10-Day Northern Xinjiang Tour from Urumqi to Kanas Lake and Duku Highway China

Tour of Northern Xinjiang

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Highlights

Cross the spectacular Northern Section of Duku Highway through snow-capped mountains, canyons, and vast grasslands

Discover the pristine Kanas Lake and Hemu Village with stunning blue hues and fairytale log cabin scenery

Circle the breathtaking Sayram Lake and witness wildflowers, snow-capped reflections, and open landscapes

Explore Nalati Sky Grassland with ethnic costume photography, afternoon tea, and traditional barbecue

Urumqi, Altay, Kuytun, Yining

nature, photography, sightseeing

Private Tour

10 Days

Easy

English

Description

Embark on a 10-day private tour through Northern Xinjiang's most breathtaking landscapes with an English-speaking guide. Drive through the S21 Desert Highway and discover the pristine shores of Kanas Lake and the fairytale village of Hemu. Explore the dramatic World Devil City, circle the stunning Sayram Lake, and experience Nalati Sky Grassland with ethnic costume photography and traditional barbecue. Conclude with the spectacular Northern Section of the Duku Highway and the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi
- Guests are picked up in Urumqi and transferred to the hotel for check-in.
- Overnight stay at a five-star hotel in Urumqi.
Day 2: Urumqi to Altay
- Depart Urumqi and drive along the S21 Desert Highway.
- Visit the Beautiful Desert Park and pass by Ulungur Lake along the way.
- Arrive in Altay for the evening.
- Overnight stay at a comfort hotel in Altay.
Day 3: Altay to Hemu
- Depart Altay along the Altay Highway (Ahe Highway).
- Stop at Hemu Bridge and the Haden Viewing Platform for scenic views and travel photography.
- Arrive at the beautiful village of Hemu.
- Overnight stay in a log cabin in Hemu.
Day 4: Hemu to Burqin via Kanas Lake
- Depart Hemu and journey to the iconic Kanas Lake.
- Explore the Three Bays and Rainbow Beach along the lake.
- Continue to Burqin for the evening.
- Overnight stay at a comfort hotel in Burqin.
Day 5: Burqin to Kuytun or Dushanzi
- Depart Burqin and visit the World Devil City, also known as Wind City.
- Continue towards Kuytun or Dushanzi for the evening.
- Overnight stay at a comfort hotel in Kuytun or Dushanzi.
Day 6: Kuytun or Dushanzi to Yining via Sayram Lake
- Depart and enjoy a self-drive tour around the stunning Sayram Lake.
- Pass through Guozigou (Fruit Valley) and Liuxing Street on the way to Yining.
- Overnight stay at a comfort hotel in Yining.
Day 7: Yining to Tekes
- Depart Yining and explore the Xiatagudao Ancient Trail.
- View the magnificent Muzart Glacier along the route.
- Visit Bagua City and Lijie Street before arriving in Tekes.
- Overnight stay at a characteristic homestay in Tekes.
Day 8: Tekes to Nalati Town
- Depart Tekes and journey to the spectacular Nalati Sky Grassland.
- Enjoy ethnic costume travel photography, afternoon tea, and a traditional barbecue on the grassland.
- Arrive in Nalati Town for the evening.
- Overnight stay at a characteristic homestay in Nalati Town.
Day 9: Nalati Town to Urumqi via Duku Highway
In case of Duku Highway traffic control or closure:
- Alternative Route 1: Nalati Town → Gongnaisi Daban → National Highway 218 → Tianshan Victory Tunnel → Urumqi.
Day 10: Departure from Urumqi
- Transfer to Urumqi airport for departure as per flight timings.

What's Included

Hotel accommodation throughout the tour

Scenic area entrance tickets

Internal transportation within scenic areas

English-speaking tour guide

Private business van

One driver throughout the tour

What's Excluded

Meals

Personal expenses

Tips

Know Before You Go

Security checks are strict in Xinjiang; knives, lighters, and spray cans must comply with regulations especially on planes and trains.

When entering mosques or ethnic minority homes, avoid revealing clothing and do not take photographs without permission.

Signal can be weak in some mountain and desert areas; download offline maps in advance.

Keep a reachable phone number or use communication apps such as WhatsApp and email.

Carry some cash as mobile payments may not work in areas with poor network coverage.

Bring all necessary documents including passport and ID.

Carry common medications as needed for the journey.

Respect the customs and traditions of ethnic minority communities throughout the tour.

What To Bring

ID card (frequent security checks in Xinjiang; essential)

Border defence permit (required for border areas such as Tashkurgan, Baihaba, and Horgos Port; apply in advance)

Driver's licence and vehicle licence (if self-driving)

Bank card and some cash (mobile payment may not work in remote areas)

Student, senior, or press ID (for ticket discounts at some scenic spots)

Summer wear including quick-dry T-shirts and shorts (for hot areas)

Spring and autumn jacket or windbreaker (essential due to large temperature differences between day and night)

Down jacket or fleece liner (nights and mornings in Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake can drop below 5°C)

Long trousers (at least two pairs)

Comfortable hiking or sports shoes (non-slip and water-resistant preferred)

Slippers or sandals (for hotels and desert areas)

Wide-brim sun hat and warm knit hat

Scarf or face cover (for sun protection, sand protection, and mosque visits)

High-SPF sunscreen (SPF50 or above), to be reapplied daily

Sunglasses (for strong light and snow glare)

Lip balm with SPF

Moisturising lotion or cream and hydrating face masks (Xinjiang is very dry)

Hand cream and body lotion

Medications and Health

Cold medicine and fever reducer

Stomach medicine for dietary changes

Motion sickness medicine (for long drives and winding mountain roads)

Plasters and antiseptic wipes

Insect repellent (for grasslands and lakesides in summer)

Personal chronic medications (blood pressure, diabetes, etc.)

Antihistamines (for pollen or food allergies)

Eye drops (for dry climate)

Mobile phone, charger, and high-capacity power bank

Camera, spare batteries, and memory cards

Car charger and adapter

Selfie stick or tripod

Drone (check in advance as some scenic areas ban drones)

Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, shampoo, and body wash

Tissues and wet wipes (restroom conditions vary)

Portable electric kettle (if hygiene is a concern)

Thermos or insulated cup (for hot water)

Sleeping bag liner

Disposable underwear and socks

Foldable hangers and small laundry detergent packets

Backpack for day trips

Waist pouch or small crossbody bag (for documents and cash)

Raincoat or foldable umbrella (weather can change quickly in the mountains)

Snacks such as chocolate, nuts, and energy bars

Neck pillow, sleep mask, and earplugs (essential for long drives)

Meeting Point

Xinjiang, 中国

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 2	/person
3 to 4	/person
5 to 6	/person
Child
1 to 2	/person
3 to 4	/person
5 to 6	/person
This is a private tour

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10-Day Northern Xinjiang Tour from Urumqi to Kanas Lake and Duku Highway China

Highlights

Locations Covered

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi

Day 2: Urumqi to Altay

Day 3: Altay to Hemu

Day 4: Hemu to Burqin via Kanas Lake

Day 5: Burqin to Kuytun or Dushanzi

Day 6: Kuytun or Dushanzi to Yining via Sayram Lake

Day 7: Yining to Tekes

Day 8: Tekes to Nalati Town

Day 9: Nalati Town to Urumqi via Duku Highway

Day 10: Departure from Urumqi

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

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10-Day Northern Xinjiang Tour from Urumqi to Kanas Lake and Duku Highway China

Highlights

Locations Covered

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi

Day 2: Urumqi to Altay

Day 3: Altay to Hemu

Day 4: Hemu to Burqin via Kanas Lake

Day 5: Burqin to Kuytun or Dushanzi

Day 6: Kuytun or Dushanzi to Yining via Sayram Lake

Day 7: Yining to Tekes

Day 8: Tekes to Nalati Town

Day 9: Nalati Town to Urumqi via Duku Highway

Day 10: Departure from Urumqi

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

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