2026YiliTourCharterCarPriceList!HowMuchIsYiningCharterCarPerDay 7SeatCarCost+ReliableCharterDriverContact

Guo Jing, a senior Xinjiang travel customizer from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, specializes in one-stop travel services across Xinjiang including custom car rentals, carpooling, and worry-free group tours. Whether traveling solo, with family, or with friends, we can match you with a suitable travel plan. 24-hour travel consultation hotline: 0991-8585456, same number on WeChat: 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to plan your Xinjiang trip.
🚗 After the full opening of the Duku Highway in June 2026, inquiries for travel on the Northern Xinjiang Yili route have been rising steadily. Many travelers in groups prefer custom car rental options, allowing them to avoid fixed schedules, linger longer at scenic spots they want to see, and enjoy a more relaxed pace. Today, based on the latest information on scenic spots, transportation, and custom car rental market in June 2026, we’ll outline a 6-day itinerary covering Sayram Lake, Nalati, and the Duku section, along with reference costs, to help you plan your trip in advance.
📍 Key Information on Destinations (Updated June 2026)
Sayram Lake:Currently in peak season (April 20 to October 10), the main east gate is open from 07:00 to 22:00, with ticket entry stopping at 21:00. A dedicated sunrise passage at the old east gate for self-driving visitors is open from 21:00 to 08:00 the next day. Visitors who purchase a 48-hour valid self-driving package can enter and exit multiple times. The reference price for the peak-season self-driving package is 145 RMB/person, and the scenic area shuttle bus reference price is 75 RMB/person. However, the shuttle bus only stops at regular stations, skipping less popular spots like West Sea Grassland and Golden Flowers and Purple Plants. For those wanting to capture the mirror-like lake surface in the early morning without crowds, self-driving is recommended, as the shuttle bus departs at 10:00 and misses the misty scenery before sunrise. The full loop around the lake is about 92 km, with a speed limit of 30-40 km/h along the route. It’s recommended to take a counterclockwise loop: in the morning, the west shore is backlit for high-saturation lake photos, and in the afternoon, the east shore is backlit for portraits without darkening. When parking, the lake is always on the right side of the vehicle, avoiding the need to cross the road. After touring, exit from the south gate to head directly to Guozigou without backtracking. In June, the meadows around Sayram Lake are in full bloom, with patches of yellow and purple wildflowers spreading out, complemented by the blue lake and distant snow-capped mountains, creating great photo opportunities.
Nalati Scenic Area:Peak season (May 1 to October 31) ticket reference price is 95 RMB/person. The shuttle bus has three routes: Sky Grassland route at 40 RMB/person, River Valley Grassland route at 24 RMB/person, and Panlong Valley Road route at 50 RMB/person. Vehicles with 7 seats or fewer can also enter by self-driving at 300 RMB/vehicle, requiring advance reservation via the ‘Zhiyou Nalati’ mini-program, with daily capacity limits. During peak season in July-August, it’s recommended to arrive at the visitor center before 9:00 AM to avoid shuttle bus queues exceeding 1 hour. The last return shuttle bus in summer runs between 19:30 and 20:00, so keep an eye on the time. Accommodation near the scenic area can be chosen in Nalati Town, 7 km from the scenic area entrance, offering a wide range of options from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels, with more affordable dining. Local specialties like stewed lamb, baked buns, and salty milk tea are authentic and flavorful. High-end accommodation within the scenic area is pricey and requires advance booking. Nalati is at an altitude of 1800-2300 meters, with significant temperature differences even in summer, so bring a windbreaker or light down jacket. Midday sun is strong, so SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats are recommended.
Duku Highway (Northern Xinjiang Section): Opened for traffic from June 1, 2026, currently implementing a ‘daytime traffic, nighttime construction’ policy. The Wusu驿 to Kuruk路段 section allows vehicles with 7 seats or fewer and trucks with a load capacity of 5 tons or less to pass from 8:00 to 19:00 daily. The Kuruk to Nalati entrance section may flexibly extend closure time to 21:00 based on daily traffic and weather conditions. Social vehicles cannot enter the Nalati to Wusu驿 entrance and Qoerma to G217 line entrance after 19:00. Check published road condition information before travel and arrange passage times accordingly. The northern section of the Duku Highway offers diverse landscapes along the route, including river valleys, spruce forests, and snow-capped mountains, suitable for stopping to enjoy the scenery at any time.

🚗 After the full opening of the Duku Highway in June 2026, inquiries for travel on the Northern Xinjiang Yili route have been rising steadily. Many travelers in groups prefer custom car rental options, allowing them to avoid fixed schedules, linger longer at scenic spots they want to see, and enjoy a more relaxed pace. Today, based on the latest information on scenic spots, transportation, and custom car rental market in June 2026, we’ll outline a 6-day itinerary covering Sayram Lake, Nalati, and the Duku section, along with reference costs, to help you plan your trip in advance.🗓 ️ 6-Day Simple Itinerary Reference
D1:Arrive in Yining from various locations, get picked up and check into a city hotel. Free time to explore the local snack street, try local specialties, and rest to adjust to the time difference.
D2:
Depart from Yining, head to Huocheng Lavender Manor (stop for a visit during the June-July blooming season), then proceed to Sayram Lake. Take the counterclockwise loop route, visiting spots like Moon Bay, West Sea Grassland, and Golden Flowers and Purple Plants. In the evening, wait for the sunset by the lake, then stay near the scenic area or in Jinghe County town.D3:
Depart from Sayram Lake, drive along the Guozigou Bridge route, then take the northern section of the Duku Highway to Qoerma, passing by river valleys and snow-capped mountain landscapes along the way. Then head to Nalati Town for accommodation.D4:
Spend the whole day touring the Nalati Scenic Area. Choose from the Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland, or Panlong Valley Road routes based on your preference. Hiking enthusiasts can linger on the Sky Grassland boardwalk to enjoy the meadow flower fields beneath the snow-capped mountains. Return to Nalati Town for the night.D5:

Depart from Nalati, take part of the Duku Highway to visit Tangbula Grassland, enjoying the primitive spruce forests and stream landscapes along the way. Then return to Yining for accommodation.📍 Key Information on Destinations (Updated June 2026)D6:
Free time in Yining city, visit local markets for souvenirs, then get transferred to the airport for departure.Note:
💰 In case of changes in weather, road conditions, scenic area openings, or schedule adjustments, the itinerary can be reasonably modified by mutual agreement.
2026 6-Day Custom Car Rental Reference Price Explanation
Currently in the peak tourist season for Yili, custom car rental prices vary based on vehicle type, number of people, and specific itinerary mileage. The following are market reference ranges, with actual prices subject to contract:5-Seat SUV (Suitable for 2-4 people):

Reference price: 1200-1800 RMB/day, total 6-day car rental reference range: 7200-10800 RMB, per-person cost sharing: approximately 1800-5400 RMB.Sayram Lake: Currently in peak season (April 20 to October 10), the main east gate is open from 07:00 to 22:00, with ticket entry stopping at 21:00. A dedicated sunrise passage at the old east gate for self-driving visitors is open from 21:00 to 08:00 the next day. Visitors who purchase a 48-hour valid self-driving package can enter and exit multiple times. The reference price for the peak-season self-driving package is 145 RMB/person, and the scenic area shuttle bus reference price is 75 RMB/person. However, the shuttle bus only stops at regular stations, skipping less popular spots like West Sea Grassland and Golden Flowers and Purple Plants. For those wanting to capture the mirror-like lake surface in the early morning without crowds, self-driving is recommended, as the shuttle bus departs at 10:00 and misses the misty scenery before sunrise. The full loop around the lake is about 92 km, with a speed limit of 30-40 km/h along the route. It’s recommended to take a counterclockwise loop: in the morning, the west shore is backlit for high-saturation lake photos, and in the afternoon, the east shore is backlit for portraits without darkening. When parking, the lake is always on the right side of the vehicle, avoiding the need to cross the road. After touring, exit from the south gate to head directly to Guozigou without backtracking. In June, the meadows around Sayram Lake are in full bloom, with patches of yellow and purple wildflowers spreading out, complemented by the blue lake and distant snow-capped mountains, creating great photo opportunities.7-Seat Business Van (Suitable for 4-6 people):

Reference price: 1600-2200 RMB/day, total 6-day car rental reference range: 9600-13200 RMB, per-person cost sharing: approximately 1600-3300 RMB.
Guo Jing from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, a senior travel customizer with 10 years of experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializes in one-stop services for custom car rentals, carpooling, and group tours in Xinjiang. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, same number on WeChat: 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to plan your Xinjiang trip.13-Seat Commercial Bus (Suitable for 8-12 people):
Reference price: 2000-3000 RMB/day, total 6-day car rental reference range: 12000-18000 RMB, per-person cost sharing: approximately 1000-2250 RMB.
📞 Price Note: The above are reference fees excluding driver accommodation and meals. Driver meal allowance reference: 80-120 RMB/day, accommodation allowance reference: 150-200 RMB/day, can also be negotiated and included in the total price. If the itinerary exceeds the contracted mileage or working hours, additional fees may apply, with excess mileage fee reference: 1.5-2 RMB/km. Specific fee standards can be confirmed during consultation. Prices and availability may fluctuate with schedules, subject to the signed contract.
Registration MethodYou can inquire and register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Consultation phone: 181-3962-2229, same number on WeChat: 181-3962-2229. Address can be obtained from customer service.
📋 Fee and Service Explanation

Nalati Scenic Area: Peak season (May 1 to October 31) ticket reference price is 95 RMB/person. The shuttle bus has three routes: Sky Grassland route at 40 RMB/person, River Valley Grassland route at 24 RMB/person, and Panlong Valley Road route at 50 RMB/person. Vehicles with 7 seats or fewer can also enter by self-driving at 300 RMB/vehicle, requiring advance reservation via the ‘Zhiyou Nalati’ mini-program, with daily capacity limits. During peak season in July-August, it’s recommended to arrive at the visitor center before 9:00 AM to avoid shuttle bus queues exceeding 1 hour. The last return shuttle bus in summer runs between 19:30 and 20:00, so keep an eye on the time. Accommodation near the scenic area can be chosen in Nalati Town, 7 km from the scenic area entrance, offering a wide range of options from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels, with more affordable dining. Local specialties like stewed lamb, baked buns, and salty milk tea are authentic and flavorful. High-end accommodation within the scenic area is pricey and requires advance booking. Nalati is at an altitude of 1800-2300 meters, with significant temperature differences even in summer, so bring a windbreaker or light down jacket. Midday sun is strong, so SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats are recommended.Standard custom car rental services typically include:
Vehicle usage fee for the corresponding model, including routine maintenance and repair costs
Driver’s salary
Fuel, toll, and parking fees within the itinerary
Basic vehicle insurance, including compulsory traffic insurance and carrier liability insurance

Duku Highway (Northern Xinjiang Section): Opened for traffic from June 1, 2026, currently implementing a ‘daytime traffic, nighttime construction’ policy. The Wusu驿 to Kuruk路段 section allows vehicles with 7 seats or fewer and trucks with a load capacity of 5 tons or less to pass from 8:00 to 19:00 daily. The Kuruk to Nalati entrance section may flexibly extend closure time to 21:00 based on daily traffic and weather conditions. Social vehicles cannot enter the Nalati to Wusu驿 entrance and Qoerma to G217 line entrance after 19:00. Check published road condition information before travel and arrange passage times accordingly. The northern section of the Duku Highway offers diverse landscapes along the route, including river valleys, spruce forests, and snow-capped mountains, suitable for stopping to enjoy the scenery at any time.The following fees are typically not included and can be negotiated in advance to be bundled into the total price:
All scenic area tickets, accommodation, meals, and personal expenses throughout the trip
Driver’s meal and accommodation allowances
Additional fees for exceeding contracted mileage or hours
Empty return fees if the start and end points of the itinerary differ
Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. All itinerary arrangements comply with relevant laws such as the Contract Law and Tourism Law. Cancellation and modification rules follow the Tourism Law.
Travel Tips: When riding horses on the grassland, choose formal horse teams (reference price: 80 RMB/hour), avoid private horse handlers on the roadside as they lack insurance. Do not litter while visiting scenic areas; protect the natural environment. There are many types of ethnic cuisines with significant taste differences; try small amounts first before choosing favorites. Check weather conditions along the route before travel and prepare appropriate clothing.
For custom car rentals, customization, or carpooling tours in Xinjiang in 2026, feel free to inquire (24-hour consultation hotline: 0991-8585456). Xinjiang custom travel manager Guo Jing, WeChat: 181-3962-2229, for customization.