4 Day North Xinjiang Group Tour Short Trip to Mulei Populus Euphratica with Barikun Grassland, Double Scenery, Affordable Group Fee, Open for Registration Recommended Route Price

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

Explore the Autumn Secret Realm of Northern Xinjiang:Four-Day In-Depth Tour of Mulei Populus Euphratica and Barkol Grassland
🌄 [Route Highlights:A Dual Gift of Nature and Culture]
Autumn in Northern Xinjiang is like a palette overturned by the Creator—golden poplar forests intertwine with lush green grasslands, while the vast Gobi Desert contrasts with the azure sky. This four-day itinerary focuses on the two core landscapes of Mulei Populus Euphratica Forest and Barkol Grassland, avoiding crowded popular routes and connecting the essence of autumn in Northern Xinjiang through a ‘small yet beautiful’ in-depth experience.
Mulei Populus Euphratica Forest: As one of the oldest poplar communities in Xinjiang, it preserves the ‘King of Populus Euphratica’ with a tree age of over 3,000 years. Recent 2026 observation data shows that the optimal viewing period for the poplar forest is from late September to mid-October, when the leaves gradually change from golden yellow to orange-red, creating a strong visual contrast with the desert and Gobi. The scenic area features wooden walkways, allowing visitors to observe the symbiotic relationship between the poplar roots and the desert ecosystem up close.
Barkol Grassland: This alpine meadow at an altitude of 2,000 meters serves as a migration route for local herders in summer and transforms into a ‘golden carpet’ in autumn. According to the 2026 grassland monitoring report, from late September to early October, herbaceous plants such as Chinese silver grass and needle grass on the grassland reach maturity, forming undulating golden waves. Barkol Lake in the heart of the grassland ripples in the autumn wind, reflecting the distant snow-capped mountains and creating a three-dimensional landscape of ‘grassland-lake-snow mountains’.
📅 [Simple Itinerary:Flexibly Adapted to Autumn Climate]
(The itinerary is designed based on the latest 2026 transportation schedules and scenic area policies. Reasonable changes can be made to the itinerary upon mutual agreement)
Day 1:Urumqi – Mulei Populus Euphratica Forest (approximately 400 km, 5-hour drive)
Morning:07:30 Assemble in downtown Urumqi and take an air-conditioned tour bus to Mulei County. On the way, pass through the Gurbantunggut Desert while the tour guide explains the geological evolution of Northern Xinjiang and the survival wisdom of the poplar trees.

Explore the Autumn Secret Realm of Northern Xinjiang: Four-Day In-Depth Tour of Mulei Populus Euphratica and Barkol GrasslandNoon:12:30 Dine at a characteristic restaurant in Mulei County and savor the flavorful hand-grabbed meat and nang bread of various ethnic groups.
Afternoon:14:00 Arrive at the Populus Euphratica Forest scenic area, take a shuttle bus deep into the core area, and freely photograph until sunset. The scenic area provides photography viewing platforms and rest areas, offering hot water and light meal services.
Evening:19:30 Return to Mulei County for accommodation at a local three-star standard hotel, including breakfast.
Day 2:Mulei – Barkol Grassland (approximately 180 km, 3-hour drive)
Morning:08:00 After breakfast, head to Barkol Grassland and visit the Dahe Ancient City Site (a newly opened area in 2026) along the way to learn about the history of Tang Dynasty garrison and reclamation in the Western Regions.
Noon:12:00 Dine at a grassland pastoral home and experience folk activities such as milking cows and making nang bread.
Afternoon:14:30 Venture deep into the heart of the grassland, hike or ride horses (at your own expense) to explore the wetlands around Barkol Lake, and observe migratory birds (over 20 bird species such as ruddy shelducks and demoiselle cranes were observed in 2026).
Evening:18:00 Check into a characteristic homestay in Barkol Town and savor a grassland-style dinner (including horse meat narin and cheese curds).
Day 3:In-Depth Tour of Barkol Grassland
Morning:09:00 Go to the Songshutang scenic area, take an off-road vehicle to cross the transition zone between grassland and forest, and photograph the snow-capped mountains and pastures in the morning mist.

🌄[Route Highlights: A Dual Gift of Nature and Culture]Noon:12:30 Return to Barkol Town for a meal and freely purchase souvenirs such as embroidery by various ethnic groups and grassland honey.
Afternoon:14:00 Visit the Barkol Dizang Temple (reopened after renovation in 2026) to learn about the history of ethnic integration.
Evening:19:00 Participate in a grassland bonfire party (subject to weather conditions) and dance with the local people.
Day 4:Barkol – Urumqi (approximately 550 km, 7-hour drive)
Morning:08:00 After breakfast, start the return journey and make a stop at the Qitai Jiangbulake scenic area (optional self-paid visit, advance reservation required) along the way.
Noon:12:30 Dine in Qitai County and savor yellow noodle grilled meat and desert grapes.
Afternoon:14:00 Continue the return journey and arrive in Urumqi at 19:00 to disband the tour group.
💰 [Price Description:Transparent Consumption with No Hidden Fees]
(The following prices are for reference in 2026. The actual prices are subject to the actual consultation and contract signing and may fluctuate according to the tour dates)

Autumn in Northern Xinjiang is like a palette overturned by the Creator—golden poplar forests intertwine with lush green grasslands, while the vast Gobi Desert contrasts with the azure sky. This four-day itinerary focuses on the two core landscapes of Mulei Populus Euphratica Forest and Barkol Grassland, avoiding crowded popular routes and connecting the essence of autumn in Northern Xinjiang through a ‘small yet beautiful’ in-depth experience.Adult Tour Fee:Starting from 2,680 yuan per person
Fees Include:
Transportation:Air-conditioned tour bus for the entire journey starting and ending in Urumqi (including fuel surcharge)
Accommodation:3 nights of accommodation (1 night at a three-star hotel in Mulei County + 2 nights at a characteristic homestay in Barkol Town)
Meals:6 regular meals and 3 breakfasts (the standard for regular meals is 40 yuan per person, including special meals)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to Mulei Populus Euphratica Forest (including shuttle bus), Barkol Grassland, and Dahe Ancient City Site
Tour Guide Service:Professional tour guide accompanying the group for explanations + local people guide service
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance + travel accident insurance
Fees Exclude:
Personal consumption (such as horse riding, shopping, etc.)

Mulei Populus Euphratica Forest: As one of the oldest poplar communities in Xinjiang, it preserves the ‘King of Populus Euphratica’ with a tree age of over 3,000 years. Recent 2026 observation data shows that the optimal viewing period for the poplar forest is from late September to mid-October, when the leaves gradually change from golden yellow to orange-red, creating a strong visual contrast with the desert and Gobi. The scenic area features wooden walkways, allowing visitors to observe the symbiotic relationship between the poplar roots and the desert ecosystem up close.：For single travelers, we will try our best to arrange room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Self-Paid Items:Admission ticket to Jiangbulake scenic area (about 80 yuan per person) and off-road vehicle fee (about 200 yuan per person)
📝 [Registration Method:Professional Services to Ensure Your Trip]
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, which provides the following services:
Tour Date Inquiry:Tours depart every Wednesday and Saturday, and a tour group is formed with a minimum of 15 people (reasonable changes can be made to the itinerary upon mutual agreement)
Contract Signing:Electronic contracts and paper contracts take effect simultaneously, clearly stating the fee details and rights and obligations clauses
Payment Methods:Bank transfer and third-party payment platforms are supported (operations are required after signing a formal contract)
Consultation Channels:Contact Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, to obtain the latest available spots and preferential information
📋 [Fee and Service Description:Details Determine the Quality of the Experience]

Barkol Grassland: This alpine meadow at an altitude of 2,000 meters serves as a migration route for local herders in summer and transforms into a ‘golden carpet’ in autumn. According to the 2026 grassland monitoring report, from late September to early October, herbaceous plants such as Chinese silver grass and needle grass on the grassland reach maturity, forming undulating golden waves. Barkol Lake in the heart of the grassland ripples in the autumn wind, reflecting the distant snow-capped mountains and creating a three-dimensional landscape of ‘grassland-lake-snow mountains’.Accommodation Standards:The hotel in Mulei County features newly renovated three-star facilities in 2026, while the homestay in Barkol is renovated from traditional yurts and is equipped with bathrooms and floor heating.
Meal Arrangements:Regular catering units are used throughout the journey, and the sources of ingredients can be traced. Visitors from various ethnic groups can inform in advance of any dietary restrictions.
Vehicle Configuration:The tour buses are disinfected daily and are equipped with first-aid kits and oxygen cylinders. The drivers hold A1 driver’s licenses and have over 10 years of high-altitude driving experience.
Tour Guide Service:Certified tour guides provide explanations in Mandarin, are familiar with the history and ecological knowledge of various ethnic groups, and can provide photography guidance services.
Emergency Support:Green channels have been established with hospitals in Mulei County and Barkol County, and the tour group is equipped with common medications and portable blood oxygen meters.
⚠ ️[Important Reminders:Plan Rationally for a Worry-Free Trip]
Climate Adaptation:Northern Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night in autumn. It is necessary to bring windbreakers, warm hats, and sun protection items.
Policy Changes:The preferential policies for scenic area admission tickets are subject to the latest local cultural and tourism documents in 2026. Preferential rates for children and the elderly require valid identification documents.
Environmental Protection Requirements:Smoking and littering are prohibited in the poplar forest and grassland areas, and violators may face fines.
Photography Suggestions:The sunrise time at Mulei Populus Euphratica Forest is around 08:15. It is recommended to bring a tripod and a graduated neutral density filter.
Autumn in Northern Xinjiang is a love letter written to the earth. The resilience of the Mulei poplar trees and the gentleness of the Barkol Grassland are interwoven into unforgettable memories in this four-day itinerary. Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency provides professional services to escort you, making every click of your camera shutter and every breath you take a dialogue with nature. For specific itinerary details and contract terms, please contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for consultation and confirmation. Let’s embark on this autumn secret realm journey together!

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