2026 Off Peak 6 Day Private Car Tour in Northern Xinjiang Avoid Summer Crowds, Enjoy Serene Grassland Scenery, Car Rental Quotes & Recommended Itinerary Prices
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
Explore the Serene Grasslands of Northern Xinjiang:2026 Off-Peak 6-Day Custom Vehicle Deep Travel Guide✨
[Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination]
The grasslands and lakes of Northern Xinjiang shed their summer hustle in September, ushering in the most colorful season of the year. At this time, Kanas is ablaze with autumn colors, the morning mist in Hemu is as delicate as silk, Sayram Lake is a pure shade of blue, and the northern section of the Duku Highway weaves together snow-capped mountains and golden grasslands, forming a flowing oil painting. Avoiding the peak tourist season of 50,000 visitors per day in July-August, traveling in September not only allows you to enjoy serene landscapes but also saves 10%-15% on custom vehicle costs.
This route connects three core scenic areas of Northern Xinjiang:The Altay Kanas-Hemu region, the Karamay Devil City Yardang landform, and the Ili River Valley grasslands. The entire journey uses 7-seater business vehicles or high-end off-road vehicles, staffed with experienced local drivers who can flexibly adjust the itinerary to avoid crowds.
[Simple Itinerary]
Day 1:Urumqi Assembly → Heavenly Lake (VIP access, no queuing) → Fuyun County
▸ Highlights:Arrive in Urumqi early in the morning and head directly to Heavenly Lake to avoid peak tourist groups. Take the VIP access vehicle straight to the lakeside, hike the West Small Heavenly Lake plank path, then drive 4 hours to Fuyun County in the afternoon for check-in at a local characteristic hotel.
Day 2:Fuyun → Koktokay Geological Wonders → Sunset at Colorful Beach → Burqin
Explore the Serene Grasslands of Northern Xinjiang: 2026 Off-Peak 6-Day Custom Vehicle Deep Travel Guide✨▸ Highlights:In the morning, visit the Koktokay National Geopark to observe the mineral veins and waterfalls of the Irtysh Grand Canyon; in the evening, arrive at Colorful Beach to capture the contrasting landscapes of golden poplars on the south bank and colorful hills on the north bank along the Irtysh River.
Day 3:Burqin → Hiking the Three Bays of Kanas → Fish-Viewing Platform for Panoramic Views → Kanas Wooden Cabin
▸ Highlights:Enter Kanas by shuttle bus early in the morning and hike the Fairy Bay-Moon Bay-Wolong Bay plank path (about 3 hours). At noon, ascend the Fish-Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake. In the evening, stay in a wooden cabin within the scenic area to experience the traditional lifestyle of the Tuwa people.
Day 4:Kanas → Hemu Morning Mist → Starry Sky at Haden Viewing Platform → Hemu Wooden Cabin
▸ Highlights:Head to Haden Viewing Platform at 6 a.m. to capture the morning mist over Hemu Village. In the morning, visit local families to learn about milking cows and making milk curds; in the evening, stroll through the birch forest in the village and observe the Milky Way with a professional telescope at night.
Day 5:Hemu → Devil City Yardang Landform → Karamay
▸ Highlights:Drive through the Gurbantunggut Desert in the morning and visit the World Devil City in the afternoon, taking a mini-train through the wind-eroded landforms. Arrive in Karamay in the evening and savor local specialty roast whole lamb.
Day 6:Karamay → Northern Section of Duku Highway → Urumqi Disbandment
[Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination]▸ Highlights:Depart early in the morning along the northern section of the Duku Highway, with stops at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and the Hashilergen Daban snow-capped mountains. Return to Urumqi in the afternoon and arrange airport transfers based on flight schedules.
[Price Explanation]
▸ Vehicle Type and Cost (based on a 7-seater business vehicle, shared by 6 people):
Low Season (September 1 – September 20):1200-1500 RMB/vehicle/day
Peak Season (September 21 – September 30):1500-1800 RMB/vehicle/day
▸ Total Cost Breakdown (based on 6 days in low season):
Basic Custom Vehicle Fee:1300 RMB/day × 6 days = 7800 RMB
Driver’s Accommodation and Meal Allowance:150 RMB/day × 5 days = 750 RMB (excluding the 6th day’s return trip)
The grasslands and lakes of Northern Xinjiang shed their summer hustle in September, ushering in the most colorful season of the year. At this time, Kanas is ablaze with autumn colors, the morning mist in Hemu is as delicate as silk, Sayram Lake is a pure shade of blue, and the northern section of the Duku Highway weaves together snow-capped mountains and golden grasslands, forming a flowing oil painting. Avoiding the peak tourist season of 50,000 visitors per day in July-August, traveling in September not only allows you to enjoy serene landscapes but also saves 10%-15% on custom vehicle costs.Total:8550 RMB (1425 RMB per person, shared by 6 people)
▸ Additional Cost References:
Scenic Area Tickets:Combined ticket for Kanas + Hemu + Devil City + Heavenly Lake: approximately 600 RMB per person
Special Experiences:Kanas boat tour: 280 RMB per person, Hemu horseback riding: 150 RMB per hour
Meals:Average main meal cost: 50-80 RMB per meal, approximately 800 RMB per person over 6 days
⚠ ️ Price Explanation:The above costs include vehicle usage fees, fuel fees, toll fees, driver service fees, and basic insurance, excluding personal consumer expenses and self-funded items within the scenic area. Specific costs are subject to the electronic contract provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. A 5%-10% discount is available for continuous vehicle usage of 7 days or more.
[Registration Method]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for the latest departure dates and custom plans. It is recommended to confirm the itinerary 7-10 days in advance, and book as early as possible during peak season when remaining seats are limited.
This route connects three core scenic areas of Northern Xinjiang: The Altay Kanas-Hemu region, the Karamay Devil City Yardang landform, and the Ili River Valley grasslands. The entire journey uses 7-seater business vehicles or high-end off-road vehicles, staffed with experienced local drivers who can flexibly adjust the itinerary to avoid crowds.[Cost Explanation and Service Explanation]
▸ Costs Include:
Official custom tourism vehicles for the entire journey (including driver, fuel fees, toll fees)
First admission tickets to scenic areas within the itinerary (including VIP access fees)
Driver’s accommodation and meal allowance and basic travel insurance
Emergency supplies such as first aid kits and oxygen cylinders
▸ Costs Exclude:
Personal consumer expenses (meals, shopping, transportation within the scenic area)
[Simple Itinerary] Round-trip transportation fees to Urumqi
(Single travelers will be coordinated for room-sharing as much as possible; special circumstances require separate negotiation)
▸ Service Explanation:
All drivers have over 5 years of experience on Northern Xinjiang routes and are familiar with the cultural customs of various ethnic settlements. They can assist with scenic area parking, ticket purchases, and other matters. In case of uncontrollable factors such as weather or policy changes during the itinerary, both parties can reasonably adjust the itinerary through mutual agreement. All service content, prices, and responsibility divisions are subject to the electronic contract signed by both parties.
[Practical Tips]
▸ Clothing Guide:The average daily temperature in Northern Xinjiang in September is 8-20℃. Bring a windbreaker, thermal underwear, and waterproof hiking shoes. Nighttime temperatures in Hemu Village may drop below 5℃; although there is underfloor heating in the wooden cabins, a thin down jacket is still recommended.
▸ Photography Suggestions:For morning mist photography at the Three Bays of Kanas, arrive before 6 a.m. The best spot for morning mist in Hemu Village is on the east side of Haden Viewing Platform. For lake photography around Sayram Lake, it is recommended to bring a polarizing filter to reduce water surface glare.
▸ Policy Reminders:Baihaba Village is a border management area, and advance通行登记 (pass registration) is required at the Burqin or Kanas service centers; the northern section of the Duku Highway is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily and may be temporarily closed in case of severe weather.
Autumn in Northern Xinjiang is like a palette overturned by the Creator. Avoid the crowds and spend 6 days deeply feeling the serenity of the grasslands and the profundity of the lakes. Let our professional team customize a fall trip without regrets for you. Specific itinerary details and costs are subject to the contract provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. We look forward to embarking on this visual feast with you!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation

