2026 8 Day Self Guided Tour of Northern Xinjiang with Flexible Stops and No Fixed Itinerary Car Rental Price Registration Recommended Itinerary Cost

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation.

Explore Northern Xinjiang:2026 8-Day Customized Self-Drive Tour Guide for Northern Xinjiang
🌄 Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination
Northern Xinjiang, a vast land with magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic cultures, attracts countless travelers. In 2026, choosing a customized self-drive tour will offer you an excellent opportunity to deeply explore Northern Xinjiang. Starting from Urumqi, you will pass famous attractions such as Heavenly Lake, Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Sayram Lake along the way, each exuding unique charm.
Heavenly Lake, located on the northern slope of Bogda Peak, is a famous summer resort in Xinjiang. The lake is clear, surrounded by mountains, with snow-capped peaks reflecting on the water, creating a picturesque scene. Kanas Lake is renowned worldwide for its mysterious lake monster legends and ever-changing lake colors, while the primitive forests and Tuva villages by the lake add to its mysterious charm. Hemu Village, known as “God’s own backyard,” features scattered wooden houses and wisps of cooking smoke, making it an ideal place to experience traditional ethnic life. Sayram Lake, with its vast lake surface and clear waters, is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
🚗 Simple Itinerary
For this self-drive tour in Northern Xinjiang, we will adopt a customized vehicle format, allowing for flexible stops throughout the journey without a fixed itinerary, enabling you to fully enjoy the fun of independent travel. Below is a simple itinerary based on current information, which can be adjusted according to your interests and actual circumstances.
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi

Explore Northern Xinjiang: 2026 8-Day Customized Self-Drive Tour GuideUpon arrival in Urumqi, complete car rental procedures, familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s performance, and prepare for the upcoming journey. In the evening, you can stroll through the Urumqi International Bazaar to experience the city’s prosperity and diversity.
Day 2:Urumqi – Heavenly Lake
After breakfast, drive to Heavenly Lake for a tour of about 4 hours. After lunch, continue to Fuyun County, enjoying the magnificent scenery of Northern Xinjiang along the way.
Day 3:Fuyun County – Kanas Lake
After breakfast, head to Kanas Lake, passing by Koktokay National Geopark for a brief stop. Upon arrival in Kanas, check into a hotel within the scenic area for convenience for the next day’s tour.
Day 4:Full-Day Tour of Kanas Lake
Spend the whole day exploring Kanas Lake, with options for hiking, horseback riding, or boat tours. In the late afternoon, visit the Fish-Viewing Pavilion for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake.

🌄 Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or DestinationDay 5:Kanas Lake – Hemu Village
After breakfast, drive to Hemu Village, enjoying beautiful grassland scenery along the way. Upon arrival in Hemu Village, check into a local wooden house to experience traditional ethnic life.
Day 6:Full-Day Tour of Hemu Village
Spend the whole day exploring Hemu Village, visiting Tuva villages to learn about their culture and lifestyle. In the late afternoon, climb the small hill beside Hemu Village to enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Day 7:Hemu Village – Sayram Lake
After breakfast, drive to Sayram Lake, passing by Burqin County for a brief stop at the Colorful Beach. Upon arrival at Sayram Lake, check into a lakeside hotel to enjoy the peaceful lakeside time.
Day 8:Sayram Lake – Urumqi

Northern Xinjiang, a vast land with magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic cultures, attracts countless travelers. In 2026, choosing a customized self-drive tour will offer you an excellent opportunity to deeply explore Northern Xinjiang. Starting from Urumqi, you will pass famous attractions such as Heavenly Lake, Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Sayram Lake along the way, each exuding unique charm.After breakfast, enjoy free activities by Sayram Lake, with options for hiking, photography, or boat tours. After lunch, drive back to Urumqi to conclude a pleasant self-drive tour in Northern Xinjiang.
💰 Price Description
The cost of customized vehicles for this self-drive tour in Northern Xinjiang varies depending on the vehicle model and rental days. Below are the reference prices for 2026:
Economy Models (e.g., Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Vios, etc.):Daily rental around 400-600 yuan, including vehicle rental fee, basic insurance fee, and unlimited mileage fee.
Comfort Models (e.g., Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, etc.):Daily rental around 600-900 yuan, also including vehicle rental fee, basic insurance fee, and unlimited mileage fee.
Luxury Models (e.g., Toyota Prado, Mercedes-Benz GLC, etc.):Daily rental around 900-1500 yuan, including vehicle rental fee, comprehensive insurance, and unlimited mileage fee.
The above prices are for reference only, with specific prices subject to the contract or confirmation on the day. The customized vehicle cost does not include fuel costs, toll fees, parking fees, or driver’s accommodation and meals (if driver service is required). Reasonable itinerary changes can be made upon mutual agreement, with costs potentially fluctuating based on the tour schedule.

Heavenly Lake, located on the northern slope of Bogda Peak, is a famous summer resort in Xinjiang. The lake is clear, surrounded by mountains, with snow-capped peaks reflecting on the water, creating a picturesque scene. Kanas Lake is renowned worldwide for its mysterious lake monster legends and ever-changing lake colors, while the primitive forests and Tuva villages by the lake add to its mysterious charm. Hemu Village, known as “God’s own backyard,” features scattered wooden houses and wisps of cooking smoke, making it an ideal place to experience traditional ethnic life. Sayram Lake, with its vast lake surface and clear waters, is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.📝 Registration Method
To participate in this customized self-drive tour in Northern Xinjiang, register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Simply contact customer service manager Zhang Jing, providing personal information and travel needs to complete the registration.
💡 Cost Description and Service Description
Cost Includes:Vehicle rental fee, basic insurance fee, and unlimited mileage fee (varying by vehicle model).
Cost Does Not Include:Fuel costs, toll fees, parking fees, driver’s accommodation and meals (if driver service is required), personal expenses, and other costs not mentioned in the itinerary.
Service Description:Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency will provide you with professional customized vehicle services, including vehicle scheduling, itinerary planning, and emergency rescue. Specific service content is subject to actual consultation and contracting.
When registering individually, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency will make every effort to coordinate shared accommodations to reduce your住宿费用 (accommodation costs). If shared accommodations cannot be arranged due to special circumstances, alternative accommodation arrangements will need to be negotiated.

🚗 Simple ItineraryDuring the trip, if itinerary changes or cancellations occur due to uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, or policies, both parties will make reasonable changes upon mutual agreement. If changes or cancellations are required due to personal reasons, communicate with the travel agency in advance and sign a change or cancellation agreement.
📞 Contact Information
If you have any questions or need more information, consult customer service manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. We will wholeheartedly provide you with assistance and services.
🌈 Travel Tips
Plan Ahead:Although this is a self-drive tour, planning a general itinerary and sightseeing order in advance can help you utilize your time more efficiently.
Be Well-Prepared:Northern Xinjiang has significant temperature differences between day and night and strong UV radiation. Be sure to bring enough warm clothing and sun protection items. Additionally, preparing some common medications and first aid supplies is essential.
Respect Local Culture:During the tour, respect local ethnic cultures and customs, and avoid impolitely photographing or disturbing the lives of local residents.
First:During the customized self-drive tour, be sure to obey traffic rules, avoid speeding or fatigued driving. Also, take good care of your personal belongings and important documents.
Northern Xinjiang, a mysterious and beautiful land, is waiting for your exploration. Choosing a customized self-drive tour will offer you an unforgettable travel experience. Come join us and embark on this Northern Xinjiang journey together!

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation.