2026 10 Day Southern and Northern Xinjiang Yining Loop Tour Kashgar Old Town Highland Travel Photography, SUV Rental Cost Online Inquiry Recommended Itinerary Price

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

Star Recommendation✨:2026 10-Day Loop Around Northern and Southern Xinjiang, Yining: SUV Self-Drive Photography Tour of Kazanqi Ancient Town and Plateau Hidden Gems
I. Itinerary Highlights and In-Depth Destination Analysis
This loop connects three core areas: Kanas in Northern Xinjiang, the Ili River Valley, and the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang, covering five major landform types: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, canyons, and ancient towns. The average daily driving time is controlled between 4-6 hours, making it suitable for photography enthusiasts and nature explorers.
[Kanas Lake]
Current Opening Policy:Open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with unobstructed access to Guanyu Platform and the Three Bays Hiking Trail. In 2026, a new drone aerial photography permit area will be added (advance registration required). The lakeside wooden cabin accommodation area will be upgraded with underfloor heating to address nighttime low temperatures on the plateau.
[Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area]
Core Photography Scenes:The traditional residential clusters of various ethnic groups remain intact, with blue door and window architectural groups and handicraft workshops forming a natural photography studio. In 2026, a new “Intangible Cultural Heritage Artisan Follow-Shot Service” will be added to document traditional crafts such as earthenware making and Atlas silk weaving.
[Pamir Plateau]
Seasonal Limited-Time Landscapes:From June to September, the water level of Baisha Lake reaches its peak, and the viewing platform at Muztagh Ata offers new 8K ultra-high-definition telescope rental services. The section from Tashkurgan County to the Panlong Ancient Road has been paved with asphalt, allowing SUV access directly to the entrance of the Wakhan Corridor.
[Duku Highway]
Traffic Guarantee:In 2026, a dynamic traffic control system will be implemented, limiting daily vehicle passage to under 3,000. Two emergency oxygen supply stations will be added at Hashilergen Daban in the northern section to address altitude sickness issues.
II. 10-Day Itinerary Framework (SUV Self-Drive Version)

Star Recommendation✨: 2026 10-Day Loop Around Northern and Southern Xinjiang, Yining: SUV Self-Drive Photography Tour of Kazanqi Ancient Town and Plateau Hidden GemsDays 1-2: In-Depth Experience in Urumqi
Highlights:Visit the Xinjiang Museum (reservation required) to see “unique folk customs” mummies, and explore Lingguan Lane for roasted stuffed buns (recommended: “Ailijiang Nang Pit Meat” old shop).
Accommodation:Four-star hotel around Hongshan Park (convenient for car pickup the next day).
Day 3: Urumqi → Sayram Lake (520 km / 6.5 hours)
Highlights:270° unobstructed self-drive section around the lake, with a new water swing installation at the Jinhua Zihui scenic spot.
Tips:Check into the lakeside RV camp in the evening for starry sky reflection photography.
Day 4: Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Yining (150 km / 3 hours)
Photography Spots:Guozigou cliff viewpoint (20-minute hike required), follow-shot of ethnic wedding scenes in the Kazanqi Folk Village.
Dining:Try “Kawas” honey wine with roast whole lamb at the Ili River Bridge Night Market.
Day 5: Yining → Xiate Ancient Trail → Zhaosu (280 km / 5 hours)
Experience:Light hike to the Flower Terrace on the Xiate Trail, horseback riding through the ancient trail (80 yuan/hour).
Policy:Two equestrian performances daily at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM at the Zhaosu Tianma Cultural Park.

I. Itinerary Highlights and In-Depth Destination AnalysisDay 6: Zhaosu → Karajun Grassland → Tekes (120 km / 3 hours)
Activities:Photograph the human-shaped grassland light and shadow at the Falcon Platform, aerial photography of the Bagua City night view (registration required).
Accommodation:Grassland yurt experience (electric blankets provided).
Day 7: Tekes → Nalati Grassland (260 km / 4 hours)
Upgraded Service:Direct self-drive shuttle to the Nomad’s Home, complimentary grassland afternoon tea (including ethnic snacks).
Photography:The网红 (internet-famous) single-log bridge is open exclusively from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
Day 8: Nalati → Duku Highway → Tangbula (180 km / 5 hours)
Hidden Gem Exploration:Self-drive on the Mengkete Ancient Trail (200 yuan/vehicle toll), free highway landscape of the Hundred-Mile Gallery.
Tips:Purchase black bee honey souvenirs at Tangbula Bee Town.
Day 9: Tangbula → S101 → Urumqi (480 km / 7 hours)
Landscapes:Danxia landform framed with the Anjihai Grand Canyon, Lujiaowan summer pasture.
Return Trip:Suggested departure after 7:00 PM to avoid evening rush hour.

This loop connects three core areas: Kanas in Northern Xinjiang, the Ili River Valley, and the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang, covering five major landform types: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, canyons, and ancient towns. The average daily driving time is controlled between 4-6 hours, making it suitable for photography enthusiasts and nature explorers.Day 10: Free Activities in Urumqi
Recommendations:Purchase dried fruits at Hualing Market (recommended brand: “Xiyu Guohuang”), buy Atlas silk products at the Grand Bazaar.
III. SUV Rental Fee Breakdown (2026 Reference Prices)
Basic Models:
5-Seater Urban SUV (Honda CR-V/Nissan X-Trail):400-700 yuan/day (includes basic insurance).
Professional Off-Road Vehicles (Toyota Prado/Tank 300):600-1000 yuan/day (includes desert insurance).
7-Seater Business Vehicle (Maxus G10):800-1200 yuan/day (suitable for 3-4 person photography teams).
Fees Include:
Vehicle usage fee, driver’s salary (if required), fuel fee, toll fees.
Compulsory traffic insurance + third-party liability insurance (≥2 million yuan), seat insurance (≥500,000 yuan/seat).
24-hour roadside assistance, basic repair toolkit.
Fees Exclude:

[Kanas Lake]Entrance tickets (Kanas + shuttle bus 230 yuan/person, Sayram Lake 145 yuan/person).
Accommodation (4-star hotel standard room 400-800 yuan/night).
Dining (80-150 yuan/day per person).
Photography services (professional photographer follow-shot 800-1200 yuan/day).
Seasonal Fluctuations:
Peak Season (June-August):Prices increase by 30%-50%.
Regular Season (May/September-October):Base price.
Off-Season (November-April):Prices decrease by 20%-40%.
IV. Registration and Consultation Methods
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for specific departure dates and vehicle availability. The agency provides electronic contract filing services, with fee breakdowns and liability clauses requiring signatures from both parties.
V. Fee Explanation and Service Guarantees
Fee Confirmation:Total fees are subject to the contract signed by both parties and may fluctuate based on departure dates.

Current Opening Policy: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with unobstructed access to Guanyu Platform and the Three Bays Hiking Trail. In 2026, a new drone aerial photography permit area will be added (advance registration required). The lakeside wooden cabin accommodation area will be upgraded with underfloor heating to address nighttime low temperatures on the plateau.Vehicle Guarantee:Provide a copy of the vehicle registration certificate and inspection photos, striving for vehicle age ≤5 years.
Insurance Upgrade:Additional purchase options for “Tire Insurance” (100 yuan/day) and “Glass Insurance” (150 yuan/day).
Emergency Plan:Provide a replacement vehicle within 2 hours in case of breakdown; helicopter rescue available in remote areas (at own expense).
VI. Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist
Documents:Valid ID, driver’s license (for self-drivers), permit (required in advance for Pamir Plateau section).
Gear:Sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, windbreaker (plateau temperature difference up to 20°C).
Electronics:Offline maps (some mountainous areas in Xinjiang have no signal), car charger, spare camera battery.
Medications:Altitude sickness medication (Rhodiola extract), gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness patches.
VII. Precautions
Road Conditions:Duku Highway has traffic guidance from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM daily; some sections of S101 are unpaved.
Photography Regulations:Drone use prohibited in Kanas Lake area; aerial photography applications for Pamir Plateau must be submitted 3 working days in advance.
Ethnic Customs:Remove shoes and wear long pants when entering; obtain consent before photographing local residents.
This loop deeply integrates natural wonders with cultural experiences, enabling precise “point-to-point” photography through SUV self-driving. It is recommended to book vehicles and accommodations at least 15 working days in advance, with a 50% deposit required for some high-end homestays during peak season. For specific itinerary details, consult professional planners at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for flexible adjustments based on weather and road conditions.

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