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

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Highlights

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

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

Urumqi, Altay, Kuytun

nature, photography, sightseeing

Group Tour

10 Days

Easy

English

Description

Embark on a 10-day Northern Xinjiang journey through some of China's most breathtaking and diverse landscapes. Drive through the S21 Desert Highway and explore the pristine shores of Kanas Lake and the fairytale village of Hemu. Discover the dramatic World Devil City, circle the stunning Sayram Lake, and trek through Nalati Sky Grassland. Conclude with the spectacular Northern Section of the Duku Highway and the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery for an unforgettable mountain panorama.

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 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 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
- 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.

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 Excluded

Meals

Personal expenses

Tips

Tour guide commentary service

Know Before You Go

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 defense permit (required for border areas such as Tashkurgan, Baihaba, Horgos Port – apply in advance in your hometown or locally in Xinjiang)

Driver's license & vehicle license (if self-driving)

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

Student/Senior/Press ID (for ticket discounts at some scenic spots)

Summer wear: quick-dry T-shirts, shorts (for hot areas like Turpan)

Spring/autumn jacket / windbreaker – essential due to large temperature difference between day and night

Down jacket or fleece liner – nights/mornings in Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Pamir Plateau can drop below 5°C

Long pants – at least two pairs (jeans, casual pants, hiking pants)

Comfortable hiking/sports shoes – non-slip, water-resistant preferred

Slippers/sandals – for hotels and desert areas

Hat – wide-brim sun hat + warm knit hat

Scarf/face cover – for sun protection, sand protection, and when visiting mosques

High-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+ PA++++), reapply daily

Sunglasses (for strong light and snow glare)

Lip balm (with SPF)

Moisturizing lotion/cream, hydrating face masks (Xinjiang is very dry)

Hand cream, body lotion

IV. Medications & Health

Cold medicine, fever reducer

Stomach medicine (berberine, smectite – for dietary changes)

Motion sickness medicine (long drives and winding mountain roads)

Band-aids, antiseptic wipes

Insect repellent (for grasslands and lakesides in summer)

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

Antihistamines (for pollen/food allergies)

Eye drops (for dry climate)

Mobile phone + charger + high-capacity power bank (long hours on the road)

Camera + spare batteries + memory cards (so many beautiful sights)

Car charger / adapter

Selfie stick or tripod

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

VI. Personal Care Items

Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, shampoo, body wash – some budget hotels may not provide)

Tissues / wet wipes (bring plenty; restroom conditions vary)

Portable electric kettle (if hygiene is a concern)

Thermos / 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, 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, earplugs (essential for long drives)

Security check reminders: Security is strict in Xinjiang. Knives, lighters, 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.

Meeting Point

中国新疆

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

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

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

Highlights

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 Shared Car Tour from Urumqi to Kanas Lake and Duku Highway China

Highlights

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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