Group Tour to Ili via Duku and Yizhao Highways 2026 Recommended Registration and Quotes Cost and Price of Recommended Routes

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation

Exploring the Twin Ridges of Tianshan Mountains:Comprehensive Guide to the 2026 In-Depth Group Tour of the Duku and Yizhao Highways
(I) Key Highlights of the Itinerary:A Visual Feast Across the North and South of Tianshan Mountains
This 10-day loop connecting the Duku and Yizhao Highways is known as the “golden combination” for road trips in Xinjiang. The northern section of the Duku Highway is famous for experiencing “four seasons in one day,” allowing travelers to traverse snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, and wetlands during its operational period from June to August. The Yizhao Highway is renowned for its steepness, with an elevation drop of over 2,000 meters from Baishi Peak to Angelete Daban, showcasing vertically distributed vegetation zones along the way.
The itinerary covers the three major grasslands of the Ili River Valley: Nalati空中草原 (Nalati Aerial Grassland) is characterized by dense spruce forests, Kalajun人体草原 (Kalajun Human-shaped Grassland) forms flowing curves due to changing light and shadows, and Bayinbuluk’s Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns serve as a natural viewing platform for sunsets. Summer-exclusive landscapes include the Huocheng lavender field (mid-June to mid-July), Zhaosu rapeseed flower field (July), and the Xiata Ancient Road Glacier (observable year-round, with the lowest snowline in July).
Innovative Traffic Design Beyond Traditional Loops:Adopting a counterclockwise route from Urumqi to Yining, avoiding 90% of tourist convoys. The Duku Highway section is scheduled for early morning passage to minimize interference from oncoming traffic. The entire journey uses 7-seater business vehicles, with a maximum of 6 passengers per car to ensure everyone has a window seat.
(II) 2026 Upgraded Itinerary Schedule
Days 1-2:Initial Exploration of Urumqi’s Culture
Upon arrival, check into a four-star hotel near Hongshan Park. In the afternoon, visit the Xinjiang Museum (reservation required in advance), focusing on the “Niya Site” exhibition hall and the mummy display. The next day, head to Heavenly Lake on Tianshan Mountain (admission fee: 145 yuan/person, including shuttle bus). It is recommended to take the Mayashan Cable Car (220 yuan/person) for an overview of Bogda Peak.
Day 3:Secret Realms Around Sayram Lake
Arrive at Sayram Lake (admission fee: 145 yuan/person) early in the morning via the Lianhuo Expressway, following an “east-in, south-out” loop route, with key stops at Jiangtai, Swan’s Delight, and Kele Yongzhu. In the afternoon, cross the Guozigou Bridge and capture the S-shaped highway amidst pine forests at the viewing platform. Stay overnight at a characteristic homestay in Qingshuihe Town and savor Huocheng pepper-flavored chicken.
Days 4-5:Crossing Experience on the Yizhao Highway
On the fourth day, travel to Zhaosu via the Yizhao Highway (travel time: approximately 4 hours), with stops at Baishi Peak Viewing Platform and Wild Wolf Valley Pasture. In the afternoon, explore the Xiata Ancient Road (admission fee: 80 yuan/person). It is recommended to take the electric cart to the Hot Spring Hotel and hike 3 kilometers to the Flower Terrace. On the fifth day, capture the sunrise over Zhaosu Grassland in the early morning and visit the Tianma Cultural Park in the morning (additional fee for equestrian performances).

Exploring the Twin Ridges of Tianshan Mountains: Comprehensive Guide to the 2026 In-Depth Group Tour of the Duku and Yizhao HighwaysDays 6-7:In-Depth Tour of Kalajun Grassland
On the sixth day, head to Kalajun Grassland (admission fee: 140 yuan/person). It is recommended to purchase a combined ticket for the Kuokesu Grand Canyon (275 yuan/person), take a boat ride through Crocodile Bay, and capture the sunset at Human-shaped Grassland. On the seventh day, visit Qiongkushitai Village (free admission), hike along the Wusun Ancient Road to the back mountain, and stay overnight in yurts to experience nomadic life.
Days 8-9:Dual Grasslands of Nalati and Bayinbuluk
On the eighth day, self-drive at Nalati Aerial Grassland (admission fee: 95 yuan/person), with key stops at Nomadic Family and Heavenly Terrace. On the ninth day, traverse the middle section of the Duku Highway, pay respects at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery, and arrive at Bayinbuluk (admission fee: 65 yuan/person) in the evening to await the golden moment of sunset at the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns.
Day 10:Return Journey Along the Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery
On the final day, return to Urumqi along the Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery, with stops at the Qiaoerma Glacier Viewing Platform and Dushanzi Grand Canyon (admission fee: 30 yuan/person). It is recommended to purchase specialty agricultural products from Kuitun City as souvenirs.
(III) 2026 Pricing System Explanation
Basic Tour Fee Composition:
Economy Small Group (6 persons):Starting from 5,980 yuan/person
Quality Small Group (4 persons):Starting from 7,980 yuan/person
High-End Customized Group (2 persons):Starting from 12,800 yuan/person
Items Included in the Fee:

(I) Key Highlights of the Itinerary: A Visual Feast Across the North and South of Tianshan MountainsTransportation:Round-trip transfers in 7-seater business vehicles (including fuel and toll fees)
Accommodation:9 nights of accommodation (including 3 nights at characteristic homestays in scenic areas)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to all attractions on the itinerary
Meals:9 breakfasts + 6 special main meals
Services:Dual services of professional driver + local guide
Optional Items for Reference:
Secondary consumption within scenic areas, such as electric carts and cable cars
Specialty dining (e.g., roast whole lamb, approximately 2,000 yuan/lamb)
Personal and entertainment expenses
Special Reminders:
Early bird discount of 800 yuan/person for registrations before June 20
Complimentary aerial photography service at Sayram Lake for groups of 3

This 10-day loop connecting the Duku and Yizhao Highways is known as the “golden combination” for road trips in Xinjiang. The northern section of the Duku Highway is famous for experiencing “four seasons in one day,” allowing travelers to traverse snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, and wetlands during its operational period from June to August. The Yizhao Highway is renowned for its steepness, with an elevation drop of over 2,000 meters from Baishi Peak to Angelete Daban, showcasing vertically distributed vegetation zones along the way. Prices may fluctuate based on departure dates and are subject to contract confirmation.
(IV) Registration Process Guide
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, providing the following information:
Names and valid identification numbers of travelers
Estimated departure date and number of people
Special needs (e.g., dietary restrictions, mobility issues)
Contract Signing Methods:
Support for electronic contract signing
Provision of paper contract mailing services
Contracts clearly outline service standards and liability for breach of contract
(V) Service Guarantee System
Protection:

The itinerary covers the three major grasslands of the Ili River Valley: Nalati Aerial Grassland is characterized by dense spruce forests, Kalajun Human-shaped Grassland forms flowing curves due to changing light and shadows, and Bayinbuluk’s Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns serve as a natural viewing platform for sunsets. Summer-exclusive landscapes include the Huocheng lavender field (mid-June to mid-July), Zhaosu rapeseed flower field (July), and the Xiata Ancient Road Glacier (observable year-round, with the lowest snowline in July).Each vehicle is equipped with a first aid kit + oxygen cylinder
Travel agency liability insurance coverage increased to 2 million yuan/person
Daily pre-itinerary briefings
Emergency Response Mechanisms:
Establishment of a 24-hour emergency contact person
Cooperative hospitals covering the entire itinerary route
Activation of alternative plans in extreme weather (e.g., taking G218 National Highway instead)
Quality Commitments:
No arrangement of shopping stops throughout the entire journey
Driver and guide ratings linked to salaries
Response and handling of complaints within 48 hours
(VI) Travel Precautions

Innovative Traffic Design Beyond Traditional Loops: Adopting a counterclockwise route from Urumqi to Yining, avoiding 90% of tourist convoys. The Duku Highway section is scheduled for early morning passage to minimize interference from oncoming traffic. The entire journey uses 7-seater business vehicles, with a maximum of 6 passengers per car to ensure everyone has a window seat.Document Preparation:
Original valid identification documents (recommended for check-in/ticket purchase)
Copy of driver’s license (if renting a car for self-driving)
Discount certificates for students/seniors, etc.
Equipment Recommendations:
Sun Protection:SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, face mask
Clothing:Windbreaker (for the Duku Highway section), comfortable hiking shoes
Photography:Telephoto lens (for photographing wildlife), drone (registration required)
Cultural Etiquette:
Respect the customs and habits of various ethnic groups
Obtain consent before photographing people
Protect the grassland ecological environment
Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency for the latest 2026 schedule and availability information. It is recommended to book at least 30 days in advance, as accommodation is tight during the peak season from June to August, and some characteristic homestays require secondary confirmation. The actual itinerary may be reasonably adjusted based on weather, policies, and other factors, subject to actual consultation and contract signing.

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation