10-Day Northern Xinjiang Tour with Kanas Lake and Duku Highway

10 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on a 10-day private tour through Northern Xinjiang's most breathtaking landscapes with an English-speaking guide. Drive along the S21 Desert Highway and...

Duration: 10 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Urumqi, Yining, Kuytun, Altay · Languages: English

Know before you go: Security checks are strict in Xinjiang; knives, lighters, and spray cans must comply with regulations, especially on planes and trains.; When entering mosques or ethnic minority homes, avoid revealing clothing and do not take photographs without permission.; Signal can be weak in some mountain and desert areas; download offline maps in advance.; Keep a reachable phone number or use communication apps such as WhatsApp and email.; Carry some cash, as mobile payments may not work in areas with poor network coverage.; Bring all necessary documents, including your passport and ID.; Carry common medications as needed for the journey.; Respect the customs and traditions of ethnic minority communities throughout the tour.

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Urumqi

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What's Included

Hotel accommodation throughout the tour
Scenic area entrance tickets
Internal transportation within scenic areas
English-speaking tour guide
Private business van
One driver throughout the tour

Not Included

Meals
Personal expenses
Tips

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Urumqi

Guests are picked up in Urumqi and transferred to the hotel for check-in. Overnight stay at a five-star hotel in Urumqi.
2

Day 02

Urumqi to Altay via the S21 Desert Highway

Depart Urumqi and drive along the S21 Desert Highway. Visit the Beautiful Desert Park and pass by Ulungur Lake along the way. Arrive in Altay for the evening. Overnight stay at a comfort hotel in Altay.
3

Day 03

Altay to Hemu Village

Depart Altay along the Altay Highway (Ahe Highway). Stop at Hemu Bridge and the Haden Viewing Platform for scenic views and travel photography. Arrive at the beautiful village of Hemu. Overnight stay in a log cabin in Hemu.
4

Day 04

Hemu to Burqin via Kanas Lake

Depart Hemu and journey to the iconic Kanas Lake. Explore the Three Bays and Rainbow Beach along the lake. Continue to Burqin for the evening. Overnight stay at a comfort hotel in Burqin.
5

Day 05

Burqin to Kuytun or Dushanzi via World Devil City

Depart Burqin and visit the World Devil City, also known as Wind City. Continue towards Kuytun or Dushanzi for the evening. Overnight stay at a comfort hotel in Kuytun or Dushanzi.
6

Day 06

Kuytun or Dushanzi to Yining via Sayram Lake

Depart and enjoy a self-drive tour around the stunning Sayram Lake. Pass through Guozigou (Fruit Valley) and Liuxing Street on the way to Yining. Overnight stay at a comfort hotel in Yining.
7

Day 07

Yining to Tekes via Xiatagudao Ancient Trail

Depart Yining and explore the Xiatagudao Ancient Trail. View the magnificent Muzart Glacier along the route. Visit Bagua City and Lijie Street before arriving in Tekes. Overnight stay at a characteristic homestay in Tekes.
8

Day 08

Tekes to Nalati Town via Nalati Sky Grassland

Depart Tekes and journey to the spectacular Nalati Sky Grassland. Enjoy ethnic costume travel photography, afternoon tea, and a traditional barbecue on the grassland. Arrive in Nalati Town for the evening. Overnight stay at a characteristic homestay in Nalati Town.
9

Day 09

Nalati Town to Urumqi via the Duku Highway

Depart Nalati Town and drive through the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery. Cross the spectacular Northern Section of the Duku Highway and arrive in Urumqi. Overnight stay at a four-star hotel in Urumqi. In case of Duku Highway traffic control or closure: Alternative Route 1: Nalati Town -> Gongnaisi Daban -> National Highway 218 -> Tianshan Victory Tunnel -> Urumqi.
10

Day 10

Departure from Urumqi

Transfer to Urumqi airport for departure as per flight timings.

Meeting Point

Meeting point: Xinjiang, 中国 · Tour start: 中国新疆维吾尔自治区 — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.