Ili Travel Chartered Car Guide 8 Precautions with Detailed Cost Explanations Recommended Routes and Their Costs
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
Ili Tourism Custom Vehicle Guide:8 Precautions with Detailed Cost Explanations
🌄 Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations
The Ili River Valley, known as the ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall’ and embraced by the Tianshan Mountains, attracts countless travelers with its magnificent natural scenery and diverse cultural landscapes. In 2026, all major scenic spots in Ili will be open as usual with smooth transportation, making it a prime time for in-depth exploration.
Sayram Lake 🌊
As the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, Sayram Lake is known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic’ for its crystal-clear waters and magnificent snow-capped mountain backdrop. During the peak season of 2026, the scenic area implements timed reservation entry, open daily from 8:00 to 21:00. Admission is 70 yuan per person, and the self-drive package is 145 yuan per person (including admission and self-drive service fee), valid for 48 hours with multiple entries allowed. The lakeside highway spans approximately 90 kilometers, featuring multiple viewpoints such as Kele Yongzhu, Songshu Tou, and Dianjiang Tai, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Nalati Grassland 🌿
Nalati Grassland, a national 5A-level scenic spot, offers visitors the spectacular experience of ‘four seasons in one day and different weather every ten miles’ through its management of aerial and valley grasslands. During peak season, admission is 95 yuan per person, with 60 yuan per person for the aerial grassland shuttle and 40 yuan per person for the valley grassland shuttle. Sightseeing buses operate from 8:30 to 19:30, with June and July being the best periods for viewing lush grass and blooming wildflowers.
Kalajun Grassland 🏞️
Kalajun Grassland, a World Natural Heritage site, attracts numerous visitors with its vast meadows and unique geological landscapes. East and West Kalajun now operate jointly, with admission at 80 yuan per person and shuttle service at 90 yuan per person. The ‘Human Body Grassland’ landscape within the scenic area offers striking light and shadow effects at sunset, ideal for photography and hiking.
Huocheng Lavender 💜
From mid-to-late June to early July each year, Huocheng’s lavender fields reach full bloom, creating a picturesque scene of endless flower seas against blue skies and white clouds, a haven for photography lovers. Admission to Jieyou Princess Lavender Park is approximately 20-40 yuan per person, with some farms available for advance reservation visits.
Xiata Ancient Path 🏔️
Ili Tourism Custom Vehicle Guide: 8 Precautions with Detailed Cost Explanations The Xiata Ancient Path, a historic hiking route, offers views of snow-capped mountains, forests, and river valleys along the way. Admission is 30 yuan per person, with shuttle service at 60 yuan per person. The hiking trailhead is located within Zhaosu County, suitable for light hiking enthusiasts.
🗺 ️Simple Itinerary (7-Day Loop Reference)
The following itinerary combines popular Ili attractions for 2026 with actual road conditions, suitable for family, small friend groups, or corporate team travel. Specific itineraries can be reasonably adjusted based on weather, road conditions, and mutual agreement.
Day 1:Arrive in Yining City
Afternoon:After being picked up by the driver, visit the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area to stroll through traditional streets of various ethnic groups and taste handmade ice cream.
Evening:Watch the sunset at the Ili River Bridge and photograph the geometric composition of the bridge and river.
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in Yining City.
Day 2:Yining → Sayram Lake
Morning:Travel to Sayram Lake via the Lianhuo Expressway, enjoying panoramic views of the Guozigou Bridge along the way.
Afternoon:Drive around the lake, stopping at viewpoints such as Kele Yongzhu, Songshu Tou, and Dianjiang Tai to photograph lake reflections and snow-capped mountains.
Evening:Check into the Sayram Lake RV campground for a lakeside camping experience under the stars.
Day 3:Sayram Lake → Huocheng → Zhaosu
🌄 Detailed Introduction to Routes or DestinationsMorning:Continue exploring around the lake or opt for an in-depth tour by shuttle bus.
Afternoon:Traverse the Yizhao Highway (recommended open from June to September), enjoying views of Baishi Peak and rapeseed flower fields along the way.
Evening:Arrive in Zhaosu County and visit the Tianma Cultural Park to watch equestrian performances.
Accommodation:Characteristic homestay in Zhaosu County.
Day 4:Zhaosu → Xiata → Tekes
Morning:Head to the Xiata Ancient Path scenic area, take the shuttle bus to the hot spring hotel, and hike to the Flower Terrace to photograph snow-capped mountains.
Afternoon:Drive to Tekes Bagua City and ascend the Li Street Observation Deck for panoramic city views.
Evening:Sample roasted baozi and hand-pulled rice at the Tekes Food Street.
Accommodation:Boutique hotel in Tekes County.
Day 5:Tekes → Kalajun → Xinyuan
Morning:Tour the Kalajun Grassland, focusing on photographing the light and shadow of the Human Body Grassland and experiencing horseback riding at the Huntin’tai.
Afternoon:Visit the Kuokesu Grand Canyon and take a boat tour to view Crocodile Bay and the Meandering River.
Evening:Drive to Xinyuan County, enjoying views of the Gongnaisi River Valley along the way.
The Ili River Valley, known as the ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall’ and embraced by the Tianshan Mountains, attracts countless travelers with its magnificent natural scenery and diverse cultural landscapes. In 2026, all major scenic spots in Ili will be open as usual with smooth transportation, making it a prime time for in-depth exploration.Accommodation:Eco-hotel in Xinyuan County.
Day 6:Xinyuan → Nalati
Full Day:Explore Nalati Grassland in-depth, visiting the aerial grassland in the morning and the valley grassland in the afternoon.
Special Experience:Helicopter sightseeing at the Nalati International Ski Resort (grassland base in summer).
Accommodation:Characteristic homestay in Nalati Town.
Day 7:Nalati → Yining (Return Trip)
Morning:Choose a route based on return time, visiting Gongliu Qiaxi or Kuerduning scenic area if time permits.
Afternoon:The driver provides airport/station transfer, concluding the itinerary.
💰 Pricing Explanation (2026 Reference Information)
The cost of custom vehicle services in Ili varies greatly depending on vehicle type, duration, season, and whether accommodation is included. The following price ranges are for reference; specific costs will be based on the signed tourism contract.
Vehicle Costs
7-Seater Business Vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8):Approximately 1200-1600 yuan/day
Sayram Lake 🌊9-Seater Converted 7-Seater Luxury Business Vehicle:Approximately 1500-1900 yuan/day
14-18 Seater Medium-Sized Coach:Approximately 2000-2600 yuan/day
38-Seater or Larger Bus:Price upon inquiry
Costs Include
Vehicle usage fee (including regular maintenance, insurance)
Driver service fee (professional driver with qualification certificate)
Fuel, toll, and parking fees
Basic itinerary planning and emergency support
Costs Exclude
Scenic spot admission and shuttle fees
Personal expenses (dining, entertainment)
Hotel accommodation fees (can be arranged upon request, additional charges apply)
As the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, Sayram Lake is known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic’ for its crystal-clear waters and magnificent snow-capped mountain backdrop. During the peak season of 2026, the scenic area implements timed reservation entry, open daily from 8:00 to 21:00. Admission is 70 yuan per person, and the self-drive package is 145 yuan per person (including admission and self-drive service fee), valid for 48 hours with multiple entries allowed. The lakeside highway spans approximately 90 kilometers, featuring multiple viewpoints such as Kele Yongzhu, Songshu Tou, and Dianjiang Tai, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.Driver’s accommodation and meal allowances (unless explicitly included in the contract)
📝 Registration Method
Register for the custom vehicle tour in Ili through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. When registering, provide information such as the number of travelers, duration, approximate budget, and preferred accommodation standards to receive a more precise plan.
📋 Cost and Service Explanations
Qualification Verification:Choose a travel agency with legal business qualifications and refuse to ride in ‘black cars’ or privately operated vehicles.
Contract Details:When signing the contract, clarify vehicle type, driver information, daily itinerary, included costs, and cancellation/modification rules.
Vehicle Inspection:Check seat belts, fire extinguishers, and hammers before boarding; fasten seat belts throughout the journey.
Driver Communication:Maintain good communication with the driver, avoid fatigue driving, and suggest no more than 8 hours of daily driving.
Emergency Preparedness:Carry common medications, high-calorie snacks, power banks, download offline maps, and inform relatives/friends of your itinerary.
Insurance Explanation:The travel agency provides basic travel accident insurance for each tourist; it is recommended to supplement with high-risk project insurance as needed.
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing; prices and availability are confirmed by contract or customer service and may fluctuate by departure date.
📞 Contact Information
Consult Zhang Jing, Customer Service Manager at Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, for more itinerary details and cost information.
The beauty of Ili lies in its vastness and delicacy, with every scene worthy of savoring. Choosing a custom vehicle for independent travel makes your journey more free, comfortable, and worry-free. For any questions or additional information, please contact Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency at any time to start your Ili adventure!
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
