Xinjiang Tour Charter 2026 Duku Highway Special Route Full Cost and Safety Instructions Recommended Route Cost and Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Road Trip Accompanied by Stars and Moon:2026 Duku Highway Custom Vehicle Deep Experience Guide
[Route Highlights:A Scenic Corridor Showcasing All Four Seasons in One Day]
As the “golden passage” connecting northern and southern Xinjiang, the Duku Highway (National Highway G217) covers a distance of 561 kilometers, encompassing four major types of landscapes: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and wetlands. This highway, recommended to be open for 5 months each year, will officially resume traffic on June 1, 2026. Starting from Dushanzi District in Karamay City in the north and ending in Kuqa City in Aksu Prefecture in the south, it is dotted with 12 core scenic areas including the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery, Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak Wetland, the Large and Small Dragon Pools, and the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon.
Special Reminder:In 2026, a “daytime passage, nighttime construction” policy will be implemented, with the road open from 8:00 to 19:00 daily. The section from Kurli to Nalati may be extended to 21:00 based on traffic flow. Vehicles with more than 7 seats must detour via the Kuqa-Hejing section of National Highway G3012. It is recommended to travel in a compliant 7-seat commercial vehicle.
[Simple Itinerary:5-Day Essence Loop Design]
Day 1:Urumqi – Sayram Lake (550 km / 7 hours)
Depart from Urumqi in the early morning and head west along the Lianhuo Expressway, arriving at Sayram Lake, known as “the last tear of the Atlantic,” in the afternoon. It is recommended to visit the three major viewpoints around the lake: Songshu Head on the east bank, Kele Yongzhu on the west bank, and Dianjiang Platform on the south bank. Spend the night at the lakeside starry sky RV camp.
Day 2:Sayram Lake – Yining – Nalati (480 km / 6.5 hours)
Road Trip Accompanied by Stars and Moon: 2026 Duku Highway Custom Vehicle Deep Experience GuideIn the morning, cross the Guozigou Bridge and photograph the purple flower sea at the Jieyou Princess Lavender Farm in Huocheng (blooming from late May to mid-June). Arrive in Yining City in the afternoon to experience the handicrafts of various ethnic groups on Liuxing Street, then head to Nalati Town in the evening.
Day 3:Nalati – Bayanbulak (90 km / 2 hours)
Spend the whole day exploring the Nalati空中草原 (Nalati Aerial Grassland). It is recommended to drive the Panlong Valley Road or ride a horse to visit nomadic families. In the afternoon, cross the middle section of the Duku Highway over the Laerdun Daban and wait for the sunset spectacle of the “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns” on the Bayanbulak Grassland in the evening.
Day 4:Bayanbulak – Kuqa (270 km / 5 hours)
Travel through the southern section of the Duku Highway and photograph the sea of clouds at the Tielimaiti Daban (elevation 3200 meters). It is recommended to stop for a 1-hour hike when passing by the Large and Small Dragon Pools. In the afternoon, visit the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon and feel the visual impact of the red rock formations.
Day 5:Kuqa – Urumqi (750 km / 9 hours)
The return day can be flexibly adjusted. It is recommended to visit the Kizilgaha Beacon Tower in the old town of Kuqa or choose to transfer in Korla to visit Bosten Lake. If time permits, it is recommended to split the return journey into two days and stop in Tuokexun to taste the mixed noodles.
[Price Description:Transparent Pricing System]
[Route Highlights: A Scenic Corridor Showcasing All Four Seasons in One Day]2026 Custom Vehicle Cost Breakdown (based on a 7-seat commercial vehicle):
Off-peak Season (April-June / September-October):1200-1600 yuan/day
Peak Season (July-August):1600-2000 yuan/day
Cost Includes:Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, fuel fee, toll fee, regular parking fee, basic insurance
Cost Excludes:Scenic spot tickets, accommodation, meals, driver’s meal allowance (80-120 yuan/day), accommodation subsidy (150-200 yuan/day)
Special Notes:
1. A 5% discount is available for continuous vehicle usage of 7 days or more
2. An additional fee of 1.5 yuan/km is required for daily travel exceeding 400 kilometers
As the “golden passage” connecting northern and southern Xinjiang, the Duku Highway (National Highway G217) covers a distance of 561 kilometers, encompassing four major types of landscapes: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and wetlands. This highway, recommended to be open for 5 months each year, will officially resume traffic on June 1, 2026. Starting from Dushanzi District in Karamay City in the north and ending in Kuqa City in Aksu Prefecture in the south, it is dotted with 12 core scenic areas including the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery, Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak Wetland, the Large and Small Dragon Pools, and the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon.3. For teams of 6 people or more, it is recommended to choose a 9-seat minibus, which can reduce the per capita cost by 30%
4. The specific price is subject to the signed electronic contract and may fluctuate based on market supply and demand
[Notes:Professional Guarantee System]
1. Vehicle Standards: Regular tourist vehicles within 3 years of age, equipped with GPS positioning, onboard first aid kits, snow chains, and fire extinguishers
2. Driver Qualifications: Hold an A1/A2 driver’s license with more than 5 years of driving experience on the Duku Highway, working no more than 10 hours per day
3. Emergency Support: Real-time road condition monitoring system connected to the Xinjiang Transportation Department, with a backup plan initiated within 30 minutes in case of emergencies
4. Insurance Coverage: Seat insurance of no less than 500,000 yuan per seat + 2 million yuan travel agency liability insurance
[Registration Method:Standardized Service Process]
Special Reminder: In 2026, a “daytime passage, nighttime construction” policy will be implemented, with the road open from 8:00 to 19:00 daily. The section from Kurli to Nalati may be extended to 21:00 based on traffic flow. Vehicles with more than 7 seats must detour via the Kuqa-Hejing section of National Highway G3012. It is recommended to travel in a compliant 7-seat commercial vehicle.You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. The service process includes:
1. Needs Communication: Provide information such as the number of travelers, budget, and interests
2. Itinerary Customization: Provide 2-3 itinerary options within 48 hours
3. Contract Signing: Use the standard electronic contract of the cultural and tourism department to clarify cost details
4. Pre-trip Preparation: Send the “Duku Highway Travel Manual” including equipment checklist and scenic spot攻略 (guide)
5. In-trip Service: 24-hour emergency contact + daily itinerary confirmation mechanism
[Cost and Service Description]
Cost Includes:Vehicle-related fees, driver service, basic insurance
[Simple Itinerary: 5-Day Essence Loop Design]Cost Excludes:Personal expenses, items not specified in the contract
Accommodation Standards:Mainly comfortable hotels (quasi-four-star), with the option to upgrade to characteristic homestays
Meal Arrangements:Includes daily breakfast. For main meals, local characteristic restaurants are recommended (40-60 yuan per person)
Ticket Policies:Nalati Grassland: 95 yuan + shuttle bus 40 yuan, Bayanbulak: 65 yuan + shuttle bus 75 yuan, Sayram Lake: 145 yuan (subject to scenic spot announcements)
Special Reminders:
1. The northern section of the Duku Highway (Dushanzi-Qiaoerma) has a year-round temperature of 10-15℃. Bring a windproof jacket
2. The southern section (Kuqa section) can reach temperatures above 30℃ during the day. It is recommended to dress in layers using the “onion method”
3. Check vehicle tires and braking system before departure each day. Bring enough drinking water and high-calorie snacks
4. When encountering snowy sections such as the Hashilergen Daban, follow traffic police instructions and pass in an orderly manner
(The price data mentioned in the text is as of May 30, 2026, and is subject to actual consultation and signing. For the latest information, consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. In case of uncontrollable factors such as weather or road conditions during the trip, both parties can reasonably adjust the itinerary through consultation.)
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
