Yili Group Tour Is the Grass Green in May Early Summer Travel with Cost Effective Tour Fees Recommended Itinerary Prices
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
A Grassland Journey Accompanied by Stars and Moon:Complete Guide to Group Tour in Early Summer of Ili in May 2026✨
[Route Highlights:Poetic Scenery of Early Summer Grassland]
While southern cities are gradually stepping into midsummer, the Ili River Valley is welcoming its gentlest season of the year. In May, the Ili grasslands shed their winter desolation, with tender green shoots peeking out from the soil. The distant snow-capped mountains are still covered in glistening white snow, creating a visually stunning contrast with the gradually blooming wildflowers nearby. The number of tourists during this time is recommended to be one-third of that during the summer vacation, allowing you to avoid crowds while enjoying the affordability of lower airfare and hotel prices.
There are three unmissable experiences in Ili during this season:
❶ Cycling around Sayram Lake:The lake water presents a unique Tiffany blue, with wildflowers blooming on both sides of the lakeside highway. You can stop anytime to capture the reflection of the snow-capped mountains.
❷ Photographing the Karajun Human-like Grassland:The meadow in the morning mist undulates like silk, with light and shadow changing to present different scenes every minute.
❸ Exploring the Huocheng Lavender Trial Planting Area:Some trial fields have opened early, forming a striking color contrast between the purple sea of flowers and the blue sky.
[Simple Itinerary Reference (5 Days and 4 Nights)]
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Arrive at Diwopu International Airport in the afternoon and be transferred by private car to a four-star hotel in the city.
Recommended free activities in the evening:Taste baked buns and hand-pulled rice at the International Bazaar and watch folk dance performances from various ethnic groups.
Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (approximately 520 kilometers)
A Grassland Journey Accompanied by Stars and Moon: Complete Guide to Group Tour in Early Summer of Ili in May 2026✨Enjoy the desert landscape of the Junggar Basin along the way.
Upon arrival in the afternoon, take a shuttle bus for a lakeside tour, with key stops including Jiangjun Terrace and Kele Yongzhu.
Special arrangement:Stargazing by the lakeside (subject to weather conditions).
Accommodation:Sayram Lake RV Campground (with floor heating).
Day 3:Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Huocheng
Capture the morning mist over the lake in the early morning and experience water activities at Swan Bay.
Cross the majestic Guozigou Bridge and take photos of the canyon scenery at the viewing platform.
In the afternoon, visit the Huocheng Lavender Trial Planting Base and learn about essential oil extraction.
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in Huocheng (with breakfast for two).
Day 4:Huocheng → Karajun Grassland → Tekes
Spend the whole day exploring Karajun Grassland in depth and take the Falcon Sightseeing Mini Train.
Special experience:Visit a local Kazakh family and learn to make cheese curds.
In the evening, ascend the viewing platform of Tekes Bagua City to capture the panoramic view of the city.
[Route Highlights: Poetic Scenery of Early Summer Grassland]Accommodation:Characteristic homestay in Tekes (with ethnic-style dinner).
Day 5:Tekes → Urumqi for return journey
Shop for handicrafts from various ethnic groups in the morning.
Be transferred to the airport according to your flight schedule in the afternoon, concluding a pleasant journey.
[Price Description (Reference Range for 2026)]
Current mainstream products on the market are divided into three tiers:
Economy:2800-3500 yuan per person
Includes:Four-star hotel accommodation, air-conditioned tour bus, first entrance tickets, 4 breakfasts and 6 main meals.
Comfort:3800-4500 yuan per person
Upgraded items:Accommodation in an RV at Sayram Lake, horseback riding experience on the grassland, and photos in ethnic costumes.
Luxury:5000-6000 yuan per person
Special services:Guaranteed departure, drone aerial photography, and professional photographer follow-up.
Special reminder:
While southern cities are gradually stepping into midsummer, the Ili River Valley is welcoming its gentlest season of the year. In May, the Ili grasslands shed their winter desolation, with tender green shoots peeking out from the soil. The distant snow-capped mountains are still covered in glistening white snow, creating a visually stunning contrast with the gradually blooming wildflowers nearby. The number of tourists during this time is recommended to be one-third of that during the summer vacation, allowing you to avoid crowds while enjoying the affordability of lower airfare and hotel prices.❶ May is considered the off-peak season, with prices 20%-30% lower than those during the summer vacation.
❷ Child fares (under 12 years old) usually include waived entrance tickets, subject to the scenic area’s policies.
❸ Prices may fluctuate due to changes in fuel costs and are finalized upon signing the contract.
[Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for the latest departure dates. It is recommended to book 15 working days in advance to enjoy early bird discounts.
[Fee and Service Description]
Fees include:
√ Transportation throughout the journey (including fuel and toll fees)
√ Hotel accommodation (including breakfast)
√ Professional tour guide service fees
√ Travel agency liability insurance
√ First entrance tickets to scenic areas
There are three unmissable experiences in Ili during this season:Fees do not include:
× Round-trip transportation costs
× Secondary consumption items within scenic areas
× Personal consumption and self-funded items outside the itinerary
Service guarantees:
❶ Use of formal tourist vehicles throughout the journey, with insurance coverage of no less than 500,000 yuan per seat.
❷ Certified tour guides equipped with first aid kits and common medications.
❸ Briefings held before the start of each day’s itinerary to clarify precautions.
❹ 24-hour emergency contact mechanism to assist tourists.
[Practical Information Kit]
❶ Clothing guide:Adopt a three-layer dressing method (quick-drying underwear + fleece + windproof jacket) and carry a foldable raincoat.
❷ Photography equipment:It is recommended to bring a 70-200mm telephoto lens. Drones must be reported in advance.
❸ Dietary tips:Those with sensitive stomachs are advised to bring their own probiotics. Drinking brick tea with grilled meat aids digestion.
❶ Cycling around Sayram Lake: The lake water presents a unique Tiffany blue, with wildflowers blooming on both sides of the lakeside highway. You can stop anytime to capture the reflection of the snow-capped mountains.❹ Special reminder:The temperature difference between day and night in mountainous areas in May is significant. Prepare a thin down jacket. The UV intensity reaches level 8, so sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2 hours.
[Itinerary Change Description]
In the event of force majeure factors (such as extreme weather, road closures, etc.), both parties may agree to make reasonable changes to the itinerary, which may involve:
❶ Replacing scenic spots of equal value (e.g., Zhaosu Wetland Park instead of Xiata Ancient Road).
❷ Changing the order of visits (e.g., visiting Nalati before Karajun).
❸ Extending accommodation time (arranging nearby accommodation when roads are closed).
[Frequently Asked Questions]
Q:Can I see grassland flower fields in May?
A:Starting from late May, wild peonies and wild poppies on grasslands such as Karajun and Nalati gradually bloom, reaching their peak in early June. During this period, you can appreciate the unique landscape of early green grasslands contrasting with snow-capped mountains.
Q:Will the group tour include shopping stops?
A:Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency promises no arranged shopping stops throughout the journey. If visits to non-heritage cultural exhibitions are required during the itinerary, they will be agreed upon by tourists in advance and clearly indicated in the contract.
Q:How is accommodation arranged for solo travelers?
A:Solo travelers will be coordinated for room sharing as much as possible. If room sharing is not possible, a supplement (approximately 300 yuan/night for economy and 500 yuan/night for comfort) will be required. Specific arrangements are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
In this Ili River Valley, rated as the “Most Beautiful Place in China” by Chinese National Geography, early summer in May is welcoming visitors from afar with its gentlest demeanor. While cities are still experiencing lingering spring chill, the grasslands here have already spread out a green carpet, waiting for you to write your own travel story.
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
