How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car for Travel in Yili on the Duku Highway Section Route Cost List Recommended Routes and Prices
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and quotation.
Explore the Duku Highway in Ili:A custom vehicle tour of freedom and beautiful scenery
Detailed introduction to the route or destination
The Duku Highway, known as China’s most beautiful highway, traverses the Tianshan Mountains and attracts countless self-driving enthusiasts and photography lovers every year. Starting from Dushanzi District in Karamay City in the north and ending in Kuqa City in the Aksu Prefecture in the south, it spans 561 kilometers and connects numerous natural and cultural landscapes, including the Ili River Valley, Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak Wetland, the Large and Small Dragon Pools, and the Tianshan Grand Canyon. Among them, the Ili section (from Dushanzi to Nalati) has become a popular choice for custom vehicle tours due to its magnificent snow-capped mountains, grasslands, forests, and lake scenery.
Why choose a custom vehicle tour?
Flexibility and freedom:Avoid fixed schedules and stop at viewpoints, photo spots, or hidden gems anytime.
In-depth experience:Professional driver-guides familiar with road conditions and attractions can adjust the itinerary based on weather and interests.
Comfort:No need to worry about driving fatigue, especially suitable for family or friend group travel.
Hassle-free:No need to worry about transportation or accommodation reservations (accommodation packages available as an option), allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenery.
Sample Itinerary (Reference for 2026)
Explore the Duku Highway in Ili: A custom vehicle tour of freedom and beautiful sceneryBased on the current season and scenic area opening conditions, here is a classic 3-day custom vehicle itinerary for the Ili Duku Highway. Reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made upon mutual agreement:
Day 1:Dushanzi – Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Yining
Morning:Depart from Dushanzi and drive along the northern section of the Duku Highway, passing through the “Tiger’s Mouth” cliff section to experience thrilling and magnificent scenery.
Noon:Arrive at Sayram Lake, take a tour around the lake, and admire the blue waters and snow-capped mountain reflections of the “last tear of the Atlantic.”
Afternoon:Cross the Guozigou Bridge, check in at the magnificent landscape of the “First Bridge in Xinjiang,” and then proceed to Yining City.
Evening:Check into a hotel in downtown Yining and savor ethnic specialties (such as baked buns, pilaf, and kvass).
Day 2:Yining – Karajun Grassland – Tekes Bagua City
Morning:Head to Karajun Grassland, hike or ride a horse to explore the three-dimensional grassland landscape of this “World Natural Heritage Site,” and enjoy views of snow-capped mountains and flower fields in the distance.
Noon:Enjoy lunch in a Kazakh yurt on the grassland and experience nomadic life.
Detailed introduction to the route or destinationAfternoon:Drive to Tekes Bagua City, ascend the observation deck at the city center to overlook the Bagua layout, and feel the mysterious cultural atmosphere.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Tekes County and enjoy free time or stroll through the night market.
Day 3:Tekes – Nalati Grassland – Return
Morning:Head to Nalati Grassland, choose between the aerial grassland or river valley grassland routes, and take a shuttle bus or ride a horse deep into the grassland hinterland.
Noon:Savor local specialties in Nalati Town (such as Nalati roast whole lamb and kumiss).
Afternoon:Depending on the return time, you can choose to continue driving along the southern section of the Duku Highway or return directly to Yining City to end the itinerary.
Price Description (Reference for 2026)
Custom vehicle tour fees vary based on vehicle type, season, itinerary duration, and whether accommodation is included. The following are reference ranges (specifics subject to actual consultation and contract signing):
Vehicle options:
5-seater sedan:Approximately 800-1200 yuan/day
The Duku Highway, known as China’s most beautiful highway, traverses the Tianshan Mountains and attracts countless self-driving enthusiasts and photography lovers every year. Starting from Dushanzi District in Karamay City in the north and ending in Kuqa City in the Aksu Prefecture in the south, it spans 561 kilometers and connects numerous natural and cultural landscapes, including the Ili River Valley, Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak Wetland, the Large and Small Dragon Pools, and the Tianshan Grand Canyon. Among them, the Ili section (from Dushanzi to Nalati) has become a popular choice for custom vehicle tours due to its magnificent snow-capped mountains, grasslands, forests, and lake scenery.7-seater business vehicle:Approximately 1200-1800 yuan/day
9-15 seater minibus:Approximately 1800-2500 yuan/day
Fees include:
Vehicle usage fee, fuel fee, toll fee, and driver service fee.
Fees exclude:
Scenic area admission tickets, shuttle bus tickets, accommodation fees, dining fees, and personal expenses.
Seasonal fluctuations:
June-August is the peak tourist season, and fees may increase by 20%-30%; September-October offers excellent autumn scenery at moderate prices; some road sections are closed from November to May of the following year, so confirm opening conditions.
Registration Method
Why choose a custom vehicle tour?You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency by providing your name, contact information, travel dates, and number of people. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will customize your itinerary and confirm fees.
Fee Description and Service Description
Fees include:Vehicle rental, driver service, and basic insurance (specifics subject to actual consultation and contract signing).
Fees exclude:Admission tickets, accommodation, dining, and personal expenses (can be booked on your behalf for an additional fee).
Service standards:
Vehicle:Regularly maintained, with complete documentation, equipped with a first aid kit and simple repair tools.
Driver:Licensed, familiar with road conditions and attractions, with a good service attitude.
Itinerary:Flexibly adjusted based on weather and road conditions to ensure the best possible experience.
Single traveler registration:We will do our best to arrange shared accommodation; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Flexibility and freedom: Avoid fixed schedules and stop at viewpoints, photo spots, or hidden gems anytime.Cancellation and refund policy:Subject to the contract signed by both parties.
Friendly Reminders
Document preparation:Bring valid identification, a driver’s license (if self-driving), and discount certificates such as student or senior citizen IDs.
Clothing and gear:Ili has significant temperature differences between day and night, so bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable hiking shoes.
Photography equipment:The scenery along the Duku Highway is magnificent, so bring a wide-angle lens and sufficient storage cards.
Eco-friendly travel:Please do not litter and help protect the natural environment.
Current Policies and Operating Status (2026)
Duku Highway:Usually open from early June to early October each year, with specific dates subject to traffic department announcements. Confirm the opening time for 2026 in advance.
Scenic area openings:Sayram Lake, Karajun Grassland, Nalati Grassland, and other scenic areas are open year-round, although some areas may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions.
Reservation policies:Tickets for some popular attractions (such as Sayram Lake) must be reserved online in advance. Confirm through official channels before traveling.
A custom vehicle tour of the Ili Duku Highway is an excellent combination of freedom and beautiful scenery. Whether it’s magnificent snow-capped mountains and grasslands or mysterious cultural ancient cities, you can experience the unique charm of Xinjiang. Choose Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to make your journey more worry-free, secure, and comfortable!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and quotation.
