Xinjiang Special Train Yili Nalati Route Quotation Sayram Lake + 2026 Price Guide Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.
In-Depth Analysis of the Xinjiang Special Train Ili Nalati Route:Sayram Lake + Grassland Scenery 2026 Travel Guide
[Route Highlights:A Moving Scenic Corridor]
The 2026 newly upgraded Ili Nalati route of Xinjiang’s tourism special train ‘Anyi Hao’ focuses on ‘slow travel and in-depth experience,’ connecting the dual landscapes of northern Xinjiang’s lakes and southern Xinjiang’s grasslands. The route covers core scenic spots such as Urumqi, Yining, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Kalajun Grassland. Exclusive projects include a Sayram Lake circumnavigation tour, horseback riding on Nalati Grassland, and folk home visits with various ethnic groups. The train features all-sleeper cabins, saving time with night travel and allowing for in-depth daytime exploration at stops, avoiding the fatigue of long-distance driving.
I. In-Depth Interpretation of Core Attractions
Sayram Lake:The Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic
As Xinjiang’s highest-altitude and largest alpine lake, Sayram Lake is renowned for its ‘blue.’ In 2026, the scenic area implements a timed reservation system with a daily limit of 8,000 visitors. Tickets must be purchased 3 days in advance via the ‘Visit Xinjiang One-Code Travel’ platform. The 92-km circum-lake road features 6 observation decks:
Jinhua Zihui (Golden Flower Purple Flower):Wildflowers bloom by the lake in June-July, ideal for capturing flower fields and lake views together.
Kele Yongzhu (Kele Sparkling Pearl):Swan habitat; capture reflections at dawn.
Songshu Tou (Pine Tree Head):Ascend for panoramic lake views and the Guozigou Bridge.
In summer 2026, admission is 70 RMB/person. Self-drive package (including vehicle service fee) is 145 RMB/vehicle. A 48-hour pass (190 RMB/person) is recommended for in-depth exploration.
Nalati Grassland:A Stereoscopic Tapestry of Air Grasslands
The scenic area is divided into three zones: Air Grassland, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley Road. A new ‘Snow Lotus Valley’ in-depth tour route is added in 2026. Self-drive visitors must purchase a 48-hour valid ticket (300 RMB/person). Recommended experiences:
In-Depth Analysis of the Xinjiang Special Train Ili Nalati Route: Sayram Lake + Grassland Scenery 2026 Travel GuideNomadic Family:Horseback riding through Snow Lotus Valley (200 RMB/2 hours).
Starry Sky Camp:Summer Milky Way observation (RV accommodation: 800 RMB/night).
Ethnic Home Visits:Taste Baersak and Kumis (50 RMB/person).
Kalajun Grassland:The Curvilinear Beauty of a World Natural Heritage Site
Divided into the Kokesu Grand Canyon and Kalajun main scenic area, shuttle buses allow visitors to avoid hiking fatigue. Recommended photography spots:
Human Body Grassland:Backlit grassland wave patterns at dusk.
Crocodile Bay:S-shaped river bend in the canyon.
II. 2026 16-Day Panoramic Itinerary Reference
(Based on Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency’s latest schedule)
Days 1-2:Lanzhou/Chengdu → Urumqi
Upon arrival, acclimate to the climate. Recommended: visit the International Bazaar for secret roast (架子肉 98 RMB/kg).
Day 3:Urumqi → Heavenly Lake → Beitun
[Route Highlights: A Moving Scenic Corridor]Visit Heavenly Lake, then take the special train to Beitun, enjoying views of the Junggar Basin en route.
Day 4:Beitun → Burqin → Hemu Village
Experience Tuwa wooden houses in Hemu Village and photograph the primitive village in morning mist.
Day 5:Kanas Lake (including boat tour) → Jiadengyu
Cruise Kanas’ Three Bays; head to Jiadengyu for accommodation in the evening.
Day 6:Jiadengyu → Colorful Beach → Beitun
Photograph the yardang landforms and Irtysh River at Colorful Beach; return via special train.
Day 7:Sayram Lake Circumnavigation → Yining
After the lake tour, proceed to Yining. Recommended: night tour of the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area.
Day 8:Yining → Nalati Grassland → Bayin Town
Horseback ride on Nalati’s Air Grassland; traverse the southern section of the Duku Highway in the evening.
Day 9:Bayin Town → Secret Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains → Kuqa
Explore the canyon’s geological wonders; take the special train to Kashgar in the evening.
The 2026 newly upgraded Ili Nalati route of Xinjiang’s tourism special train ‘Anyi Hao’ focuses on ‘slow travel and in-depth experience,’ connecting the dual landscapes of northern Xinjiang’s lakes and southern Xinjiang’s grasslands. The route covers core scenic spots such as Urumqi, Yining, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Kalajun Grassland. Exclusive projects include a Sayram Lake circumnavigation tour, horseback riding on Nalati Grassland, and folk home visits with various ethnic groups. The train features all-sleeper cabins, saving time with night travel and allowing for in-depth daytime exploration at stops, avoiding the fatigue of long-distance driving.Days 10-11:Kashgar → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan County
Photograph Karakul Lake at the foot of Muztagh Ata; visit the Stone City ruins.
Day 12:Kashgar Old Town → High Platform Residences → Turpan
Experience ethnic handicrafts; take the special train to Turpan in the evening.
Days 13-14:Turpan → Grape Valley → Flaming Mountains → Return
Visit karez aqueducts, taste seedless white grapes, and depart for Lanzhou/Chengdu.
III. 2026 Pricing System Explanation
(Based on Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency’s May 20 inaugural schedule)
Room Types and Price Ranges:
LeXiang GuiGe (Economy Quad):Upper bunk: 8,480 RMB/person | Lower bunk: 9,280 RMB/person
Xiongmao GuiGe (Standard Quad):Upper bunk: 15,980 RMB/person | Lower bunk: 16,980 RMB/person
Xiongmao YaShe (Deluxe Quad):Upper bunk: 26,980 RMB/person | Lower bunk: 27,980 RMB/person
I. In-Depth Interpretation of Core AttractionsXiongmao YueFu (Deluxe Double):59,980 RMB/person
Price Includes:
Special train sleeper fee, first-entry scenic tickets, all meals (including special welcome dinner), guide services.
Price Fluctuation Notes:
Prices increase by 10%-20% during peak season (June-September); decrease by 15% for schedules after September 16.
Child Policy:Free admission for children under 1.2m; 600 RMB/person discount for no bed.
IV. Registration and Service Details
Registration Methods:
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing provides itinerary consultations.
Payment Instructions:
Pay a 500 RMB/person deposit; settle the balance 7 days before departure.
Prices and availability are subject to contract confirmation and may fluctuate by schedule.
Sayram Lake: The Last Tear Drop of the AtlanticService Standards:
Groups form with 6 people, capped at 15. Each vehicle is equipped with a first aid kit and car charging ports.
Provides a 24-hour rescue hotline and green channel access at partner hospitals.
Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms; special cases require negotiation for room difference supplements.
V. 2026 Travel Tips
Document Preparation:Valid identification, driver’s license (for self-drive travelers).
Clothing Recommendations:Bring a windbreaker for June-August; down jackets required for other seasons.
Photography Equipment:Drones must be registered at Sayram Lake, Nalati, and other locations.
Special Reminders:
Taxkorgan County averages 4,000m elevation; prepare anti-altitude sickness medication in advance.
The Duku Highway is open daily from 9:00-20:00.
Respect local customs in ethnic minority areas; avoid photographing people without permission.
[Itinerary Advantages Summary]
Optimized through 12 on-site inspections by a professional team, the 2026 route adds 3 new secret scenic spots. Accommodations are upgraded to characteristic homestays within scenic areas, reducing daily travel time. Value-added services include complimentary airport transfers, daily fruit supplies, photography follow-shots (9 selected and retouched photos), enhancing the overall experience. Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Prices and availability are subject to contract confirmation and may fluctuate by schedule. This summer, let’s measure the grandeur of the Ili River Valley with our wheels and capture the azure of Sayram Lake with our lenses!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.
