Urumqi Departure Yining Altay Private Car Booking Full Guide
Xinjiang Tourism Customized Car Rental for Comfortable Travel, Regular Fleet with Flexible Itinerary, Consultation Hotline ☎️: 0991-8866234 Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, Customized Consultation Manager Zhang Jing 📱181-3962-2233 (Add as friend for detailed consultation on Xinjiang travel routes and prices)
🗺️ Planning to start from Urumqi and visit Yining and Altay in one go? This route connects lakes, grasslands, and snow-capped mountains, making it ideal for families, friends, or group trips. Choosing customized car rental allows you to control the pace of your itinerary more independently. This practical guide will outline the route, itinerary, costs, and booking methods.
📍 Route and Destination Details
1. Overall Route Overview
Route Theme:Urumqi → Yining (Ili River Valley) → Altay (Kanas/Hemu) → Return to Urumqi.
Itinerary Pace:The entire trip takes about 10-12 days. It is recommended to visit Yining and Altay in segments to avoid long daily drives.
Core Experiences:Sayram Lake, Ili River Valley Grasslands, Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and other highlights of Northern Xinjiang.
2. Yining Direction: Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall
Sayram Lake 💧:One of the highest-altitude large lakes in Xinjiang, with clear waters, known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic.’ The lake’s circular road offers wide views, perfect for photos.
Guozigou Bridge 🌉:A famous scenic highway in Xinjiang, where you can enjoy the magnificent views of the canyon and bridge from the observation deck.
Yining City 🕌:A historic and cultural city, with the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area preserving traditional residential styles, and Liuxing Street ideal for walks and tasting local food.
Huocheng Lavender 🌿:From mid-to-late June to early July each year, places like Jieyou Princess Farm form romantic purple flower seas (affected by climate, check before travel).
3. Altay Direction: Fairy Tale Snow Country
Kanas Scenic Area 🏔️:Comprising Kanas Lake, Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Dragon Bay), and Tuva villages, it is a representative alpine lake landscape in Northern Xinjiang.
Hemu Village 🏡:Known as ‘God’s private land,’ with birch forests and wooden houses in autumn creating a picturesque scene, an excellent spot for morning mist and starry skies.
Burqin/Beitun 🏘️:Important transit points into the Altay region, with Burqin’s night market famous for grilled fish and cold-water fish.
4. Season and Road Condition Reminders
🗺️ Planning to start from Urumqi and visit Yining and Altay in one go? This route connects lakes, grasslands, and snow-capped mountains, making it ideal for families, friends, or group trips. Choosing customized car rental allows you to control the pace of your itinerary more independently. This practical guide will outline the route, itinerary, costs, and booking methods.Best Seasons:
Ili River Valley:June-August: grasslands are lush with wildflowers; September-October: colorful autumn scenery.
Altay:September-October: charming autumn views; Winter (December-February): good for snow tourism and skiing.
Road Condition Notes:
The Yining route mainly uses highways and national roads, with good conditions.
Mountain roads in Altay have many curves and steep slopes, often with snow and ice in winter, requiring higher vehicle and driving experience.
🗓 ️ Two Classic Itinerary Options
Option 1:Ili + Altay Segmented 8-Day Tour
This option is suitable for travelers with limited time who want to deeply experience both areas.
D1:Urumqi → Sayram Lake
Drive along the Lianhuo Expressway for about 6-7 hours to reach Sayram Lake. In the afternoon, circle the lake or take photos by the shore. Stay at Sayram Lake or Qingshuihe Town.
D2:Sayram Lake → Yining
In the morning, re-enter Sayram Lake, then pass through Guozigou Bridge to Yining. In the afternoon, visit Kazanqi or Liuxing Street. Stay in Yining City.
D3:Yining → Urumqi
Return to Urumqi via the expressway, about 7-8 hours. Have meals in places like Shawan County along the way. Stay in Urumqi.
D4:Urumqi → Burqin/Beitun
Head north along the S21 Desert Highway, passing Ulungur Lake, enjoying the Gobi and lake scenery. Stay in Burqin or Beitun.
📍 Route and Destination DetailsD5:Burqin → Hemu
Enter the mountainous area with beautiful scenery along the way. Upon arriving at Hemu Village, enjoy the birch forests and wooden houses. Stay in Hemu Village.
D6:Hemu → Kanas
In the early morning, photograph the morning mist at the observation deck, then head to Kanas Scenic Area to visit Three Bays, Kanas Lake, etc. Stay in Kanas or Jia Deng Yu.
D7:Kanas → Burqin
In the morning, climb Fish Viewing Pavilion to overlook Kanas Lake. In the afternoon, return to Burqin and visit the night market. Stay in Burqin.
D8:Burqin → Urumqi
Return to Urumqi via the same route or expressway, ending the trip.
Option 2:Ili + Altay Grand Loop 10-12 Day Tour
This option is suitable for travelers with ample time who want to visit the highlights of both Northern and Southern Xinjiang in one go.
D1-3:Same as Option 1 (Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Yining)
D4:Yining → Nalati
Drive along the Yizhao Highway or expressway to Nalati, enjoying the river valley grassland scenery. Stay in Nalati Town.
D5:Nalati → Bayanbulak
Cross the Tianshan Mountains, enjoying the alpine meadows and canyons along the way. Stay in Bayanbulak Town.
D6:Bayanbulak → Urumqi
Return to Urumqi via the northern section of the Duku Highway. Stay in Urumqi.
No worries about traveling across Northern and Southern Xinjiang, professional customized car rental for free travel, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency Hotline ☎️: 0991-8866234, Exclusive Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing: 181-3962-2233 (Same WeChat ID can be added)
1. Overall Route OverviewD7-10:Same as Option 1 (Urumqi → Burqin → Hemu → Kanas → Burqin → Urumqi)
> Warm Tips:The above is an itinerary framework. Specific attraction stop times can be flexibly adjusted based on your interests and stamina. In case of force majeure factors like weather or road conditions, both parties can negotiate reasonable itinerary changes.
💰 2026 Customized Car Rental Price Reference
The following are market reference prices for 2026. Actual prices are affected by season, vehicle type, number of days, and other factors. Please refer to the contract.
1. Daily Rental Price Reference
7-Seat Business Vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8)
Low Season (November-April): Approximately 800–1200 RMB/day
Shoulder Season (May, September, October): Approximately 1000–1500 RMB/day
Peak Season (June-August, National Day): Approximately 1500–2300 RMB/day
9-15 Seat Minibus
Low Season: Approximately 1200–1800 RMB/day
Shoulder Season: Approximately 1800–2200 RMB/day
Peak Season: Approximately 2200–2500 RMB/day
17-23 Seat Minibus (e.g., Coaster)
Low Season: Approximately 1800–2200 RMB/day
Shoulder Season: Approximately 2200–2600 RMB/day
Route Theme: Urumqi → Yining (Ili River Valley) → Altay (Kanas/Hemu) → Return to Urumqi.Peak Season: Approximately 3000–3500 RMB/day
33-55 Seat Bus
Prices are usually higher than minibuses, and peak season prices may be even higher. Inquire separately.
2. 4-Day Ili Route Cost Example
For a 4-day ‘Urumqi-Sayram Lake-Yining’ trip with a 7-seat business vehicle, the total cost (including vehicle fee, fuel, tolls, driver service fee, and meal/accommodation subsidy) typically ranges from 8000–12000 RMB. This price does not include tickets, accommodation, or meals.
3. Cost Composition Explanation
Usually Includes:Vehicle usage fee, driver salary, fuel, tolls, parking fees, vehicle insurance.
Usually Excludes:Tourists’ tickets, accommodation, meals, personal expenses, and driver meal/accommodation subsidy (or paid as agreed).
Price Fluctuation Factors:Holidays, peak tourist season, vehicle grade, itinerary mileage, road complexity, etc.
> Important Note:All quotes are reference vehicle prices. The specific vehicle price is subject to customer service quotes! The final cost and included items are based on the signed tourism contract.
📞 How to Register and Inquire
You can inquire and book customized car rental services through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Consultation Phone:181-3962-2233
WeChat Consultation:181-3962-2233 (Please note ‘Customized Car Rental Inquiry’ when adding)
Communication Points:
1. Number of travelers and luggage pieces
2. Planned travel dates and number of days
Itinerary Pace: The entire trip takes about 10-12 days. It is recommended to visit Yining and Altay in segments to avoid long daily drives.3. Preferred route (e.g., Ili route, Altay route, or combined route)
4. Requirements for vehicle type and comfort
5. Budget range
The travel agency will provide itinerary suggestions and quotes based on your needs, assisting you in completing the booking.
📝 Cost and Service Description
1. Included Items
Vehicle-Related:Vehicle usage fee for the selected model, routine maintenance, and basic interior cleaning.
Driver-Related:Driver salary, service fee, fuel, tolls, parking fees.
Basic Insurance:Vehicle compulsory insurance, third-party liability insurance, and seat insurance.
2. Excluded Items
Personal Expenses:Tourists’ tickets, accommodation, meals, consumption, and entertainment activities.
Driver Meals and Accommodation:Can be borne by tourists or paid as a subsidy as agreed (common standard: 150-200 RMB/day/person).
Others:Additional expenses not mentioned in the itinerary and personal travel accident insurance (recommended to purchase separately).
3. Service Description and Tips
Itinerary Changes:In case of force majeure factors like severe weather, road closures, or scenic area restrictions, both parties can negotiate itinerary changes.
：For solo travelers, the travel agency will try to arrange room sharing. If not possible, a supplement is required, with the specific amount based on the contract.
Cancellation and Modification Rules:Strictly follow the ‘Tourism Law’ and related regulations. Specific details are based on the signed tourism contract.
Final Confirmation:All itinerary details, prices, and service content are subject to the formal contract signed with the travel agency and the final confirmation from customer service.
For Xinjiang tourism, choose Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customized car rental for travel is worry-free and reliable. ☎️: 0991-8866234 Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing: 181-3962-2233
