How Many Days Are Suitable for a Group Tour to Yili and Sayram Lake Cost and Booking Overview Recommended Itinerary Prices

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quote

In-Depth Guide to Group Tours in Ili: A Superb Encounter Between Sayram Lake and the Grasslands✨
I. Key Highlights of the Itinerary: In-Depth Experience with Dual Themes of Sayram Lake and Grasslands
Sayram Lake, known as the “Pearl of Ili, Xinjiang,” is famous as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic.” Its surface is as blue as a mirror, reflecting snow-capped mountains. In summer, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, creating a visual feast of “blue + white + green.” The grasslands of Ili, represented by Nalati and Kalajun, feature unique landscapes such as aerial grasslands and “human-shaped” grasslands, combined with the local lifestyles of various ethnic groups, offering a dual experience of “grasslands + culture.”
II. Classic Itinerary Reference for 2026 (5 Days, 4 Nights)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi → Sayram Lake
Morning:Pick up at Urumqi Diwopu Airport and travel to Sayram Lake by tour bus (approximately 5.5 hours). Pass through the Guozigou Bridge along the way and enjoy the magnificent scenery of canyons and grasslands intertwined.
Afternoon:Upon arrival at Sayram Lake, take a 4-hour tour around the lake, focusing on key attractions:
Songshu Head:Climb to a high vantage point for a panoramic view of the lake, with wildflowers blooming like a carpet in summer.
Kele Yongzhu:Get up close to swans and other waterfowl, and photograph the reflections in the lake.
Dianjiang Platform:A historical site combined with natural scenery, ideal for capturing cultural-themed photographs.
Accommodation:Stay in a characteristic homestay within the Sayram Lake scenic area, with lake views from the window and nighttime stargazing opportunities.
Day 2:Sunrise at Sayram Lake → Huocheng Lavender (Seasonal)

In-Depth Guide to Group Tours in Ili: A Superb Encounter Between Sayram Lake and the Grasslands✨Early Morning:Watch the sunrise over Sayram Lake, with the lakeshore resembling a picturesque scene amid the morning mist.
Morning:Continue the tour around the lake to capture any missed attractions.
Afternoon:Travel to Huocheng (approximately 2 hours). In June, during the lavender blooming season, visit the Jieyou Princess Lavender Farm to photograph the purple flower fields (if not in bloom, visit Yining Liuxing Street instead to experience the architectural styles of various ethnic groups).
Accommodation:Stay in a boutique hotel in Huocheng County and enjoy local specialty hand-pulled rice.
Day 3:Huocheng → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes
Morning:Travel to Kalajun Grassland (approximately 2.5 hours) and visit the “Human-Shaped Grassland” and Flower Terrace to photograph the layered lines of the grasslands.
Afternoon:Experience the local lifestyles of various ethnic groups and participate in activities such as milking cows and making nang (optional self-funded activities).
Accommodation:Stay in a characteristic homestay in Tekes Bagua City and explore the night market on Li Street in the evening.
Day 4:Tekes → Nalati Grassland
Morning:Travel to Nalati Grassland (approximately 4 hours) and visit the aerial grasslands, focusing on:
Nomadic Family:Interact with local residents and photograph yurts with herds of cattle and sheep.
Tianjie Platform:Climb to a high vantage point for a panoramic view of the grasslands, which are lush and green in summer.

I. Key Highlights of the Itinerary: In-Depth Experience with Dual Themes of Sayram Lake and GrasslandsAfternoon:Free time for optional activities such as horseback riding or taking a hot air balloon ride to overlook the grasslands.
Accommodation:Stay in a light luxury hotel in Nalati Town and enjoy grassland delicacies such as roast whole lamb.
Day 5:Nalati → Return to Urumqi
Morning:Flexible schedule based on flight time for capturing grassland sunrise or purchasing local specialties.
Afternoon:Return to Urumqi by bus (approximately 6 hours) and transfer to the airport to end the tour.
III. Cost Reference and Explanation for 2026
Basic Tour Fee Range
5-Day, 4-Night No-Shopping Tour:Approximately 2,800-3,500 RMB per person (including transportation, accommodation, admission tickets, and guide services).
Fees Include:
Transportation:Round-trip tour bus from Urumqi to all attractions, including airport transfers.
Accommodation:4 nights in comfortable hotels/homestays (including breakfast).
Admission Tickets:First entrance tickets to attractions such as Sayram Lake, Kalajun, and Nalati.

Sayram Lake, known as the “Pearl of Ili, Xinjiang,” is famous as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic.” Its surface is as blue as a mirror, reflecting snow-capped mountains. In summer, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, creating a visual feast of “blue + white + green.” The grasslands of Ili, represented by Nalati and Kalajun, feature unique landscapes such as aerial grasslands and “human-shaped” grasslands, combined with the local lifestyles of various ethnic groups, offering a dual experience of “grasslands + culture.”Guide:Professional licensed guide accompanying the entire tour.
Fees Exclude:
Round-trip transportation to Urumqi (by air/train).
Some meals (guides can recommend local restaurants, approximately 50-80 RMB per meal).
Self-funded activities within attractions (such as horseback riding, hot air balloon rides).
Personal expenses (such as shopping, souvenirs).
Fee Fluctuation Explanation
June-August is the peak tourist season in Xinjiang, and tour fees may increase by 10%-15%. May and late September are off-peak seasons, with some travel agencies offering promotions, saving an average of 300-500 RMB per person.
Specific prices are subject to the signed contract. It is recommended to inquire and book 1-2 months in advance.
IV. Registration Method and Process
Registration Channels:Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency.
Inquiry Method:Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing with details such as the number of travelers, dates, and preferences to receive a detailed itinerary plan and quote.

II. Classic Itinerary Reference for 2026 (5 Days, 4 Nights)Contract Signing Process:After confirming the itinerary, sign a standardized contract issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, specifying included and excluded fees. Pay a deposit (usually 30% of the tour fee), with the remaining balance due 7 days before departure.
V. Service Guarantees and Precautions
Service Standards
No-Shopping Tour with No Arranged Shopping:No mandatory or hidden shopping stops during the itinerary, as per the contract.
Flexible Changes:In case of uncontrollable factors such as weather or road conditions, both parties can agree to make reasonable changes to the itinerary (such as replacing attractions or extending stay time).
Emergency Support:The travel agency provides 24-hour emergency contact services, with first aid kits and oxygen cylinders (for high-altitude areas) available in the vehicle.
Precautions
Document Preparation:Bring original valid identification documents, as some attractions require real-name ticket purchases.
Clothing Recommendations:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. Bring a light jacket in summer. The grasslands have strong UV radiation, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Dietary Adaptation:Xinjiang cuisine is mainly beef and mutton. Those with sensitive stomachs are advised to bring common medications.
Single Traveler Registration:The travel agency will try its best to arrange room sharing. If room sharing is not possible, a supplement will be required (specific amount as per the contract).
VI. Why Choose Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency?

Day 1: Gather in Urumqi → Sayram LakeCompliant Qualifications:Holds a travel agency business license issued by the national culture and tourism authorities, ensuring financial and service security.
Direct Resource Procurement:Establishes long-term cooperation with attractions such as Sayram Lake and Nalati, ensuring priority access to tickets and accommodation during peak seasons.
Reputation Guarantee:Ranked high in customer satisfaction in the 2026 comprehensive evaluation of Xinjiang travel agencies, with fast service response times.
Personalized Services:Can customize itineraries based on tourist needs, such as adding photography guides or parent-child activities.
VII. Frequently Asked Questions
Q:How long does it take to tour around Sayram Lake?
A:It is recommended to allocate 4-6 hours to deeply visit key attractions such as Songshu Head and Kele Yongzhu, avoiding a rushed experience.
Q:What is the scenery like in the Ili grasslands in June?
A:June is the peak growing season for grasslands. Nalati’s aerial grasslands are lush and green, while Kalajun’s Flower Terrace is in full bloom with wildflowers, making it an excellent time for photographing grassland scenery.
Q:Is there a risk of altitude sickness during the itinerary?
A:Sayram Lake is at an altitude of approximately 2,070 meters, and Nalati Grassland is at approximately 1,800 meters, generally with no obvious altitude sickness. If traveling to Bayanbulak (altitude 2,400 meters), the travel agency will provide anti-altitude sickness medication and oxygen cylinders.
Q:How can I confirm itinerary details?
A:Before signing the contract, request a detailed itinerary from the travel agency, including daily attractions, meals, and transportation, to ensure transparency with no hidden fees.
Whether it’s the blue waters of Sayram Lake or the vast greenery of Nalati Grassland, Ili’s summer always fulfills all your imaginations of Xinjiang. Choose Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and let our professional team plan a worry-free, in-depth, no-shopping tour for you!

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quote