Northern Xinjiang 9 Day Deep Carpool Small Group Full Tour Dates and Itinerary

Xinjiang group tour with worry-free travel, regular fleet escort, consultation hotline landline number: 0991-8866234 Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, customized consultation Manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (copy to add friend for detailed consultation on Xinjiang travel routes and prices)
📍 Northern Xinjiang 9-Day In-Depth Carpool Small Group | Complete Departure Dates and Itinerary (2026 Updated)
Planning to go deep into northern Xinjiang in 2026? This 9-day in-depth carpool small group route starts from Urumqi, passes through the Ili River Valley, Duku Highway, and Altay Mountains, and finally returns to the starting point, forming a closed loop covering grasslands, lakes, canyons, and forests. The entire journey uses 7-seat or larger business vehicles with a relaxed pace, suitable for travelers who want both scenic experiences and travel comfort.
🌄 Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination
This route focuses on the core natural landscapes of northern Xinjiang, covering several key scenic areas that will be open normally in 2026 and require real-name reservation:
Sayram Lake: Known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic,’ open year-round in 2026. During peak season (May 1 – October 15), private cars are not allowed in; visitors must take the scenic shuttle bus or reserve a self-driving slot in advance. The reference price for ticket + shuttle bus is 145 yuan/person, and entry requires scanning the reservation document.
Nalati Grassland:Notable for its aerial garden scenery. In 2026, timed reservation entry will be implemented, and online reservation is recommended at least 3 days in advance. Visitors can explore areas such as the Sky Grassland and Snow Lotus Valley, and the shuttle bus is a mandatory purchase.
Duku Highway:In 2026, it will be fully open to traffic from early June, with passage hours from 8:00 to 20:00 daily. Vehicles of 7 seats or fewer are recommended. Along the way, you can see snow mountains, canyons, grasslands, and other diverse landforms. There are many curves, so it is recommended to have a local driver familiar with the road conditions.
Kanas + Hemu: In 2026, the peak season opening hours are June 15 – October 7. Kanas ticket is 160 yuan (valid for two days) + shuttle bus 110 yuan; Hemu ticket is 50 yuan + shuttle bus. All visitors must make real-name reservations through the platform, with no on-site ticket sales.

📍 Northern Xinjiang 9-Day In-Depth Carpool Small Group | Complete Departure Dates and Itinerary (2026 Updated)Xiate Ancient Road:Located in Zhaosu County, open to the General’s Bridge section in 2026, where you can view the Muzart Glacier up close. Ticket is 30 yuan/person, shuttle bus is 60 yuan/person. It is recommended to enter in the morning when the light is better.
Colorful Beach & World Devil City:Both located in the Altay region, open to visitors normally in 2026. Colorful Beach has the most vivid colors at sunset; Devil City is known for its Yadan landforms and unique wind-eroded landscapes.
🗓 ️ Simple Itinerary Arrangement (Reference for Regular 2026 Departure Schedule)
> Note:The following is a typical 9-day itinerary framework. The actual execution will be reasonably adjusted based on weather, road conditions, scenic area opening status, and other factors, subject to mutual agreement.
D1:Arrive in Urumqi from various locations
After airport/train station pickup, check into a downtown hotel and enjoy free time. You can visit the periphery of the International Grand Bazaar, Hongshan Park, or local food streets to experience the city.
D2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (approximately 550 km, 7 hours by car)
Cross the Junggar Basin and arrive at the east gate of Sayram Lake in the evening, checking into a lakeside hotel. The visitor center operates from 6:00 to 23:00. It is recommended to reserve the next day’s lake circuit tour in advance.
D3:Sayram Lake Circuit → Guozigou Bridge → Huocheng Lavender Garden

Planning to go deep into northern Xinjiang in 2026? This 9-day in-depth carpool small group route starts from Urumqi, passes through the Ili River Valley, Duku Highway, and Altay Mountains, and finally returns to the starting point, forming a closed loop covering grasslands, lakes, canyons, and forests. The entire journey uses 7-seat or larger business vehicles with a relaxed pace, suitable for travelers who want both scenic experiences and travel comfort.Spend the full day touring the lake, visiting viewpoints such as Qinshuitan and Kele Yongzhu; in the afternoon, cross the Guozigou Bridge, and in the evening head to Huocheng’s Jieyou Princess Lavender Garden (peak blooming period is June 15 – July 5).
D4:Huocheng → Zhaosu → Xiate Ancient Road
Cross the Tianshan Mountains along the Yizhao Highway (seasonally open, usually mid-June to early October), passing rapeseed flower fields, and visit the Xiate Ancient Road to General’s Bridge in the afternoon.
D5:Zhaosu → Tekes → Gongliu → Nalati
Pass through the Bagua City of Tekes and arrive at Nalati Town in the evening, checking into a hotel near the grassland.
D6:Full Day at Nalati Grassland
Explore the Sky Grassland and River Valley Grassland areas in depth, experiencing the three-dimensional grassland landscape. The shuttle bus covers the main viewpoints with flexible visiting time.
D7:Nalati → Middle Section of Duku Highway → Dushanzi/Kuitun

🌄 Detailed Introduction to the Route or DestinationHead north along the Duku Highway, passing the periphery of Bayanbulak Grassland (depending on road conditions that day), and arrive at Dushanzi or Kuitun for the night.
D8:Dushanzi → Burqin → Hemu Village
Take the S21 desert highway, view Ulungur Lake along the way, and enter the Hemu scenic area in the evening, staying in a wooden house in the village.
D9:Hemu Morning Mist → Kanas Three Bays → Return to Urumqi
In the early morning, climb to the Haden Platform to view the morning mist, then head to the Kanas scenic area and hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Sleeping Dragon Bay) along the wooden boardwalk. Depart for Urumqi in the evening to end the trip.
💰 Price Description (2026 Reference Information)

No worries about exploring northern and southern Xinjiang. Professional Xinjiang local reception, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency landline hotline: 0991-8866234, dedicated customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (same as WeChat, addable)
Currently, similar 2–6 person carpool small groups on the market cost approximately 3800–4500 yuan per person for a 9-day itinerary, including:
7-seat business vehicle or equivalent for the entire journey (including driver service)
Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (standard rooms; for solo travelers, our agency will try its best to arrange room sharing, special cases subject to separate negotiation)

This route focuses on the core natural landscapes of northern Xinjiang, covering several key scenic areas that will be open normally in 2026 and require real-name reservation: first admission tickets and necessary shuttle buses for scenic areas (such as Sayram Lake, Nalati, Kanas, Hemu, etc.)
Driver-guide service (familiar with local road conditions and scenic area policies)
> ⚠️ This quote is a reference vehicle price only; the actual vehicle price is subject to customer service quotation! Actual costs may vary due to departure dates, room types, and ticket policy fluctuations. The final terms are subject to the travel contract signed by both parties.
📞 How to Register
You can consult and register for this route through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Contact Person:Manager Zhang Jing
Phone:181-3962-2233 (copy to add WeChat)
WeChat:181-3962-2233

Sayram Lake: Known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic,’ open year-round in 2026. During peak season (May 1 – October 15), private cars are not allowed in; visitors must take the scenic shuttle bus or reserve a self-driving slot in advance. The reference price for ticket + shuttle bus is 145 yuan/person, and entry requires scanning the reservation document.It is recommended to inquire about availability and departure dates at least 7 days in advance. Carpool spots are relatively tight during peak season (June–September).
📋 Fee and Service Description
✅ Fees Include:
Vehicle for the entire journey (7-seat or larger business vehicle with ample luggage space)
Accommodation, tickets, and shuttle buses as marked in the itinerary
Driver service (with years of experience on northern Xinjiang routes, familiar with new scenic area regulations and road conditions)
❌ Fees Exclude:
Round-trip transportation to and from Urumqi
Meals (some hotels include breakfast; lunches and dinners can be shared AA-style or self-arranged by the group)

Nalati Grassland: Notable for its aerial garden scenery. In 2026, timed reservation entry will be implemented, and online reservation is recommended at least 3 days in advance. Visitors can explore areas such as the Sky Grassland and Snow Lotus Valley, and the shuttle bus is a mandatory purchase. Personal expenses and unlisted self-paid items within scenic areas (such as electric carts, horseback riding, etc.)
📌 Important Notes:
All scenic areas implement a real-name reservation system. After registration, you must provide valid identification information for ticket purchase.
If extreme weather, temporary traffic control, or scenic area closures occur during the trip, both parties may negotiate reasonable route changes.
For solo travelers, our agency will try its best to arrange room sharing. If this cannot be arranged, the single room supplement will be discussed separately.
Specific service content, fee details, and cancellation/change rules are all subject to the Tourism Law and the contract signed by both parties.
🚗 Vehicle Description
This route recommends a 7-seat luxury business vehicle to ensure every passenger has a seat and ample luggage space. For groups of more than 6 people, 9–19 seat minibuses can also be arranged; for large groups (10+ people), 33-seat or 55-seat air-conditioned tourist buses can be coordinated.
> This quote is a reference vehicle price only; the actual vehicle price is subject to customer service quotation!
If you plan to visit northern Xinjiang in the summer of 2026, this 9-day in-depth carpool small group tour balances scenic density and itinerary comfort, making it an ideal choice for avoiding peak crowds and enjoying flexible stops. For more details, feel free to call 181-3962-2233 or add WeChat for detailed inquiries. Address information can be obtained directly from customer service.
For Xinjiang travel, choose Pathfinder International Travel Agency for a worry-free and reliable trip. Landline: 0991-8866234 Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing Phone: 181-3962-2233