Duku Highway Yili Group Tour Quotes, 2026 Latest Loop Itinerary Online Registration Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.
Group tour of Ili along the Duku Highway:2026 New Loop Route In-Depth Experience Guide
🌄 [Route Highlights:A Landscape Corridor Through All Four Seasons]
The Duku Highway, a milestone in China’s highway construction history, starts from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north and ends in Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south, spanning a total length of 561 kilometers. This highway runs through the Tianshan Mountains, connecting the grasslands of northern Xinjiang with the deserts of southern Xinjiang. Along the way, you can experience the wonder of ‘four seasons in one day and different weather every ten miles.’ According to recent 2026 data, the Duku Highway is open from June to October each year, with July and August being the prime viewing period. Along the route, landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, lakes, and wetlands alternate in presentation.
The Ili River Valley, known as ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall’ in Xinjiang, forms a unique ecological landscape belt centered around the Nalati Grassland, Kalajun Grassland, and Sayram Lake. With an average summer temperature of 22°C, it is a popular destination for summer retreats and photography. According to the ‘2026 Summer Tourism Trend Report’ released by the Xinjiang Culture and Tourism Department, the number of tourists in the Ili region has increased by 37% year-on-year, with family tours and photography enthusiasts accounting for over 60%.
🚗 [2026 7-Day Loop Route Itinerary Reference]
Based on the newly designed loop route plan by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, the itinerary balances classic attractions with in-depth experiences:
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Key Points:Visit the Xinjiang Museum (free admission, reservation required in advance) to learn about the history of the Western Regions and the cultures of various ethnic groups.
Features:Dinner featuring Xinjiang specialties such as roasted stuffed buns and pilaf.
Day 2:Urumqi – Sayram Lake (approximately 550 kilometers, 7-hour drive)
Core Experiences:
Circum-lake Tour:Stop at 6 observation decks along the 360-degree circum-lake highway to photograph the azure waters of ‘the last tear drop of the Atlantic.’
Guozigou Bridge:Capture the majestic posture of Xinjiang’s tallest bridge at an excellent viewpoint.
Group tour of Ili along the Duku Highway: 2026 New Loop Route In-Depth Experience GuideAccommodation:Characteristic wooden cabins within the Sayram Lake scenic area, with lake views just outside the windows.
Day 3:Sayram Lake – Huocheng Lavender Manor – Yining (approximately 280 kilometers, 4-hour drive)
Seasonal Highlights:
Late June to mid-July:Huocheng lavender is in full bloom, offering experiences in French manor photography and essential oil production.
Cultural Experience:Visit the Kazanqi Folk Village in Yining, take a horse-drawn carriage tour of traditional dwellings of various ethnic groups, and taste handmade ice cream.
Day 4:Yining – Kalajun Grassland – Tekes Bagua City (approximately 200 kilometers, 3.5-hour drive)
In-Depth Tour:
Kalajun Grassland:Divided into eastern and western parts, East Kalajun is famous for its ‘human body grassland,’ while West Kalajun offers hiking to the Falcon Platform for an overview of the flower sea.
Tekes Culture:Ascend the observation deck in the city center to overlook the world’s largest Bagua layout and enjoy the light show at night.
Day 5:Tekes – Nalati Grassland (approximately 260 kilometers, 4-hour drive)
Core Activities:
Aerial Grassland:Take the shuttle bus to Xuelian Valley and hike to the nomadic homes to experience the yurt culture of various ethnic groups.
Horseback Riding Experience:Professional coaches provide one-on-one guidance for riding to the Panlong Valley Trail to admire the spruce forests and streams.
🌄[Route Highlights: A Landscape Corridor Through All Four Seasons]Accommodation:Four-star hotel in Nalati Town, including hot spring facilities.
Day 6:Nalati – Northern Section of Duku Highway – Bayinbuluk (approximately 180 kilometers, 5-hour drive)
Highway Wonders:
Hashilergen Daban:Stop to touch the ten-thousand-year-old glacier and photograph the ‘snow in June’ spectacle.
Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery:Pay tribute to the 168 officers and soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Duku Highway.
Sunset Feast:Wait for the breathtaking moment when nine suns are reflected in the river bends at the Bayinbuluk Nine Curves observation deck.
Day 7:Bayinbuluk – Southern Section of Duku Highway – Urumqi (approximately 500 kilometers, 8-hour drive)
Return Highlights:
Daxiaolong and Xiaoxiaolong Ponds:Photograph the reflections of alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks.
Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon:Hike 1.5 kilometers through red Danxia landforms and experience the light and shadow changes of the ‘One Sky Line.’
Warm Tips:The return journey involves a long drive, so it is recommended to bring snacks and neck pillows.
💰 [Price Description and Preferential Policies]
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency provides a 2026 reference quotation (subject to the contract):
The Duku Highway, a milestone in China’s highway construction history, starts from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north and ends in Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south, spanning a total length of 561 kilometers. This highway runs through the Tianshan Mountains, connecting the grasslands of northern Xinjiang with the deserts of southern Xinjiang. Along the way, you can experience the wonder of ‘four seasons in one day and different weather every ten miles.’ According to recent 2026 data, the Duku Highway is open from June to October each year, with July and August being the prime viewing period. Along the route, landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, lakes, and wetlands alternate in presentation.Economy Group:Starting from 3980 yuan/person (6-8 people sharing a car, accommodation in comfortable hotels)
Quality Group:Starting from 5980 yuan/person (4 people sharing a car, upgraded to characteristic accommodation within scenic areas)
Fees Include:
Transportation:Full正规 (regular) tourist vehicles (including fuel, tolls, driver’s accommodation and meals)
Accommodation:6 nights of hotel accommodation (including breakfast)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to core attractions such as Sayram Lake, Kalajun Grassland, Nalati Grassland, and Bayinbuluk
Tour Guide:Full-service professional licensed tour guides
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance + travel accident insurance
Fees Do Not Include:
Main meals (tour guides can recommend local specialty restaurants)
Self-funded items such as horseback riding and helicopter tours
Round-trip major transportation to Urumqi
Preferential Policies:
The Ili River Valley, known as ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall’ in Xinjiang, forms a unique ecological landscape belt centered around the Nalati Grassland, Kalajun Grassland, and Sayram Lake. With an average summer temperature of 22°C, it is a popular destination for summer retreats and photography. According to the ‘2026 Summer Tourism Trend Report’ released by the Xinjiang Culture and Tourism Department, the number of tourists in the Ili region has increased by 37% year-on-year, with family tours and photography enthusiasts accounting for over 60%.A discount of 100 yuan/person for groups of 3 traveling together, and 200 yuan/person for groups of 6 traveling together
An additional discount of 150 yuan/person for students with valid identification
Complimentary Xinjiang specialty souvenirs for bookings made 30 days in advance
📞 [Registration Method and Service Guarantees]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, and specific information can be inquired with customer service manager Zhang Jing.
Service Commitments:
Transparent Consumption:The contract clearly states ‘no consumption, no self-funded items,’ with compensation for violations as per the contract
Flexible Changes:In case of temporary closure of the Duku Highway, both parties will negotiate to take the highway or change the itinerary order
Emergency Support:Full provision of高原反应 (altitude sickness) medication, first aid kits, oxygen cylinders, and establishment of a green channel with local hospitals
Note:For single registrants, efforts will be made to coordinate room sharing. If separate accommodation is required, a room difference fee will be charged (specific amount subject to the contract)
📋 [Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist]
Documents:Valid identification, student ID/senior citizen ID and other preferential certificates
Clothing:Windbreaker (for the Duku Daban section), quick-drying clothes, sun protection clothes, comfortable hiking shoes
🚗[2026 7-Day Loop Route Itinerary Reference]Protection:SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, moisturizing mask
Electronics:Power bank, camera (wide-angle + telephoto lenses), drone (registration required in advance)
Others:Thermos, common medications, a small amount of cash
💡 [Frequently Asked Questions by Tourists]
Q:What is the road condition of the Duku Highway? Is it suitable for self-driving?
A:The Duku Highway has many curves and large elevation changes, with some sections having no signal. It is recommended to choose a car-sharing group organized by a professional travel agency, with drivers being local veterans with over 5 years of experience who are familiar with the road conditions and observation deck locations.
Q:Is the 7-day itinerary too rushed?
A:The itinerary design has optimized transportation time, with an average daily drive of no more than 5 hours, and sufficient rest and photography time arranged in between. For a more in-depth experience, you can consult customer service to customize a 10-day itinerary.
Q:What should be done in case of bad weather?
A:The travel agency monitors the weather and road conditions in real-time. In case of force majeure factors such as heavy rain/landslides, both parties will negotiate to change the itinerary or postpone it, with no additional fees charged.
🌿 [Seasonal Limited-Time Tips]
June-July:Huocheng lavender and Ili rape flowers are in full bloom, with wildflowers covering the grasslands
August-September:The autumn colors of Nalati gradually intensify, and extended routes towards Kanas offer views of golden birch forests
October:Before the closure of the Duku Highway, you can photograph the southern Xinjiang poplar forests and the Taklimakan Desert
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency reminds you:The specific itinerary arrangement, price, and available seats are subject to the contract or confirmation on the day and may fluctuate with the tour schedule. Please respect the cultural customs of various ethnic groups during the trip and jointly maintain a beautiful tourism environment.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.

