2026 North Xinjiang 7 Day Full Lake Circuit Tour Covering All Scenic Spots on Both Sides of Sayram Lake with Clear Pricing Details for Direct Booking Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
✨ 【2026 7-Day Panoramic Loop of Northern Xinjiang:Unlock the In-Depth Experience of Sayram Lake’s ‘North and South Shores + Hidden Gems’]✨
Summer in Northern Xinjiang is a poetic blend of Sayram Lake’s blue and Nalati Grassland’s green. In 2026, this 7-day loop connecting Tianchi, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and Nalati highlights ‘off-the-beaten-path viewpoints,’ avoiding crowded routes to let you measure every inch of Northern Xinjiang’s beauty with your footsteps. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, nature explorer, or traveling with family, this itinerary offers your perfect scenery.
I. Itinerary Highlights: Covering North and South Shores, Unlocking Hidden Gems
【Sayram Lake ‘Counter-Clockwise Loop’ Experience】
Traffic Rules:In 2026, Sayram Lake implements one-way traffic from the East Gate in and South Gate out. A counter-clockwise loop avoids mainstream tour groups and reduces congestion.
Optimal Route: East Gate → Moon Bay (excellent sunrise spot) → Santai Grassland (flower fields with snow-capped mountains) → Shuitan Beach (swan habitat) → Dianjiang Terrace (highest viewpoint overlooking the lake) → Kele Yongzhu (stunning morning reflections) → Internet-famous S-Curve (road movie backdrop) → Songshu Head (sunset and panoramic view of Guozigou Bridge) → Exit at South Gate.
In-Depth Experience:Travel agencies can book self-drive tickets in advance for early entry at 6:30 AM to capture morning mist and ample time for sunset. No forced shopping or additional fees—all time is dedicated to the scenery.
【North and South Shore Hidden Viewpoints】
Kele Yongzhu:With soft morning light, the lake reflects snow-capped mountains—a prime spot for capturing ‘blue ice and snow mountains.’
Internet-Famous S-Curve:Shoot in afternoon sunlight where the road, lake, and grassland form geometric lines for stunning photos.
Songshu Head:From the summit, enjoy a panoramic view of Guozigou Bridge. At sunset, the bridge glows golden—dubbed ‘Northern Xinjiang’s most romantic viewpoint.’
【Connecting Northern Xinjiang’s Essential Landscapes】
Tianchi (Heavenly Lake):The ‘Fairy Pool on Earth’ beneath Bogda Peak. Take a shuttle bus around the lake to soak in the tranquility of snow-capped mountains and serene waters.
✨【2026 7-Day Panoramic Loop of Northern Xinjiang: Unlock the In-Depth Experience of Sayram Lake’s ‘North and South Shores + Hidden Gems’]✨Kanas:Hike through Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay. Climb Guanyu Terrace for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake’s emerald waters.
Hemu Village:Stay in an eco-friendly wooden cabin. Ascend Haden Platform at dawn for mist and cooking smoke, and gaze at the Milky Way at night.
Nalati Grassland:Explore both aerial and river valley grasslands via dual routes. Ride horses across the plains and feel the freedom of wind in your hair.
II. Simple Itinerary: 7 Days, 6 Nights—Balanced and Relaxed
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Afternoon:Arrive in Urumqi, check into your hotel, and enjoy free time. We recommend visiting the International Bazaar for grilled stuffed buns and pilaf to savor the fusion of ethnic cuisines.
Evening:Attend a pre-trip briefing where your guide explains itinerary details and precautions.
Day 2:Urumqi → Tianchi → S21 Desert Highway → Burqin
Morning:Travel to Tianchi and take a shuttle bus around the lake for close-up views of Bogda Peak.
Afternoon:Drive along the S21 Desert Highway, stopping at viewpoints to photograph Gobi Desert scenery.
Evening:Arrive in Burqin and sample local grilled dogfish.
Day 3:Burqin → Kanas → Hemu Village
Morning:Head to Kanas. Hike the Three Bays (Fairy, Moon, and Dragon Bays) and climb Guanyu Terrace for a panoramic view.
Afternoon:Travel to Hemu Village and check into an eco-friendly wooden cabin.
Summer in Northern Xinjiang is a poetic blend of Sayram Lake’s blue and Nalati Grassland’s green. In 2026, this 7-day loop connecting Tianchi, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and Nalati highlights ‘off-the-beaten-path viewpoints,’ avoiding crowded routes to let you measure every inch of Northern Xinjiang’s beauty with your footsteps. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, nature explorer, or traveling with family, this itinerary offers your perfect scenery.Evening:Ascend Haden Platform for sunset and join a bonfire party at night.
Day 4:Hemu Village → Kanas Morning Mist → Urho Ghost City → Karamay
Dawn:Rise early to photograph Hemu’s morning mist and cooking smoke. Explore alpine meadows on horseback or by foot.
Morning:Return to Kanas to revisit the lake’s morning mist and mountain scenery.
Afternoon:Visit Urho Ghost City to capture the golden-red hues of yardang landforms at sunset.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Karamay.
Day 5:Karamay → Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Yining
Morning:Drive to Sayram Lake for a counter-clockwise loop, visiting hidden spots like Moon Bay, Kele Yongzhu, and the Internet-famous S-Curve.
Afternoon:Cross Guozigou Bridge and photograph the canyon and bridge’s grandeur.
Evening:Arrive in Yining. Stroll through Liuxing Street to experience the folk customs of the blue folk-style district.
Day 6:Yining → Nalati Grassland → Bayanbulak
Morning:Visit Nalati Grassland, covering both aerial and river valley routes. Explore the grasslands on horseback or by foot.
Afternoon:Drive to Bayanbulak, enjoying the ‘four seasons in one day’ scenery along the northern section of the Dukou Highway.
I. Itinerary Highlights: Covering North and South Shores, Unlocking Hidden GemsEvening:Check into a hotel in Bayanbulak.
Day 7:Bayanbulak → Dukou Highway → Return to Urumqi
Morning:Traverse the northern section of the Dukou Highway, photographing diverse landscapes of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons.
Afternoon:Return to Urumqi. Transfer to the airport/train station based on your schedule to conclude the trip.
III. Pricing Details: Transparent Costs, No Hidden Fees
【Price Range】
Basic No-Frills Package:3,980–4,980 RMB/person
Includes:6 nights in comfortable hotels (Ctrip 2–3 diamonds), standard tour bus, first admission tickets + shuttle buses for core attractions, 6 breakfasts and 3 lunches (30–40 RMB/person per meal), local guide service, travel agency liability insurance + travel accident insurance (500,000 RMB coverage).
Comfort No-Frills Package:5,980–6,980 RMB/person
Upgrades:6 nights in high-quality hotels (Ctrip 4 diamonds), 2+1 luxury land coach, 6 breakfasts and 5 lunches (50–60 RMB/person per meal), 8+ years experienced guide, complimentary Sayram Lake afternoon tea or ethnic costume photoshoot, travel accident insurance coverage upgraded to 800,000 RMB.
Premium No-Frills Package:7,980–8,980 RMB/person
Upgrades:6 nights in luxury hotels (Ctrip 5 diamonds) + 1 night in a Sayram Lake campsite, exclusive 7-seater business van, all meals included (80–100 RMB/person per meal), premium one-on-one guide service, complimentary horseback riding in Hemu and sailing on Sayram Lake.
【What’s Not Included】
Round-trip transportation to Urumqi (flights/trains).
【Sayram Lake ‘Counter-Clockwise Loop’ Experience】Personal expenses (voluntary activities like horseback riding, photoshoots).
(Single travelers will be matched for shared rooms; special cases require separate negotiation).
【Important Notes】
Prices may fluctuate based on departure dates and are subject to the signed contract.
Peak season (June–October) prices are slightly higher; off-peak (November–May) offers better value.
IV. How to Book: Professional Team Support
Book through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for specific departure dates and availability.
Agency Qualifications:Years of experience in planning and executing Northern Xinjiang routes, with in-depth knowledge of loop logistics, scenic timing, and road conditions.
Service Guarantees:Sign a standard contract supervised by national cultural and tourism authorities, confirming itinerary details and included costs line by line. No ‘verbal promises.’
V. Pricing and Service Details
【What’s Included】
Transportation:Tour buses or business vans within Xinjiang (based on package tier).
Accommodation:Hotels or guesthouses listed in the itinerary (specific standards per contract).
Traffic Rules: In 2026, Sayram Lake implements one-way traffic from the East Gate in and South Gate out. A counter-clockwise loop avoids mainstream tour groups and reduces congestion.Meals:Meals specified in the itinerary (some premium packages include specialty dishes).
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets and shuttle buses for all listed attractions.
Services:Full-trip guide accompaniment, travel agency liability insurance, travel accident insurance.
【Service Highlights】
Dedicated Guide:Familiar with Northern Xinjiang’s road conditions and culture. Can adjust itinerary pace and offer photography tips.
Flexible Changes:If weather or road conditions disrupt plans, both parties may agree to reasonable itinerary adjustments.
After-Sales Support:No cancellation fees 48 hours in advance. Prompt after-sales responses.
【Important Notes】
Details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Scenic spot opening hours, transportation schedules, etc., follow recent announcements from venues or authorities.
VI. Pre-Trip Tips: Enhance Your Journey
Clothing:Xinjiang has large temperature variations. Bring sun protection clothing and a light down jacket in summer; thermal underwear and a windbreaker in winter.
Sun Protection:High UV levels require sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Medications:Bring cold medicine, stomach medicine, and motion sickness pills. Red景天 (rhodiola) is recommended for high-altitude areas.
Cultural Respect:Xinjiang is home to multiple ethnic groups. Avoid mentioning ‘pig’ in restaurants and use both hands when receiving items to show respect.
Summer in Northern Xinjiang is a dream woven from Sayram Lake’s blue, Nalati’s green, Kanas’s emerald, and Hemu’s morning mist. In 2026, this 7-day panoramic loop, centered around ‘hidden viewpoints,’ unlocks Northern Xinjiang’s beauty in its purest form. Whether for photography, hiking, or family travel, this itinerary has your perfect scenery. Contact Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency to plan a no-frills, high-quality Northern Xinjiang adventure with our professional team!
Contact Manager Maizi at 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

