Ili Travel Charter Guide 5 Key Booking Points + 2026 Cost Reference Recommended Routes Cost and Price

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

Ili Travel Custom Vehicle Rental Guide:5 Key Booking Tips + 2026 Cost Reference
🌄 [Route and Destination Highlights]
Located in the northwest of Xinjiang, the Ili River Valley features snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and flower fields as its core landscapes. With an average summer temperature of 20-28°C, it is a popular destination for summer retreats and photography. Here are the popular attractions and real-time information for 2026:
📍 Sayram Lake
A national 5A-level scenic spot with a lake surface elevation of 2,073 meters and a circum-lake highway of approximately 92 kilometers. Currently, the East Gate, South Gate, and North Gate are open. Self-drive tourists can use the all-night passage at the Old East Gate (21:00 to 8:00 the next day) to photograph the sunrise. During the peak season of 2026 (April 20 to October 10), the self-drive package ticket is 145 yuan per person, and the shuttle bus ticket is 75 yuan per person, allowing multiple entries and exits within 48 hours. Locations such as Xihai Grassland and Jinhua Zihui on the lakeside require self-driving to reach, while the shuttle bus is recommended for regular stops.
📍 Nalati Grassland
Divided into three areas: the Aerial Grassland, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley Road. During the peak season of 2026, the admission ticket is 95 yuan per person, and the shuttle bus fees vary by route: 40 yuan per person for the Aerial Grassland, 24 yuan per person for the River Valley Grassland, and 50 yuan per person for the Panlong Valley Road. Vehicles with fewer than 7 seats can enter by self-driving but must be reserved in advance through the “Smart Travel Nalati” mini-program with a fee of 300 yuan per vehicle and a daily limit.
📍 Kalajun Grassland
A combined ticket for East and West Kalajun is available, with admission and shuttle bus priced at 165 yuan per person, open from 9:00 to 20:00. The “Human Body Grassland” landscape in the Kuoksu Grand Canyon offers rich layers of light and shadow at sunset, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts to stay.
📍 Xiata Ancient Road
The hiking trail is open up to General Bridge, with an admission and first-section shuttle bus ticket priced at 150 yuan per person. A pass must be obtained in advance. From June to August 2026, visitors can view the Muzart Glacier, but weather conditions may significantly affect visibility. It is advisable to check景区 (scenic spot) announcements before traveling.
📍 Huocheng Lavender

Ili Travel Custom Vehicle Rental Guide: 5 Key Booking Tips + 2026 Cost ReferenceThe peak bloom period is in mid-to-late June. The admission ticket to Jieyou Princess Lavender Manor is 40 yuan per person, redeemable for a bundle of dried flowers. Some private plantations charge 10 yuan per person for photography; caution is advised.
🚗 [Simple Itinerary Reference (8-Day Classic Loop)]
This itinerary is suitable for a team of 9-12 people using a 13-seat commercial coach, with an average daily driving time of 3-4 hours, covering both classic and off-the-beaten-path attractions:
Day 1:Arrival in Yining City
After airport pickup, check into a hotel in the city. Free activities are recommended in the Kazanqi Folk Custom Area and the Liuxingjie Night Market, where you can taste handmade ice cream and minced lung.
Day 2:Yining → Sayram Lake
Spend the whole day touring around the lake. It is recommended to take counterclockwise route, photographing the lake water on the west bank in the morning and portraits on the east bank in the afternoon. Check into a guesthouse in Qingshuihe Town or around Sayram Lake in the evening.
Day 3:Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Huocheng Lavender → Zhaosu
Pass by the Guozigou Bridge viewing platform, tour the lavender manor in the afternoon, and arrive in Zhaosu County in the evening. Dinner recommendations include horse meat naren and baked stuffed buns.
Day 4:Zhaosu → Xiata Ancient Road → Tekes
Hike in the Xiata scenic area in the morning and head to Tekes Bagua City in the afternoon for a night tour of the Bagua streets and alleys.
Day 5:Tekes → Kalajun Grassland → Kuoksu Grand Canyon

🌄[Route and Destination Highlights]Visit the Wuhua Meadow and Falcon Platform, photograph the sunset at the Human Body Grassland in the evening, and return to Tekes for accommodation.
Day 6:Tekes → Qiaxi Forest Park → Xinyuan County
Self-driving is supported in some areas of the Qiaxi scenic area, suitable for a leisurely and slow-paced tour. Stay overnight in Xinyuan County.
Day 7:Xinyuan → Nalati Grassland
Spend the whole day touring the Aerial Grassland or River Valley Grassland, experiencing activities such as horseback riding and picnics. Stay overnight in Nalati Town.
Day 8:Nalati → Bayinbuluk → Return Journey
Watch the sunset over the meandering river and arrange for airport/station drop-off services according to the return time.
💰 [Price Description (Reference for 2026)]
Custom vehicle rental fees fluctuate based on vehicle type, number of days, and season. The following are market reference ranges, subject to the contract:
Vehicle Type and Average Daily Price
5-seat SUV (2-4 people):Off-peak season: 1,200-1,800 yuan/day, Peak season: 1,500-2,200 yuan/day
7-seat commercial vehicle (4-6 people):Off-peak season: 1,600-2,200 yuan/day, Peak season: 1,800-2,600 yuan/day

Located in the northwest of Xinjiang, the Ili River Valley features snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and flower fields as its core landscapes. With an average summer temperature of 20-28°C, it is a popular destination for summer retreats and photography. Here are the popular attractions and real-time information for 2026:13-seat commercial coach (8-12 people):Off-peak season: 2,000-2,600 yuan/day, Peak season: 2,400-3,000 yuan/day
Fees Included
Vehicle usage fee, fuel fee, toll fee, parking fee
Professional driver service fee (driver’s meal allowance: 80-120 yuan/day, accommodation subsidy: 150-200 yuan/day, can be negotiated and included in the total price)
Basic vehicle operation insurance
Fees Not Included
Scenic spot admission tickets, shuttle buses, horseback riding, and other self-funded items
Tourist accommodation, meals, and personal expenses
Excess mileage fee (1.5-2 yuan/km), overtime fee (to be negotiated in advance)
📝 [Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing to obtain the real-time itinerary plan and vehicle arrangement for 2026.
📋 [Fee Description and Service Description]

📍 Sayram LakeService Content
Provide compliant commercial vehicles with regular maintenance and inspections and comprehensive insurance
Equip with professional drivers holding occupational qualification certificates who are familiar with the road conditions and scenic spots in Ili
Preliminary itinerary customization consulting services and adjust the tour order according to team needs
Notes
For single registrants, efforts will be made to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation
If weather, road conditions, policies, or other force majeure factors are encountered during the itinerary, both parties can reasonably adjust the itinerary upon mutual agreement
All service content, fee composition, and liability division shall be subject to the Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China and the tourism contract signed by both parties
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing
💡 [5 Key Booking Tips]
Tip 1:Confirm the vehicle type and luggage space in advance
A 13-seat vehicle is suitable for a team of 8-12 people, and the luggage compartment can accommodate large items such as photography equipment and camping gear

A national 5A-level scenic spot with a lake surface elevation of 2,073 meters and a circum-lake highway of approximately 92 kilometers. Currently, the East Gate, South Gate, and North Gate are open. Self-drive tourists can use the all-night passage at the Old East Gate (21:00 to 8:00 the next day) to photograph the sunrise. During the peak season of 2026 (April 20 to October 10), the self-drive package ticket is 145 yuan per person, and the shuttle bus ticket is 75 yuan per person, allowing multiple entries and exits within 48 hours. Locations such as Xihai Grassland and Jinhua Zihui on the lakeside require self-driving to reach, while the shuttle bus is recommended for regular stops.The luggage space in a 7-seat vehicle is limited. It is recommended that each person carry a 24-inch suitcase + a backpack
Tip 2:Verify the driver’s qualifications and vehicle documents
Request to see the vehicle’s operation permit and the driver’s occupational qualification certificate to ensure compliance with regulations
Avoid choosing unqualified “black vehicles” to reduce itinerary risks
Tip 3:Clarify the items included in the fees and additional charges
Confirm whether the quote includes the driver’s accommodation and meals and the standard for excess mileage fees
Beware of low-price traps and avoid hidden consumption
Tip 4:Sign a formal tourism contract
Clearly specify clauses such as vehicle type, fees, itinerary, and liability for breach of contract in black and white
Keep a copy of the contract for follow-up rights protection
Tip 5:Pay attention to the real-time policies of scenic spots
Scenic spots such as Sayram Lake and Nalati require advance reservation and ticket purchase
Places such as the Xiata Ancient Road and the Khorgos Port require a pass, so it is advisable to prepare materials in advance
The beauty of Ili lies in the grandeur of its snow-capped mountains and grasslands, as well as the tranquility of its streams and villages. Choosing a compliant commercial vehicle with an experienced local driver allows for flexible control of the rhythm while avoiding road risks. Do your homework before departure, choose the right service provider, and an安心 (peaceful/worry-free) and comfortable journey will begin.

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.