20268 Day Private Car Tour in Northern Xinjiang Quotation Detailed Itinerary Analysis of Kanas + Hemu + Sayram Lake + Nalati Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
Exploring Northern Xinjiang:2026 8-Day Customized Vehicle Tour Guide to Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and Nalati for In-Depth Travel
[Route Highlights:A Northern Xinjiang Tapestry of Nature and Culture]
This 8-day customized vehicle route connects four core scenic areas in Northern Xinjiang, following the theme of ‘lakes-forests-grasslands-wetlands.’ It covers four geographical landmarks: Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland, integrating ethnic folk experiences to create an immersive travel experience with ‘one scenic view per day, picturesque at every step.’ The route design accommodates diverse needs such as photography, hiking, family, and group travel, with daily driving limited to under 4 hours to allow ample time for in-depth exploration.
I. Detailed Introduction to Route or Destinations
[Kanas Lake:The Backyard Garden]
Kanas Lake is renowned as the ‘Color-Changing Lake,’ with water that shifts between blue-green, milky white, and dark green depending on the season and light. The core scenic area includes the ‘Three Bays’ (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Crouching Dragon Bay) and the Fish-Viewing Pavilion. The Three Bays hiking trail spans approximately 7 kilometers, winding through virgin forests along wooden walkways, allowing close observation of the taiga ecosystem. The Fish-Viewing Pavilion stands at 2,030 meters above sea level, offering a panoramic view of Kanas Lake and, on clear days, reflections of distant snow-capped mountains.
[Hemu Village:The Tuvan People’s Fairy-Tale Log Cabins]
Hemu Village is China’s largest existing Tuvan settlement, with over a hundred log cabins scattered among birch forests. The village, shrouded in morning mist, is hailed as ‘China’s Most Beautiful Village.’ Visitors can participate in traditional Tuvan crafts, such as making fur skis and learning throat singing, or ride horses across Hemu Grassland to explore the hidden Meili Peak in the valley.
[Sayram Lake:The Atlantic’s Last Tear]
As Xinjiang’s highest and largest alpine lake, Sayram Lake has a circumference of 90 kilometers and water transparency reaching 12 meters. The lakeside route features multiple viewing platforms, including Dianjiang Terrace (overlooking the lake), Xihai Grassland (wildflowers abound), and Songshu Head (a high vantage point). In May-June, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore; in July-August, the water turns sapphire blue like the sea; after September, the surrounding forests burst into autumn colors, offering scenic views year-round.
Exploring Northern Xinjiang: 2026 8-Day Customized Vehicle Tour Guide to Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and Nalati for In-Depth Travel[Nalati Grassland:The Poetry of the Sky Grassland]
Nalati Grassland is divided into two main areas: River Valley Grassland and Sky Grassland. Sky Grassland, at 2,200 meters above sea level, features lush green grass and wildflowers in summer, with snow-capped mountains in the distance. Visitors can take shuttle buses deep into the grassland, experience traditional life such as milking cows and making nang bread at nomadic homes, or ride horses across Kazakh pastures to feel the nomadic culture.
II. Simple Itinerary Arrangement
[Day 1:Assemble in Urumqi]
Upon arrival in Urumqi, you will be picked up by a dedicated staff member and checked into a four-star hotel in the city center. The afternoon is free for activities. We recommend visiting the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar to taste local specialties like roasted stuffed buns and hand-grabbed rice, and to acclimate to the time difference and climate.
[Day 2:Urumqi – Heavenly Lake of Tianshan – Fuyun]
In the morning, head to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, take a shuttle bus directly to the lakeside, and hike the Mayaya Mountain trail for a panoramic view of the lake. In the afternoon, drive to Fuyun County, passing through the Gurbantunggut Desert to enjoy Gobi scenery. Overnight at a four-star hotel in Fuyun.
[Day 3:Fuyun – Koktokay – Burqin]
Visit Koktokay National Geopark to explore the Irtysh River Grand Canyon, Zhongshan, and other attractions, learning about the history of ‘Mine No. 3.’ In the evening, arrive in Burqin, stroll along the Sino-Russian Old Wharf风情 Street, and savor a cold-water fish feast. Overnight at a characteristic hotel in Burqin.
[Day 4:Burqin – Hemu Village]
[Route Highlights: A Northern Xinjiang Tapestry of Nature and Culture]Travel along the Hemu Highway, stopping at the Jiadengyu viewing platform to photograph snow-capped mountains and grasslands. Arrive at Hemu Village in the afternoon, check into Tuvan log cabins, ascend the Hadeng Platform for the Hemu sunset, and photograph the starry Milky Way at night.
[Day 5:Hemu Village – Kanas Lake]
In the morning, optionally take a horse-drawn sleigh or hike to the viewing platform for morning mist photography. Depart Hemu in the morning for Kanas Scenic Area, visit the Three Bays, and hike the wooden walkways. Overnight in a cabin within Kanas Scenic Area to experience primitive village life.
[Day 6:Kanas – Sayram Lake]
Depart Kanas in the morning and arrive at Sayram Lake via Karamay. Tour the lakeside, focusing on stops like Dianjiang Terrace and Xihai Grassland, and photograph the Sayram Lake sunset in the evening. Overnight at a lakeside RV campground or hotel in Qingshuihe Town.
[Day 7:Sayram Lake – Nalati Grassland]
Continue touring the lakeside in the morning, then drive to Nalati Town at noon. In the afternoon, take a shuttle bus into Sky Grassland, visit nomadic homes, and experience traditional life of various ethnic groups. Overnight at a four-star hotel in Nalati Town.
[Day 8:Nalati – Return to Urumqi]
Free morning activities; purchase grassland specialties or revisit the grassland. Depart for Urumqi at noon and transfer to the airport/station based on flight schedules, concluding the itinerary.
III. Pricing Explanation
This 8-day customized vehicle route connects four core scenic areas in Northern Xinjiang, following the theme of ‘lakes-forests-grasslands-wetlands.’ It covers four geographical landmarks: Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland, integrating ethnic folk experiences to create an immersive travel experience with ‘one scenic view per day, picturesque at every step.’ The route design accommodates diverse needs such as photography, hiking, family, and group travel, with daily driving limited to under 4 hours to allow ample time for in-depth exploration.[Reference Quotation (Subject to Contract)]
Group of 4 (Comfort SUV):7,280 RMB per person
Group of 6 (Luxury Business Vehicle):6,380 RMB per person
Custom 2-Person (High-End SUV):9,280 RMB per person
Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms when possible; a 2,000 RMB supplement applies in special cases.
[Fees Included]
Custom vehicle fees for the entire trip (including fuel, tolls, driver service)
7 nights’ accommodation (star-rated hotels + characteristic log cabins)
First entrance tickets and shuttle buses for scenic areas
Guide service fees and itinerary manager service fees
I. Detailed Introduction to Route or Destinations Travel accident insurance
[Fees Not Included]
Round-trip transportation to/from Urumqi
Personal meals and self-paid items within scenic areas
Grassland home visit experience fees (optional)
IV. Registration Method
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency; consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for detailed itinerary plans and real-time quotations.
V. Fee Explanation and Service Explanation
[Fee Explanation]
Quotations are based on the 2026 mid-season (April-May, September-October) benchmark price; peak season (June-August) prices may increase by 30%-50%, subject to actual consultation and contracting.
[Kanas Lake: The Backyard Garden][Service Explanation]
Vehicles:5-seat SUVs and 7-seat business vehicles are provided, all equipped with car chargers, first aid kits, and other facilities.
Accommodation:Priority is given to characteristic log cabins and four-star hotels within scenic areas, ensuring cleanliness, hygiene, and convenient transportation.
Dining:Guides can recommend restaurants frequented by locals, offering meal and non-meal options.
Emergency Response:24-hour emergency rescue services; a replacement vehicle will be arranged within 4 hours in case of vehicle breakdown.
[Special Reminders]
Northern Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night; bring warm clothing such as windbreakers and thin down jackets. Summer UV radiation is strong; bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
Real-name reservation is required for entry to all scenic areas; book tickets in advance through platforms like ‘One Phone for Traveling in Xinjiang.’
Avoid strenuous exercise in high-altitude areas (e.g., Fish-Viewing Pavilion) along the itinerary; walk slowly.
[Disclaimer]
Due to uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, and policies, both parties may reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement. Specific itinerary details and fees are subject to the contract signed by both parties.
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
