Duku Highway Opening Season, Xinjiang Local 6 Person Carpool Small Group, Full Journey Led by Experienced Driver

For 2026 Xinjiang travel carpool small groups, reservations must be made through Xinjiang’s local professional and legitimate tourism channels: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Carpool Small Group Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456). Carpool Small Group Manager Guo Jing’s WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for registration and booking.
🚗 If you’re wondering how to experience the Duku Highway thoroughly during its opening season in a way that’s less like a “conventional tour group,” this guide starting from the “road itself” might give you some inspiration.
This time we won’t talk about “popular attractions,” but will break down the road’s character, the rhythm along the way, and how to play with a carpool small group, step by step.
🛣 ️ Duku Highway:A scenic road with character
📍 Basic Information
Full name:Dushanzi–Kuqa Highway, abbreviated as “Duku Highway.”
Location:Central Xinjiang, running vertically through the Tianshan Mountains.
Total length:Approximately 561 kilometers, an important passage connecting northern and southern Xinjiang.
Features:Recommended to open for several months each year, hailed as one of “China’s most beautiful roads,” known for its landscape changes of “four seasons in one day, different weather every ten li.”
🗓 ️ Opening Season and Best Time
Opening period:Recommended to open approximately 4–5 months each year. Usually opens around early to mid-June and closes around early October. Exact dates are determined by local traffic authorities based on weather and road conditions, varying each year.
2026 forecast:Based on recent years, it is likely to open between June 10 and 15. However, this is only a trend estimate—be sure to check the latest announcements via channels such as “Xinjiang Road Network” or “Xinjiang Transportation” before traveling.

🚗 If you’re wondering how to experience the Duku Highway thoroughly during its opening season in a way that’s less like a “conventional tour group,” this guide starting from the “road itself” might give you some inspiration.Best travel period:
Mid-July to mid-September:Weather is relatively stable, grasslands are lush green, and scenery is at its “prime.”
Early June:Snow wall views are spectacular, but temperatures are lower and some sections may have residual snow.
Late September:Autumn colors begin to appear, with fewer tourists, but watch for weather changes as snowfall is possible.
🏞 ️ Landscapes and Scenery Rhythm Along the Way
The essence of the Duku Highway lies in its experience of “running along the spine of the Tianshan,” with rich and varied scenery along the route.
Northern section (Dushanzi–Nalati): Starting from Gobi and canyon landscapes, crossing passes above 3,000 meters (such as Hashilegen Daban), entering alpine meadows and forest zones. Along the way, you’ll see the rugged Dushanzi Grand Canyon, the solemn Qiaoerma Martyrs’ Cemetery, and the beautiful “Hundred-Li Gallery” of Tangbula.
Middle section (Nalati–Bayinbuluke):Mainly grassland scenery; the vastness of Nalati Grassland and the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns sunset at Bayinbuluke Grassland are highlights of this section.
Southern section (Bayinbuluke–Kuqa):The landscape shifts to canyons, lakes, and Gobi. Along the way, you’ll see the tranquility of the Big and Small Dragon Pools and the unique landforms of the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon, finally arriving at the historic and cultural city of Kuqa.
🤔 Why choose a 6-person carpool small group?
For travelers who don’t plan to self-drive, a 6-person carpool small group is a choice that balances experience and cost.
Hassle-free and effortless:No need to research road conditions or book hotels yourself—a local driver-guide handles driving and itinerary coordination throughout.

This time we won’t talk about “popular attractions,” but will break down the road’s character, the rhythm along the way, and how to play with a carpool small group, step by step.High cost-effectiveness:Per-person cost is usually lower than customized car rental and more flexible than large tour groups.
Social aspect:The small group atmosphere is relaxed, making it easy to make new friends and look out for each other during the trip.
Safety and reliability:Local drivers know the road conditions and weather well, can effectively handle unexpected situations, and enhance the travel experience.
🗺 ️ 6-Person Carpool Small Group Sample Itinerary (4 Days 3 Nights)
Below is a 4-day, 3-night itinerary framework in the direction of “enter at Dushanzi, exit at Kuqa.” Specific arrangements can be adjusted based on actual conditions.
D1:Gathering Day · First Encounter with Duku
Meet at Dushanzi or Kuytun, meet the driver and fellow travelers, and attend a pre-departure briefing.
In the afternoon, visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon to experience the stunning canyon landscape.
Stay overnight near Dushanzi or Qiaoerma in the evening to acclimatize to the altitude.
D2:Northern Section Highlights · Grassland Scenery
Depart early in the morning, officially entering the northern section of the Duku Highway, enjoying snow-capped mountains, meadows, and canyon views along the way.
Pass by Qiaoerma Martyrs’ Cemetery to pay tribute to the road-building heroes.

Guo Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service, a senior travel customization specialist with 10 years of deep experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializes in one-stop services for customized car rentals, carpooling, and group tours in Xinjiang. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number: 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to help plan your Xinjiang journey.
🛣️ Duku Highway: A scenic road with character. In the afternoon, you may choose to stop at Tangbula Grassland and stroll through the “Hundred-Li Gallery.”
Arrive at Nalati town in the evening and check in for rest.
D3:Middle Section Classic · Nine Bends Sunset
In the morning, enter Nalati Grassland and choose to visit the aerial grassland or river valley grassland based on your energy level.
In the afternoon, head to Bayinbuluke to enjoy the famous Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns sunset.
Stay overnight in Bayinbuluke town in the evening to recharge for the next day’s journey.
D4:Southern Section Crossing · Canyon Secrets
Set off early, cross the Tielimaiti Daban, and enter the southern section.
Visit the Big and Small Dragon Pools along the way, enjoying the tranquility of the alpine lakes.
In the afternoon, arrive at the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon to experience the spectacular red rock walls.
Arrive in Kuqa in the evening, marking the end of the trip.

📍 Basic Information💰 Cost Details (2026 Reference)
The following are reference prices for Duku Highway carpool small groups; final prices are subject to actual consultation and contract.
3-day carpool group reference price
Peak season (July–August):Approximately 2,200–2,800 RMB/person
Shoulder season (June, September):Approximately 1,800–2,300 RMB/person
4-day carpool group reference price
Peak season (July–August):Approximately 2,800–3,500 RMB/person
Shoulder season (June, September):Approximately 2,300–2,800 RMB/person
Costs typically include:Use of licensed commercial vehicles, fuel, tolls, driver service, hotel accommodation listed in the itinerary, first admission tickets to scenic spots listed in the itinerary and necessary shuttle buses, and travel agency liability insurance.
Costs typically exclude:Round-trip transportation, meals (usually split equally), personal expenses, and items not mentioned in the itinerary.
Friendly reminder:During the peak season (June–September) on the Duku Highway, resources are tight and prices may fluctuate with departure dates. We recommend confirming the final quote and included items with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service when registering, and the signed travel contract shall prevail.
📋 Registration and Consultation

Full name: Dushanzi–Kuqa Highway, abbreviated as “Duku Highway.”How to register:You can consult and register for Duku Highway carpool small group products through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service.
Consultation hotline:181-3962-2229
WeChat consultation:181-3962-2229 (add with note “Duku Highway carpool”)
Itinerary confirmation:When registering, please request a detailed itinerary and cost breakdown from customer service, and confirm key information such as accommodation standards, whether tickets and meals are included.
💡 Cost and Service Description
Costs include:Licensed commercial tourism vehicles, fuel, road and bridge tolls, driver service, hotel accommodation within the itinerary, first admission tickets to scenic spots listed in the itinerary and necessary shuttle buses, and travel agency liability insurance.
Costs exclude:Round-trip transportation, meals, personal expenses, and items not listed in the itinerary.
Service description: During the trip, an experienced local driver-guide is usually arranged to provide driving and commentary along the way. Without reducing the number of attractions or lowering service standards, the travel agency may reasonably adjust the itinerary in consultation with travelers based on weather, road conditions, scenic area opening status, and other factors. Specific service details are subject to the travel contract signed by both parties.
🎒 Pre-Trip Packing Checklist
Clothing:Waterproof jacket, fleece, thermal underwear, long pants, comfortable hiking shoes. Bring a heavy coat to cope with low temperatures at the passes.
Sun protection:High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, sun-protection face mask.
Personal items:Valid ID, some cash, power bank, common medications (cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc.).
Other:Insulated water bottle, some high-energy snacks (chocolate, nuts, etc.).
2026 Xinjiang travel customized car rental center hotline: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Customization Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456). Xinjiang customized travel manager Guo Jing’s WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for customization.