Duku Highway Opening Season, Xinjiang Local 6 Person Carpool Small Group, Full Journey Led by Experienced Driver

2026 Xinjiang travel carpool small group, must register and book through Xinjiang local professional and formal tourism channels: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Carpool Small Group Center (24-hour consultation hotline: 0991-8585456) Xinjiang carpool small group manager Guo Jing WeChat ID: 181-3962-2229
🌄 Duku Highway opening season, Xinjiang local 6-person carpool small group,全程 led by an experienced driver
Every early summer, when the snow melts and the mountain winds warm up, the Duku Highway, traversing the Tianshan Mountains from north to south, ushers in the most suitable season for travel of the year. In 2026, this G217 national highway, hailed as ‘one of the representatives of China’s scenic highways,’ officially opened on June 1 and is expected to remain accessible until the end of September or early October, with the specific closure time subject to dynamic changes based on weather and road conditions. For travelers, this is not just a transportation route but an immersive natural journey through snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and lakes.
📍 Route or destination detailed introduction
The Duku Highway starts from Dushanzi District in Karamay City in the north and ends at Kuqa City in Aksu Prefecture in the south, with a total length of about 561 kilometers. It passes through Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture and Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, crossing four mountain passes (passes) over 3,000 meters above sea level, with a maximum elevation difference exceeding 3,000 meters. Due to its unique climate and landform combination of ‘seeing four seasons in one day and different weather every ten miles,’ it has become a popular choice for many self-driving and customized vehicle tourists.
Highlights along the way:
Dushanzi Grand Canyon — Stunning at the start, with red rock layers carved like knife cuts, featuring observation decks and cliff swings for experiences;
Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery — Commemorates the soldiers who sacrificed their lives building the highway, a solemn place where history and nature intertwine;
Nalati Grassland — The sky grassland is lush green, fully open in 2026 with well-equipped visitor centers and parking lots;
Bayanbulak Grassland — The sunset view at the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns is enchanting, with a healthy Swan Lake ecosystem, ideal for quietly observing wetland wildlife;

🌄 Duku Highway opening season, Xinjiang local 6-person carpool small group,全程 led by an experienced driver Big and Small Dragon Pools — Alpine lakes as still as mirrors, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, perfect for a short stop for photos;
Kuqa Grand Canyon (Tianshan Secret Realm Grand Canyon) — Magnificent Danxia landforms, well-maintained walking boardwalks, open daily from 08:30 to 19:30.
Additionally, some sections of the Duku Highway are single-lane cliffs with strict speed limits, and only small passenger cars with 7 seats or fewer are allowed. Motorhomes, towed RVs, buses with 8 seats or more, oversized trucks, and illegally modified vehicles are prohibited. At night (usually after 19:00 or 20:00), social vehicles are banned from entering the mountains to ensure construction and traffic safety.
📅 Simple itinerary (reference 8-day, 7-night loop)
The following itinerary is based on actual traffic conditions in June 2026 and can be reasonably optimized with mutual agreement:
Day 1:Pick up from Urumqi airport/train station, check into city hotel;
Day 2:Depart from Urumqi, via S21 Desert Highway, passing by Ulungur Lake, overnight in Burqin;
Day 3:Burqin to Hemu, free time in the afternoon, stay in characteristic wooden houses within the scenic area;
Day 4:Morning photography in Hemu, then head to Kanas Lake, stroll around the lake, head to Urho in the evening;

Every early summer, when the snow melts and the mountain winds warm up, the Duku Highway, traversing the Tianshan Mountains from north to south, ushers in the most suitable season for travel of the year. In 2026, this G217 national highway, hailed as ‘one of the representatives of China’s scenic highways,’ officially opened on June 1 and is expected to remain accessible until the end of September or early October, with the specific closure time subject to dynamic changes based on weather and road conditions. For travelers, this is not just a transportation route but an immersive natural journey through snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and lakes.Day 5:Urho Devil City sightseeing (optional self-driving entry), then drive to Bole;
Day 6:Depart from Bole, circle Sayram Lake, arrive in Xinyuan County in the afternoon;
Day 7:Visit Nalati Sky Grassland in Xinyuan, head to Bayanbulak in the evening;
Day 8:Depart from Bayanbulak, head south along the Duku Highway, passing Big and Small Dragon Pools and Tianshan Grand Canyon, finally return to Urumqi to end the trip.
This route covers the core scenic belt of northern Xinjiang, balancing natural scenery and cultural experiences, with a relaxed pace, suitable for 2-6 people traveling together.
💰 Price explanation
Based on public market information for 2026, similar 8-day, 7-night northern Xinjiang loop (including Duku Highway section) small group carpool products have a reference price range of 5399 RMB/person to 5799 RMB/person, varying by departure date, accommodation standard, vehicle type, etc. For example:
Early to mid-June:From about 5399 RMB/person;
Peak season from July to mid-August:About 5799 RMB/person;

📍 Route or destination detailed introductionLate August to early October:Price slightly drops, from about 5499 RMB/person.

Guo Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, a senior travel specialist with 10 years of deep experience in Xinjiang tourism, focusing on one-stop services for customized vehicles, carpooling, and group tours in Xinjiang. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, same WeChat ID: 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to plan your Xinjiang trip.
Special note:The above are market reference prices; actual costs are subject to the contract signed with the travel agency and may change with shifts, availability, and service configurations.
📞 Registration method
Travelers interested in such itineraries can consult and register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service staff will provide customized advice and itinerary plans based on your travel time, group size, and preferences. Contact information as follows:
Phone:181-3962-2229
WeChat:181-3962-2229 (please note ‘Duku Highway inquiry’ when adding)
For details on departure city, pick-up range, meeting point, etc., it is recommended to contact customer service directly to arrange the most suitable transfer plan.
🧾 Cost and service explanation
Costs usually include:

The Duku Highway starts from Dushanzi District in Karamay City in the north and ends at Kuqa City in Aksu Prefecture in the south, with a total length of about 561 kilometers. It passes through Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture and Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, crossing four mountain passes over 3,000 meters above sea level, with a maximum elevation difference exceeding 3,000 meters. Due to its unique climate and landform combination of ‘seeing four seasons in one day and different weather every ten miles,’ it has become a popular choice for many self-driving and customized vehicle tourists.Usage fee for compliant commercial vehicles throughout the trip (7-seat business vehicle, including fuel, tolls, and driver service);
Hotel accommodation as listed in the itinerary (standard room or equivalent);
First admission tickets to scenic spots (such as Nalati, Bayanbulak, Sayram Lake, etc.);
Local certified driver and guide service;
Basic travel accident insurance.
Costs do not include:
Round-trip transportation (such as airfare, train tickets);
Meal expenses (some itineraries include breakfast, main meals are mostly self-paid or split);
Personal expenses and unlisted optional activities;

Highlights along the way: (If single occupancy is needed, room sharing or supplement can be arranged, subject to actual consultation and contract).
All itinerary arrangements are based on current (June 2026) road conditions and scenic area opening status. In case of extreme weather, temporary traffic controls, policy changes at scenic spots, or other force majeure factors, the travel agency can reasonably optimize the itinerary order or content with the consent of the tourists, balancing efficiency and experience.
👥 Why choose a 6-person small group with an experienced driver?
The Duku Highway has many curves and steep slopes, with no communication signals on some sections, requiring high driving experience. Choosing a local driver familiar with mountain road conditions not only improves driving safety but also flexibly handles emergencies and recommends lesser-known viewpoints. The 6-person small group format balances privacy and social interaction, avoiding the crowding and rigid pace of large groups, making it more suitable for friends, families, or peers traveling together.
📌 Warm tips
Before departure, be sure to check the latest traffic announcements through channels like ‘Xinjiang Traffic Police’ or ‘Xinjiang Road Network’;
Mountain areas have large temperature differences; it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket, sun hat, sunglasses, and comfortable hiking shoes;
Some sections have long intervals between gas stations; it is advisable to fill up in advance;
Respect the customs and habits of local ethnic groups, travel civilly, and do not litter.
The beauty of the Duku Highway lies in its ever-changing and vast expanse. Instead of rushing to check in, slow down, spend a few days with a reliable car and an experienced driver, truly enter the heart of the Tianshan Mountains, and feel the breath and rhythm of nature.
If you plan to embark on this journey in the summer of 2026, feel free to call 181-3962-2229 or add the same WeChat ID to get detailed itineraries and real-time availability from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Specific arrangements, prices, and services are subject to the final contract terms confirmed by both parties.
2026 Xinjiang travel customized vehicle center phone: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Customization Center (24-hour consultation hotline: 0991-8585456) Xinjiang customized travel manager Guo Jing WeChat ID: 181-3962-2229 for customization