dance together. In the summer of 2026, if you want to avoid the crowds and experience the vastness of the grasslands in a freer way, carpooling is undoubtedly an excellent choice. This article will provide you with a practical guide, covering route features, itinerary planning, cost analysis, and registration methods, to help you embark on a spontaneous grassland journey.Morning:Travel south along the middle section of the Duku Highway, stopping at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery to pay respects to the road-building heroes.
Afternoon:Arrive in Bayanbulak, take the shuttle bus into the scenic area, and photograph the sunset over the “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns.”
Evening:Check into Bayanbulak Town and taste wild mushroom stewed chicken.
【Day 5:Bayanbulak – Urumqi】
Morning:Return to Urumqi, with a possible stop in Hejing County to purchase local specialties along the way.
Afternoon:Arrive in Urumqi and conclude the itinerary.
III. Cost Explanation: Transparent Consumption, No Hidden Traps
【Carpooling Cost Reference】 (2026 Market Prices)
Small Group Carpooling (4-6 people):Approximately 175-300 RMB per person per day (including car fare, driver service, and tolls)
Total 5-Day Carpooling Fee:Approximately 875-1500 RMB per person
Vehicle Options:
Comfort Type:7-seater Maxus G10, Ford Transit (average daily rate: 1200-1500 RMB)

I. Route Highlights: A Visual Feast of Dual Grasslands + the Duku HighwayHigh-End Type:Mercedes-Benz Vito, Buick GL8 (average daily rate: 1700-2300 RMB)
【Ticket and Shuttle Bus Fees】
Nalati Grassland:Admission: 95 RMB per person, Air Grassland shuttle bus: 40 RMB per person
Bayanbulak:Admission: 65 RMB per person, shuttle bus: 90 RMB per person
Kalajun Grassland:Admission: 140 RMB per person (including East and West Kalajun and the Kuokesu Grand Canyon)
Sayram Lake:Admission: 145 RMB per person (additional vehicle fee required for self-driving around the lake)
【Total Cost Range】
Economy Type:Carpooling + tickets + accommodation (budget hotels) ≈ 2500-3500 RMB per person
Comfort Type:Carpooling + tickets + accommodation (4-star hotels) ≈ 4000-5500 RMB per person
(Note:Costs exclude meals, personal expenses, and driver’s accommodation. Specifics are subject to the contract.)
IV. Registration Method: Professional Service, Full Protection
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which provides the following services:

【Nalati Grassland】🌿Vehicle Customization:Recommend suitable vehicles based on group size and budget
Itinerary Optimization:Adjust the sequence of attractions based on weather and road conditions
Contract Guarantee:Clarify cost inclusions and liability terms
Emergency Support:24-hour customer service response to unexpected situations
Consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, for the latest departure dates and availability information.
V. Service Standards and Precautions
【Service Standards】
Vehicles:Regular tourist transport vehicles equipped with basic insurance
Drivers:Licensed and familiar with Xinjiang’s road conditions and attractions
Accommodation:Default arrangement is double occupancy. Single travelers will be coordinated for room sharing whenever possible. A supplement may be required under special circumstances.
Consumption:No arranged consumption points or self-funded project recommendations throughout the journey
【Precautions】

As one of Xinjiang’s “Four Major Grasslands,” Nalati is renowned for its “Air Grassland.” Summer (June-August) is the prime viewing period, with wildflowers covering the grasslands, herds of cattle and sheep, and distant snow-capped mountains meeting the blue sky, forming a natural painting. The scenic area is divided into three routes: River Valley Grassland, Air Grassland, and Panlong Valley Road. Carpooling allows for flexible selection of stops, enabling you to disembark at any time to take photos and feel the poetic charm of “the wind blowing low, revealing cattle and sheep.”Documents:Carry valid identification and a driver’s license (if self-driving segments are involved)
Clothing:Large temperature variations between day and night on the grasslands require windbreakers and sun protection items
Environmental Protection:Do not litter randomly and respect the local ecology
Policies:Scenic area opening hours and ticket policies may change. Please refer to the latest notices.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is carpooling safe?
A:Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency selects regular vehicles, and all drivers undergo training. Travel insurance is purchased before the itinerary to protect tourists.
Q:Can the itinerary be customized?
A:Personalized changes are supported, such as adding attractions like the Xiata Ancient Road and Kazanqi Folk Village. Please communicate with the travel agency in advance.
Q:How are children charged?
A:Children under 1.2 meters are exempt from admission fees and receive a 50% discount on shuttle bus fares. Carpooling fees are charged at the adult standard (child seats are available for some vehicle models).
Conclusion:The Call of the Grasslands Awaits Your Answer
The grasslands of Xinjiang are poems written by the wind to the earth and paintings left by the clouds to the sky. In the summer of 2026, why not gather a few friends and traverse the Duku Highway by carpooling, embracing the double romance of Nalati and Bayanbulak? Let every turn bring surprises and every shutter click freeze eternity. Set off, for the vastness of the grasslands awaits your footsteps to measure!

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.