2026 Northern Xinjiang Stargazing Camping 7 Day Private Car Rental with Fixed Camping at Sayram Lake and Night Stargazing Vehicle Lease Quote Recommended Itinerary Price

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

Galaxy Dreams: 7-Day In-Depth Northern Xinjiang Starry Sky Camping Tour:Fixed stargazing at Sayram Lake + Free exploration of grassland pastures
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【Itinerary Highlights:Double Romance of Starry Sky and Grassland】
Summer in Northern Xinjiang is a fairy tale woven with starry skies and grasslands. For the summer vacation of 2026, we are launching a 7-day custom vehicle itinerary featuring ‘Fixed Camping at Sayram Lake + Free Travel on the Nalati Grassland.’ This tour avoids crowded scenic spots and delves deep into the heart of the Ili River Valley. It offers immersive stargazing experiences at three locations: the Xihai Starry Sky Campground by Sayram Lake, the Nalati Alpine Grassland, and the Aketasi Grassland. The itinerary covers four major landscapes: lakes, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and forests, with daily driving times limited to under 3 hours, making it ideal for families, couples, and photography enthusiasts.
I. Core Experiences of the Itinerary
Sayram Lake Starry Sky Campground:Stay at the Xihai Starry Sky Campground or the Muye Starry Sky Campground, which offer professional astronomical telescope rentals (50 RMB/hour). Nightly, starry sky guides share constellation stories. Located on the northern lakeside, the campground has a light pollution level of 1, allowing clear views of the summer Milky Way core. After 2 AM, meteor showers can be seen (July-August is the peak period for the Perseid meteor shower).
Nalati Grassland Pasture:Venture into the summer pastures of local communities to experience folk activities such as horseback riding through forests, milking cows, and making milk skins. At night, in luxurious grassland tents with panoramic skylights, observe the starry sky. The campground is equipped with electric blankets and warm air blowers to address the low nighttime temperatures on the grassland.
Aketasi Grassland Secret Realm: Explore this lesser-known grassland in the northern mountains of Tekes County, which is free and has no commercial development. In the evening, capture shots of snow-capped mountain reflections alongside the starry sky from a viewing platform at an altitude of 2,400 meters. The campground offers basic camping equipment rentals (tents 150 RMB/tent/night, including moisture-proof mats and sleeping bags).
II. Simple Itinerary Arrangement
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi → Sayram Lake (5.5-hour drive)

Galaxy Dreams: 7-Day In-Depth Northern Xinjiang Starry Sky Camping Tour: Fixed stargazing at Sayram Lake + Free exploration of grassland pasturesAfternoon:Arrive at Sayram Lake and embark on a self-drive tour around the lake (self-drive ticket 145 RMB/person, valid for 48 hours), with key stops at viewpoints such as Jiangtai, Swan’s Delight, and Kele Yongzhu.
Night:Check into the Xihai Starry Sky Campground and participate in a starry sky photography class organized by the campground (tripod rental available for 20 RMB/hour). After 11 PM, capture shots of the Milky Way arch.
Day 2:Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Huocheng Lavender Manor (2.5-hour drive)
Morning:Capture the sunrise over Sayram Lake in the early morning, then head to the Guozigou Bridge viewpoint to overlook the canyon and snow-capped mountains.
Afternoon:Visit the Princess Xieyou Lavender Garden in Huocheng’s Lucaogou Town (open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, ticket 60 RMB/person). June-July is the peak blooming period, offering opportunities to photograph a purple sea of flowers against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Night:Check into a homestay in Huocheng County and experience ethnic minority specialties (recommended: baked stuffed buns, hand-pulled rice).
Day 3:Huocheng → Yizhao Highway → Zhaosu Wetland (4-hour drive)
Morning:Traverse the Yizhao Highway (2026 new regulation: 40 RMB/vehicle), with stops at viewpoints such as Baishi Peak and Angelete Daban along the way.
Afternoon:Birdwatch at Zhaosu Wetland, where rare species such as swans and black-necked cranes can be seen in summer. Experience horseback riding on the grassland beside the wetland (80 RMB/hour).
Night:Check into a hotel in Zhaosu County. For free activities, we recommend visiting the Zhaosu night market (recommended: horse meat naren, kvass beverage).

(Opening icon)✨🌌🚗Day 4:Zhaosu → Xiata Ancient Path → Tekes Bagua City (3-hour drive)
Morning:Head to the Xiata Ancient Path (ticket 80 RMB/person, shuttle bus 40 RMB/person) and hike to the Flower Terrace for a close-up view of the Muzart Snow Mountain.
Afternoon:Arrive in Tekes Bagua City and ascend the Lijie Street Ferris wheel (50 RMB/person) for a panoramic view of the city. For dinner, we recommend the Bagua City night market (recommended: roast whole lamb, noodle lung).
Night:Check into a hotel in Tekes County. For free activities, visit the Yi Jing Cultural Park (free admission).
Day 5:Tekes → Aketasi Grassland → Nalati (3.5-hour drive)
Morning:Go to the Aketasi Grassland, set up tents under the guidance of local residents, and photograph the grassland flower sea and snow-capped mountains.
Afternoon:Drive to the Nalati Grassland and check into the Alpine Grassland Luxury Campground (tents with bathrooms, 800 RMB/tent/night). Experience grassland afternoon tea (milk tea + nang bread).
Night:The campground organizes a bonfire party (reservation required in advance) and offers opportunities to photograph the grassland starry sky and Milky Way.
Day 6:In-Depth Nalati Tour → Northern Section of the Duku Highway (4-hour drive)
Morning:Take the scenic area shuttle bus (95 RMB/person) to tour the Alpine Grassland and Panlong Valley Path, with key stops at attractions such as the Nomadic Family and Heaven’s Boundary Terrace.
Afternoon:Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway (recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer). Stop at attractions such as the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and Hashilegen Daban along the way.

【Itinerary Highlights: Double Romance of Starry Sky and Grassland】Night:Check into a hotel in Kuitun City. We recommend tasting ethnic minority风味 (flavor) restaurants (recommended:大盘鸡 (big plate chicken), peppery chicken).
Day 7:Kuitun → Return to Urumqi (3-hour drive)
Morning:Free activities. You can visit the Kuitun Grand Canyon to photograph geological wonders (ticket 45 RMB/person).
Afternoon:Return to Urumqi and conclude the itinerary.
III. Pricing Information (2026 Reference)
Custom Vehicle Fees
7-Seater Business Vehicle (Buick GL8):1,400 RMB/day (including driver service fee, fuel cost, toll fees, basic insurance)
9-Seater Minibus:2,000 RMB/day
Fees do not include tourist tickets, meals, accommodation, or personal expenses. If the itinerary involves cross-regional travel (e.g., Ili + Kashgar), fees will be calculated based on actual mileage and days.
Ticket and Experience Fees

Summer in Northern Xinjiang is a fairy tale woven with starry skies and grasslands. For the summer vacation of 2026, we are launching a 7-day custom vehicle itinerary featuring ‘Fixed Camping at Sayram Lake + Free Travel on the Nalati Grassland.’ This tour avoids crowded scenic spots and delves deep into the heart of the Ili River Valley. It offers immersive stargazing experiences at three locations: the Xihai Starry Sky Campground by Sayram Lake, the Nalati Alpine Grassland, and the Aketasi Grassland. The itinerary covers four major landscapes: lakes, grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and forests, with daily driving times limited to under 3 hours, making it ideal for families, couples, and photography enthusiasts.Sayram Lake Self-Drive Ticket:145 RMB/person (valid for 48 hours)
Nalati Grassland Ticket + Shuttle Bus:95 RMB/person + 40 RMB/person
Xiata Ancient Path Ticket + Shuttle Bus:80 RMB/person + 40 RMB/person
Starry Sky Campground Equipment Rentals:Tents 150-550 RMB/tent/night, astronomical telescope 50 RMB/hour
Special Notes
The summer vacation of 2026 is a peak travel season. Vehicles and accommodation must be booked 5-7 days in advance. Prices may fluctuate based on the travel period and are subject to contract confirmation.
Sayram Lake, Nalati, and other scenic spots implement visitor limits. Tickets must be reserved in advance through official accounts such as ‘Kalajun Tourism’ and ‘Smart Travel Nalati.’
IV. Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for itinerary details and availability.
V. Fee Explanation and Service Description

I. Core Experiences of the ItineraryFees Include:Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, basic insurance, and first admission tickets to scenic spots within the itinerary (excluding shuttle buses and self-paid items).
Fees Do Not Include:Round-trip major transportation, personal expenses, and additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., itinerary changes due to weather).
Service Standards:Vehicles are new within 3 years, with insurance provided for each seat. Drivers hold A1/A2 licenses and have over 5 years of driving experience in Northern Xinjiang. Campgrounds offer 24-hour hot water and basic medical support.
Single Registration:Our agency will make every effort to coordinate shared rooms. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
The actual consultation and contract signing shall prevail. Prices and availability are subject to contract confirmation and may fluctuate based on the travel period. The contract signed by both parties shall be the primary basis.
VI. Pre-Trip Tips
Equipment Recommendations:The grassland has large temperature variations between day and night. Bring a windbreaker, warm hat, and sunscreen. For starry sky photography, prepare a tripod and shutter release cable.
Policy Reminders:A border pass is required to visit the Xiata Ancient Path (can be entrusted to the travel agency for processing). For self-driving at Sayram Lake, vehicle information must be bound in advance.
Environmental Requirements:The campground implements a ‘Leave No Trace’ camping policy. Garbage must be cleaned up before departure; otherwise, an environmental deposit will be charged.
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【Itinerary Feature Summary】
This itinerary deeply combines starry sky observation with grassland culture, satisfying photography enthusiasts’ pursuit of superior starry skies while offering immersive experiences of ethnic minority life through activities such as home visits to local residents and horseback riding through forests. In the summer vacation of 2026, orders for the Sayram Lake Starry Sky Campground increased by 185% year-on-year. We recommend planning your itinerary in advance to secure vehicle and accommodation resources.

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