Xinjiang Travel Carpooling 7 Day Tour of Ili Price Full Guide to Nalati and Sayram Lakes Recommended Itinerary Costs and Prices

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send the itinerary and quotation.

Starred✨ Explore the Grasslands and Lakes of Yili:Comprehensive Guide to a 7-Day Self-Drive Deep Tour of Yili, Xinjiang
I. Key Highlights of the Itinerary: A Double Feast of Nature and Culture
The Yili River Valley in Xinjiang is renowned as the “Jiangnan north of the Great Wall” and will welcome an excellent travel season in the summer of 2026. This 7-day self-drive itinerary connects four core attractions: Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Kalajun Grassland, and Huocheng Lavender, offering a blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences of various ethnic groups. The average daily driving time is kept within 3 hours, making it suitable for families, couples, and photography enthusiasts.
[Sayram Lake:The Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic]
As the highest-altitude and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, Sayram Lake is famous for its 12-meter transparency. In 2026, the scenic area will implement a timed reservation system, allowing visitors to self-drive around the lake (reservations must be made 3 days in advance on the “Smart Travel Xinjiang” platform) and visit core spots such as Moon Bay, Shuiqin Beach, and Dianjiang Platform. In summer, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, and in the evening, visitors can go to the Dianjiang Platform Starry Camp to observe the Milky Way with professional astronomical telescopes (equipment reservations required in advance).
[Nalati Grassland:A Relaxing Journey on the Air Grassland]
Nalati Grassland is divided into two major areas: the Air Grassland and the River Valley Grassland. In 2026, a new self-drive route, the Panlong Valley Road, will be introduced (limited to 300 vehicles per day). The Air Grassland features snow-capped mountains, flower fields, and spruce forests. It is recommended to take the shuttle bus to the Youmu Renjia Station and hike 2 kilometers to Xuelian Valley (nearly 3,000 meters above sea level), where visitors can get close to glaciers and alpine rhododendrons in summer. The River Valley Grassland is more suitable for family-friendly activities, with the Yitigense shallow wetland allowing visitors to wade and play in the water.
[Kalajun Grassland:A Photographer’s Paradise of the Human Body Grassland]
Kalajun is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. The folds of the Human Body Grassland are distinctly layered in the evening light, making it a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts. In 2026, the scenic area will offer a combined ticket for “Kuoksu Grand Canyon + Kalajun,” allowing visitors to take a boat tour of the canyon and then transfer to a shuttle bus to explore secret spots such as the Flower Terrace and the Falcon Terrace.
[Huocheng Lavender:A Purple Romance Limited to Summer]
Huocheng shares the same latitude (44°N) as Provence, France, and in 2026, the lavender blooming period will be extended to mid-July. The Jieyou Princess Farm and the Sigong Village area offer staggered photography services, and custom car drivers can assist in planning a “no-tourist-background” photography session within the first hour after sunrise, making it easy to capture high-quality photos.
II. Simple Itinerary Reference for 2026 (7 Days, 6 Nights)
[Day 1:Gathering in Yining · Initial Exploration of Urban Culture]

Starred✨ Explore the Grasslands and Lakes of Yili: Comprehensive Guide to a 7-Day Self-Drive Deep Tour of Yili, XinjiangMorning:After airport pickup, head to the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area, take a “horse-drawn carriage” to explore the old town of various ethnic groups, visit the handicrafts street, and taste the Gulandam Ice Cream (with over 20 toppings to choose from).
Afternoon:Visit the Alexander Accordion Museum on Liuxing Street (a new multimedia interactive exhibition area added in 2026) and check out the Liuba Lieba Bakery and the Roasted Baozi Shop.
Dinner:Hanren Street Bazaar, recommended dishes include roasted baozi, noodle lung, and kavas beverage.
Accommodation:Comfortable hotel in downtown Yining (breakfast included).
[Day 2:Sayram Lake · Creative Day Around the Lake]
08:00 Depart from Yining and pass by the Guozigou Bridge (on-board photography guidance provided).
10:30 Arrive at the East Gate of Sayram Lake and transfer to a scenic area shuttle bus or self-drive around the lake.
12:00 Picnic at Songshu Head (portable tables and chairs and Xinjiang specialty meals provided).
14:00-17:00 In-depth photography around the lake, with key stops at Jinhua Zihui, Xihai Grassland, and Kele Yongzhu Wetland.
19:00 Dinner at the Dianjiang Platform Starry Camp (optional roast whole lamb set meal) and nighttime observation of the Milky Way.
Accommodation:Lakeside characteristic homestay (double breakfast included).
[Day 3:Huocheng Lavender · Secret Realm of Guozigou]
09:00 Head to the Huocheng Lavender Farm to capture the golden hour within the first hour after sunrise.

I. Key Highlights of the Itinerary: A Double Feast of Nature and Culture12:00 Lunch in Qingshuihe Town (recommended: cold-water fish banquet).
14:00 On the way back to Yining, visit the ruins of the Guozigou Old Bridge and the hiking trail (newly renovated in 2026).
16:00 VR historical scene experience at Huiyuan Ancient City (new project added in 2026).
Accommodation:Hotel in downtown Yining.
[Day 4:Kalajun Grassland · Photography of the Human Body Grassland]
08:00 Depart for Kalajun (approximately 2.5-hour drive).
12:00 Boat tour of the Kuoksu Grand Canyon and photograph the Human Body Grassland in the light and shadow.
14:00-17:00 Hike on the Kalajun Grassland and explore the Flower Terrace and the Falcon Terrace.
19:00 Return to Tekes Bagua City and take a night stroll on Youjie Street.
Accommodation:Boutique hotel in Tekes County.
[Day 5:Nalati Grassland · Kazak Culture Day]
08:00 Depart for Nalati (approximately 3-hour drive).
12:30 Dine at the Youmu Renjia Restaurant and experience making baorsak.

The Yili River Valley in Xinjiang is renowned as the “Jiangnan north of the Great Wall” and will welcome an excellent travel season in the summer of 2026. This 7-day self-drive itinerary connects four core attractions: Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Kalajun Grassland, and Huocheng Lavender, offering a blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences of various ethnic groups. The average daily driving time is kept within 3 hours, making it suitable for families, couples, and photography enthusiasts.14:00-17:00 In-depth tour of the Air Grassland, with horse rental and local family visit appointments available.
19:00 Stop at the Qapqal Xibe Ethnic风情 Park on the way back to Yining.
Accommodation:Hotel in downtown Yining.
[Day 6:Northern Section of the Duku Highway · Hundred-Li Gallery]
08:00 Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway and visit the Hashilergen Daban Snow Wall (large patches of snow walls remain even in midsummer).
12:00 Picnic at the Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery and explore the Fairy Lake hiking trail.
16:00 Return to downtown Kuitun and check into a boutique hotel.
Accommodation:Hotel in downtown Kuitun.
[Day 7:Return from Yining · Free Activities]
Morning:Flexible arrangement based on flight time (complimentary tour of the Yili River Scenic Belt can be provided).
Afternoon:Airport transfer service.
III. Price Description for 2026 (Reference Range)
Basic Self-Drive Package (7-seater business vehicle, 4-6 people sharing):

[Sayram Lake: The Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic]Off-peak season (April-May, September-October):6,800-8,200 yuan/person
Peak season (June-August, holidays):9,200-11,800 yuan/person
[Fees Included]
Transportation:Full use of a 7-seater business vehicle, driver’s labor fees, fuel costs, and toll fees.
Accommodation:6 nights in comfortable hotels or characteristic homestays (breakfast included).
Admission Tickets:First entrance tickets to scenic areas such as Sayram Lake, Kalajun, Nalati, and Huocheng Lavender.
Meals:6 breakfasts + 3 special dinners (Songshu Head picnic, Dianjiang Platform roast whole lamb, Tangbula picnic).
Services:Driver-cum-guide services, portable oxygen cylinders, and basic photography equipment.
[Fees Not Included]
Shuttle bus and self-drive fees (e.g., 300 yuan/vehicle for self-drive in Nalati, 145 yuan/person for self-drive in Sayram Lake).
Personal expenses (e.g., horse riding, grass skiing, bonfire parties).
(Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms as much as possible; special cases require separate negotiation).
Prices are affected by factors such as vehicle type, accommodation standards, and travel dates; specifics are subject to the contract.

As the highest-altitude and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, Sayram Lake is famous for its 12-meter transparency. In 2026, the scenic area will implement a timed reservation system, allowing visitors to self-drive around the lake (reservations must be made 3 days in advance on the “Smart Travel Xinjiang” platform) and visit core spots such as Moon Bay, Shuiqin Beach, and Dianjiang Platform. In summer, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, and in the evening, visitors can go to the Dianjiang Platform Starry Camp to observe the Milky Way with professional astronomical telescopes (equipment reservations required in advance).IV. Registration Method
You can register through the Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for details about the itinerary and real-time availability.
V. Fee Description and Service Description
Contract Guarantee:All promises are included in the official cultural and tourism contract, with clear compensation standards for breaches.
Flexible Changes:Reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made by mutual agreement (in case of weather, road conditions, or policy changes).
No-Consumption Itinerary Experience:No arranged consumption throughout the entire itinerary, with a flexible pace and no rushing.
Emergency Services:A 24-hour emergency team will follow up, with quick responses to sudden high-altitude weather changes.
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing; prices and availability are subject to contract confirmation and may fluctuate based on travel dates.
VI. Travel Tips
Document Preparation:Bring valid identification; a border pass (free of charge) is required in advance for visits to the Khorgos Port.
Clothing Guide:From June to August, bring windproof jackets, short sleeves, and hard-shell jackets, as the temperature difference between day and night on the grassland exceeds 15°C.
Photography Equipment:It is recommended to bring a polarizing filter to eliminate lake surface reflections; drones must be registered at the Sayram Lake scenic area.
Respect Customs:Avoid treading on the grassland in Nalati; do not touch yurt decorations randomly during visits to local families.
This 7-day self-drive itinerary in Yili covers alpine lakes, three-dimensional grasslands, lavender fields, and the customs of various ethnic groups. Whether you are a photography enthusiast chasing light and shadow or a traveler seeking an in-depth experience, you can find your own summer memories on this land.

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send the itinerary and quotation.