11 Day Northern and Southern Xinjiang Private Car Tour Grassland and Plateau Special Route Visit Nalati and Karakul Lake Core Scenic Areas Real Time Updated Preferred Car Rental Prices Recommended Itinerary and Cost

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.

11-Day In-Depth Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang with Custom Vehicle Rental:Unlock the Superb Scenery of Nalati Grassland and Karakul Lake✨
I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination: A Dual Symphony of Grasslands and Plateaus
Northern and Southern Xinjiang form a tapestry where nature and culture intertwine. Northern Xinjiang is renowned for its grasslands, lakes, and snow-capped mountains, while Southern Xinjiang is characterized by deserts, gobi landscapes, and ancient cities. This 11-day custom vehicle rental tour will connect Nalati Grassland in the north with Karakul Lake in the south, creating a superb scenic belt of “grassland + plateau” that allows travelers to experience Xinjiang’s diverse charm over 11 days.
[Nalati Grassland:Poetic Habitation on the Sky Grassland]
Located in the Ili River Valley, Nalati Grassland is one of the world’s four largest grasslands. In 2026, it will be open from mid-April to late October, from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM daily (with possible extension to 8:00 PM during peak season). The grassland is divided into three major areas: Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley Road:
Sky Grassland:At an average altitude of 2,200 meters, it features lush green grass and wildflowers in summer, with snow-capped mountains visible in the distance—a paradise for photographers.
River Valley Grassland:Abundant water and grass support herds of cattle and sheep, making it ideal for family outings and experiencing the local lifestyle of various ethnic groups.
Panlong Valley Road:Flanked by primeval forests on both sides of its winding mountain path, it transforms into an oil painting of autumn foliage in season.
In 2026, Nalati Grassland will implement a combined ticket system of “admission + shuttle bus,” with adult tickets priced at 95 RMB per person (valid for 2 days). Shuttle buses operate on three routes: Sky Grassland at 60 RMB per person, River Valley Grassland at 40 RMB per person, and Panlong Valley Road at 100 RMB per person. Self-driving vehicles must be reserved 7 days in advance via the “Smart Travel Nalati” mini-program, with a daily limit of 300 vehicles and a fee of approximately 200 RMB per person (including admission).
[Karakul Lake:The “Lake” of Muztagh Ata]
Located on the Pamir Plateau at an altitude of approximately 3,600 meters, Karakul Lake offers an unparalleled view of Muztagh Ata (7,546 meters above sea level). The lake’s color changes from blue to green to black with the shifting light, earning it the nickname “Color-Changing Lake.” In 2026, the scenic area will be open from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with admission priced at approximately 120 RMB per person (including shuttle bus). Visitors can take a scenic shuttle bus around the lake or hike to the shore to capture reflections of the snow-capped mountains.
II. Simple Itinerary: 11 Days Traversing Northern and Southern Tianshan

11-Day In-Depth Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang with Custom Vehicle Rental: Unlock the Superb Scenery of Nalati Grassland and Karakul Lake✨Day 1:Assembly in Urumqi
Morning:Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and transfer to a downtown hotel for check-in.
Afternoon:Visit the International Bazaar to sample specialty dishes like roasted stuffed buns and pilaf, adjusting to Xinjiang’s time difference.
Day 2:Urumqi — S101 Highway — Anjihai Grand Canyon — Kuitun
Morning:Drive along Provincial Highway S101 to admire the百里丹霞 (Hundred-Li Danxia) landscape.
Afternoon:Arrive at Anjihai Grand Canyon and experience its majestic grandeur.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Kuitun and sample local cold-water fish.
Day 3:Kuitun — Northern Section of Duku Highway — Bayinbuluk
Morning:Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway and visit the Hashilergen Daban Glacier.
Afternoon:Arrive at Bayinbuluk Grassland to watch the sunset over the “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns.”
Evening:Stay in a grassland yurt to experience local life.
Day 4:Bayinbuluk — Nalati Grassland
Morning:Head to Nalati Grassland and take the shuttle bus to explore Sky Grassland.

I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination: A Dual Symphony of Grasslands and PlateausAfternoon:Hike Panlong Valley Road to photograph the primeval forest scenery.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Nalati Town and sample horse meat naren (a local dish).
Day 5:In-Depth Tour of Nalati Grassland
Morning:Re-enter the park to explore River Valley Grassland and participate in folk customs experiences with various ethnic groups.
Afternoon:Self-drive Panlong Valley Road (reservation required) to photograph autumn foliage.
Evening:Free time; recommended to visit the night market in Nalati Town.
Day 6:Nalati — Southern Section of Duku Highway — Kuqa
Morning:Traverse the southern section of the Duku Highway and visit the Large and Small Dragon Pools.
Afternoon:Arrive in Kuqa, tour the old town, and sample Kuqa’s giant nang (bread).
Evening:Check into a hotel in Kuqa and explore the local night market.
Day 7:Kuqa — Aksu — Tomur Peak Grand Canyon
Morning:Head to Aksu and visit Tomur Peak Grand Canyon.
Afternoon:Tour the Aksu Museum to learn about Southern Xinjiang’s history and culture.

Northern and Southern Xinjiang form a tapestry where nature and culture intertwine. Northern Xinjiang is renowned for its grasslands, lakes, and snow-capped mountains, while Southern Xinjiang is characterized by deserts, gobi landscapes, and ancient cities. This 11-day custom vehicle rental tour will connect Nalati Grassland in the north with Karakul Lake in the south, creating a superb scenic belt of “grassland + plateau” that allows travelers to experience Xinjiang’s diverse charm over 11 days.Evening:Check into a hotel in Aksu and sample meat cooked in a缸子 (small pot).
Day 8:Aksu — Kashgar
Morning:Travel to Kashgar, enjoying border scenery along the way.
Afternoon:Arrive in Kashgar, check in, and tour Kashgar Old City.
Evening:Watch the opening ceremony of Kashgar Old City and sample pigeon soup.
Day 9:Kashgar — Baisha Lake — Karakul Lake — Taxkorgan
Morning:Visit Baisha Lake to photograph the “White Sand, Blue Water” scenery.
Afternoon:Arrive at Karakul Lake to admire the reflection of Muztagh Ata.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Taxkorgan and experience folk customs of various ethnic groups.
Day 10:Taxkorgan — Panlong Ancient Road — Kashgar
Morning:Visit Panlong Ancient Road and embrace the romance of “Having traversed all winding roads today, henceforth life will be smooth sailing.”
Afternoon:Return to Kashgar, enjoying the Bandir Blue Lake along the way.

[Nalati Grassland: Poetic Habitation on the Sky Grassland]Evening:Free time; recommended to visit Donghu Wholesale Market to purchase dried fruits.
Day 11:Kashgar — Urumqi Return Flight
Morning:Depending on flight time, optionally visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum (reservation required).
Afternoon:Head to Kashgar Airport to conclude your delightful Xinjiang journey.
III. Pricing Information: Transparent Consumption, No Hidden Traps
The price for the 11-day custom vehicle rental tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 2026 varies based on vehicle type, season, and group size. The following are reference ranges (subject to contract):
7-Seater Business Vehicle (5-7 people):Approximately 1,200-1,600 RMB per day (including driver, fuel, tolls, and insurance).
13-Seater Coaster (8-12 people):Approximately 1,800-2,200 RMB per day.
Fees include vehicle usage, driver labor, basic fuel, and tolls, excluding scenic spot admissions, accommodation, meals, and driver subsistence allowances (if the itinerary crosses counties or cities). Prices increase by 30%-50% during peak season (June-October) and decrease by 20%-40% during off-season (November-March). Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contracting.
IV. Registration Method: Professional Service, Worry-Free Travel
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for details. The agency holds a legal Travel Agency Business Operation License, provides formal contracts, comprehensive insurance coverage, and years of service experience to ensure stable itineraries and services.
V. Fee and Service Descriptions: Transparent Details, Guaranteed Rights
Fees Include:Vehicle usage, driver labor, basic fuel, tolls, and travel accident insurance.

Located in the Ili River Valley, Nalati Grassland is one of the world’s four largest grasslands. In 2026, it will be open from mid-April to late October, from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM daily (with possible extension to 8:00 PM during peak season). The grassland is divided into three major areas: Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley Road:Fees Exclude:Scenic spot admissions, shuttle buses, accommodation, meals, personal expenses, and voluntary experience items.
Service Standards:
Vehicle:Daily disinfection, equipped with first aid kits and mineral water.
Driver:Licensed with over 5 years of driving experience in Xinjiang tourism, familiar with road conditions and attractions.
Itinerary:Flexible changes possible through mutual agreement for reasonable adjustments.
Contract:Clear fee breakdowns, responsibility divisions, and breach clauses to safeguard tourist rights.
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contracting.
VI. Warm Tips: Pre-Trip Preparation, Worry-Free Travel
Documents:Carry valid identification; a Border Management Area Permit is required in advance for travel to Taxkorgan.
Clothing:Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night; bring a windbreaker in summer and a down jacket in winter.
Medications:For high-altitude areas (e.g., Karakul Lake), it is advisable to carry oxygen tanks and rhodiola.
Sun Protection:Strong UV rays require high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
Respect Customs:Avoid revealing clothing when entering old town residential areas.
Northern and Southern Xinjiang are a symphony of nature and culture, a dialogue between grasslands and plateaus. This 11-day custom vehicle rental tour will take you across Northern and Southern Tianshan, visiting Nalati Grassland and Karakul Lake to experience Xinjiang’s superb scenery. Choose Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for professional services to safeguard your journey!

Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.