First Yining Self Guided Tour with Chartered Car, Complete 8 Day Ili Loop Itinerary Reference Plan

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency’s senior Xinjiang travel customizer Guo Jing, specializing in all-Xinjiang custom car services, carpooling, and worry-free group tours. Whether traveling solo, with family, or with friends, we can match you with a suitable itinerary. 24-hour travel consultation hotline: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, online around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
New choice for Yining independent travel:Yili 8-Day Loop Custom Car Deep Tour Plan
🌄 [Route Highlights and Destination Details]
Summer in the Yili River Valley is a tapestry woven with nature and culture. This 8-day loop connects alpine lakes, layered grasslands, canyon forests, and ancient Western Region cities, with daily driving kept to 4-5 hours, balancing in-depth experiences with a comfortable pace. Key highlights include:
Sayram Lake ‘Blue Tears’
As the highest alpine lake in Xinjiang, the lakeside road around Sayram Lake is fully open, with access from the East, South, and North Gates. In 2026, a time-slot reservation system will be implemented, requiring booking 1-3 days in advance through the ‘One Phone Travel Xinjiang’ platform. In the early morning, you can capture mirror-like lake reflections, and in the evening, enjoy panoramic views from the Guozigou Bridge observation deck. Lakeside accommodation mainly consists of comfortable guesthouses, with peak-season prices around 600-900 RMB/night.
Nalati Grassland Dual Landscapes
The aerial grassland and river valley grassland offer a visual contrast: the former overlooks snow-capped mountains and flower-filled meadows, while the latter is perfect for strolling along streams. In 2026, the self-drive ticket is approximately 300 RMB/car (reservation required in advance via the ‘Smart Tour Nalati’ mini-program). Shuttle buses run on three routes: Aerial Grassland 40 RMB/person, River Valley Grassland 24 RMB/person, and Panlong Valley Road 50 RMB/person.
Kalajun ‘Human Body Grassland’
As a World Natural Heritage site, Kalajun Grassland offers ever-changing light and shadow at sunset. The combined East and West Kalajun ticket includes the Kuokesu Grand Canyon cable car, allowing you to photograph geological wonders like Crocodile Bay. The boardwalks within the scenic area are well-maintained, making it ideal for light hiking enthusiasts.
Xiate Ancient Trail Hiking
Depart from Zhaosu county town and travel along the Yizhao Highway (open approximately from early June to late September in 2026) to reach Xiate Scenic Area. Hiking to General’s Bridge offers distant views of the Muzart Glacier, with wildflowers and snow-capped mountains sharing the frame. It’s recommended to bring a windbreaker and hiking shoes.

New choice for Yining independent travel: Yili 8-Day Loop Custom Car Deep Tour PlanTekes Bagua City
This city, planned according to the principles of the I Ching, has no traffic lights. Climb the central observation tower in the evening to photograph the radial street layout. The city offers great value dining; try the minced meat noodles (25-35 RMB/bowl) and horse meat naryn (40-60 RMB/portion).
🚗 [Simplified Itinerary Framework]
Optimized based on 2026 on-the-ground road conditions and scenic area policies, the itinerary is as follows:
Day 1:Gathering in Yining
Afternoon:Visit Kazanqi Folk Village, ride a blue horse-drawn carriage through colorful houses, and taste Gulandam ice cream (18-25 RMB/scoop).
Evening:Check into a 4-diamond hotel in Yining (included in tour fee), and freely explore the craft workshops on Liuxing Street.
Day 2:Yining → Sayram Lake (approx. 4.5 hours)
Morning:Self-drive around the lake, stopping at Jinhua Zihui, Kelayongzhu, and other spots to photograph wildflowers and swans.
Afternoon:Lakeside afternoon tea, and experience high-white salmon cooking (138-168 RMB/fish).
Accommodation:Comfortable guesthouse at Sayram Lake.
Day 3:Second entry to Sayram Lake → Huocheng Lavender → Yining

🌄[Route Highlights and Destination Details]Morning:Circle the lake again to photograph sunrise, focusing on the Songshutou cliff landscape.
Afternoon:Head to Huocheng’s Jieyou Princess Lavender Farm (ticket 40 RMB/person), with peak bloom in mid-to-late June.
Evening:Return to Yining, stay at the same hotel as Day 1.
Day 4:Yining → Xiate Ancient Trail → Zhaosu
Morning:Cross the Yizhao Highway, stopping at Baishifeng Observation Deck to photograph the sea of clouds.
Afternoon:Hike in Xiate Scenic Area; it’s recommended to take the shuttle to the hot spring hotel, then walk to General’s Bridge.
Accommodation:4-diamond hotel in Zhaosu.
Day 5:Zhaosu → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes
Morning:Visit East and West Kalajun, focusing on photographing Flower Terrace and Falcon Terrace.
Afternoon:Take the Kuokesu Grand Canyon cable car down, photographing Crocodile Bay and the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns.
Accommodation:4-diamond hotel in Tekes.

Summer in the Yili River Valley is a tapestry woven with nature and culture. This 8-day loop connects alpine lakes, layered grasslands, canyon forests, and ancient Western Region cities, with daily driving kept to 4-5 hours, balancing in-depth experiences with a comfortable pace. Key highlights include:Day 6:Tekes → Qiaxi Grassland → Nalati

Guo Jing from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, a senior travel customizer with 10 years of experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializing in one-stop services for custom car rentals, carpooling, and group tours in Xinjiang. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, online around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
Morning:Self-drive along the X765 Banshan Highway, passing through Qiaxi’s picturesque forests and meadows.
Afternoon:Arrive in Nalati town and experience grassland hotpot (180-220 RMB/pot).
Accommodation:Characteristic guesthouse in Nalati.
Day 7:In-depth Nalati Tour
All day:Self-drive through the aerial grassland and river valley grassland, with key stops at Nomadic Families and Tianjie Terrace.
Evening:Join the bonfire party organized by the guesthouse, experiencing the songs and dances of various ethnic groups.
Accommodation:Same guesthouse as Day 6.
Day 8:Nalati → Duku Highway → Urumqi
Morning:Cross the northern section of the Duku Highway, stopping at Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery.
Afternoon:Arrive in Urumqi, check into a 5-diamond hotel (included in tour fee), and freely shop for dried fruits and specialties.
💰 [Price Description]

Sayram Lake ‘Blue Tears’Base Tour Fee (per person reference)
Comfortable small group (7-seat business van):2800-3500 RMB/person
Fee includes:Full-journey vehicle, 7 nights’ accommodation (including premium hotels at Sayram Lake and Urumqi), listed entrance tickets, 7 breakfasts, and photography services.
Fee excludes:Lunch and dinner (approx. 500-700 RMB/person), personal expenses, and secondary experience activities within scenic areas.
Vehicle Upgrade Options
5-seat SUV (suitable for 2-4 people):1200-1800 RMB/day
19-seat minibus (suitable for 10-17 people):2400-3200 RMB/day
The above prices do not include driver meals and accommodation (meal allowance 80-120 RMB/day, accommodation subsidy 150-200 RMB/day); the contract shall prevail for specifics.
📞 [Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. When inquiring, please provide the number of travelers, budget range, and preferred attractions. Staff will match the vehicle type and itinerary plan based on your needs and assist with reservations on the ‘One Phone Travel Xinjiang’ platform.
📋 [Fee and Service Description]

As the highest alpine lake in Xinjiang, the lakeside road around Sayram Lake is fully open, with access from the East, South, and North Gates. In 2026, a time-slot reservation system will be implemented, requiring booking 1-3 days in advance through the ‘One Phone Travel Xinjiang’ platform. In the early morning, you can capture mirror-like lake reflections, and in the evening, enjoy panoramic views from the Guozigou Bridge observation deck. Lakeside accommodation mainly consists of comfortable guesthouses, with peak-season prices around 600-900 RMB/night.Fee includes:Corresponding vehicle usage fee, fuel, tolls, driver service fee, and basic itinerary planning.
Fee excludes:Shuttle buses within scenic areas, experience activities such as horse riding, all main meals, and personal expenses.
Service details:Vehicles are equipped with in-car WiFi and bottled water; child seats are available (please notify in advance).
Special notes:If the Duku Highway is temporarily closed or scenic areas impose capacity limits, the itinerary order may be adjusted upon mutual agreement.
⚠ ️[Important Notes]
The northern section of the Duku Highway will require reservation-based passage starting June 25, 2026, via the ‘Tour Xinjiang One-Code Tour’ mini-program.
Scenic areas such as Sayram Lake and Nalati require real-name entry; please bring valid identification documents.
All prices and availability are subject to contract or customer service confirmation and may fluctuate with departure dates.
📞 [Contact Information]
Phone:181-3962-2229
WeChat:181-3962-2229
Address:Specific meeting points or store addresses can be obtained by contacting customer service.
This plan integrates the latest 2026 transportation policies, scenic area reservation rules, and on-the-ground road conditions for the Yili loop, balancing natural scenery and cultural experiences. Whether traveling with family or friends, customized services can balance budget and comfort. It’s recommended to inquire 15-30 days in advance to secure resources and ensure a smooth trip.
For 2026 Xinjiang travel custom car services, custom tours, and carpooling tours, welcome to inquire (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456). Xinjiang custom tour manager Guo Jing, WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for customization.