Northern Xinjiang 12-Day
Premium Classic Tour
🌄 1. Diverse Natural Wonders
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Xinjiang, from alpine lakes and endless grasslands to forests, valleys, and majestic mountain ranges. Every destination offers a unique view of the region’s natural beauty.
🐎 2. Authentic Cultural Experiences
Discover the traditions of Kazakh and other local communities, experience grassland lifestyles, and learn about the rich cultural heritage shaped by the Silk Road.
🌿 3. A Complete Scenic Adventure
Enjoy a relaxed journey through Xinjiang’s most iconic destinations, combining nature, photography, local experiences, and unforgettable moments across the region.
Key Locations:
Urumqi、Altay 、Hemu Village、Kanas Scenic Area、Huyanghe City、Yining City、Nalati Town
Your Treasure Map
Discover Culture & Beauty Together
Highlights of the Trip
Urumqi: 🛍️ International Grand Bazaar
Altay: 🛣️ Desert Highway 🏜️ Karamay Desert 🌄 Sunset Cable Car🏡 Hemu Village🏞️ Kanas🔥 Bonfire
Yining:🌊 Sayram Lake 🌉 Guozigou Bridge
Narati Town:🌾Narati Sky Meadow
Duku Highway: 🏞️ Tangbala Hundred-Mile Gallery📍 Duku Highway Kilometer Zero Landmark
Day 1 - Urumqi
Upon arrival in Urumqi - a local driver will provide 24-hour airport pickup and take you to the hotel for check-in. If time permits, you may visit the Urumqi International Grand Bazaar.
Meals - Please feel free to choose your own dining options at your own expense.
Accommodation - 4-diamond hotel
Urumqi is the cultural and transportation hub of Xinjiang, serving as the perfect starting point for exploring the region’s natural wonders and historic treasures. Located near the Tianshan Mountains, the city combines modern attractions with Silk Road heritage and diverse local traditions.
Visitors can explore the famous International Grand Bazaar, experience authentic Xinjiang cuisine, and discover the city’s unique cultural atmosphere. With its blend of history, landscapes, and ethnic diversity, Urumqi provides an unforgettable introduction to the beauty of Xinjiang.
Day 2 - Karamay Desert Park
Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Karamay Desert Park – General Mountain Sunset Cable Car – Altay
Meals - Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
Accommodation - 4-diamond hotel in Altay
Karamay Desert Park is a fascinating destination in Northern Xinjiang, offering a unique view of the region’s vast desert landscapes and golden sand dunes. Surrounded by open skies and dramatic scenery, the park highlights the natural beauty of the desert while reflecting the modern character of Karamay.
Visitors can explore desert trails, enjoy panoramic views, and capture beautiful sunset moments across the dunes. With its peaceful atmosphere and stunning surroundings, Karamay Desert Park provides an unforgettable experience of Xinjiang’s desert charm.
Day 3 - Altay
Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village – Bonfire Party
Meals - Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
Accommodation - Fir B&B or similar characteristic B&B
Note: The bonfire party is a complimentary activity. No refund will be given if it is canceled due to weather
conditions.
Altay is a stunning region in Northern Xinjiang, famous for its majestic mountains, dense forests, wide grasslands, and peaceful natural surroundings. Located near the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia, the area offers a unique combination of diverse landscapes and rich cultural traditions.
Visitors can discover iconic places such as Kanas Lake and Hemu Village, experience the lifestyle of local Kazakh communities, and enjoy the fresh air and untouched beauty of the region. With its breathtaking scenery and calm atmosphere, Altay is an ideal destination for travelers seeking nature, culture, and relaxation.
Day 4 - Kanas Lake
Hemu Sunrise – Hemu (Sunrise from Viewing Platform) – Kanas Lake – Kanas Three Bays (Moon Bay, Wolong Bay, Immortal Bay) – Burqin
Meals: All meals today are at your own expense.
Accommodation: Xiaojieyue B&B or similar characteristic B&B
Note: The Tuva intangible cultural heritage performance and bonfire party are complimentary activities. No refund will be given if the scenic area cancels these events.
Kanas Lake is one of Xinjiang’s most spectacular natural wonders, known for its clear waters, forest-covered mountains, and stunning alpine scenery. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and peaceful valleys, the lake creates a breathtaking landscape that changes beautifully with the seasons.
Visitors can explore scenic viewpoints, enjoy relaxing walks, and admire the colorful autumn forests or the tranquil beauty of the lake throughout the year. With its peaceful atmosphere and unforgettable views, Kanas Lake offers a perfect escape into the natural beauty of Northern Xinjiang.
Burqin – Devil City – Kuytun
Meals - All meals today are at your own expense.
Accommodation: 4-diamond hotel in Huyanghe City
Note: Today's drive is quite long. You may prepare some snacks in advance to keep your energy up.
Kuytun is an important transportation hub in western Xinjiang, connecting many of the region’s famous scenic destinations. Surrounded by wide plains and mountain landscapes, the city offers travelers a comfortable stop while exploring the diverse beauty of Northern Xinjiang.
Visitors can experience the local atmosphere, enjoy views of the surrounding landscapes, and rest before continuing their journey to Xinjiang’s lakes, grasslands, and mountain areas. As a key route between major attractions, Kuytun plays an important role in discovering the natural and cultural highlights of the region.
Day 5 - Kuytun
Kuytun – Sayram Lake Self-Drive Loop – Guozigou Bridge – Yinin
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
Accommodation: 4-diamond hotel in Yining
Note: The Lavender Field is a complimentary activity (blooming season: June–July). No refund will be given if it is canceled due to weather conditions.
Guozigou Bridge is one of the most remarkable scenic landmarks in Xinjiang, located in the beautiful Ili region near Sayram Lake. Stretching across the deep Guozigou Valley, the bridge is surrounded by green mountains, winding roads, and breathtaking natural scenery.
Visitors can enjoy stunning viewpoints, capture panoramic photos, and experience the impressive combination of modern architecture and Xinjiang’s mountain landscapes. Together with Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge creates an unforgettable highlight of Northern Xinjiang.
Day 6 - Sayram Lake
Yining – Self-Drive Yizhao Highway – Tianma Cultural Park – Zhaos
Meals - Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
Accommodation - 4-diamond hotel in Narati Town
Note: The Kazakh wedding experience is a complimentary activity. No refund will be given if the scenic area cancels this event.
Yining is a charming city located in the heart of the Ili Valley, known for its vibrant culture, beautiful scenery, and unique blend of ethnic traditions. With influences from Kazakh, Uyghur, and Russian cultures, the city offers a fascinating mix of history, architecture, and local lifestyles.
Visitors can explore colorful streets, experience traditional markets, taste local cuisine, and enjoy nearby natural attractions such as grasslands and lavender fields. With its peaceful atmosphere and cultural diversity, Yining provides a wonderful glimpse into the charm of Northern Xinjiang.
Day 7 - Yining
Narati – Zhaosu – Zhaosu Jade Lake – Tekes Bagua City – Tekes
Meals - Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are at your own expense.
Accommodation - 4-diamond hotel in Urumqi
Note: If the Duku Highway is closed, the itinerary will be adjusted to: "Narati Town – Tianshan Shengli Tunnel – Urumqi"
Zhaosu is a beautiful county in the Ili Valley, known for its vast grasslands, snow-covered mountains, and rich Kazakh pastoral culture. Surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, it offers a peaceful escape into the heart of Xinjiang’s countryside.
Visitors can explore endless meadows, experience traditional nomadic lifestyles, and enjoy stunning views of horses, valleys, and mountain landscapes. With its fresh air and untouched beauty, Zhaosu is a perfect destination for nature lovers and travelers seeking an authentic Xinjiang experience.
Day 8 - Zhaosu
Tekes – Karajun Grassland (Flower Terrace, Falcon Terrace) – Gongli
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
Accommodation: Gongliu (4-Diamond Hotel)
Tekes is a unique destination in the Ili Valley, famous for its distinctive Bagua City design and beautiful natural surroundings. Surrounded by grasslands, mountains, and traditional Kazakh culture, it offers travelers a fascinating mix of history, architecture, and nature.
Visitors can explore the ancient city layout, experience local traditions, and enjoy the peaceful landscapes of the Ili region. With its cultural charm and scenic beauty, Tekes provides an unforgettable stop on a Xinjiang journey.
Day 9 - Texes
Gongliu – Self-Drive Kuerdening – Nalati Sky Meadow – Nalati Ayixiamu Wedding (Lamb Cuddling, Naan Making, Kazakh Nomadic Dinner) – Nalati Tow
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
Accommodation: Gongliu (4-Diamond Hotel)
Nalati Town is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Ili Valley, famous for its endless grasslands, mountain scenery, and traditional Kazakh culture. Surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains, the area offers breathtaking views of green meadows, valleys, and open skies.
Visitors can explore Nalati Sky Meadow, experience the peaceful pastoral lifestyle, and enjoy the fresh mountain air and stunning landscapes. With its natural beauty and cultural charm, Nalati is a must-visit destination in Northern Xinjiang.
Day 10 - Nalati Town
Nalati – Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery – Duku Highway – Duku Highway Zero Kilometer Photo Op – Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel
Accommodation: Gongliu (4-Diamond Hotel)
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After exploring the wonders of Xinjiang, return to Urumqi and enjoy the final moments of your journey. The city offers a perfect blend of modern life, Silk Road history, and local culture, allowing travelers to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past days.
Visitors can explore the city at their own pace, enjoy local cuisine, and prepare for departure while carrying memories of Xinjiang’s breathtaking landscapes and unique traditions.
Day 11 - Umurqai
As your Xinjiang adventure comes to an end, you depart from Urumqi with unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultures, and unique experiences. From mountains and lakes to deserts and historic towns, every destination has created a meaningful chapter of your journey.
Thank you for traveling with us. We wish you a safe and comfortable journey home and look forward to welcoming you again for another unforgettable Xinjiang adventure. ✈️
Day 12 - Urumqi Departure
✨Special Arrangements
🚗 Upgrade to a self-drive tour around the breathtaking Sayram Lake.
🌿 Upgrade to a self-drive adventure through Narati Sky Meadow.
🎭 Enjoy a complimentary Tuva intangible cultural heritage performance (May–August).
💜 Visit the beautiful Lavender Fields (June–July).
💍 Experience a traditional Kazakh wedding in Narati.
🏨 Stay in comfortable 4-diamond hotels throughout the journey with a premium 7-seat minivan for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.