North Xinjiang Special Train 10 Day Itinerary Visiting Sayram Lake and Nalati with Comprehensive Travel Cost Estimation Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Shining Star of Northern Xinjiang: A 10-Day Panoramic Train Tour Guide:Unlock the Best Scenery of Sayram Lake and Nalati
🌄 Itinerary Highlights:A Mobile ‘Five-Star Viewing Platform’
The Northern Xinjiang Train Tour is designed with the core concept of ‘slow travel across Xinjiang,’ featuring customized train carriages seamlessly connected to land transportation. It links key northern Xinjiang attractions such as Tianchi Lake on Tianshan Mountain, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland. The train is equipped with panoramic viewing windows, private bathrooms, constant temperature air conditioning, and 24-hour butler service. Travelers can enjoy the starry sky from their beds while traveling at night and engage in in-depth exploration at daytime stops, completely bidding farewell to the exhausting mode of traditional travel that involves ‘changing hotels daily and long-distance commuting.’
Sections of the route such as the S21 Desert Highway and the northern section of the Duku Highway are designed for a ‘stop-and-shoot’ mode. For example, when crossing the Gurbantunggut Desert, the train will slow down, allowing passengers to capture the flowing sand dunes and Gobi Yardangs through the windows. Upon reaching the Nalati Grassland section, the train will stop at a dedicated viewing platform where travelers can disembark to stroll across the aerial grassland and interact with locals by experiencing horseback riding.
📅 10-Day Itinerary Breakdown (Summer 2026 Edition)
Day 1:First Impressions of Urumqi
Morning:Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and be transferred by private car to a four-star hotel in the city center for check-in.
Afternoon:Explore the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar at your leisure, sampling specialty snacks such as baked stuffed buns and hand-pulled rice, while adjusting to the time difference and climate.
Evening:Attend a pre-trip briefing and receive an exclusive train travel pack (including sunscreen, moisturizing spray, and a scenic spot guide).
Shining Star of Northern Xinjiang: A 10-Day Panoramic Train Tour Guide: Unlock the Best Scenery of Sayram Lake and NalatiDay 2:Tianchi Lake on Tianshan Mountain: A Picturesque Paradise
Morning:Arrive at Tianchi Lake Station by train and transfer to a scenic shuttle bus to visit Mayashan and East Small Tianchi Lake.
Afternoon:Take a boat tour to closely observe the reflection of Bogda Peak and participate in a ‘Jade Pool Banquet’ themed lunch (featuring Tianshan snow lotus stewed chicken and wild mushroom noodles).
Evening:Return to the train and spend the night in a luxurious soft sleeper compartment.
Day 3:Kanas: The Mystical Three Bays
Morning:Arrive at Beitun Station and transfer by off-road vehicle deep into the Kanas Scenic Area.
Afternoon:Hike through Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Crouching Dragon Bay, capturing morning mist and fallen tree landscapes.
Evening:Check into an ecological wooden cabin in Jiadengyu and experience a traditional Tuva folk song and dance dinner.
Day 4:Hemu Village: A Fairy-Tale Morning Mist
Early Morning:Take a horse-drawn sleigh to the Hemu Viewing Platform to photograph the wisp-like smoke rising from wooden cabins in the village.
🌄Itinerary Highlights: A Mobile ‘Five-Star Viewing Platform’Morning:Stroll through the birch forest and participate in a ‘Hemu Afternoon Tea’ event (sampling freshly milked cow’s milk and baked naan).
Afternoon:Return to the train and enjoy the scenic views of the Irtysh River Canyon along the way.
Day 5:Devil City: A Wonderland of Yardang Landforms
Morning:Arrive at Urho Station and tour the World Devil City Scenic Area.
Afternoon:Take a small train through wind-eroded mounds and photograph the filming location of ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.’
Evening:Check into a Karamay petroleum-themed hotel and experience a night tour of the underground oil extraction museum.
Day 6:Sayram Lake: The Tear of the Atlantic
Morning:Arrive at Yining Station and transfer to a circular sightseeing bus to tour Sayram Lake.
Afternoon:Stop at scenic spots such as Dianjiang Terrace and Kele Yongzhu to participate in a ‘Lakeside Afternoon Tea’ event (sampling high-quality whitefish caviar and lavender ice cream).
Evening:Check into a lakeside homestay and photograph the starry sky and lake reflections.
The Northern Xinjiang Train Tour is designed with the core concept of ‘slow travel across Xinjiang,’ featuring customized train carriages seamlessly connected to land transportation. It links key northern Xinjiang attractions such as Tianchi Lake on Tianshan Mountain, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and Nalati Grassland. The train is equipped with panoramic viewing windows, private bathrooms, constant temperature air conditioning, and 24-hour butler service. Travelers can enjoy the starry sky from their beds while traveling at night and engage in in-depth exploration at daytime stops, completely bidding farewell to the exhausting mode of traditional travel that involves ‘changing hotels daily and long-distance commuting.’Day 7:Nalati Grassland: An Aerial Garden
Morning:Travel through the northern section of the Duku Highway and capture the ‘four seasons in one day’ landscape.
Afternoon:Explore the Nalati Aerial Grassland in depth and experience the local lifestyle of various ethnic groups (milking cows and making naan).
Evening:Check into a grassland resort hotel and participate in a bonfire party.
Day 8:Guozigou Bridge: The Flower Sea of Ili
Morning:Visit the Guozigou Bridge Viewing Platform and photograph the magnificent panorama of the ‘First Bridge in Xinjiang.’
Afternoon:Head to the Huocheng Lavender Base and participate in a ‘Flower Sea Photography Contest’ (ethnic costumes and props provided).
Evening:Return to the train and spend the night in a starry sky compartment.
Day 9:Karez Wells: Flaming Mountains
Morning:Arrive at Turpan Station and visit the Karez Well Park to learn about the principles of underground water conservancy engineering.
Sections of the route such as the S21 Desert Highway and the northern section of the Duku Highway are designed for a ‘stop-and-shoot’ mode. For example, when crossing the Gurbantunggut Desert, the train will slow down, allowing passengers to capture the flowing sand dunes and Gobi Yardangs through the windows. Upon reaching the Nalati Grassland section, the train will stop at a dedicated viewing platform where travelers can disembark to stroll across the aerial grassland and interact with locals by experiencing horseback riding.Afternoon:Tour the Flaming Mountains Scenic Area and experience the fun activity of ‘boiling eggs in the sand.’
Evening:Check into a Grape Valley folk inn and sample seedless white grapes and homemade yogurt.
Day 10:Return Journey and Summary
Morning:The train arrives at Urumqi Station, where a closing ceremony is held and ‘Northern Xinjiang Explorer’ certificates are awarded.
Afternoon:Transfer to the airport according to flight schedules, concluding the journey.
💰 Cost Explanation (Reference Range for 2026)
The Northern Xinjiang Train Tour offers two types of seats, with fees including train transportation, land transfers, first admission tickets to scenic spots, all meals, guide services, and basic insurance:
Comfort Seat:Starting at 6,999 yuan per person
Includes four-star standard hotels, regular soft sleeper compartments, and team meals (eight dishes and one soup).
Deluxe Seat:Starting at 12,999 yuan per person
📅10-Day Itinerary Breakdown (Summer 2026 Edition)Upgrade to lake view/grassland view rooms, scenic soft sleeper compartments, specialty meals (Jade Pool Banquet, Dawaz Welcome Banquet, etc.), and receive complimentary photography follow-up services.
Fees may fluctuate depending on the departure date, with specifics confirmed by contract or on the day. Solo travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms as much as possible, with special circumstances requiring separate negotiation.
📞 Registration Method
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for information on departure availability, seat details, and preferential policies. Registration requires providing valid identification information and paying a deposit, with an electronic contract to be signed within three working days.
📋 Service Explanation and Precautions
Transportation Changes:In case of extreme weather or road closures, both parties may agree to substitute with the S101 National Defense Highway or G217 National Road.
Ticket Policies:Students, seniors, and military officers enjoy discounts with valid identification, subject to景区 (scenic spot) announcements.
Equipment Recommendations:Windproof jackets and hiking shoes are required for the grassland section, while sun protection clothing and sunglasses are recommended for the lake section.
Cultural Respect:Obtain consent before photographing residents of various ethnic groups and avoid touching cultural facilities.
Specific service content and fee inclusion details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. The Northern Xinjiang Train Tour promises no hidden fees or forced consumption, with all service items clearly priced to allow travelers to enjoy their journey with peace of mind.
From the snowy peaks of Tianshan Mountain to the flower sea of the grasslands, from the solitary smoke of the desert to the blue lakes and snow-capped mountains, the Northern Xinjiang Train Tour redefines Xinjiang travel with ‘in-depth slow travel.’ Here, time is no longer an enemy on the road but a gift to savor every landscape.
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

