First Time Traveling to Yizhao Highway by Chartered Car or Carpooling Essential Tips and Recommendations Recommended Routes Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quote
Explore the Yizhao Highway:Essential Guide to Customized Car Rental and Carpooling for Beginners ✨
The Yizhao Highway, known as the “Cloud Highway” nestled in the Yili River Valley, is famous for its treacherous mountain roads, magnificent snow-capped mountains and grasslands, and ever-changing seasonal scenery. For first-time travelers, customized car rental or carpooling offers a flexible and hassle-free option. Below is a practical guide covering route planning, itinerary arrangements, cost breakdowns, and important notes 👇
I. Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations: The “Highlight Sections” of the Yizhao Highway
The Yizhao Highway (Provincial Highway S237) starts in Yining City in the north and ends in Zhaosu County in the south, spanning approximately 180 kilometers. It is recommended to be open for 4-5 months each year. Along the way, it connects the精华 (essence) landscapes of the Yili River Valley, with core highlights including:
⛰ ️Baishi Peak Observation Deck:At an elevation of 3,475 meters, the mountain appears grayish-white, creating a picturesque scene when shrouded in clouds and mist. Multiple observation decks are available here, offering views overlooking Wild Wolf Valley and distant views of the Tianshan Mountains, making it a must-stop for photos.
🌿 Angelete Daban Pass:The highest point on the highway, standing here allows you to overlook the winding mountain roads, with layered mountains and sea of clouds intertwined, perfect for capturing sweeping highway panoramas.
🐎 Zhaosu Grassland:Along the way, you’ll pass through vast grasslands, dotted with wildflowers in summer and rolling golden wheat fields in autumn. You may encounter local herders moving their livestock or herds of galloping horses.
Explore the Yizhao Highway: Essential Guide to Customized Car Rental and Carpooling for Beginners ✨🌸 Seasonal Limited Landscapes:In June, the lavender fields in Huocheng (requires a detour to Huocheng County), and in July, the sea of rapeseed flowers in Zhaosu (peaking from late June to mid-July), create an “oil painting-like” scene with snow-capped mountains and grasslands.
II. Simple Itinerary: 2-Day In-Depth Tour Reference
Based on the latest road conditions and scenic spot opening information for 2026, the following itinerary framework is recommended (reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made upon mutual agreement):
[Day 1:Yining → Yizhao Highway → Zhaosu]
Morning:Depart from Yining City and drive along Provincial Highway S237, arriving first at Baishi Peak Observation Deck (stay for about 1 hour) to capture photos of snow-capped mountains and grasslands together.
Noon:Have a simple lunch near Wild Wolf Valley (recommended to bring your own nang bread, peppery chicken, and yogurt) to experience nomadic culture.
Afternoon:Cross Angelete Daban Pass, pass by Camel Post (experience dairy products from various ethnic groups), and the entrance to Qiongbola Forest Park (optional hiking). Arrive in Zhaosu County in the evening.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Zhaosu (recommended: Zhaosu Tianma Hotel or Cloud Peak Homestay) and enjoy local specialties such as horse meat naren (a traditional dish) and lamb dumpling soup.
The Yizhao Highway, known as the “Cloud Highway” nestled in the Yili River Valley, is famous for its treacherous mountain roads, magnificent snow-capped mountains and grasslands, and ever-changing seasonal scenery. For first-time travelers, customized car rental or carpooling offers a flexible and hassle-free option. Below is a practical guide covering route planning, itinerary arrangements, cost breakdowns, and important notes 👇[Day 2:Zhaosu → Xiata Ancient Path → Return Journey]
Morning:Head to the Xiata Ancient Path scenic area (tickets and shuttle buses must be reserved in advance), take a light hike to the foot of the snow-capped mountains, and admire the Muzart Glacier up close.
Afternoon:Return to Zhaosu County and, depending on time, add the “Wild Horses Bathing in the River” performance (two shows daily at 18:00 and 21:00), or visit Tekes Bagua City (requires an additional 1-day itinerary).
Return Journey Tips:If returning to Yining on the same day, allow at least 4 hours for the drive. It is advised to avoid driving while fatigued at night.
III. Pricing Explanation: Vehicle Type and Season Affect Costs
Based on market conditions in May 2026, reference costs for customized car rental/carpooling on the Yizhao Highway are as follows (specifics are subject to the contract or confirmation on the day):
[Customized Car Rental Costs (including driver, fuel, tolls)]
5-Seater SUV (Toyota RAV4/Haval, etc.):Approximately 900-1,100 yuan/day during off-peak seasons, and about 1,200-1,500 yuan/day during peak season (June-August).
I. Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations: The “Highlight Sections” of the Yizhao Highway7-Seater Business Vehicle (Buick GL8/Maxus G10):Approximately 1,100-1,400 yuan/day during off-peak seasons, and about 1,600-2,000 yuan/day during peak season.
9-Seater Business Vehicle:Approximately 1,300-1,600 yuan/day during off-peak seasons, and about 1,800-2,200 yuan/day during peak season.
Factors Affecting Cost Fluctuations:Prices increase by 10%-20% during peak seasons (June-August, National Day); off-road vehicle prices are slightly higher during the通行期 (open period) of the Duku Highway/Yizhao Highway (June-September); if the itinerary includes remote scenic spots like Xiata Ancient Path or Qiongkushitai, additional dispatch fees may apply.
[Carpooling Costs (split per person)]
5-Seater Carpool (4 people full):Approximately 175-200 yuan/day per person.
7-Seater Carpool (6-7 people full):Approximately 115-140 yuan/day per person.
One-Way Carpool (e.g., Yining → Sayram Lake):150-200 yuan/person/one-way.
Costs Include:Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, basic insurance; does not include: driver’s meals and accommodation (usually shared among tourists for meals, accommodation covered by the车队 (car fleet)), scenic spot tickets, personal expenses.
The Yizhao Highway (Provincial Highway S237) starts in Yining City in the north and ends in Zhaosu County in the south, spanning approximately 180 kilometers. It is recommended to be open for 4-5 months each year. Along the way, it connects the精华 (essence) landscapes of the Yili River Valley, with core highlights including:IV. Registration Method: Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency
You can consult and book customized car rental/carpooling services for the Yizhao Highway through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. The following service guarantees are provided:
Vehicle Qualifications:All vehicles hold a “Road Transport Business License” and “Road Transport Certificate,” equipped with satellite positioning devices and high-value commercial insurance.
Driver Qualifications:Drivers hold appropriate licenses, are under 60 years old, have over 3 years of driving experience with no major traffic accident records, and are familiar with road conditions in northern and southern Xinjiang as well as scenic spot updates.
Itinerary Customization:Flexibly adjust routes based on the number of people, budget, and interests, supporting options like “price including items in the itinerary” or “unlimited mileage” plans.
V. Pricing Explanation and Service Description
Costs Include:Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, fuel fee, toll fee, parking fee, basic carrier liability insurance.
Costs Do Not Include:Scenic spot tickets, shuttle buses, cable cars, and other sightseeing expenses; tourists’ personal meals, accommodation, and expenses; excess mileage fees (some companies set daily mileage limits, with additional fees for exceeding them); for single registrants, our agency will do its best to coordinate shared rooms, with special cases requiring separate negotiation.
⛰️Baishi Peak Observation Deck: At an elevation of 3,475 meters, the mountain appears grayish-white, creating a picturesque scene when shrouded in clouds and mist. Multiple observation decks are available here, offering views overlooking Wild Wolf Valley and distant views of the Tianshan Mountains, making it a must-stop for photos.Service Standards:Vehicles are clean and hygienic, drivers are polite and professional, adhering to agreed itinerary arrangements; in case of emergencies, an emergency plan is initiated (e.g., replacing the vehicle within 2 hours in case of breakdown).
Insurance Explanation:Regular commercial vehicles are insured as required. It is recommended that tourists purchase additional travel accident insurance based on their own needs.
Important Notes:The above prices, itineraries, and service details are subject to the contract signed with Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, with specifics based on actual consultation and contract signing.
VI. Important Notes: Balancing Experience and Caution
Traffic Restrictions:The Yizhao Highway is recommended to allow vehicles with 7 seats or fewer to pass. For vehicles with more than 7 seats, confirm route feasibility in advance.
Weather and Road Conditions:Mountain weather is changeable, with rain and strong winds possible even in summer. Bring a windbreaker, sun protection items, and rain gear; in winter (November-March), some road sections are closed, requiring a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle with snow chains installed.
Eco-Friendly Travel:Do not litter randomly or damage grassland vegetation; avoid purchasing protected plant products like “naturally grown snow lotus.”
Respect Local Customs:Maintain politeness when interacting with local herders, do not enter private grasslands or photograph people without permission.
The beauty of the Yizhao Highway lies in its combination of treacherousness and gentleness. Choosing a正规 (legitimate) travel agency, signing a detailed contract, and planning your itinerary in advance will ensure a safe and unforgettable “journey in the clouds.” If you have any questions, feel free to contact Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, for the latest 2026 quotes and route suggestions. May your trip to Yili be filled with scenery and memories! 🌄
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quote

