Xinjiang Tourism Special Train Duku Highway Route Crossing the Tianshan Mountains + 2026 Latest Quotation Essentials Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation
Journey to the Secret Realm of Tianshan Mountains:In-Depth Analysis of the 2026 Xinjiang Tourism Special Train on the Duku Highway Route✨
[Route Highlights:A Single Road Connecting Four Seasons of Wonders]
The Duku Highway, a “phenomenal” scenic avenue in Xinjiang tourism, will undergo a major upgrade in 2026. This 561-kilometer-long “backbone of the Tianshan Mountains” starts from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north and ends in Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south, traversing the Tianshan Mountain Range. Its uniqueness lies in:
⛰ ️Geological Museum:Along the route, you can witness five geological features—canyons, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and deserts—all in one frame, earning it the nickname “Mobile Classroom of Geological Textbooks” among self-drive enthusiasts.
Limited Access Period:Open from June 1st to September 30th each year. In 2026, a policy of “daytime passage, nighttime construction” will be implemented. The section from Wusu Post to Kuruli on the G217 line will be open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with flexible extension to 9:00 PM from Kuruli to the Nalati entrance.
New Reservation Rules:Starting from June 25th, the northern section (from Wusu Post to Nalati entrance) will require reservations, which can be made in advance through platforms such as “Visit Xinjiang with One Code”.
[2026 Exclusive Itinerary:An Excellent Combination of Special Train and Highway]
The Xinjiang Tourism Special Train introduces the “Tianshan” themed train, operating on an “overnight departure, morning arrival” schedule to seamlessly connect long-distance travel with in-depth exploration. Here is the classic 8-day itinerary:
Day 1-2:Departure and First Impressions
Board the special train from Urumqi Station. The soft sleeper cabins are equipped with charging ports and reading lights, while the dining car offers specialties such as roasted stuffed buns and pilaf. Arrive at Kuitun Station early the next morning and transfer to a tourist bus to visit the Dushanzi Grand Canyon and admire its hundred-million-year-old geological wonders.
Day 3:Crossing the Northern Section of Duku Highway
Journey to the Secret Realm of Tianshan Mountains: In-Depth Analysis of the 2026 Xinjiang Tourism Special Train on the Duku Highway Route✨Core Experience:Ascend the Hashilegen Daban at an altitude of 3,400 meters and touch the summer snow.
Special Arrangement:Lay flowers at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery to honor the 168 road construction heroes.
Accommodation Upgrade:Stay in a characteristic homestay in Nalati Town and capture the grassland starry sky in the evening.
Day 4:Pastoral Symphony on the Grassland
Spend a full day exploring the Nalati空中 (Nalati Aerial) Grassland in depth, with optional horseback riding (approximately 80 yuan/hour).
Special Discovery:In June and July, wildflowers blanket the fields, providing an excellent backdrop for “Flower Sea with Grazing Cattle” themed photos.
Transportation Highlight:Travel by private car through the Gongnaisi River Valley, accompanied by snow-capped spruce trees and streams along the way.
Day 5:Wonders of Twin Lakes
Arrive at the Bayinbuluk Grassland in the morning and wait for the sunset at the Nine-Curve Eighteen-Bend (optimal shooting time from 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM).
Special Tip:The grassland experiences significant temperature variations between day and night, so bring a windproof jacket.
Accommodation Experience:Stay at the Feichi Bayin Self-Drive Camp and experience the yurt culture of various ethnic groups.
[Route Highlights: A Single Road Connecting Four Seasons of Wonders]Day 6:Initial Exploration of Southern Xinjiang
Cross the Tielimaiti Daban to enter Southern Xinjiang, passing by the Large and Small Dragon Pools along the way.
Key Attractions:Hike 1.5 kilometers through the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon and feel the “Symphony of Red Cliffs”.
Transportation Upgrade:Private cars are equipped with oxygen-making devices to cope with altitude changes.
Day 7:Cultural Immersion
Visit the Kuqa Royal Palace to learn about the culture.
Special Experience:Attend the evening prayer at the Kuqa Grand Mosque and listen to traditional music from various ethnic groups.
Gourmet Night:Sample Southern Xinjiang specialties such as roasted pigeon and tandoori meat at the night market.
Day 8:Return Journey
Take the special train back to Urumqi and hold a “Memories of Tianshan” sharing session along the way.
Special Service:An onboard photographer will create a travel souvenir album for you.
[Pricing System:Transparent Consumption with No Hidden Tricks]
The Duku Highway, a “phenomenal” scenic avenue in Xinjiang tourism, will undergo a major upgrade in 2026. This 561-kilometer-long “backbone of the Tianshan Mountains” starts from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north and ends in Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south, traversing the Tianshan Mountain Range. Its uniqueness lies in:The 2026 special train products are divided into three tiers:
Comfort Type:Starting from 6,880 yuan/person (includes special train soft sleeper, local tourist bus, and budget hotels)
Quality Type:Starting from 8,580 yuan/person (upgrade to four-star hotels and add grassland horseback riding experience)
Premium Type:Starting from 11,880 yuan/person (full five-star hotel accommodation with a professional photography guide)
Fees Include:
Transportation:Special train soft sleeper + local tourist bus
Accommodation:7 nights of accommodation (including characteristic homestays)
Meals:7 breakfasts + 12 main meals (including 4 special meals)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary
Services:Professional tour guide + on-site doctor + travel accident insurance
Important Reminders:
⛰️Geological Museum: Along the route, you can witness five geological features—canyons, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and deserts—all in one frame, earning it the nickname “Mobile Classroom of Geological Textbooks” among self-drive enthusiasts.Prices may fluctuate based on the departure date and are subject to contract confirmation.
July and August are peak seasons, so it is advisable to book 30 days in advance.
The special train will depart with a minimum of 30 passengers. If the number is insufficient, the departure date will be adjusted through negotiation.
[Registration Guide:Professional Services with Guarantees]
You can register through the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which holds a travel agency business operation license issued by the national culture and tourism department and provides three major guarantees:
Contract Guarantee:Sign a national tourism-supervised electronic contract to clarify itinerary details.
Vehicle Guarantee:Use regular tourist transport vehicles that undergo regular maintenance and are fully insured.
Personnel Guarantee:Drivers have an average of over 5 years of mountain driving experience, and tour guides are certified.
[Service Upgrades:Details Reflect Quality]
Emergency Services:The vehicle is equipped with an AED automated external defibrillator and a blood oxygen meter.
Special Care:Provide convenience items such as reading glasses and magnifying glasses for elderly tourists.
Limited Access Period: Open from June 1st to September 30th each year. In 2026, a policy of “daytime passage, nighttime construction” will be implemented. The section from Wusu Post to Kuruli on the G217 line will be open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with flexible extension to 9:00 PM from Kuruli to the Nalati entrance.Photography Support:Professional photographers will assist with shooting in scenic sections daily.
Meal Customization:Special dietary needs such as vegetarian meals can be declared in advance.
[Precautions:Rational Travel for Greater Enjoyment]
Document Preparation:Bring valid identification documents, and children need their household registration books.
Clothing Recommendations:Adopt the “three-layer dressing method” and bring a windproof jacket and quick-drying clothes.
Medication Preparation:It is advisable to bring cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, and motion sickness medicine.
Environmental Protection Initiative:Please do not litter in grasslands, canyons, and other areas.
[Contact Information]
For specific departure dates, availability, or customized itineraries, please consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Staff will provide personalized plans based on your needs, including:
Family-Friendly Tours:Add grassland family activities and science explanations.
Photography-Themed Tours:Arrange shooting during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
Senior-Friendly Slow Tours:Adjust the itinerary pace and increase rest time.
This scenic avenue connecting the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains not only showcases a concentration of geological wonders but also bears witness to the wisdom and courage of various ethnic groups. As the special train slowly passes through the Daban tunnels, as the morning mist on the grassland embraces the snow-capped mountains, and as the sunset in the canyon gilds the mountain slopes, you will deeply understand the truth that “you cannot truly appreciate the vastness of China without visiting Xinjiang, and you cannot truly appreciate the beauty of Xinjiang without traveling the Duku Highway.” The 2026 journey to the Tianshan Mountains awaits to write a new chapter with you.
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation
