Duku Highway Group Tour Route Recommendation + Customization Recommended Route Cost and Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quote.
Comprehensive Guide to Group Tours along the Duku Highway:Unlock a Comfortable Experience of ‘Four Seasons in One Day’
🌄 [Route Highlights:An Epic Road Trip Crossing the Tianshan Mountains]
The Duku Highway (National Route 217, from Dushanzi to Kuqa) spans 561 kilometers, traversing the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains and connecting four superior landscapes: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and deserts. This highway is recommended to be open for 4-5 months each year and was fully accessible in the summer of 2026, becoming a popular choice for both self-drive and group tours. Along the way, you can visit:
Dushanzi Grand Canyon:The starting point of the Duku Highway, featuring纵横 [纵横 is translated as a descriptive term here, meaning ‘crisscrossing’] ravines and gorges, ideal for aerial photography.
Nalati Grassland:One of the world’s four major alpine valley grasslands, offering horseback riding and nomadic homestays.
Bayinbuluk Grassland:Witness the ‘Nine Bends of the Eighteen Curves’ sunset and capture the wonder of ‘Nine Suns’.
Tianshan Mystery Grand Canyon:Reddish-brown rocks display a myriad of shapes under sunlight, known as ‘China’s Most Beautiful Canyon’.
Big and Small Dragon Pools:A group of alpine lakes with clear waters surrounded by mountains.
🚌 [Simple Itinerary:12-Day In-Depth Loop Tour Across Northern and Southern Xinjiang]
Comprehensive Guide to Group Tours along the Duku Highway: Unlock a Comfortable Experience of ‘Four Seasons in One Day’Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency presents the ’12-Day Duku + Ahe Highway Grand Loop Tour’, covering northern Xinjiang grasslands and southern Xinjiang canyons with an average daily drive of 3-4 hours, balancing sightseeing and rest:
Days 1-3:Gather in Urumqi and Explore Northern Xinjiang’s Hidden Gems
Urumqi → Dushanzi Grand Canyon:Visit the starting point of the Duku Highway and capture stunning shots of glaciers and canyons.
Circumnavigate Sayram Lake:Venture into areas with few tourists to capture the ice-blue lake and swans.
Cross the Guozigou Bridge:Overlook the canyon scenery and arrive in Yining.
Days 4-6:Cross the Core Section of the Duku Highway
Northern Duku Highway:Ascend the Hashilergen Pass (3,400 meters above sea level), pass by the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery to honor road construction heroes.
Nalati Grassland:Explore the alpine and valley grasslands in-depth and experience the folk customs of various ethnic groups.
Bayinbuluk Grassland:Await sunset to photograph the ‘Nine Suns’ at the ‘Nine Bends of the Eighteen Curves’.
🌄[Route Highlights: An Epic Road Trip Crossing the Tianshan Mountains]Days 7-9:Southern Duku Highway and Southern Xinjiang Culture
Southern Duku Highway:Cross the Tielimaiti Pass, visit the Big and Small Dragon Pools, and tour the Tianshan Mystery Grand Canyon.
Kuqa Old Town:Experience ancient Kucha culture and taste Kuqa’s large naan and roasted pigeon.
Aksu → Tomur Peak:Admire snow-capped mountains and glaciers, and stay overnight in Aksu.
Days 10-12:Ahe Highway and Return Journey
Ahe Highway:Traverse primeval forests and alpine meadows to reach the Altay region.
S21 Desert Highway:Cross China’s second-largest desert and photograph Yardang landforms.
Return to Urumqi:Transfer to the airport based on flight times and conclude the tour.
💰 [Price Information:Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Costs]
The Duku Highway (National Route 217, from Dushanzi to Kuqa) spans 561 kilometers, traversing the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains and connecting four superior landscapes: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and deserts. This highway is recommended to be open for 4-5 months each year and was fully accessible in the summer of 2026, becoming a popular choice for both self-drive and group tours. Along the way, you can visit:The price range for group tours in 2026 is 6,500-9,500 yuan per person, including:
Transportation:Luxury 5-7 seat business vehicles or SUVs throughout the journey, meeting Duku Highway standards.
Accommodation:7 nights in boutique hotels + grassland specialty hotels + urban hotels, all with 24-hour hot water and bathrooms.
Meals:7 breakfasts and 14 main meals, featuring local specialties like pilaf, baked stuffed buns, and big plate chicken; customizable or vegetarian options available.
Admission Tickets:First entry tickets and shuttle bus fees for all core attractions (e.g., Nalati Grassland, Bayinbuluk, Tianshan Mystery Grand Canyon).
Services:High-quality tour guides accompany you throughout, offering health tips, altitude sickness prevention guidance, and photography spot recommendations.
⚠ ⚠️ Prices may vary by departure date and are subject to contract confirmation. Fees exclude round-trip transportation to Xinjiang, personal expenses, and secondary consumption within attractions.
📞 [Registration Method:Custom Itineraries by Professional Teams]
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and contact customer service manager Zhang Jing. Provide the number of participants, departure date, and requirements, and a professional team will customize an exclusive itinerary for free. The itinerary supports flexible changes, and routes or accommodations can be optimized upon mutual agreement.
Dushanzi Grand Canyon: The starting point of the Duku Highway, featuring crisscrossing ravines and gorges, ideal for aerial photography.📝 [Fee and Service Information:Worry-Free Travel Guarantee]
Fees Include:Transportation, accommodation, meals, admission tickets, and tour guide services within the itinerary, plus travel accident insurance.
Service Standards:
No Consumption Arrangements:The contract explicitly states ‘zero out-of-pocket expenses, zero consumption,’ and tour guides refrain from sales pitches.
Guarantee:Vehicles are equipped with emergency oxygen tanks, blood pressure monitors, and common medications; all drivers have over 10 years of driving experience.
Emergency Response:A 24-hour emergency team is on standby to adjust the itinerary promptly in case of severe weather or traffic restrictions.
Solo Travelers:The travel agency will do its best to arrange shared rooms; special cases require separate negotiation.
🔍 Actual consultation and contract signing shall prevail; itinerary details may change due to weather, road conditions, or policy adjustments.
💡 [Pre-Trip Popular Recommendations:Practical Tips]
Nalati Grassland: One of the world’s four major alpine valley grasslands, offering horseback riding and nomadic homestays.Clothing Guide:The Duku Highway experiences ‘four seasons in one day’; bring a windbreaker, light down jacket, short sleeves, and sun protection items.
Photography Tips:Soft afternoon light is ideal at Nalati Grassland; the best time for photography at Bayinbuluk is half an hour before sunset.
Altitude Sickness Prevention:Take Rhodiola a week in advance and avoid strenuous exercise during the trip.
Policy Reminder:The Duku Highway has traffic service guidance from 20:00 to 8:00 the next day; only vehicles with 7 seats or fewer are recommended.
Respect Local Customs:Obtain permission before photographing local residents and maintain quietness in cultural venues.
🌟 [Why Choose a Group Tour?]
Hassle-Free Experience:No need to book accommodations, secure tickets, or monitor road conditions; a professional team handles everything in one go.
Guarantee:Licensed travel agencies have emergency rescue capabilities and mitigate risks associated with self-drive tours throughout the journey.
In-Depth Experience:High-quality tour guides interpret景点历史 [this phrase means ‘historical background of attractions’] and recommend off-the-beaten-path photography spots, avoiding crowds.
Social Fun:Travel in small groups to meet like-minded people and share laughter and emotions along the journey.
Every kilometer of the Duku Highway offers breathtaking views, and every turn hides surprises. In the summer of 2026, join Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency for a 12-day journey to unlock the superior landscapes of northern and southern Xinjiang, making this trip an unforgettable chapter in your life!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quote.

