2026XinjiangCarpoolingYiliRoute DetailedExpensesforCarpoolingtoSayramLakeandNalati RecommendedRouteCostsandPrices

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quote.

Explore Yili:2026 Sayram Lake + Nalati Carpooling In-Depth Experience Guide✨
[Route Highlights:A Double Feast of Nature and Culture]
The Yili River Valley is renowned as “China’s Most Beautiful Summer.” The newly upgraded 2026 carpooling route connects two core attractions:Sayram Lake, known as “the Last Tear of the Atlantic,” and Nalati Grassland, the “Hanging Garden.” The itinerary is specially designed to avoid peak times of regular tour groups, allowing you to enjoy the sunrise over Sayram Lake in the early morning and delve deep into the heart of Nalati Grassland in the evening, complemented by off-the-beaten-path spots like Huocheng Lavender Field and Kalajun Three-Dimensional Grassland, meeting the dual needs of photography enthusiasts and nature explorers.
I. Detailed Route Introduction
Sayram Lake:24-hour open scenic area
Currently operates in a dual mode of “self-driving around the lake + shuttle bus.” Carpooling teams can choose flexibly. In 2026, a new “Starry Sky Camp” accommodation option will be added, allowing tourists to observe the Milky Way at night and capture reflections of the deserted lake in the early morning. Drones are prohibited within the scenic area, but self-driving around the lake from the East Gate to the South Gate is allowed (vehicle pass must be reserved in advance).
Nalati Grassland:Ticket validity extended to 48 hours
After the policy change in 2026, tourists can visit the Hanging Grassland and River Valley Grassland over two days. Core experiences include:
Hanging Grassland:Check in at the popular “Nomadic Family” wooden bridge, surrounded by wildflowers in June and traditional sheep-snatching performances by various ethnic groups in July.
River Valley Grassland:Explore the Grassland Stone Man Site, participate in a Kazak home visit, and taste freshly brewed kumis (reservation required in advance).
In-Depth Experience Points:

Explore Yili: 2026 Sayram Lake + Nalati Carpooling In-Depth Experience Guide✨Huocheng Lavender Manor:Peak bloom from mid-June to early July, with carpooling teams allowed a 1-hour stop to photograph the purple sea of flowers.
Kalajun Grassland:New “Human Body Grassland” photography专线 (special photography route) with a daily limit of 200 people. Carpooling teams can prioritize booking the dusk session.
Guozigou Bridge:Cross Xinjiang’s tallest bridge, overlooking the canyon scenery, while the team leader explains the stories behind the bridge’s construction.
II. Simple Itinerary Reference (6 Days, 5 Nights)
Day 1:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (approx. 550 km, 7 hours)
Highlights:Head straight to the Jinhua Zihui Viewing Platform upon arrival in the evening to capture the sunset glow over Sayram Lake.
Accommodation:Starry Sky Camp inside the scenic area (breakfast included)
Day 2:In-Depth Tour of Sayram Lake → Huocheng Lavender → Yining (approx. 200 km, 4 hours)
Highlights:Capture the morning mist over the lake in the early morning, drive around the lake to the South Gate, then proceed to Huocheng for afternoon photography of the lavender fields.
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in Yining City (breakfast included)
Day 3:Yining → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes Bagua City (approx. 180 km, 3.5 hours)
Highlights:Visit Kalajun’s “Flower Terrace” in the morning and ascend the Bagua City viewing platform in the afternoon to capture the city’s panoramic view.

[Route Highlights: A Double Feast of Nature and Culture]Accommodation:Boutique homestay in Tekes (breakfast included)
Day 4:Tekes → Qiongkushtai Ancient Village → Nalati Town (approx. 220 km, 5 hours)
Highlights:Traverse the Wusun Ancient Road, explore the primitive villages of various ethnic groups, and arrive in Nalati Town in the evening.
Accommodation:Characteristic homestay in Nalati Town (breakfast included)
Day 5:Full-Day Tour of Nalati Grassland
Highlights:Self-drive in the Hanging Grassland in the morning, hike in the River Valley Grassland in the afternoon, and participate in the grassland bonfire party in the evening (seasonal activity).
Accommodation:Same as above in Nalati Town
Day 6:Nalati → Northern Section of Duku Highway → Urumqi (approx. 480 km, 8 hours)
Highlights:Traverse the Duku Highway (open in June), stop at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery along the way, and arrive in Urumqi in the evening.
III. Fee Explanation (Reference Range)
Basic Carpooling Fee:2980-3680 yuan/person
Includes:

The Yili River Valley is renowned as “China’s Most Beautiful Summer.” The newly upgraded 2026 carpooling route connects two core attractions: Sayram Lake, known as “the Last Tear of the Atlantic,” and Nalati Grassland, the “Hanging Garden.” The itinerary is specially designed to avoid peak times of regular tour groups, allowing you to enjoy the sunrise over Sayram Lake in the early morning and delve deep into the heart of Nalati Grassland in the evening, complemented by off-the-beaten-path spots like Huocheng Lavender Field and Kalajun Three-Dimensional Grassland, meeting the dual needs of photography enthusiasts and nature explorers.Transportation in a 5-seater SUV or 7-seater commercial vehicle (including fuel and toll fees)
Driver’s service fee and basic insurance
5 nights of accommodation (budget homestay/hotel, upgradeable)
First entrance tickets to scenic areas (Sayram Lake, Nalati, Kalajun)
Excludes:
Shuttle bus fees (Nalati 60-100 yuan/route, Kalajun 40 yuan)
Meal fees (AA system, average 50-80 yuan/day)
Personal expenses and optional items (such as horse riding, travel photography)
Special Reminder:
June 2026 is the peak tourist season in Yili, and fees may increase by 10%-15%, subject to the signed contract.
Single travelers will be coordinated for shared accommodation as much as possible. An additional room supplement of 800-1200 yuan is required for separate accommodation.
IV. Registration Method

I. Detailed Route IntroductionYou can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for information on departure dates, available spots, and promotional activities. The team can depart with a minimum of 6 people, and custom itineraries for small groups are supported.
V. Service Guarantees and Precautions
Service Standards:
All vehicles possess tourism operation qualifications, and drivers hold professional qualifications.
Sign a tourism contract supervised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, clarifying fee details and liability clauses.
Provide 24-hour emergency response and coordinate vehicle changes or itinerary modifications in case of emergencies.
Equipment Suggestions:
Clothing:There is a large temperature difference between day and night in Yili in June, so bring a windbreaker, sun protection clothing, and comfortable hiking shoes.
Photography:A wide-angle lens is recommended for Sayram Lake, and a telephoto lens can be prepared for Nalati Grassland to capture naturally occurring animals.
Medications:Bring cold medicine, motion sickness medicine, and gastrointestinal medicine, as medical resources are limited in grassland areas.
Policy Reminders:
Scenic Area Reservations:A self-driving pass for Sayram Lake must be applied for 3 days in advance on the “Visit Xinjiang” platform.

Sayram Lake: 24-hour open scenic areaTraffic Restrictions:The Duku Highway is recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer, with a daily limit of 3000 vehicles.
Environmental Requirements:Plastic products are prohibited from being brought into Kalajun Grassland, so bring your own environmental protection bags.
VI. Authentic Experience Feedback
Evaluation from Ms. Li from Shanghai:“The carpooling team leader was both the driver and the photographer, teaching us how to avoid crowds when photographing the sunrise over Sayram Lake. The afternoon tea arrangement on Nalati Grassland was so thoughtful, and the feeling of eating fruit facing the snow-capped mountains is unforgettable!”
VII. Frequently Asked Questions
Q:How to choose between carpooling and custom vehicle rental?
A:For 2 people traveling, carpooling is recommended for its lower per capita cost and social fun; for 4 or more people, custom vehicle rental is recommended for a more flexible itinerary.
Q:What to do in case of weather changes?
A:Both parties can协商 (negotiate) to change the itinerary order. For rainy days, indoor attractions (such as the Tekes Museum) will be prioritized.
Q:Child fee standards?
A:Children under 6 are exempt from entrance tickets, children aged 6-12 receive a half-price discount, and shuttle bus fees are the same as adults. Specific policies are subject to scenic area regulations.
[Itinerary Summary]
This newly upgraded 2026 Yili carpooling route, centered around “small teams, in-depth experiences, and a slow pace,” covers both classic attractions and off-the-beaten-path secrets. Through the professional arrangements of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, tourists can enjoy a worry-free journey from the azure blue of Sayram Lake to the emerald green of Nalati Grassland, experiencing the ultimate romance of Xinjiang’s summer. Specific itinerary details and fees are subject to actual consultation and signing. Welcome to call and start your Yili journey!

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quote.