Ili Travel Chartered Car Guide for Beginners What You Need to Know for Your First Booking + Cost Breakdown Recommended Routes and Prices
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
Beginner’s Guide to Custom Vehicle Rental for Ili Tourism:First-Time Booking Instructions + Cost Breakdown
[🌄 Detailed Introduction to Routes and Destinations]
The Ili River Valley is known as the ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.’ In the summer of 2026, it will enter its peak tourist season, featuring unique landscapes of grasslands, lakes, snow-capped mountains, and flower fields. The distribution of core scenic spots is as follows:
Sayram Lake: A national 5A-level scenic spot with unobstructed access along the entire ring road. Entry is possible through the East Gate, South Gate, and North Gate. The lake sits at an altitude of 2,073 meters. In mid-to-late June, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, and the water takes on a Tiffany blue hue, with breathtaking light and shadow during sunrise and sunset. The scenic area operates on a timed reservation system, requiring bookings 1-3 days in advance through the ‘One Phone for Traveling in Xinjiang’ platform. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Nalati Grassland:Three major areas are open: the Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley Road. Sightseeing buses operate from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM. In June, the grasslands reach their peak growth, dotted with wild lilies and tulips. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding and hiking.
Karajun Grassland: A combined ticket for East and West Karajun is valid, with the Kuokesu Grand Canyon cable car operating normally. The ‘Human Grassland’ landscape features undulating light and shadow at sunset, ideal for photography enthusiasts. The scenic area is open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with a combined ticket for admission and shuttle bus priced at 165 RMB per person.
Huocheng Lavender Garden:Mid-to-late June marks the peak blooming season. Gardens such as Jieyou Princess Lavender Manor and Lucaogou Sigong Village are open, offering opportunities to capture stunning views of purple flower fields framed by snow-capped mountains.
Qiongkushatai Village:This primitive wooden village remains well-preserved, with access via a gravel road. It is advisable to choose a vehicle with higher ground clearance. Visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle of various ethnic groups and view the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Road hiking trail.
Beginner’s Guide to Custom Vehicle Rental for Ili Tourism: First-Time Booking Instructions + Cost Breakdown[📅 Sample Itinerary Reference (7-Day Classic Loop)]
Compiled based on the actual operational route of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency in June 2026. The itinerary can be adjusted based on weather and road conditions through mutual agreement:
Day 1:Airport pickup in Yining → Stroll through the Kazanqi Folk Area → Taste handmade ice cream on Liuxing Street → Overnight in Yining
Day 2:Yining → Sayram Lake Ring Road (Songshu Head, Kele Yongzhu, Guozi Valley Bridge Viewing Platform) → Overnight in Qingshuihe Town
Day 3:Qingshuihe → Huocheng Lavender Garden → Zhaosu Rapeseed Flower Fields (seasonal) → Overnight in Zhaosu County
Day 4:Zhaosu → Hata Ancient Road Hiking (General Bridge area) → Night view of Tekes Bagua City → Overnight in Tekes
Day 5:Tekes → Karajun Grassland (Falcon Platform, Five-Flower Meadow) → Kuokesu Grand Canyon Human Grassland → Return to Tekes
Day 6:Tekes → Qiongkushatai Village → Nalati Grassland (Sky Grassland + River Valley Grassland) → Overnight in Nalati Town
[🌄 Detailed Introduction to Routes and Destinations]Day 7:Nalati → Bayanbulak Nine-Curve Eighteen-Bend Sunset → Airport/station drop-off based on return time
[💰 Pricing Information]
Custom vehicle rental fees in Ili for 2026 vary based on vehicle type, duration, and season. The following are market reference ranges (subject to contract):
Vehicle Categories:
5-Seater SUV (2-4 people):1,200-1,800 RMB/day
7-Seater Business Van (4-6 people):1,600-2,200 RMB/day
13-Seater Minibus (8-12 people):2,000-3,000 RMB/day
Bus with 19+ Seats (Groups of 15+ people):2,500-4,000 RMB/day
Fees Include:
The Ili River Valley is known as the ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.’ In the summer of 2026, it will enter its peak tourist season, featuring unique landscapes of grasslands, lakes, snow-capped mountains, and flower fields. The distribution of core scenic spots is as follows:Compliant commercial vehicle usage fees, professional driver service fees, fuel costs, toll fees, parking fees, and basic insurance
Fees Exclude:
Visitor accommodations, meals, scenic spot admission tickets, shuttle bus fees, and driver accommodations (negotiable if required; driver meal allowance: 80-120 RMB/day, accommodation subsidy: 150-200 RMB/day)
Special Notes:
During the open periods of the Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway, prices for off-road vehicles may increase by 10%-20%. If the itinerary exceeds the contracted mileage, an additional fee of 1.5-2 RMB/kilometer will apply.
[📞 Registration Method]
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for the latest 2026 itinerary options and vehicle arrangements.
[📝 Fee Explanation and Service Description]
Sayram Lake: A national 5A-level scenic spot with unobstructed access along the entire ring road. Entry is possible through the East Gate, South Gate, and North Gate. The lake sits at an altitude of 2,073 meters. In mid-to-late June, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, and the water takes on a Tiffany blue hue, with breathtaking light and shadow during sunrise and sunset. The scenic area operates on a timed reservation system, requiring bookings 1-3 days in advance through the ‘One Phone for Traveling in Xinjiang’ platform. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.Vehicle Qualifications:All vehicles possess commercial operation licenses, and drivers hold professional qualifications, familiar with Ili’s road conditions and scenic spot distribution.
Contract Guarantee:A formal travel contract will be signed, specifying vehicle type, fees, itinerary, liability for breach of contract, and other terms in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China.
Itinerary Changes:In the event of uncontrollable factors such as weather, traffic control, or temporary scenic spot closures, both parties may mutually agree to reasonably adjust the route or schedule.
Insurance Recommendation:Visitors are advised to purchase personal travel accident insurance to enhance protection during their journey.
Actual consultation and contract signing shall prevail. Prices and availability are subject to contract or customer service confirmation and may fluctuate based on departure dates.
[🧳 Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist]
Documents:Valid identification documents; children must bring their household registration book or birth certificate
Clothing:Windbreaker, fleece jacket, lightweight down jacket (nighttime temperatures in Bayanbulak may approach 0°C), sun protection clothing, comfortable hiking shoes
Nalati Grassland: Three major areas are open: the Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley Road. Sightseeing buses operate from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM. In June, the grasslands reach their peak growth, dotted with wild lilies and tulips. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding and hiking.Protection:SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, moisturizing skincare products
Equipment:Camera, power bank, insulated cup (hot water recommended in high-altitude areas)
Others:Small amount of cash (weak signal in some scenic spots), common medications (altitude sickness medication, gastrointestinal medicine, etc.)
[⚠️ Precautions]
Altitude Sickness:Sayram Lake and Bayanbulak are at high altitudes. Elderly individuals or those with weaker heart or lung function are advised to assess their physical condition in advance.
Road Conditions:Some sections of the road to Qiongkushatai and Hata are unpaved. It is recommended to choose a minibus with 13 or more seats and higher ground clearance.
Reservation System:Scenic spots such as Sayram Lake and Nalati require reservations for entry. Confirm the reservation process with customer service in advance.
Eco-Friendly Travel:Littering is prohibited in grassland areas. Visitors are advised to bring eco-friendly bags.
Respect Customs:When visiting ethnic communities or villages, seek permission before photographing people or residences.
The vastness and delicacy of Ili require a leisurely journey to fully appreciate. Choosing compliant commercial vehicles and professional drivers allows for flexible pacing while avoiding road risks. In the spring and summer of 2026, this land welcomes travelers from afar with a gentle embrace. Thorough preparation before departure and selecting the right service provider ensure a worry-free and enjoyable journey.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation

