Duku Highway Full Route Private Car 10 Day Loop Ili + Northern Xinjiang Panorama Tour
Xinjiang travel customized car service for a comfortable journey, regular fleet with flexible itinerary customization. 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)
“Duku Highway Full-Route Customized Car 10-Day Loop:Unlocking the Premium Scenery of Ili + Northern Xinjiang”
🌄 Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination
The Duku Highway, hailed by China National Geographic as “China’s most beautiful road,” is a legendary route that winds like a giant dragon through the Tianshan Mountains. It starts in the north at Dushanzi District, Karamay City, runs through the Tianshan Mountains from north to south, and connects to Kuqa City in Aksu Prefecture at its southern end, spanning a total length of 561 kilometers. In 2026, this highway welcomes visitors from all over the world with improved facilities and better traffic conditions. Along the way, you will traverse a stunning panorama of changing seasons—from the scorching Gobi desert to lush grasslands and forests; from snow-capped glaciers to misty canyons and abysses. Every scene is picturesque and mesmerizing, leaving visitors reluctant to leave.
Ili, known as the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall,” is famous for its vast grasslands, crystal-clear lakes, and brilliant seas of flowers. Nalati Grassland, one of the world’s four major alpine grasslands, features lush green grass, wildflowers everywhere, and herds of cattle and sheep in summer, resembling a natural oil painting. Sayram Lake, a sapphire embedded at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, has water so clear you can see the bottom, with sparkling ripples on the surface that complement the distant snow-capped mountains, creating a breathtaking landscape painting.
Northern Xinjiang attracts countless visitors with its magnificent natural scenery and unique folk culture. Kanas Lake, a mysterious alpine lake, changes color with the seasons and light—sometimes sapphire blue, sometimes emerald green. Hemu Village, a small village surrounded by birch forests, looks like a painting when morning mist lingers, with traditional wooden houses of various ethnic groups scattered neatly on the hillsides, forming a peaceful and harmonious pastoral scene.
🗺 ️Simple Itinerary
Day 1:Arrive in Urumqi
“Duku Highway Full-Route Customized Car 10-Day Loop: Unlocking the Premium Scenery of Ili + Northern Xinjiang”After arriving in Urumqi, head to the hotel to check in and rest briefly. In the evening, you can visit the International Grand Bazaar, the largest ethnic specialty market in Xinjiang, where you can taste various authentic ethnic foods such as red willow barbecue, hand-pulled rice, and baked buns, and also purchase exquisite handicrafts as souvenirs.
Day 2:Urumqi—S21 Desert Highway—Ulungur Lake—Beitun
After breakfast, depart from Urumqi in your customized vehicle and head north along the S21 Desert Highway. This road crosses the Gurbantünggüt Desert, offering spectacular desert scenery along the way. Upon arriving at Ulungur Lake, you can stroll along the shore and feel the tranquility and vastness of the water. By evening, arrive in Beitun City and check into the hotel for rest.
Day 3:Beitun—Kanas Lake—Guanyu Terrace—Jadengyu
After breakfast, head to the Kanas Scenic Area. Upon arrival, take the shuttle bus into the scenic area, enjoying the beauty of the Three Bays (Immortal Bay, Moon Bay, and Crouching Dragon Bay) along the way. After reaching the transfer center, switch to a sightseeing bus to Guanyu Terrace, the best vantage point for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake. Standing on the terrace, you can take in the entire beauty of the lake and marvel at nature’s extraordinary craftsmanship. By evening, head to Jadengyu and check into the hotel.
Day 4:Jadengyu—Hemu Village
After breakfast, head to Hemu Village. Upon arrival, take the shuttle bus into the village. You can stroll along the village paths, admire the traditional wooden houses of various ethnic groups, and experience the rich folk customs. In the evening, climb to the observation deck to overlook the entire village—when the setting sun casts its golden glow, the whole village seems bathed in golden light, a truly stunning sight. At night, stay in a characteristic wooden house in Hemu Village to experience local accommodation culture.
🌄Detailed Introduction to the Route or DestinationDay 5:Hemu Village—Colorful Beach—Urho
Early in the morning, head to the observation deck again to enjoy the morning mist scenery of Hemu Village. After breakfast, leave Hemu Village and head to Colorful Beach. Located on the north bank of the Irtysh River, the rocks here display a riot of colors under the sunlight, contrasting sharply with the green forest on the opposite bank, creating a unique natural painting. By evening, arrive in the Urho District and check into the hotel for rest.
Day 6:Urho—World Devil City—Jinghe
After breakfast, head to World Devil City. This is a unique wind-eroded landform area where oddly shaped yardang formations emit eerie sounds in the wind, as if demons are howling—hence the name “World Devil City.” You can take a small train through the Devil City to admire the various奇特 rock formations and experience nature’s incredible creativity. By evening, head to Jinghe County and check into the hotel for rest.
Day 7:Jinghe—Sayram Lake—Guozigou Bridge—Yining
After breakfast, head to Sayram Lake. Upon arrival, you can choose to drive around the lake yourself or take the shuttle bus. The lake water is clear and azure, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and grasslands—a truly breathtaking sight. You can stroll along the shore to feel the coolness of the water, or find a quiet corner to sit and enjoy the lake and mountain views, relaxing your body and mind. Along the way, you will also pass the Guozigou Bridge, which spans the Guozigou Canyon with magnificent grandeur—a great spot for photos. By evening, arrive in Yining City and check into the hotel for rest.
Day 8:Yining—Nalati Grassland—Northern Section of Duku Highway—Kuitun
The Duku Highway, hailed by China National Geographic as “China’s most beautiful road,” is a legendary route that winds like a giant dragon through the Tianshan Mountains. It starts in the north at Dushanzi District, Karamay City, runs through the Tianshan Mountains from north to south, and connects to Kuqa City in Aksu Prefecture at its southern end, spanning a total length of 561 kilometers. In 2026, this highway welcomes visitors from all over the world with improved facilities and better traffic conditions. Along the way, you will traverse a stunning panorama of changing seasons—from the scorching Gobi desert to lush grasslands and forests; from snow-capped glaciers to misty canyons and abysses. Every scene is picturesque and mesmerizing, leaving visitors reluctant to leave.After breakfast, head to Nalati Grassland. Upon arrival, you can choose to take the shuttle bus to tour the aerial grassland and river valley grassland, or opt to ride horses deeper into the grassland to experience its vastness and grandeur. On Nalati Grassland, you can see herds of cattle and sheep grazing leisurely, with distant snow-capped mountains shining silver under the sunlight—as if you are in a beautiful painting. By evening, travel along the northern section of the Duku Highway to Kuitun City and check into the hotel for rest.
Day 9:Kuitun—Tianshan Tianchi—Urumqi
After breakfast, head to Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake). Tianshan Tianchi is a famous tourist destination in Xinjiang, with clear turquoise lake water surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests—a truly charming scene. You can take the shuttle bus to the lakeside and then stroll along the lakeside path to enjoy the scenery. Alternatively, you can take a boat tour on the lake to experience its tranquility and vastness. By evening, return to Urumqi City and check into the hotel for rest.
Day 10:Depart from Urumqi
After breakfast, based on your flight or train schedule, head to the airport or station to conclude this unforgettable Duku Highway Full-Route Customized Car 10-Day Loop journey.
No worries exploring Northern and Southern Xinjiang—professional customized car service for free travel. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency landline hotline: 0991-8866234, dedicated customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (WeChat same number, addable)
💰 Price Description
Vehicle Selection and Quotation
Ili, known as the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall,” is famous for its vast grasslands, crystal-clear lakes, and brilliant seas of flowers. Nalati Grassland, one of the world’s four major alpine grasslands, features lush green grass, wildflowers everywhere, and herds of cattle and sheep in summer, resembling a natural oil painting. Sayram Lake, a sapphire embedded at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, has water so clear you can see the bottom, with sparkling ripples on the surface that complement the distant snow-capped mountains, creating a breathtaking landscape painting. 7-seat business vehicles (5-7 people): Domestic business vans (Maxus G10, Trumpchi M8): 900-1900 yuan/day; Luxury business vans (Ford T6, Maxus V80, Iveco, etc.): 1400-2000 yuan/day; Top luxury business vans (Yutong 1+1, Ford T8, Higer 1+1, JAC 1+1, etc.): 1500-2400 yuan/day. These quotes are reference vehicle prices only; actual vehicle prices are subject to customer service quotation!
14-17 seat medium buses:1500-2500 yuan/day. These quotes are reference vehicle prices only; actual vehicle prices are subject to customer service quotation!
20-seat Toyota Coaster:2200-3800 yuan/day. These quotes are reference vehicle prices only; actual vehicle prices are subject to customer service quotation!
33-38 seat large buses:2000-3800 yuan/day. These quotes are reference vehicle prices only; actual vehicle prices are subject to customer service quotation!
Included in the Cost
Vehicle usage fee:Includes vehicle rental fee, fuel costs, road and bridge tolls, parking fees, etc.
Driver service fee:Driver’s wages, meal and accommodation subsidies, etc.
Northern Xinjiang attracts countless visitors with its magnificent natural scenery and unique folk culture. Kanas Lake, a mysterious alpine lake, changes color with the seasons and light—sometimes sapphire blue, sometimes emerald green. Hemu Village, a small village surrounded by birch forests, looks like a painting when morning mist lingers, with traditional wooden houses of various ethnic groups scattered neatly on the hillsides, forming a peaceful and harmonious pastoral scene.Insurance costs:Compulsory traffic insurance, commercial insurance (third-party liability ≥2 million), seat insurance (≥500,000/seat), etc.
Not Included in the Cost
Scenic area tickets and shuttle bus fees: Ticket prices at various scenic areas may change due to season and policy and must be paid by visitors. For example, Kanas Scenic Area tickets are approximately 160 yuan/person, with shuttle bus tickets around 70 yuan/person; Nalati Grassland tickets are approximately 95 yuan/person, with shuttle bus tickets varying by route.
Accommodation costs:Accommodation standards can be selected based on visitor needs, from economy hotels to high-end characteristic guesthouses; costs are borne by visitors.
Meal costs:Meal costs are not included in the customized vehicle service fee; visitors can choose restaurants based on their taste and budget.
Price Fluctuation Description
Peak season (June 15 – October 15):Prices increase by 30%-50%; high-end off-road/luxury business vehicles increase by 50%-60%.
🗺️Simple ItineraryShoulder season (April-May, mid-to-late October):Base price.
Off season (November – March of the following year):Prices decrease by 20%-40%.
Specific prices are subject to actual consultation and contract signing; prices may fluctuate with departure dates, and the signed contract between both parties shall prevail.
Registration Method
You can register through the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency—consult customer service manager Zhang Jing.
Cost Description and Service Description
Cost Description:The above prices are all reference prices; actual costs may vary due to factors such as vehicle model, season, itinerary duration, and service standards. Before registration, customer service will provide a detailed cost list based on your specific needs. After both parties sign the contract, costs shall be governed by the contract.
Service Description:Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency provides legitimate customized vehicle services. All vehicles are licensed commercial vehicles with valid road transport certificates, and drivers hold valid passenger transport qualification certificates. During the trip, drivers are familiar with road conditions across Xinjiang and can provide professional driving services and basic itinerary suggestions. Additionally, the travel agency can assist in booking scenic area tickets, accommodation, etc., making your trip more convenient. Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
For solo travelers, our agency will make every effort to arrange room sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation. During the trip, if force majeure factors such as weather, road conditions, or policies occur, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted upon mutual agreement. We hope you can fully enjoy the premium scenery of Ili and Northern Xinjiang on this Duku Highway Full-Route Customized Car 10-Day Loop journey and create wonderful memories!
For Xinjiang travel, choose Pathfinder International Travel Agency—customized car service is worry-free and reliable. Landline: 0991-8866234 Customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233
