North Xinjiang Special Train 8 Day Sightseeing Journey Through the Scenery Along the Yizhao Highway Travel Cost Comparison Reference Recommended Route Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send the itinerary and quotation.
8-Day In-Depth Tour of Northern Xinjiang by Special Train:Unlock the hidden gems along the Yizhao Highway by taking a special train.
🌄 Itinerary Highlights:Immersive experience combining special train and self-driving.
The 8-day sightseeing train in Northern Xinjiang focuses on “luxury slow travel” and adopts a dual transportation mode of “train + car”:Travel by special train through the Gobi Desert and grasslands during the day, and rest in soft sleeper compartments at night; upon arrival at core scenic spots, transfer to 7-seater business vehicles to explore hidden gems along the Yizhao Highway and Xiata Ancient Path. The itinerary covers three major IPs: Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Duku Highway, and connects niche attractions such as Huocheng Lavender Manor and Tekes Bagua City, with an average daily driving time controlled within 3 hours, balancing landscape density and comfort.
🚂 Upgraded Train Services:A Moving Viewing Platform
The 2026 upgraded version of the special train features all soft sleeper berths, with each carriage equipped with charging ports, constant temperature air conditioning, and large viewing windows. The dining car offers set meals including Xinjiang specialties such as hand-pulled rice and baked stuffed buns. From 14:00 to 16:00 daily, there is a “Cultural Salon” session where local guides explain the history of various ethnic groups and grassland culture. The train also features a specially designed “Starry Sky Carriage” where passengers can observe the Milky Way through a transparent dome after the lights are turned off at night.
📅 Simple Itinerary (Reference for 2026 Departures)
[Day 1: Various Locations – Urumqi]
Upon arrival, check into the hotel配套 (matched/associated) with the special train and enjoy free time at the International Bazaar in the evening. We recommend trying the old-fashioned barbecue at “Lingguan Lane” and experiencing the handmade ice cream-making process with people from various ethnic groups.
[Day 2: Urumqi – Sayram Lake]
07:00 Depart by special train and enjoy the scenery of the Junggar Basin along the way.
14:30 Arrive at the East Gate of Sayram Lake and transfer to a scenic bus for a lake tour.
8-Day In-Depth Tour of Northern Xinjiang by Special Train: Unlock the hidden gems along the Yizhao Highway by taking a special train.18:00 Capture the sunset of “The Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic” at the Commanding Platform.
Accommodation:Lakeside Ecological Wooden Cabin (with floor heating)
[Day 3: Sayram Lake – Guozigou – Huocheng]
08:00 Return to Sayram Lake for a second visit and hike the Pine Head Trail.
11:00 Cross the Guozigou Bridge and take photos of the “S-curve” highway at the viewing platform.
14:30 Enjoy an in-depth tour of the Huocheng Lavender Manor (blooming period from June 10 to July 10).
Accommodation:Huocheng 4-Diamond Hotel (including lavender-themed afternoon tea)
[Day 4: Huocheng – Yizhao Highway – Zhaosu]
08:30 Challenge the “Most beautiful highway in Xinjiang,” the Yizhao Highway, with stops at Baishifeng Peak and the Angelite Glacier viewing platform along the way.
14:00 Watch the “Wild Horses Bathing in the River” performance at Zhaosu Wetland Park.
17:00 Explore the Xiata Ancient Path with a light hike (alternate route to Yuhu Lake if traffic control is in place).
🌄 Itinerary Highlights: Immersive experience combining special train and self-driving.Accommodation:Zhaosu Grassland Starry Sky Tent (including a bonfire party)
[Day 5: Zhaosu – Tekes – Qiapuqihai]
09:00 Travel along the X765 Mountain Road and have a picnic by the Qiapuqihai Lake.
13:00 Experience aerial photography at Tekes Bagua City and unlock the secrets of the “city without traffic lights.”
16:00 Hike through the Kuerduning Spruce Forest (before April 10) or go horseback riding on the Qiaxi Grassland (after April 10).
Accommodation:Tekes 4-Diamond Hotel (including tickets to the Kalajun Grassland)
[Day 6: Tekes – Nalati]
08:00 Travel through the Gongnaisi Forest Farm and photograph the “Snow-capped Spruce” ecological corridor.
12:00 Self-drive on the Nalati Aerial Grassland and experience home visits with people from various ethnic groups at the Nomadic Family.
18:00 Participate in a “Grassland Concert” and dance with artists from various ethnic groups.
Accommodation:Nalati Characteristic Homestay (including barbecue dinner)
The 8-day sightseeing train in Northern Xinjiang focuses on “luxury slow travel” and adopts a dual transportation mode of “train + car”: Travel by special train through the Gobi Desert and grasslands during the day, and rest in soft sleeper compartments at night; upon arrival at core scenic spots, transfer to 7-seater business vehicles to explore hidden gems along the Yizhao Highway and Xiata Ancient Path. The itinerary covers three major IPs: Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Duku Highway, and connects niche attractions such as Huocheng Lavender Manor and Tekes Bagua City, with an average daily driving time controlled within 3 hours, balancing landscape density and comfort.[Day 7: Nalati – Duku Highway – Urumqi]
07:00 Travel through the northern section of the Duku Highway and play in the snow at the Hashilergen Daban (snow all year round).
12:00 Pay tribute to the road construction heroes at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery.
16:00 Experience cycling along the Tangbula百里 (Hundred Li) Gallery.
21:00 Return by special train and share travel stories in the Starry Sky Carriage.
[Day 8: Urumqi – Various Locations]
08:00 Arrive at Urumqi Station and receive complimentary Xinjiang specialty souvenirs.
Recommended Itinerary:Visit the Xinjiang Museum to see the “Loulan Mummies” or shop for handicrafts at the Erdaoqiao Market.
💰 Price Description (Reference Range for 2026)
Adult Price:6,980-8,580 yuan per person (including special train soft sleeper + scenic spot tickets + 7 nights accommodation + 12 main meals)
Child Price:4,280-5,580 yuan per person (under 1.2 meters, no bed, including breakfast/tickets/seat)
🚂 Upgraded Train Services: A Moving Viewing Platform：1,800 yuan per person (single travelers will be matched for shared accommodation as much as possible)
Price Includes:
Transportation:Special train soft sleeper berth + scenic spot shuttle bus + 7-seater business vehicle
Accommodation:3 nights at 4-diamond hotels + 2 nights at characteristic homestays + 1 night at an ecological wooden cabin + 1 night at a starry sky tent
Meals:7 breakfasts + 12 main meals (including 4 special meals)
Tickets:First entrance tickets to Sayram Lake, Nalati, Kalajun, etc.
Services:Professional tour guide + travel insurance + daily mineral water
Price Excludes:
Major Transportation:Round-trip airfare/train tickets from various locations to Urumqi
Personal Expenses:Self-paid items such as horseback riding and boat rides within scenic spots
Meals:Meals not indicated in the itinerary
The 2026 upgraded version of the special train features all soft sleeper berths, with each carriage equipped with charging ports, constant temperature air conditioning, and large viewing windows. The dining car offers set meals including Xinjiang specialties such as hand-pulled rice and baked stuffed buns. From 14:00 to 16:00 daily, there is a “Cultural Salon” session where local guides explain the history of various ethnic groups and grassland culture. The train also features a specially designed “Starry Sky Carriage” where passengers can observe the Milky Way through a transparent dome after the lights are turned off at night.📝 How to Register
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for information on departure availability and preferential policies. Departure dates for 2026:May 30, June 17, July 5, July 24, August 12, September 19, with a limit of 28 people per departure.
📌 Service Description
Contract Specifications:Sign a standard electronic cultural and tourism contract clarifying service standards and liability for breach of contract.
Policy Changes:In case of extreme weather or traffic control, both parties may agree to change the itinerary order.
Equipment Suggestions:From June to August, bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, and comfortable hiking shoes; after September, add thermal underwear.
Photography Tips:For Sayram Lake, bring a polarizing filter; for the Yizhao Highway, prepare a wide-angle lens.
⚠ ️ Special Reminders
Duku Highway Opening Time:Usually from June 10 to October 10 (subject to notification from traffic control authorities).
Permit Processing:To visit the Xiata Ancient Path, a permit must be obtained in advance at your household registration location or in Urumqi.
Respect for Ethnic Culture:Obtain consent before photographing people from various ethnic groups; outside food is prohibited in restaurants.
This 8-day journey through Northern Xinjiang combines the comfort of a special train with the freedom of self-driving. From the blue of Sayram Lake to the green of Nalati, from the ruggedness of the Yizhao Highway to the grandeur of the Duku Highway, every day is a double feast for the eyes and soul. Choose Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and let our professional team unlock the myriad possibilities of this land for you. Specific itinerary details and fees are subject to actual consultation and contracting. We look forward to joining you on this journey through mountains and rivers!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send the itinerary and quotation.
