Private Small Group Independent Tour Northern Xinjiang Car Rental, Ili and Altay Dual Route Flexible Combination

Guo Jing, a senior Xinjiang travel customizer from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, specializes in one-stop travel services for customized vehicle hire, ride-sharing, and worry-free group tours across Xinjiang. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, we can match you with a suitable travel plan. 24-hour travel consultation hotline: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number: 181-3962-2229, online around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
🚙 2026 Northern Xinjiang Private Small Group Itinerary:Ili and Altay Dual Routes Freely Combined
🏞 ️ Detailed Introduction to Route Destinations
Northern Xinjiang’s natural landscape resources are mainly concentrated in the Altay and Ili regions, each with its own distinct character. The private small group customized vehicle model allows you to freely combine attractions from both areas based on your interests, without being restricted to fixed routes.
The Altay region is located in northern Xinjiang, with driving times between attractions generally ranging from 1 to 6 hours. The core attractions currently open in 2026 include:
Kanas Scenic Area: Known for its lakes that change color with the light and the morning mist over Sanwan (Three Bays). Visitors must transfer to the designated shuttle bus within the scenic area. The 2026 reference ticket price is 160 yuan/person, with a one-way shuttle bus fee of 70 yuan/person. Opening hours are 8:00-20:00 year-round. Morning mist often appears over the Sanwan area in the early hours, so you can choose to visit based on your schedule.
Hemu Scenic Area: Features a cluster of wooden houses surrounded by birch forests and mountain grasslands. You can climb to the Haden Observation Deck for a panoramic view of the village. The 2026 reference ticket price is 75 yuan/person, with opening hours of 8:30-20:00 year-round. After dark, the village has sparse lighting, making it ideal for star photography.
Keketuohai Scenic Area: Includes sites such as Zhongshan Canyon and No. 3 Mine Pit. In spring, you can enjoy rushing streams after snowmelt, and in autumn, the vegetation displays rich colors. The 2026 reference ticket price is 116 yuan/person, with opening hours of 9:30-19:30 year-round. The trails in the scenic area are gentle, suitable for a leisurely stroll.

🚙 2026 Northern Xinjiang Private Small Group Itinerary: Ili and Altay Dual Routes Freely CombinedColorful Beach (Wucaitan):A Yadan landform landscape adjacent to the Irtysh River. At sunset, the rocks display multiple colors under the light. Open year-round, and visiting times can be flexibly adjusted based on sunset times.
Baihaba Village:Located in a border area, entry requires a pass obtained in advance. The landscape is pristine and tranquil, and you can choose whether to include it in your itinerary based on your travel needs.
The Ili region is located in western Northern Xinjiang. The core attractions commonly included in 2026 itineraries are:
Sayram Lake: A high-altitude cold-water lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and grasslands. Multiple viewing platforms are set up along the lakeside road, allowing stops to admire the lake views. The 2026 reference ticket price is 145 yuan/person, with a shuttle bus fee of 75 yuan/person. Opening hours are 7:00-21:00 year-round.
Nalati Grassland: Divided into multiple areas including the Sky Grassland and Valley Grassland. The grassland undulates with the mountains, surrounded by spruce forests and snow-capped peaks. The 2026 reference ticket price is 95 yuan/person, with a shuttle bus fee of 40 yuan/person. Opening hours are 8:00-20:00 year-round.
Qiaxi Grassland: A pristine valley grassland that has not been overdeveloped, featuring streams, spruce trees, and wildflowers. Visitor density is relatively low, making it suitable for those who prefer a quiet atmosphere. The 2026 reference ticket price is 30 yuan/person, with opening hours of 9:00-19:00 year-round.
Duku Highway Northern Section:A scenic road connecting Nalati and Dushanzi, passing through different vegetation and climate zones at various altitudes. Due to weather conditions, it is generally open from June to October each year, and may be temporarily closed in case of rain or snow. Real-time road conditions will be confirmed before departure.
🗓 ️ Simple Reference Itinerary

🏞️ Detailed Introduction to Route DestinationsThe following is a general 9-day reference itinerary for combining both routes. The actual itinerary can be reasonably adjusted based on travel duration, interests, and physical condition, subject to mutual agreement:
Day 1:Meet in Urumqi. 24-hour airport pickup service provided. Check in at a city hotel. No unified itinerary for the day; you can explore the city on your own and taste local ethnic cuisines.
Day 2:Urumqi → Kelameili Desert Park → Check in at Altay City. Along the way, you can experience camel riding in the desert. Lunch can be arranged at a county along the route. The drive is long, so it’s recommended to prepare some snacks and drinking water in advance.
Day 3:Altay → Ahe Highway → Check in at Hemu Scenic Area. The Ahe Highway opens at 10:00 AM. Along the way, you can enjoy pristine landscapes of canyons, forests, and rivers. After arriving in Hemu in the afternoon, you can stroll through the village at your leisure and climb the Haden Observation Deck in the evening to watch the sunset.
Day 4:Hemu → Full-day tour of Kanas Scenic Area. Visit Sanwan (Three Bays), Kanas Lake, and other sites. You can choose whether to hike the Sanwan trail based on your physical condition. Overnight stay at Jiadengyu or a hotel near the scenic area.
Day 5:Kanas → Colorful Beach (Wucaitan) → Rest in Burqin. Visit Colorful Beach in the afternoon to watch the sunset. Stay overnight in Burqin county town, where you can visit the night market to try local snacks.
Day 6:Burqin → Lakeside tour of Sayram Lake. Stop at multiple viewing platforms for photos. Depending on your needs, you can choose to stay near Sayram Lake or in Yining city.
Day 7:Yining → Qiaxi Grassland → Check in at Nalati Town. Visit the valley landscape of Qiaxi Grassland in the morning, then head to Nalati Grassland in the afternoon, where you can choose to visit the Sky Grassland or Valley Grassland areas.

Northern Xinjiang’s natural landscape resources are mainly concentrated in the Altay and Ili regions, each with its own distinct character. The private small group customized vehicle model allows you to freely combine attractions from both areas based on your interests, without being restricted to fixed routes.Day 8:Nalati → Duku Highway Northern Section → Check in at Dushanzi. Enjoy the diverse landscapes along the Duku Highway, with stops at points like Qiaoerma for brief visits. If the Duku Highway is temporarily closed, an alternate route will be taken back to Dushanzi, extending the driving time accordingly.

Guo Jing from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, a senior travel customizer with 10 years of experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializes in one-stop services for customized vehicle hire, ride-sharing, and group tours across Xinjiang. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number: 181-3962-2229, online around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
Day 9:Dushanzi → Urumqi airport/train station drop-off. The itinerary ends on this day. It is recommended to book return flights after 10:00 PM to avoid traffic fluctuations affecting your schedule.
If your travel duration is shorter, the itinerary can be adjusted to 6-7 days. For example, you could focus on the Altay region with only Sayram Lake added, or focus on the Ili region with only Kanas and Hemu as the two core attractions. All changes will be communicated and confirmed with travelers in advance.
💴 Price Description
The reference price range for the 2026 Northern Xinjiang private small group customized vehicle dual-route itinerary is as follows. Prices may vary depending on travel dates, accommodation standards, and itinerary changes:
2-3 person small group:Reference price per person: 7,800-8,200 yuan
4-6 person small group:Reference price per person: 6,600-7,000 yuan
7-12 person small group:Reference price per person: 5,800-6,200 yuan

The Altay region is located in northern Xinjiang, with driving times between attractions generally ranging from 1 to 6 hours. The core attractions currently open in 2026 include:The above prices are for reference only. The final quotation and seat availability are subject to real-time confirmation by customer service and the travel contract signed by both parties.
📞 How to Register
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Consultation hotline: 181-3962-2229, WeChat same number: 181-3962-2229. For itinerary customization, precautions, and other questions, you can consult customer service. Address information is also available from customer service.
📋 Fee and Service Description
The reference price includes the following services:
Full-journey customized vehicle service, with vehicle type matched to group size, including driver labor costs, fuel, tolls, and parking fees
Accommodation costs as marked in the itinerary. Accommodation standards can be upgraded based on personal needs, with upgrade fees calculated separately
Meals as marked in the itinerary, which can be adjusted based on traveler preferences

Kanas Scenic Area: Known for its lakes that change color with the light and the morning mist over Sanwan (Three Bays). Visitors must transfer to the designated shuttle bus within the scenic area. The 2026 reference ticket price is 160 yuan/person, with a one-way shuttle bus fee of 70 yuan/person. Opening hours are 8:00-20:00 year-round. Morning mist often appears over the Sanwan area in the early hours, so you can choose to visit based on your schedule. First admission tickets to all scenic areas and mandatory shuttle bus fees
Travel accident insurance, as well as emergency supplies (oxygen tanks, first aid kits, etc.)
Free airport/train station pickup and drop-off service
The reference price does not include:
Round-trip transportation to and from Urumqi
Self-funded experience activities within scenic areas (such as horseback riding on grasslands, boat rides, travel photography, etc. — all voluntary, no forced consumption)
Personal expenses
Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Reasonable itinerary changes can be made upon mutual agreement. All service contents, itinerary arrangements, and fee details will be clearly stated in the contract. All terms comply with the Contract Law, Tourism Law, and other relevant regulations. Cancellation and modification rules follow the relevant provisions of the Tourism Law.
Before departure, it is recommended to prepare sunscreen, comfortable hiking shoes, and a thick jacket in advance. Even in summer, temperatures in the mountainous areas of Northern Xinjiang may drop to around 10°C in the morning and evening, so bringing warm clothing can help cope with temperature differences. Popular scenic areas such as Kanas and Hemu implement real-name limited ticket sales, so it’s advisable to confirm your itinerary as early as possible to reserve tickets and avoid being unable to get tickets when registering at the last minute. If you wish to include Baihaba Village in your itinerary, you need to apply for the relevant border pass in advance. Specific requirements can be consulted with customer service in advance.
For 2026 Xinjiang travel customized vehicle hire, customization, and ride-sharing tours, welcome to consult (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456). Xinjiang customized travel manager Guo Jing, WeChat: 181-3962-2229, for customization.