2026 6 Day Northern Xinjiang Kazakh Folk Custom Private Car Tour with Yurt Stay, Horseback Riding, Dairy Foods, and Nalati Loop Price and Registration Recommended Itinerary Cost
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Star Recommendation✨:2026 Northern Xinjiang Kazak Folk Custom In-Depth Experience: 6-Day Loop Tour of Nalati Grassland Yurts, Horseback Riding, and Dairy Culture
I. Key Highlights of the Itinerary: Immerse Yourself in Kazak Nomadic Civilization
Summer in Northern Xinjiang is a season where grasslands dance with snow-capped mountains. This 6-day loop tour, centered around Nalati Grassland, connects various ethnic communities in the Ili River Valley. Through three major themes—”yurt accommodation, horseback riding experience, and dairy product making”—it takes you into the daily lives of local people. The itinerary avoids the superficial sightseeing of conventional tour groups, delving deep into the grassland heartland to participate in traditional activities such as milking cows, making naan, and crafting dairy curds. At night, stay in Kazak yurts, gaze at the Milky Way, listen to the sound of the dombra (a traditional musical instrument), and experience the primitive romance of “the sky as your blanket and the earth as your bed.”
II. Simple Itinerary (2026 Updated Version)
Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi · First Glimpse of Silk Road Charm
Morning:Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, where a private car will transfer you to a downtown hotel for check-in.
Afternoon:Free time recommended for visiting Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, tasting special snacks like roasted stuffed buns and yogurt zongzi, and shopping for handicrafts such as ethnic embroidery and leather hats.
Evening:The tour leader will hold a pre-trip briefing, distribute offline maps and emergency medical kits, and explain grassland precautions.
Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Yining (Approx. 520 km, 7-hour drive)
Morning:Travel west along the Lianhuo Expressway, passing by the Guozigou Bridge to capture stunning views of the “sky bridge” framed by snow-capped mountains.
Star Recommendation✨: 2026 Northern Xinjiang Kazak Folk Custom In-Depth Experience: 6-Day Loop Tour of Nalati Grassland Yurts, Horseback Riding, and Dairy CultureNoon:Lunch at Sayram Lake scenic area, recommended to try high white salmon hot pot.
Afternoon:Drive around the lake, with key stops including the General’s Platform, Swan’s Delight, and Kele Yongzhu. You can rent ethnic costumes for photos (30-50 RMB per set).
Evening:Arrive in Yining City, check into a hotel near the Kazanqi Folk Village, and experience a dinner featuring local ethnic home-cooked meals.
Day 3:Yining → Karajun Grassland → Tekes Bagua City (Approx. 200 km, 4-hour drive)
Morning:Head to Karajun Grassland, take a shuttle bus to visit Flower Platform and Falcon Platform, and hike through the “Human Grassland” folds.
Noon:Grassland picnic featuring ethnic dried meat, baursak (fried dough), and kumis (fermented mare’s milk).
Afternoon:Drive to Tekes Bagua City, ascend the Li Street Observation Deck for a panoramic view of the city’s bagua layout, and visit the I Ching Culture Museum.
Evening:Check into a characteristic homestay in Bagua City and experience a local hot pot dinner.
Day 4:Tekes → Nalati Grassland (Approx. 260 km, 5-hour drive)
Morning:Cross the Qiapuqihai Lake, stopping at viewpoints along the way to capture reflections of snow-capped mountains.
I. Key Highlights of the Itinerary: Immerse Yourself in Kazak Nomadic CivilizationNoon:Arrive in Nalati Town, enjoy lunch featuring hand-grabbed mutton and naren (horse meat sausage noodles).
Afternoon:Drive into Nalati Grassland, focusing on the Sky Grassland route (Tianjie Terrace, Nomadic Homestead), and transfer to a scenic shuttle bus to visit Xuelian Valley (altitude 2,200 meters).
Evening:Check into a grassland tribe yurt, participate in a bonfire party, and learn ethnic dances.
Day 5:In-Depth Nalati Experience Day
Morning:Horseback riding lesson (including professional coach guidance, 90 minutes), learning to ride a horse across grasslands and streams.
Noon:Experience dairy product making in the yurt, including milking cows, fermenting yogurt, and crafting dairy curds, with finished products to take home.
Afternoon:Free time recommended options:
Option A:Hike the Panlong Valley Trail, search for naturally growing mushrooms, and photograph the dense forest light and shadows.
Option B:Visit the First Tribe of ethnic groups, watch traditional competitions such as goat snatching and girl chasing.
Evening:Stargazing camping, provided with telescopes for star observation and explanations of grassland constellation legends.
Day 6:Nalati → Duku Highway → Urumqi (Approx. 500 km, 8-hour drive)
Summer in Northern Xinjiang is a season where grasslands dance with snow-capped mountains. This 6-day loop tour, centered around Nalati Grassland, connects various ethnic communities in the Ili River Valley. Through three major themes—”yurt accommodation, horseback riding experience, and dairy product making”—it takes you into the daily lives of local people. The itinerary avoids the superficial sightseeing of conventional tour groups, delving deep into the grassland heartland to participate in traditional activities such as milking cows, making naan, and crafting dairy curds. At night, stay in Kazak yurts, gaze at the Milky Way, listen to the sound of the dombra (a traditional musical instrument), and experience the primitive romance of “the sky as your blanket and the earth as your bed.”Morning:Return along the northern section of the Duku Highway, passing by the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery to pay respects to road construction heroes.
Noon:Lunch in Kuitun City, recommended to try大盘鸡 (big plate chicken) and belt noodles.
Afternoon:Traverse treacherous sections such as the Snow Prevention Corridor and Tiger’s Mouth, capturing the “four seasons in one day” spectacle.
Evening:Arrive in Urumqi, transfer to the airport according to flight schedules, and conclude the tour.
III. Pricing Explanation (2026 Reference Range)
Basic Package:5,800-7,200 RMB per person (small group of 4-6 people, including 7-seat business vehicle, driver service, 5 nights’ accommodation, first entrance tickets to scenic spots, 5 breakfasts and 4 main meals, horseback riding experience, dairy product making course)
Upgrade Options:
Yurt Upgrade:Double occupancy luxury yurt (including floor heating, bathroom) supplement 800 RMB per night
Photography Services:Drone rental for follow-shot photography 600 RMB per day
Dining Upgrade:Add roast whole lamb dinner supplement 1,200 RMB per table
II. Simple Itinerary (2026 Updated Version)Exclusions:Round-trip transportation between the mainland and Xinjiang, personal expenses, optional items within scenic spots (e.g., Xuelian Valley scenic shuttle bus 60 RMB per person), additional expenses due to weather or other force majeure factors.
Special Notes:Prices may fluctuate based on tour dates and accommodation standards; specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
IV. Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide you with a detailed itinerary manual, contract template, and real-time availability inquiry.
V. Service Explanation and Rights Protection
Vehicle Configuration:7-seat Buick GL8 or equivalent business vehicle, limited to 6 passengers per car, equipped with first aid kit, car refrigerator, and charging ports.
Accommodation Standards:4-diamond hotels in Urumqi/Yining/Tekes, grassland tribe yurts in Nalati (including electric blankets, shared bathrooms) or town homestays (Ctrip 3-diamond).
Dining Guarantee:Main meal standard 80-120 RMB per person, menus provided, accommodating special dietary needs for children and the elderly.
Emergency Plan:If the Duku Highway is closed, the itinerary will be changed to the Yizhao Highway + Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery plan; if Nalati self-drive tickets are sold out, transfer to a scenic shuttle bus and compensate for the price difference.
Contract Signing:An electronic contract supervised by the National Tourism Administration will be mailed within 3 working days after registration, clarifying service standards, liability for breach of contract, and other terms.
Day 1: Gathering in Urumqi · First Glimpse of Silk Road CharmVI. Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist
Documents:Valid identification, driver’s license (if self-driving), small amount of cash.
Clothing:Windbreaker, thin down jacket, quick-dry clothes, sun protection clothing, high-top hiking shoes.
Protection:SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, anti-mosquito spray.
Electronics:Offline map (recommended “Aoi Interactive Map”), power bank, spare camera battery.
Others:Thermos, personal medications, folding umbrella.
VII. Special Reminders
Grasslands have large temperature differences between day and night; even in summer, bring warm clothing to avoid catching a cold.
Daily limits on Nalati self-drive tickets; recommend booking 5 days in advance; may need to carpool during peak season.
Respect ethnic customs:Remove shoes before entering yurts, do not step on dining cloths with feet, obtain consent before photographing people.
The Duku Highway is recommended for vehicles under 7 seats; some sections have no signal; strictly follow the tour leader’s vehicle.
This itinerary seamlessly blends the vastness of grasslands, the warmth of ethnic cultures, and the wildness of nature. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a family with children, or a cultural traveler, you’ll find your own inspiration. In the summer of 2026, let’s meet in Northern Xinjiang, measure the grasslands on horseback, and savor life in the yurts!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation

