2026Yili Chartered Car Free Travel Price Itinerary Guide for Flexible Trip to Nalati + Sayram Lake + Duku Highway Recommended Routes, Costs and Prices

Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quote.

Star-rated Itinerary✨:2026 In-Depth Exploration of Ili’s Grasslands and Lakes: A Comprehensive Guide to Customized Self-Drive Travel
I. Key Highlights: A Dual Feast of Nature and Culture
The Ili River Valley in Xinjiang is known as the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.” In summer 2026, the grasslands, lakes, and highway scenery will be at their prime for viewing. This itinerary connects three iconic destinations:
Nalati Grassland: A national 5A-level scenic spot and one of the world’s four major alpine grasslands. Open from mid-April to late October 2026, operating from 9:00-19:00 daily (extended to 20:00 during peak season). The Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley Road each offer unique features. Wildflowers blanket the fields from June to August, and July allows visitors to experience traditional nomadic life of various ethnic groups.
Sayram Lake:A high-quality scenic area open 24 hours, with a new cycling path and stargazing point added in 2026. The crystal-clear lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and wildflowers bloom along the shore in June, making it a paradise for photographers.
Duku Highway: Known as “China’s Most Beautiful Highway,” it fully opens on June 1, 2026, with “daytime access, nighttime construction” service guidance (open 8:00-19:00 daily, with flexible extension to 21:00 for the Nalati-Joerma section). The route offers the wonder of “four seasons in one day,” connecting northern and southern Xinjiang’s grasslands, canyons, and snow-capped mountain views.
II. Simple Itinerary: 7-Day, 6-Night In-Depth Loop
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi · Acclimate to Climate
Transportation:After arriving at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency will arrange a private car to transfer you to a partner hotel (approximately 40-minute drive).
Activities:Free time. We recommend visiting the International Bazaar to experience handicrafts and cuisine from various ethnic groups and purchasing essentials like sunscreen and light jackets for the trip.

Star-rated Itinerary✨: 2026 In-Depth Exploration of Ili’s Grasslands and Lakes: A Comprehensive Guide to Customized Self-Drive TravelDay 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (approx. 520 km, 6.5 hours)
Highlights:Head west on the Lianhuo Expressway, passing the Guozigou Bridge (Xinjiang’s tallest bridge) for a bird’s-eye view of the canyon scenery.
Sayram Lake Activities:Self-drive around the lake (the customized driver is familiar with prime photo spots), with key stops including the General’s Platform, Swan’s Delight, and Kele Yongzhu. Experience stargazing at the lakeside campsite in the evening (advance reservation required).
Day 3:Sayram Lake → Huocheng Huanghuang Village (approx. 150 km, 2.5 hours)
Morning:Continue in-depth exploration of Sayram Lake. We recommend taking a boat tour for close contact with the lake water.
Afternoon:Head to Huocheng Huanghuang Village, check into a characteristic homestay, and experience a slow-paced rural life. In the evening, visit the Jieyou Princess Lavender Farm (blooming season June-July, ticket price 35 RMB/person).
Day 4:Huocheng → Yining City → Nalati Town (approx. 380 km, 5 hours)
Morning:Visit the Horgos Port (ticket price 30 RMB/person) to experience the border atmosphere of “one step across two countries.”
Afternoon:Arrive in Yining City, visit the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area (free admission), take a horse-drawn carriage through the blue streets, and taste handmade ice cream. In the evening, head to Nalati Town and check into a hotel near the scenic area.
Day 5:Full-Day Tour of Nalati Grassland
Core Experiences:

I. Key Highlights: A Dual Feast of Nature and CultureSky Grassland:Take the shuttle bus to the Nomad’s Home and hike to the Heavenly Terrace for a panoramic view of the grassland.
River Valley Grassland:Visit the grassland stone figures and poplar forests, and participate in home visits with local families (experience milking cows and making nang bread).
Panlong Valley Road:Self-drive or take a sightseeing bus through the primeval forest, photographing spruce trees and wildflowers along the way.
Tickets:Adult ticket: 95 RMB/person (valid for 2 days). Choose one of three shuttle bus options (Sky Grassland: 60 RMB/person, River Valley Grassland: 40 RMB/person, Panlong Valley Road: 100 RMB/person).
Day 6:Nalati → Duku Highway → Kuitun (approx. 280 km, 6 hours)
Key Sections:
Nalati to Joerma:Drive through tunnels and mountain roads, stopping at the Yuximolegai Daban viewpoint along the way.
Joerma to Kuitun:Descend along the Kuitun River Canyon, enjoying the Danxia landform and waterfall scenery.
Notes:The Duku Highway is recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer. Customized vehicles must confirm the model and permit in advance.
Day 7:Kuitun → Urumqi (approx. 240 km, 3 hours) · Return
Morning:Free time. We recommend visiting the Kuitun Grand Canyon (ticket price 40 RMB/person) to photograph geological wonders.

The Ili River Valley in Xinjiang is known as the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.” In summer 2026, the grasslands, lakes, and highway scenery will be at their prime for viewing. This itinerary connects three iconic destinations:Afternoon:Return to Urumqi, where the travel agency will arrange airport transfer services.
III. Pricing Explanation: Transparent Fee System
Basic Customized Vehicle Fees (Reference Range)
Vehicle Options:
5-Seat Sedan (Toyota Corolla, etc.):800-1200 RMB/day (off-peak season April-May, September-October), with a 20% increase during peak season (June-August).
7-Seat Business Vehicle (Buick GL8, etc.):1000-1600 RMB/day, suitable for families of 4-6 people, with peak season prices around 1300-1800 RMB/day.
Fees Include:Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, fuel cost, toll fees, and basic insurance.
Fees Exclude:Driver’s accommodation and meal allowance (approx. 200 RMB/day, can be coordinated by the travel agency to include in the total price), scenic area tickets, personal dining, and other expenses.
Total Fee Reference (7-Day, 6-Night · 4-Person Small Group)
Customized Vehicle Fee:Approximately 7000-9000 RMB (including driver’s accommodation and meals).
Accommodation Fee:1500-3000 RMB (ranging from budget homestays to high-end hotels, select as needed).

Nalati Grassland: A national 5A-level scenic spot and one of the world’s four major alpine grasslands. Open from mid-April to late October 2026, operating from 9:00-19:00 daily (extended to 20:00 during peak season). The Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley Road each offer unique features. Wildflowers blanket the fields from June to August, and July allows visitors to experience traditional nomadic life of various ethnic groups.Ticket Fee:Approximately 600 RMB/person (including Sayram Lake, Nalati, and scenic spots along the Duku Highway).
Average Total Cost Per Person:Approximately 3500-5000 RMB (specifics based on actual consultation and contract signing).
IV. Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing to obtain a detailed itinerary and quote. The agency provides electronic contract signing services and supports itinerary customization and flexible changes.
V. Fee and Service Explanation
Fee Details:The contract will clearly specify the vehicle model, number of days, included items, and self-paid items, with no hidden fees.
Service Standards:
Vehicles:Compliant commercial vehicles, regularly maintained and equipped with GPS positioning systems.
Drivers:Over 5 years of driving experience, familiar with Ili’s road conditions and scenic spots, and capable of serving as basic guides.
Emergency Support:24-hour customer service response, providing support such as medication for altitude sickness and vehicle breakdown rescue.
Special Reminders:

Sayram Lake: A high-quality scenic area open 24 hours, with a new cycling path and stargazing point added in 2026. The crystal-clear lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and wildflowers bloom along the shore in June, making it a paradise for photographers.The Duku Highway’s accessibility is affected by weather conditions. In case of temporary closure, both parties will negotiate to take G218 National Road or adjust the itinerary order.
Nalati Grassland shuttle bus tickets must be reserved in advance on the “Nalati Tourism” official account. During peak season, it is recommended to book accommodations at least 2 days in advance.
VI. Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist
Documents:Valid identification, driver’s license (if self-driving certain sections), and a small amount of cash.
Clothing:Light down jacket (for high-altitude sections of the Duku Highway), sun-protective clothing, and comfortable hiking shoes.
Medications:Motion sickness medication, gastrointestinal medication, and mosquito repellent spray.
Electronic Devices:Camera, power bank, and offline maps (signal may be weak in some sections).
VII. Travel Tips
Respect Customs:Avoid treading on the grassland in the Nalati scenic area. Obtain consent before photographing ethnic compatriots.
Eco-Friendly Travel:Carry a garbage bag with you. Throwing stones or damaging vegetation is prohibited around Sayram Lake.
Off-Peak Tips:For the Nalati Sky Grassland, it is recommended to enter before 8:00 AM. Choose to travel on the Duku Highway between 8:00-10:00 AM to avoid peak traffic.
In 2026, Ili’s grasslands and lakes await a carefree encounter. Through the professional services of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, you can focus on enjoying every scenic view along the journey. Specific itinerary details and fees are subject to the contract signed by both parties. Welcome to consult and embark on your northern Xinjiang exploration journey!

Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quote.