2026Yili Group Tour Recommendation 12 Day Full Guide to Northern and Southern Xinjiang Recommended Itinerary, Costs, and Prices
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
Summer Fairy Tale in the Ili River Valley:2026 12-Day In-Depth Exploration Guide to Northern and Southern Xinjiang
🌄 [Route Highlights:Symphony of Nature and Humanity]
The Ili River Valley in 2026 welcomes an excellent travel season. This 12-day loop through northern and southern Xinjiang connects over 20 core landscapes across four categories: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and canyons. From the azure mirror of Sayram Lake to the green waves of Nalati Grassland, from the四季 (four seasons) wonders of the Duku Highway to the human-like curves of Kalajun Grassland, the itinerary covers three major geographical units: the Ili River Valley, the Junggar Basin, and the Tarim Basin, with an average daily driving time of under 3 hours, suitable for travelers of all ages.
The itinerary features three specially designed theme days:
Grassland Culture Day:Participate in traditional goat-snatching with local people on Nalati’s空中 (aerial) grassland and learn to make yogurt balls
Geological Exploration Day:Take a plant cognition class in the Kurdening Primeval Forest and observe the snowy mountain spruce ecosystem
Stargazing Photography Day:Set up professional equipment at night in the Xiata Ancient Path to capture the Milky Way framed by the Muzart Snow Mountain
📅 [12-Day Itinerary Details]
Days 1-2: Gathering in Urumqi
Check into a four-star hotel in the city center upon arrival. Recommended free-time activities:Xinjiang Museum (free, advance reservation required) to view the Loulan mummy, and the International Bazaar to taste grilled stuffed buns (5 RMB each)
Summer Fairy Tale in the Ili River Valley: 2026 12-Day In-Depth Exploration Guide to Northern and Southern XinjiangThe next day, head to Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain (ticket + shuttle bus: 155 RMB) and take a boat to view the reflection of Bogda Peak up close
Days 3-4: Secret Realm Around Sayram Lake
Arrive at Sayram Lake via the Guozigou Bridge (free viewing platform) and check into a lakeside RV camp (breakfast included)
Drive 120 kilometers around the lake, visiting six scenic spots including Jinhua Zihui and Songshu Tou. Enjoy a specially arranged lakeside afternoon tea (complimentary cold dish of high white trout)
In the evening, participate in a local “Nadam” mini sports event to experience traditional wrestling and archery
Days 5-6: In-Depth Tour of Nalati Grassland
Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway (recommended for vehicles under 7 seats) with a stop at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery along the way
Choose from two modes of exploration in Nalati Scenic Area:Aerial Grassland Route (shuttle bus: 40 RMB) suitable for families, or Panlong Valley Route (off-road vehicle: 200 RMB/person) for photography enthusiasts
Overnight in a yurt (accommodates 6 people, dinner included) with local people of various ethnic groups
Days 7-8: Kalajun-Zhaosu Ecological Corridor
Hike 5 kilometers on gentle plank paths across Kalajun Grassland, with a professional guide explaining the formation of the “human body” grassland
🌄[Route Highlights: Symphony of Nature and Humanity]Head to Zhaosu Wetland Park (ticket: 40 RMB) to watch the “Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River” performance (two shows daily at 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM)
Light hike (8 km round trip) on the Xiata Ancient Path, accompanied by an emergency horse team for safety
Days 9-10: Southern Xinjiang Cultural Journey
Arrive in Kashgar via the Yizhao Highway (recommended open from June to October) and visit the Id Kah Mosque (ticket: 45 RMB)
Enjoy afternoon tea (30 RMB/person) at the “Century-Old Teahouse” in Kashgar’s Old City and watch traditional musical instrument performances by various ethnic groups
Visit Baisha Lake (ticket: 40 RMB) to photograph the reflection of Muztagh Ata and arrange a home visit with local people of various ethnic groups
Days 11-12: Return and Free Time
Drive back to Urumqi via the Desert Highway, with a stop at the Luntai Populus euphratica Forest Park (seasonally open)
On the last day, arrange your own activities. Recommendations:Overlook the city panorama from Red Hill Park or shop for dried fruits and gifts at Hualing Market
💰 [Cost Explanation and Transparent Pricing]
Basic tour fee includes:
The Ili River Valley in 2026 welcomes an excellent travel season. This 12-day loop through northern and southern Xinjiang connects over 20 core landscapes across four categories: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and canyons. From the azure mirror of Sayram Lake to the green waves of Nalati Grassland, from the四季 (four seasons) wonders of the Duku Highway to the human-like curves of Kalajun Grassland, the itinerary covers three major geographical units: the Ili River Valley, the Junggar Basin, and the Tarim Basin, with an average daily driving time of under 3 hours, suitable for travelers of all ages.Transportation:Full-trip 38-seat air-conditioned tour bus (including seat insurance), with a 7-seat business vehicle for the Duku Highway section
Accommodation:10 nights in comfortable hotels + 1 night in a yurt (breakfast included)
Meals:15 set meals (standard: 40 RMB/person/meal), with specially arranged roast whole lamb feast, cold-water fish feast, and other特色 (special) dishes
Tickets:First entrance tickets and mandatory shuttle buses for all scenic spots on the itinerary (total value approximately 800 RMB)
Services:Triple protection with a professional guide, an accompanying doctor, and a photography team leader
Reference price range:
June (off-peak season):5,980-6,980 RMB/person for adults
July-August (peak season):7,280-8,580 RMB/person for adults
Child price (under 12 years old, no extra bed):1,200 RMB/person less
Special notes:
1. Prices may fluctuate with hotel procurement costs and are finalized in the signed contract
The itinerary features three specially designed theme days:2. The opening time of the Duku Highway is subject to the announcement of the traffic department for that year. If closed, it will be replaced with the Yizhao Highway + S101 National Defense Highway plan
3. The number of RV camps at Sayram Lake is limited and requires confirmation 60 days in advance
📝 [Registration and Service Guarantees]
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which provides the following service commitments:
Qualification guarantee:The travel agency’s business license number can be verified on the official website
Contract standardization:Uses the latest standard contract from the culture and tourism department, clearly stating “no arranged shopping or self-funded items throughout the trip”
Emergency plan:Equipped with altitude sickness medication, onboard oxygen generators, and established a green channel with a top-three hospital in Urumqi
Complaint handling:Promises to respond within 2 hours and provide a solution within 48 hours
Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for:
Real-time availability information (updated daily at 5:00 PM)
Customized plans for special needs (e.g., exclusive itineraries for senior groups or family groups)
Grassland Culture Day: Participate in traditional goat-snatching with local people on Nalati’s aerial grassland and learn to make yogurt ballsSuggestions for inter-provincial transportation connections (including transfer services at Urumqi Airport)
💡 [Pre-Trip Recommendation Guide]
Documents:Valid ID, senior citizen/student cards, and other discount certificates
Clothing:Windbreaker (large temperature difference above 2,000 meters elevation), sun protection clothing, comfortable hiking shoes
Medications:Personal regular medications, motion sickness patches, gastrointestinal medicine (Xinjiang cuisine tends to be oily)
Equipment:Power bank (few charging facilities in scenic spots), sunscreen (SPF50+), moisturizing skincare products
⚠ ️[Notes]
1. Daily departure time is no earlier than 8:30 AM to ensure sufficient rest
2. Choose a正规 (licensed) horse team for horseback riding in scenic spots (fee: approximately 80-150 RMB/hour)
3. June-August is the peak season for tourism in Ili. It is recommended to register 90 days in advance to secure high-quality resources
4. In case of extreme weather, both parties may reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement
This northern and southern Xinjiang loop has been optimized through on-site inspections in 2026, retaining classic landscapes while incorporating in-depth cultural experiences. From the azure of Sayram Lake to the brick-red of Kashgar’s Old City, from the emerald green of Nalati to the golden yellow of the Taklimakan Desert, this 12-day journey will showcase Xinjiang’s diverse charms. For specific itinerary details and cost explanations, please refer to the contract signed with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
