Day 01
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.
China · Rural Experiences
10-Day Northern Xinjiang 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 vast 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 open landscapes
- 04 Explore Nalati Sky Grassland with ethnic costume travel photography, afternoon tea, and a traditional barbecue
Embark on a 10-day private tour through Northern Xinjiang's most breathtaking landscapes with an English-speaking guide. Drive along 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 travel photography, afternoon tea, and a traditional barbecue. Conclude with the spectacular Northern Section of the Duku Highway and the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery.
Embark on a 10-day private tour through Northern Xinjiang's most breathtaking landscapes with an English-speaking guide.
From the itinerary
At a glance
What this trip includes
Duration
10 Days
Tour type
Private
Activity level
Easy
Accommodation
Included · Standard
Transport
Included
Wheelchair access
No
Cities
Urumqi, Yining, Kuytun, Altay
Languages
English
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 02
Urumqi to Altay via the S21 Desert Highway
- 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 03
Altay to Hemu Village
- 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 via Nalati 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 the 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.
Day 10
Departure from Urumqi
- Transfer to Urumqi airport for departure as per flight timings.
Where this trip takes you
Kanas Lake, Three Bays and Rainbow Beach, Hemu Village log cabin, 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
- English-speaking tour guide
- Private business van
- One driver throughout the tour
What's Not Included
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Tips
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 essentials
- 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 the 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)
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 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
Xinjiang, 中国
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.
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Starting from
USD
2,157
/person
Book This Tour
Starting from
Estimated room rates
Single Room
$2,157.00 — $2,357.00
Double Sharing
$2,157.00 — $2,357.00
When
Travellers
Rooms
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Total
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