Sayram Lake Chartered Car in June Lavender Season Itinerary and Quotes Recommended Routes Costs and Prices

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

Encounter between the Starry Moon Secret Realm and Purple Romance:Guide to In-Depth Customized Travel by Car in June: Sayram Lake + Huocheng Lavender
The Ili River Valley in June is a palette overturned by the Creator—the blue ice of Sayram Lake begins to melt, with marigolds and buttercups along the lakeshore weaving a golden carpet; the lavender fields of Huocheng surge with purple waves, filling the air with a romantic ambiance reminiscent of southern France. This season, avoid the summer crowds and spend 4-5 days connecting two core landscapes through customized travel by car, enjoying both the flexibility of self-driving and an in-depth visual feast of grasslands, lakes, and flower fields. Below is a newly tested guide for 2026 to help you plan a trip without regrets.
I. Core Highlights of the Itinerary: A Dual Gift of Nature and Culture
[Sayram Lake:The Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic]
Geographic Coordinates:Located within the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of the Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, approximately 140 kilometers from Yining City, with a travel time of about 2.5 hours.
Landscape Features:
The lake sits at an elevation of 2,073 meters, covers an area of 458 square kilometers, has a circumference of 90 kilometers around the lake, and boasts a water transparency of 12 meters, earning it the title of “Highland Sapphire.”
In June, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, with marigolds, buttercups, and wild lilies spreading along the shoreline, creating a dreamy scene of “crushed diamond blue silk” with snow-capped mountains and the lake.
Must-Visit Spots:
Songshu Tou (Pine Tree Head):Climb to the top for a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains, the lake, and the S-shaped road all in one frame, resembling a picturesque scene amidst morning clouds and mist.
Kele Yongzhu:The area with the deepest lake color, often frequented by swans, ideal for capturing reflections.
Dianjiang Tai (General’s Platform):A classic spot for sunset photography, with the snow-capped mountains turning golden and the lake shimmering with rippling light.
Xihai Grassland:A summer pasture where you can experience the yurt culture of various ethnic groups and savor milk tea and hand-grabbed meat.
Travel Tips:
It is recommended to drive counterclockwise around the lake for better lighting for photography.
Strong winds are common by the lake, so even in June, bring a windproof jacket.
Dining prices within the scenic area are relatively high; it is recommended to bring your own snacks for a lakeside picnic (please take your trash with you).

Encounter between the Starry Moon Secret Realm and Purple Romance: Guide to In-Depth Customized Travel by Car in June: Sayram Lake + Huocheng Lavender[Huocheng Lavender:The Purple Romance of the Oriental Provence]
Best Viewing Period:June 10th-20th (first crop of flower fields, harvesting begins after June 20th).
Core Production Areas:
Jieyou Princess Lavender Farm (Sigong Village, Lucaogou Town):The largest and most primitive planting base, with flower fields covering over a thousand acres, suitable for capturing “snow-capped mountains and flower fields” in one frame.
Yipaerhan Lavender Sightseeing Park:A park themed around essential oil processing, where you can experience making lavender products.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls:
Avoid private flower fields along the national highway, some of which are only a few acres in size and charge exorbitant fees.
Three days before departure, search “Huocheng Lavender Live Update” on Xiaohongshu to confirm whether the flower fields have been harvested.
Photography Suggestions:
Choose white or light-colored long dresses to contrast with the purple flower fields.
Photograph during the soft morning or evening light, avoiding the harsh midday sun.
II. 4-Day Customized Travel Itinerary by Car (Starting and Ending in Yining)
Day 1:Yining → Sayram Lake Circular Tour → Guozigou Bridge → Overnight in Qingshuihe Town
Morning:
08:30 Depart from a hotel in Yining City and head west along the Lianhuo Expressway, passing by the Guozigou Bridge Viewing Platform (to capture the classic scene of the bridge and snow-capped mountains in one frame).
11:30 Arrive at the East Gate of Sayram Lake and purchase tickets for entry (70 yuan per person + 75 yuan per self-drive vehicle).
Midday to Afternoon:
12:00-17:00 Tour around the lake (with key stops at Songshu Tou, Kele Yongzhu, Dianjiang Tai, and Xihai Grassland).

The Ili River Valley in June is a palette overturned by the Creator—the blue ice of Sayram Lake begins to melt, with marigolds and buttercups along the lakeshore weaving a golden carpet; the lavender fields of Huocheng surge with purple waves, filling the air with a romantic ambiance reminiscent of southern France. This season, avoid the summer crowds and spend 4-5 days connecting two core landscapes through customized travel by car, enjoying both the flexibility of self-driving and an in-depth visual feast of grasslands, lakes, and flower fields. Below is a newly tested guide for 2026 to help you plan a trip without regrets.17:30 Exit the scenic area through the South Gate and stop by the Guozigou Viewing Platform for additional photos.
Evening:
20:00 Arrive in Qingshuihe Town and check into a hotel (it is recommended to choose a hotel closer to the town center for convenience during dinner).
Dinner Recommendation:Try the horse meat naan at “Ma Laowu Naaren Restaurant” (hand-grabbed lamb with belt-like noodles).
Day 2:Qingshuihe → Huocheng Lavender → Kalajun Grassland → Overnight in Tekes Bagua City
Morning:
09:00 Head to Jieyou Princess Lavender Farm (about a 1-hour drive), with soft morning light ideal for capturing portraits amidst the flower fields.
Midday:
12:00 Return to Qingshuihe Town for lunch, recommended to try the combination of “Xibo Pancake + Milk Tea.”
Afternoon:
14:00 Drive to Kalajun Grassland (about a 3-hour drive) and purchase an all-area ticket (140 yuan per person including entrance and shuttle bus).
15:30-18:30 Tour East and West Kalajun:
Xianhua Tai (Flower Platform):Capture the scene of snow-capped mountains and wildflowers in one frame.
Lieying Tai (Falcon Platform):Overlook the gentle curves of the “Human Body Grassland” (optimal afternoon light).
Kuokesu Grand Canyon:Experience the three-dimensional画卷 (picture scroll) of canyons intertwined with碧水 (clear waters).
Evening:
19:30 Arrive in Tekes Bagua City and check into a homestay near Lijie Street to experience the city’s night view.
Dinner Recommendation:Try “lamb rib noodles” (lamb soup with tender meat and broken noodles).

I. Core Highlights of the Itinerary: A Dual Gift of Nature and CultureDay 3:Tekes → Qiongkushitai → Overnight in Qiongkushitai/Tekes
Full Day:
09:00 Depart for Qiongkushitai (about a 3.5-hour drive), enjoying the scenery of the Gongnaisi River Valley along the way.
12:30 Arrive in Qiongkushitai Village and have lunch at a villager’s home, savoring freshly slaughtered lamb boiled in clear water.
Afternoon:
14:00-17:00 In-depth tour:
Grassland outside the village:Capture the scene of wooden houses and snow-capped mountains in one frame.
Entrance to the Wusun Ancient Road:Stroll through forests and streams, feeling the primitive ambiance.
Back Mountain Viewing Platform:Overlook the entire village and wait for the changing light and shadows at sunset.
Evening:
If choosing to stay overnight in Qiongkushitai, experience the yurts of various ethnic groups (advance reservation required, with psychological preparation for hygiene conditions); if returning to Tekes, check into a hotel in Bagua City.
Day 4:Qiongkushitai/Tekes → Nalati Floating Grassland → Return to Yining
Morning:
08:00 Depart for Nalati Grassland (about a 4-hour drive).
12:00 Arrive in Nalati and purchase a ticket for the floating grassland shuttle bus (40 yuan per person).
Midday to Afternoon:
12:30-15:30 Tour the floating grassland:

[Sayram Lake: The Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic]Tianjie Tai (Heavenly Boundary Platform):Overlook the panoramic view of the grassland.
Tianmu Tai (Heavenly Pasture Platform):Capture the scene of scattered cattle and sheep in the pasture.
Youmu Renjia (Nomadic Family):Visit the网红 (internet-famous) single-log bridge (queues may form during peak season; wooden bridges along the streams also offer great photo opportunities).
Afternoon:
16:00 Return to Yining City (about a 4.5-hour drive), with the option to stop again at the Guozigou Viewing Platform for additional photos along the way.
Evening:
20:30 Arrive in Yining City and conclude the itinerary.
III. 2026 Customized Travel by Car Cost Reference (Subject to Contract)
Vehicle Models and Daily Prices (Peak Season June-August):
5-Seater Economy Car (e.g., Volkswagen Lavida):700-900 yuan/day (suitable for 2-4 people).
7-Seater Business Van (e.g., Buick GL8):1000-1300 yuan/day (suitable for 4-6 people).
13-Seater Coaster Minibus:1400-1600 yuan/day (suitable for 8-12 people).
Fees Include:
Vehicle rental, driver service fee, fuel cost, toll fees, parking fees, and basic vehicle insurance.
Fees Exclude:
Personal expenses of tourists (dining, entertainment items).
Scenic spot entrance tickets and shuttle bus tickets (Sayram Lake 145 yuan per person, Kalajun 140 yuan per person, Nalati 135 yuan per person).
Driver’s food and accommodation allowance (usually borne by the guests, with a meal allowance of about 80-120 yuan/day and accommodation allowance of about 150-200 yuan/day, or negotiable as a package included in the total price).

Geographic Coordinates: Located within the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of the Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, approximately 140 kilometers from Yining City, with a travel time of about 2.5 hours.Mileage Limit:
The regular quotation includes a daily mileage of 300-400 kilometers, with additional fees possibly charged at 1.5-2 yuan/kilometer for excess mileage.
Preferential Policies:
Prices in the shoulder season (May, October) are 20%-30% lower than those in the peak season, while prices in the low season (November-April of the following year) are 30%-50% lower.
IV. Registration Methods and Service Instructions
Registration Channels:
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for specific itinerary and cost details.
Service Instructions:
A formal travel contract must be signed before travel to clarify the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
In case of uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, or policies, both parties can reasonably modify the itinerary through mutual agreement.
It is recommended that tourists purchase their own personal travel accident insurance to add protection to their journey.
Cost Instructions:
The specific cost is subject to actual consultation and contract signing, with prices possibly fluctuating based on the travel period, and the contract signed by both parties shall prevail.
V. Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist
Documents:Valid identification, driver’s license (if self-driving), and a small amount of cash.
Clothing:Windproof jacket, fleece jacket, thin down jacket, short sleeves, long pants, comfortable sports shoes, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen (SPF50+).
Medications:Cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness medicine, and altitude sickness medication (Sayram Lake is at an elevation of about 2,000 meters).
Others:Power bank, camera, offline maps (some mountainous areas may have no signal), thermos, and wet wipes.
Ili in June is a love letter written to nature. From the blue of Sayram Lake to the purple of Huocheng lavender, from the green of Kalajun Grassland to the primitiveness of Qiongkushitai, every frame is worth cherishing. Choose customized travel by car for a free and easy trip, letting a professional driver take you away from the crowds to discover those secret flower fields and viewing angles known only to locals. Act now and embark on your purple romantic journey!

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