2026 8 Day Northern Xinjiang Altay Loop Private Car Rental with Driver Including Ulungur Lake and Grassland Stone City Fee Registration Recommended Itinerary Price

Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.

Star Recommendation✨:2026 8-Day In-Depth Northern Xinjiang Loop – Altay Mystery Exploration Plan
I. Itinerary Highlights and Destination Details
Summer in Northern Xinjiang is like a palette overturned by the Creator🎨:The snow-capped peaks of the Altai Mountains intertwine with the lush green of the grasslands, the deep blue of Ulungur Lake collides with the ochre-red of the Yardang landforms, and the wooden houses of various ethnic villages with flocks of cattle and sheep form a flowing picture. This 8-day loop, centered around Altay, connects three major geographical wonders and cultural experiences:
[Ulungur Lake Golden Coast]
The second-largest inland saltwater lake in western China, with a suitable summer lake temperature for swimming🏊. The 12-kilometer beach around the lake is known as the “Maldives of Xinjiang.” In 2026, new water flyboarding and sailing experiences will be added, and in the evening, you can enjoy the sunset spectacle of the “meeting of sea and sky.”
[Grassland Stone City Geopark]
A natural stone forest group located in Jimunai County, formed over hundreds of millions of years by wind erosion into a diverse array of giant stone formations. In 2026, the scenic area will complete trail upgrades and add a stargazing observatory base, allowing for nighttime observation of the Milky Way🌌 in summer. The area also features traditional yurt experiences from various ethnic groups.
[Ahe Highway Ecological Corridor]
A scenic highway fully opened in 2026, connecting three secret destinations: Xiaodonggou Forest Park, Tolehaite Grassland, and Hemu Village. Along the way, you can see diverse ecosystems such as snow-capped spruce forests, alpine meadows, streams, and waterfalls, with three observation decks equipped with telescopes🔭.
II. 2026 Real-Time Itinerary Planning (Daily Highlights)

Star Recommendation✨: 2026 8-Day In-Depth Northern Xinjiang Loop – Altay Mystery Exploration PlanDay 1:Gather in Urumqi
Free activities all day. We recommend visiting the Xinjiang Museum (free, advance reservation required). In the evening, head to the International Bazaar to sample roasted stuffed buns, hand-pulled rice, and other local specialties.
Day 2:Urumqi → Ulungur Lake (approx. 500 km/6 hours)
In the morning, traverse the Gurbantunggut Desert and observe the Przewalski’s horses🐎 at the Wild Horse Breeding Center. In the afternoon, arrive in Fukai County, check into a lakeside hotel, and enjoy biking by the lake or beach volleyball.
Day 3:Ulungur Lake → Grassland Stone City (approx. 220 km/3.5 hours)
In the morning, take a boat tour of Lake Heart Island and visit the Fishermen’s Cultural Museum. In the afternoon, delve into the Stone City scenic area, participate in traditional song and dance lessons from various ethnic groups, and spend the night in a unique stone house homestay within the scenic area.
Day 4:Grassland Stone City → Ahe Highway → Hemu Village (approx. 180 km/4 hours)
Spend the day traversing the ecological corridor, experience goat-grabbing activities with various ethnic groups on Tolehaite Grassland, and arrive in Hemu Village in the evening. Ascend the Hadeng Platform to photograph the smoke rising from the Tuva wooden houses against the starry sky.
Day 5:In-Depth Tour of Hemu Village
Capture the village in the morning mist at dawn, hike to Meilifeng Grassland in the morning (approx. 8 km round trip), learn to make the traditional Tuva musical instrument “Su’er” in the afternoon, and enjoy a local hot pot for dinner.

I. Itinerary Highlights and Destination DetailsDay 6:Hemu → Kanas Lake (approx. 70 km/2 hours)
Transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus to tour the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Crouching Dragon Bay), ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake, and optionally take a boat to explore the birthplace of the lake monster legend.
Day 7:Kanas → Burqin (approx. 150 km/3 hours)
In the morning, visit the Colorful Beach scenic area (the best viewing period is 2 hours before sunset). In the evening, stroll through the Sino-Russian Old Wharf风情 Street and sample a feast of cold-water fish from the Irtysh River.
Day 8:Burqin → Urumqi (approx. 650 km/8 hours)
On the return journey, pass by the Karamay Devil City (optional 2-hour stop). Arrive in Urumqi in the evening to conclude the itinerary.
III. 2026 Custom Vehicle Rental Fee Explanation (Unit: RMB/day/vehicle)
[Vehicle Options]
7-Seater Business Vehicle (suitable for 4-6 people):1200-1600
9-Seater Converted 7-Seater Business Vehicle (with aircraft seats):1400-1900

Summer in Northern Xinjiang is like a palette overturned by the Creator🎨: The snow-capped peaks of the Altai Mountains intertwine with the lush green of the grasslands, the deep blue of Ulungur Lake collides with the ochre-red of the Yardang landforms, and the wooden houses of various ethnic villages with flocks of cattle and sheep form a flowing picture. This 8-day loop, centered around Altay, connects three major geographical wonders and cultural experiences:14-Seater Luxury Business Vehicle (1+1 layout):1600-2500
19-Seater Minibus:2000-3000
[Fees Included]
Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, basic fuel fee, toll fees, scenic area parking fees
Onboard first aid kit, mineral water, mobile phone charging equipment
Driver’s daily work does not exceed 10 hours (overtime requires negotiated overtime pay)
[Fees Not Included]
Scenic area admission tickets and shuttle bus fees (Kanas 230 RMB/person, Hemu 102 RMB/person, Colorful Beach 45 RMB/person)
Driver’s food and accommodation subsidy (recommended arrangement at 150 RMB/day standard)
Personal expenses and travel insurance

[Ulungur Lake Golden Coast]❗ Important Notice:Specific fees are subject to the electronic/paper contract signed by both parties. July-August is the peak tourist season, and prices may increase by 10%-15%. It is recommended to book vehicles 15 days in advance.
IV. Registration Method
You can register and inquire through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide:
Real-time vehicle availability inquiries
Customized itinerary change suggestions
Electronic quotation sheets and contract templates
Scenic area reservation guidance services
V. Service Guarantee Explanation
Vehicle Qualifications:All vehicles hold tourism operation licenses issued by the transportation department, with insurance coverage of no less than 800,000 RMB per seat
Driver Requirements:Over 5 years of driving experience in Northern Xinjiang, familiar with basic communication in various ethnic languages, and regularly participates in training

The second-largest inland saltwater lake in western China, with a suitable summer lake temperature for swimming🏊. The 12-kilometer beach around the lake is known as the “Maldives of Xinjiang.” In 2026, new water flyboarding and sailing experiences will be added, and in the evening, you can enjoy the sunset spectacle of the “meeting of sea and sky.”Itinerary Changes:In case of extreme weather or temporary scenic area closures, both parties will negotiate route changes or postponements
Handling:For single registrants, we will do our best to coordinate shared accommodations. Special circumstances may require an additional room fee (settled based on actual expenses incurred)
VI. 2026 Scenic Area Policy Updates
Kanas/Hemu Scenic Areas:Implement a timed reservation system. Real-name reservations must be made 3 days in advance through the “Visit Xinjiang One-Code Travel” mini-program
Grassland Stone City:Nighttime observation activities require a 24-hour advance reservation. The scenic area provides professional astronomical telescopes
Ahe Highway:Vehicles with more than 7 seats require advance notification for passage, with a daily limit of 200 vehicles
VII. Travel Tips
Equipment Suggestions:Bring sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, a windbreaker (large temperature variations in mountainous areas), and comfortable hiking shoes
Photography Timing:Hemu morning mist is around 7:30-8:30 AM. Sunrise at Guanyu Platform in Kanas Lake is around 6:50 AM
Cultural Respect:When visiting ethnic villages, obtain consent before taking close-up photos of individuals
This loop will take you through four major ecosystems: forests, grasslands, lakes, and deserts. Led by professional drivers, you will avoid crowded conventional routes and delve deep into the grandeur and subtlety of Northern Xinjiang. For specific itinerary details and cost calculations, please contact customer service manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for the latest plan.

Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.