Day 01
Arrival in Urumqi and Hotel Check-in
- Guests are picked up in Urumqi and transferred to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight stay at a five-star hotel in Urumqi.
China · Car
10-Day Northern Xinjiang Car Tour with Kanas Lake and Duku Highway
The journey
Trip highlights
- 01 Cross the spectacular Northern Section of the Duku Highway through snow-capped mountains, canyons, and grasslands
- 02 Discover the pristine Kanas Lake and Hemu Village with stunning blue hues and fairytale log cabin scenery
- 03 Circle the breathtaking Sayram Lake and witness wildflowers, snow-capped reflections, and vast open landscapes
- 04 Explore Nalati Sky Grassland with ethnic costume photography, afternoon tea, and a traditional barbecue
Embark on a 10-day journey through Northern Xinjiang's breathtaking and diverse landscapes, from the fairytale village of Hemu and the pristine shores of Kanas Lake to the dramatic landforms of World Devil City. Travel onward to the stunning Sayram Lake, the Xiatagudao Ancient Trail, Bagua City, and the spectacular Nalati Sky Grassland with ethnic costume photography, afternoon tea, and a traditional barbecue. The adventure concludes with the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery and the spectacular Northern Section of the Duku Highway, showcasing snow-capped mountains, canyons, and sweeping grasslands.
The adventure concludes with the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery and the spectacular Northern Section of the Duku Highway, showcasing snow-capped mountains, canyons, and sweeping grasslands.
From the itinerary
At a glance
What this trip includes
Duration
10 Days
Tour type
Shared
Activity level
Easy
Accommodation
Included · Standard
Transport
Included
Wheelchair access
Yes
Cities
Urumqi, Yining, Kuytun, Altay
Languages
English
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 02
Urumqi to Altay
- Travel from Urumqi to Altay.
Overnight stay in Altay.
Day 03
Altay to Hemu via Scenic Viewpoints
- 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 04
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 05
Burqin to Kuytun or Dushanzi via World Devil City
- 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 06
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 07
Yining to Tekes via Xiatagudao Ancient Trail
- 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 08
Tekes to Nalati Town and Sky Grassland
- 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 09
Nalati Town to Urumqi via Duku Highway
- Depart Nalati Town and drive through the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery.
- Cross the spectacular Northern Section of the Duku Highway and arrive in Urumqi.
- Overnight stay at a four-star hotel in Urumqi.
In case of Duku Highway traffic control or closure:
- Alternative Route 1: Nalati Town → Gongnaisi Daban → National Highway 218 → Tianshan Victory Tunnel → Urumqi.
- Alternative Route 2 (in case of National Highway 218 traffic control): Nalati Town → Yining by train → Urumqi by train (train fare not included).
Day 10
Departure from Urumqi
- Transfer to Urumqi airport for departure as per flight timings.
Where this trip takes you
Northern Section of the Duku Highway, Kanas Lake, Hemu, Nalati Sky Grassland
The route
Where you'll travel
The fine print
Trip details
What's Included
- Hotel accommodation throughout the tour
- Scenic area entrance tickets
- Internal transportation within scenic areas
- One seat in a tourist business van
- One service driver to assist guests with hotel check-in and scenic area tickets
What's Not Included
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Tour guide commentary service
What to bring
- ID card (frequent security checks in Xinjiang, essential)
- Border defense permit (required for border areas such as Tashkurgan, Baihaba, and Horgos Port - apply in advance in your hometown or locally in Xinjiang)
- Driver's license and vehicle license (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: quick-dry T-shirts and shorts (for hot areas like Turpan)
- Spring/autumn jacket or windbreaker - essential due to the large temperature difference between day and night
- Down jacket or fleece liner - nights and mornings in Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and the Pamir Plateau can drop below 5°C
- Long pants - at least two pairs (jeans, casual pants, or hiking pants)
- Comfortable hiking or sports shoes - non-slip and water-resistant preferred
- Slippers or sandals - for hotels and desert areas
- Hat - a wide-brim sun hat and a warm knit hat
- Scarf or face cover - for sun protection, sand protection, and when visiting mosques
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+ PA++++), reapplied daily
- Sunglasses (for strong light and snow glare)
- Lip balm (with SPF)
- Moisturizing lotion or cream and hydrating face masks (Xinjiang is very dry)
- Hand cream and body lotion
- Cold medicine and fever reducer
- Stomach medicine (berberine, smectite - for dietary changes)
- Motion sickness medicine (for long drives and winding mountain roads)
- Band-aids 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 the dry climate)
- Mobile phone, charger, and a high-capacity power bank (for long hours on the road)
- Camera, spare batteries, and memory cards (for the many beautiful sights)
- Car charger or adapter
- Selfie stick or tripod
- Drone (some scenic areas ban drones - check in advance)
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, shampoo, body wash - some budget hotels may not provide them)
- Tissues or wet wipes (bring plenty; restroom conditions vary)
- Portable electric kettle (if hygiene is a concern)
- Thermos or insulated cup (for drinking hot water)
- Sleeping bag liner (for those with high hygiene standards)
- Disposable underwear and socks (easy to wash and change)
- 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 (chocolate, nuts, energy bars - to replenish energy)
- Neck pillow, sleep mask, and earplugs (essential for long drives)
- Security check reminders: Security is strict in Xinjiang. Knives, lighters, and spray cans must comply with regulations, especially on planes and trains.
- Cultural respect: When entering mosques or ethnic minority homes, avoid revealing clothing. Do not take photos without permission.
- Network signal: Signal can be weak in some mountain and desert areas. Download offline maps in advance.
Know before you go
- Keep a reachable phone number or use communication apps such as email.
- Carry some cash, as mobile payments may not work in areas with poor network coverage.
- Bring all necessary documents, including your passport and ID.
- Carry common medications as needed for the journey.
- Respect the customs and traditions of ethnic minority communities throughout the tour.
Logistics
Meeting & route
Meeting point
中国新疆
Tour start
中国新疆维吾尔自治区
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey
Your 10 days finish where they began, in 中国新疆维吾尔自治区.
Watch the film
Create your own adventure
Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.
- Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
- Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
- Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Say goodbye to travel stress.
Starting from
USD
1,470
/person
Book This Tour
Starting from
Estimated room rates
Single Room
$1,470.00 — $1,870.00
Double Sharing
$1,470.00 — $1,670.00
When
Travellers
Rooms
·
Total
—