2026 Special Train to Northern Xinjiang A 10 Day Leisurely Journey to Enjoy the Forests and Lakes Along the Railway Line Latest Fee Reference Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
Explore Northern Xinjiang:A poetic 10-day journey by special train in 2026, slowly touring forests and lakes
🌲 Detailed introduction to the route or destination
Northern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Altai and Tianshan mountain ranges, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes woven with snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, and lakes. In 2026, the Northern Xinjiang special train, centered around “slow travel,” connects core attractions such as Urumqi, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland, spanning two major geographical units: the Altai landscape belt and the Ili River Valley in Northern Xinjiang. During the journey, tourists can delve into the Tuvan village by Kanas Lake, experiencing the fairy-tale ambiance of primitive wooden houses and morning mist; ride horses through birch forests in Hemu Village, overlooking the wisps of smoke rising from valleys; wait for sunset by Sayram Lake, watching the water transition from deep blue to pinkish-purple; and hike on the aerial meadow of Nalati Grassland, sharing the vast expanse of the clouds with cattle and sheep. The special train adopts a “night travel, day sightseeing” model, traveling at night to save time and stopping at core scenic spots during the day, avoiding the fatigue of frequent transfers. It is suitable for family trips, photography enthusiasts, and travelers seeking in-depth experiences.
🚂 Simple Itinerary (Reference Version for 10-Day Northern Xinjiang Special Train in 2026)
Day 1:Departure Point — Urumqi
Upon arrival in Urumqi, check into the hotel and enjoy free time. We recommend visiting the International Bazaar to experience the local hustle and bustle or touring the Regional Museum (reservation required, closed on Mondays) to learn about Xinjiang’s history and the cultures of its various ethnic groups.
Day 2:Urumqi — Beitun
Take the special train to Beitun in the morning, enjoying the Gobi Desert scenery of the Junggar Basin along the way. In the afternoon, upon arrival, head to the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan scenic area, take a boat ride on the lake or climb to the top of Mayan Mountain for a panoramic view of the alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests.
Day 3:Beitun — Kanas
Arrive at the Kanas scenic area early in the morning, take the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay), and hike the wooden boardwalk to enjoy the lakeside scenery. In the afternoon, ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake and check into a wooden cabin within the scenic area in the evening to experience the traditional lifestyle of the Tuvan people.
Explore Northern Xinjiang: A poetic 10-day journey by special train in 2026, slowly touring forests and lakesDay 4:Kanas — Hemu
Take the shuttle bus to Hemu Village in the morning, passing through primeval forests along the way. In the afternoon, ride horses or hike to the Haden Viewing Platform to capture panoramic views of the village and birch forests. In the evening, enjoy a local hot pot in the village and participate in interactive Tuvan song and dance performances.
Day 5:Hemu — Burqin
After capturing the morning mist in Hemu, head to Burqin County. In the afternoon, tour the Wucaitan (Colorful Beach) scenic area, admiring the collision of colors between the yardang landform and the Irtysh River. In the evening, sample grilled fish and kvass beverage at the Burqin Night Market.
Day 6:Burqin — Sayram Lake
Drive through the Junggar Basin all day, arriving at Sayram Lake in the evening. Drive or cycle around the lake, stopping at spots like Dianjiang Platform and Swan’s Delight, and wait for the sunset and starry sky over the lake.
Day 7:Sayram Lake — Yining
Continue touring around the lake in the morning, then head to Yining City in the afternoon. Pass by the Guozigou Bridge, capturing the magnificent scenery of the canyon intertwined with snow-capped mountains. Upon arrival in the evening, freely explore Liuxing Street and sample ethnic specialties.
Day 8:Yining — Nalati Grassland
Spend the whole day exploring the Nalati Aerial Grassland, with options to ride horses or take the shuttle bus deep into the grassland’s heart. In the afternoon, visit the Valley Grassland to experience the nomadic life of various ethnic groups and participate in folk activities such as milking cows and making nang (a type of flatbread).
Day 9:Nalati — Northern Section of the Duku Highway — Kuitun
🌲Detailed introduction to the route or destinationReturn via the northern section of the Duku Highway early in the morning, stopping at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery along the way to learn about the history of road construction. In the afternoon, traverse the scenic avenue woven with snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands, arriving in Kuitun City for check-in.
Day 10:Kuitun — Urumqi — Return Trip
Return to Urumqi in the morning and see off to the airport/train station according to the flight/train schedule. On the way, you may choose to purchase Xinjiang dried fruits and handicrafts as souvenirs.
💰 Price Description (Reference Range for 2026)
The price for the 10-day Northern Xinjiang special train tour varies based on room type and departure date. Below are reference prices for some departure periods (subject to contract):
May Departures:
Comfortable Quad (Shared Bathroom):Approximately 6,800 yuan per person
Deluxe Double (Shared Bathroom):Approximately 8,800 yuan per person
Premium Double (Private Bathroom):Approximately 10,800 yuan per person
June-August Departures (Peak Season):
Comfortable Quad:Approximately 7,800 yuan per person
Northern Xinjiang, a land embraced by the Altai and Tianshan mountain ranges, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes woven with snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, and lakes. In 2026, the Northern Xinjiang special train, centered around “slow travel,” connects core attractions such as Urumqi, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland, spanning two major geographical units: the Altai landscape belt and the Ili River Valley in Northern Xinjiang. During the journey, tourists can delve into the Tuvan village by Kanas Lake, experiencing the fairy-tale ambiance of primitive wooden houses and morning mist; ride horses through birch forests in Hemu Village, overlooking the wisps of smoke rising from valleys; wait for sunset by Sayram Lake, watching the water transition from deep blue to pinkish-purple; and hike on the aerial meadow of Nalati Grassland, sharing the vast expanse of the clouds with cattle and sheep. The special train adopts a “night travel, day sightseeing” model, traveling at night to save time and stopping at core scenic spots during the day, avoiding the fatigue of frequent transfers. It is suitable for family trips, photography enthusiasts, and travelers seeking in-depth experiences.Deluxe Double:Approximately 9,800 yuan per person
Premium Double:Approximately 12,800 yuan per person
Price Includes: Soft sleeper berth on the special train, hotel accommodations during the itinerary (including breakfast), first admission tickets to scenic spots, shuttle bus fees, 10 main meals (including specialties like roast whole lamb and pilaf), guide and special train attendant services, and travel accident insurance. Price Excludes: Personal expenses (such as laundry and phone bills), meals during free time, and optional activities outside the itinerary. Prices and availability are subject to contract or customer service confirmation and may fluctuate based on the departure period. The contract signed by both parties shall prevail.
📞 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. For inquiries about specific departure periods, room types, and availability, please contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency.
📋 Fee Description and Service Description
Fees Include:
Transportation:Soft sleeper berth on the special train and tourist buses at destinations.
Accommodations:Sleeper berths on the special train and hotels along the way (usually local four-star standard, with some upgraded to five-star hotels).
Meals:Breakfast and 10 main meals (including specialties) included in the itinerary.
🚂Simple Itinerary (Reference Version for 10-Day Northern Xinjiang Special Train in 2026)Admission Tickets:First admission tickets and shuttle bus fees for scenic spots listed in the itinerary.
Services:Guide explanations, special train attendant services, and airport/train station transfers in Urumqi.
Gifts:Ethnic gifts (Atlas silk scarf/flower hat) and travel accident insurance.
Fees Exclude:
Personal expenses (such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, and phone bills in hotels).
Expenses incurred during free time.
Additional expenses due to force majeure factors (such as weather and policies).
Service Guarantees:
Professional medical staff are available throughout the journey, and emergency call devices are installed in train carriages.
One dedicated service butler is assigned for every 10 people, and a briefing on the next day’s itinerary is held at 19:00 daily.
For solo registrants, we will do our best to arrange room-sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Day 1: Departure Point — Urumqi. Reasonable itinerary changes may be made upon mutual agreement. Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
🌄 Seasonal Limitations Notice
May:The尾声 (tail end) of apricot blossoms in Yining, Nalati Grassland turns green, suitable for light hiking and photography.
June-July:Lavender farms are in full bloom, and Sayram Lake is adorned with a tapestry of wildflowers on the grassland, making it a peak season for summer retreat and photography.
August-September:The entire Duku Highway is open, and it’s the season for ripe fruits, offering opportunities to experience fruit picking.
After October:Northern Xinjiang enters winter, with some scenic spots closing or changing opening hours. Confirmation is required in advance.
⚠ ⚠️Notes
Northern Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night. Bring a thin down jacket, sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
Dining options within scenic spots are limited. Bring convenient snacks that are easy to carry.
When entering natural scenic spots like Kanas, follow management regulations. Do not carry open flames or visit undeveloped areas.
The border crossing policy for Tashkurgan may change. Apply for a border pass 30 days in advance.
The grandeur of Northern Xinjiang lies in the dialogue between snow-capped mountains and forests and the dance between grasslands and lakes. In 2026, take a special train to slowly tour Northern Xinjiang, making your journey a nourishing and wonderful experience for both body and mind.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
