Local Old Driver Yili Loop Charter, Familiar with Full Route Conditions of Yizhao and Duku Highways

Guo Jing, a senior Xinjiang travel specialist from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, focuses on one-stop travel services across Xinjiang including customized 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, also on WeChat at 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to plan your Xinjiang trip.
Explore Yili:Local veteran drivers take you on a customized car rental tour of the Yizhao and Duku Highways
Detailed introduction to the route or destination
Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, located in northwestern Xinjiang, attracts countless tourists with its magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic cultures. Its core attractions are concentrated within 100 to 300 kilometers around Yining City, covering diverse landscapes such as alpine lakes, grassland valleys, canyons, and forests, making it an ideal destination for self-driving and customized car rental trips.
Sayram Lake:As a national 5A-level scenic spot, Sayram Lake is famous for its azure waters and reflections of snow-capped mountains. The lake sits at an altitude of about 2,073 meters, with a fully accessible ring road. Visitors can enter through the east, south, or north gates and drive around the lake, stopping anytime to enjoy views of snow mountain reflections and lakeside flower fields. Currently, Sayram Lake operates a time-slot reservation system; it is recommended to book 1 to 3 days in advance via the ‘One Mobile Travels Xinjiang’ platform.
Nalati Grassland: Also a national 5A-level scenic spot, Nalati Grassland is divided into three areas: Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley Road. Sightseeing buses run from 8:30 to 19:30. With lush water and grass and early blooming wildflowers, this is the golden period for viewing grassland scenery. The popular ‘Nomadic Home’ spot is a must-visit, where you can hold lambs for photos and experience grassland life.
Kalajun Grassland: As a World Natural Heritage site, Kalajun Grassland attracts photography enthusiasts with its vast grasslands and unique landforms. A joint ticket covers East and West Kalajun, with the Kuokesu Grand Canyon cable car operating normally. The ‘Human Body Grassland’ landscape offers striking light effects at sunset, best photographed in the soft morning light.

Explore Yili: Local veteran drivers take you on a customized car rental tour of the Yizhao and Duku HighwaysXia Ancient Road: This hiking trail is open to the General’s Bridge area, offering close-up views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Glacier viewpoints are heavily affected by weather, so check the day’s announcements before departure. Xia Ancient Road is also an excellent spot for viewing rapeseed flowers, which bloom in full fields from June to July each year, creating a stunning sight.
Yizhao Highway and Duku Highway:These two highways are famous for their thrilling road conditions and magnificent natural scenery. The Yizhao Highway has many curves and steep slopes, typically open from early June to late September. The Duku Highway crosses the Tianshan Mountains, showcasing the wonder of ‘four seasons in one day,’ and is expected to be open until the end of September. Due to complex road conditions, it is recommended to choose local veteran drivers familiar with the routes.
Simple Itinerary
Below is a simple 7-day Yili loop customized car rental itinerary based on 2026 real-time road conditions and scenic spot policies:
Day 1:Yining Airport/Train Station Pickup → Sayram Lake Loop Tour → Guozigou Bridge Viewing → Stay in Qingshuihe Town or Return to Yining
Arrive in Yining in the morning, head to Sayram Lake after pickup. Tour the lake in the afternoon, visiting spots like Moon Bay and Qinshui Beach. Return to Qingshuihe Town or Yining for the night.
Day 2:Yining → Huocheng Lavender Garden → Huiyuan Ancient City (optional) → Tekes Bagua City → Stay in Tekes

Detailed introduction to the route or destinationHead to Huocheng Lavender Garden in the morning, in full bloom from mid-to-late June, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. Visit Huiyuan Ancient City (optional) in the afternoon to experience historical culture. Arrive in Tekes Bagua City in the evening, stroll freely, and experience the unique city layout.
Day 3:Tekes → Kalajun Grassland → Kuokesu Grand Canyon → Stay in Tekes or Zhaosu
Spend the day exploring Kalajun Grassland and Kuokesu Grand Canyon, taking shuttle buses to spots like Flower Terrace and Falcon Terrace. Stay in Tekes or Zhaosu County in the evening.
Day 4:Zhaosu → Xia Ancient Road Light Hike → Stay in Zhaosu
Light hike along Xia Ancient Road to General’s Bridge in the morning, with distant views of snow mountains and glaciers. Free time in the afternoon, visit Zhaosu rapeseed flower fields for photos. Stay in Zhaosu County in the evening.
Day 5:Zhaosu → Yizhao Highway (if open) → Nalati Grassland → Stay in Nalati Town

Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, located in northwestern Xinjiang, attracts countless tourists with its magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic cultures. Its core attractions are concentrated within 100 to 300 kilometers around Yining City, covering diverse landscapes such as alpine lakes, grassland valleys, canyons, and forests, making it an ideal destination for self-driving and customized car rental trips.Cross the Yizhao Highway (if open) in the morning, enjoying the natural scenery along the way. Arrive at Nalati Grassland in the afternoon, visiting Sky Grassland and River Valley Grassland. Stay in Nalati Town in the evening.

Guo Jing from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, a senior travel specialist with 10 years of experience in Xinjiang tourism, focuses on one-stop services for customized car rentals, carpooling, and group tours. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, also on WeChat at 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to plan your Xinjiang trip.
Day 6:Nalati → Gongliu Kuerdening or Qiaxi Scenic Area → Return to Yining
Head to Gongliu Kuerdening or Qiaxi Scenic Area in the morning; these areas have fewer tourists, with spruce forests and streams intertwined, ideal for slow-paced hiking. Return to Yining for the night.
Day 7:Free time in Yining or Departure
Free time in the morning, visit Kazanqi Folk Village to experience blue carriages and colorful houses. Depart in the afternoon based on flight/train schedule.
Price Explanation
The price for customized car rental on the Yili loop is influenced by factors such as vehicle type, season, itinerary length, and route complexity. Below is a reference price based on 2026 market conditions (subject to actual consultation and contract):

Sayram Lake: As a national 5A-level scenic spot, Sayram Lake is famous for its azure waters and reflections of snow-capped mountains. The lake sits at an altitude of about 2,073 meters, with a fully accessible ring road. Visitors can enter through the east, south, or north gates and drive around the lake, stopping anytime to enjoy views of snow mountain reflections and lakeside flower fields. Currently, Sayram Lake operates a time-slot reservation system; it is recommended to book 1 to 3 days in advance via the ‘One Mobile Travels Xinjiang’ platform.Five-seat SUV (suitable for 2 to 4 people):Peak season (June to August): approximately 1,200 to 1,500 RMB/day; Shoulder season (April to May, September to October): approximately 800 to 1,100 RMB/day.
Seven-seat MPV (suitable for 4 to 6 people):Peak season: approximately 1,200 to 1,600 RMB/day; Shoulder season: approximately 900 to 1,300 RMB/day.
Nine to thirteen-seat minibus (suitable for 8 to 12 people):Peak season: approximately 1,800 to 2,500 RMB/day; Shoulder season: approximately 1,500 to 2,200 RMB/day.
Special route surcharge:If traveling on the Yizhao or Duku Highways, an additional coordination fee of 200 to 300 RMB/day may apply (depending on driver familiarity and vehicle configuration).
Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. The agency offers customized car rentals, carpooling, and small group services for the Yili loop, supporting itinerary changes based on group size, budget, and interests. When registering, please provide the number of travelers, planned travel dates, preferred route, and budget range so that customer service can tailor an itinerary for you.

Nalati Grassland: Also a national 5A-level scenic spot, Nalati Grassland is divided into three areas: Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley Road. Sightseeing buses run from 8:30 to 19:30. With lush water and grass and early blooming wildflowers, this is the golden period for viewing grassland scenery. The popular ‘Nomadic Home’ spot is a must-visit, where you can hold lambs for photos and experience grassland life.Cost and Service Explanation
Cost includes:Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, fuel cost, tolls, parking fees, and basic vehicle insurance. Some packages may include ticket and shuttle bus fees for itinerary items, subject to actual consultation and contract.
Cost excludes:Round-trip transportation costs (airfare, train tickets to/from Yining or Urumqi), all meal expenses, self-funded activities within scenic spots (e.g., horse riding, rafting, helicopter rides), and personal expenses (e.g., additional hotel charges).
Service explanation: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency specifies itinerary arrangements, vehicle standards, accommodation levels, etc., in the contract. In case of force majeure factors such as weather, road conditions, or scenic spot policies, both parties can negotiate reasonable itinerary changes. The agency provides 24-hour customer support to answer questions and coordinate the trip.
Subject to actual consultation and contract. Before registering, carefully read the contract terms to understand cost details, service content, liability for breach, and related information. Contact customer service with any questions.
In a customized car rental trip to Yili, choosing a local veteran driver familiar with the roads is crucial. They not only know every curve and dangerous section of the Yizhao and Duku Highways but can also flexibly adjust the itinerary based on weather and road conditions, ensuring your trip is both safe and enjoyable. Whether it’s the azure waters of Sayram Lake or the vast expanse of Nalati Grassland, your journey will leave unforgettable memories. Contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to start your Yili loop customized car rental trip!
Phone:181-3962-2229
WeChat:181-3962-2229
For 2026 Xinjiang travel customized car rentals, customization, and carpooling tours, welcome to inquire (24-hour consultation hotline: 0991-8585456) Xinjiang customized travel manager Guo Jing WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for customization