2026 9 Day Private Car Rental on Northern Xinjiang Scenic Avenue Full Itinerary Cost Inquiry for Popular Duoku and Yizhao Highways Recommended Route Pricing
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Secret Realm of Northern Xinjiang:2026 9-Day In-Depth Customized Car Tour of the Duku and Yizhao Highways: A Comprehensive Guide
🌄 [Route Highlights:An Epic Highway Journey Through the Tianshan Mountains]
Summer in Northern Xinjiang is a paradise for self-drive enthusiasts. In 2026, the Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway will be linked, connecting the best sceneries north and south of the Tianshan Mountains. This 9-day customized car tour will take you through four major landscapes—snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and wetlands—with six high-quality scenic spots to visit, offering a visual feast of ‘four seasons in one day and different weather every ten miles.’
🚗 [Analysis of Core Scenic Zones]
Duku Highway (G217):Starting from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north and ending in Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south, the highway spans 561 kilometers. It will be open from June 1 to October 10, 2026, featuring six core attractions: Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery, Nalati Grassland, Bayinbuluk Nine-Curve Eighteen-Bend, Large and Small Dragon Pools, and Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon. Among them, the Hashilergen Daban (3,400 meters above sea level) is covered in snow year-round, allowing for snow sliding experiences in summer.
Yizhao Highway (S237): Starting from Yining City in the north and ending in Zhaosu County in the south, the highway is 122 kilometers long. It will be open from June 1 to October 10, 2026, and is known as the ‘Mini Duku.’ Crossing the Angelete Daban (3,000 meters above sea level), it passes by Baishifeng Viewing Platform, Wild Wolf Valley, and Maheqin Grassland, with cliffs and alpine meadows intertwined along the way, posing a driving difficulty level of 4.8 (out of 5).
Scenic Complementarity:The Duku Highway focuses on macro landscape changes, while the Yizhao Highway highlights micro ecological details. It is recommended to split the two routes into the front and back segments of the itinerary to avoid visual fatigue.
📅 [2026 9-Day Simple Itinerary]
(Optimized based on on-site inspections by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Key Points:Vehicle inspection, supply procurement, pre-trip briefing
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in Urumqi (breakfast included)
Tips:It is recommended to visit the International Bazaar to purchase dry food such as nang (a type of flatbread) and nuts
Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (550km/7h)
Highlights:Drive 120 kilometers around the lake, visiting Kele Yongzhu, Swan Habitat, and S-Curve Highway
Secret Realm of Northern Xinjiang: 2026 9-Day In-Depth Customized Car Tour of the Duku and Yizhao Highways: A Comprehensive GuideDining:Lakeside picnic (travel agency provides food packages)
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in Qingshuihe Town
Day 3:Sayram Lake → Yizhao Highway → Zhaosu (320km/6h)
Key Points:Pass through the Yizhao Highway before 9:00 AM and photograph the morning mist at the Baishifeng Cloud Market
Experience:Watch thousands of horses galloping at Zhaosu Wetland Park (two shows daily at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM)
Accommodation:Five-star hotel in Zhaosu County
Day 4:Zhaosu → Xiata Ancient Trail → Tekes (180km/4h)
Core:Hike 8 kilometers along the Xiata Ancient Trail to Kala House, getting a close view of the Muzart Snow Mountain
Dining:Special hand-grabbed mutton in Tekes Bagua City
Accommodation:Four-star homestay in Tekes County
Day 5:Tekes → Kalajun Grassland → Nalati (280km/5h)
Highlights:Horseback riding across Kalajun Falcon Terrace and sunset photography at Nalati Aerial Grassland
Equipment:Travel agency provides windproof face masks and snowfield reflectors
Accommodation:High-end homestay in Nalati Town
Day 6:Nalati → Northern Section of Duku Highway → Bayinbuluk (180km/4h)
🌄[Route Highlights: An Epic Highway Journey Through the Tianshan Mountains]Key Points:Traverse the Qiaoerma Glacier Relics and wait for the ‘Nine Suns’ spectacle at the Nine-Curve Eighteen-Bend
Warning:The peak rainfall period is from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily; bring raincoats
Accommodation:Eco-hotel in Bayinbuluk Town
Day 7:Bayinbuluk → Middle Section of Duku Highway → Kuqa (260km/5h)
Core:Photography at Large and Small Dragon Pools and hiking adventure in Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon
Equipment:The temperature difference inside the canyon can reach 15°C; bring a thin down jacket
Accommodation:Five-star hotel in Kuqa City
Day 8:Kuqa → Aksu → Kashgar (480km/6h)
Change Day:Choose to continue the Northern Xinjiang itinerary or switch to Southern Xinjiang based on team stamina
Alternative Plan:Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves or Wensu Grand Canyon
Accommodation:Characteristic homestay in Kashgar Old City
Day 9:Disband in Kashgar
Services:Airport/train station drop-off services provided
Souvenirs:Complimentary Duku Highway commemorative badge and scenic postcards along the way
💰 [2026 Customized Car Tour Fee Reference]
Summer in Northern Xinjiang is a paradise for self-drive enthusiasts. In 2026, the Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway will be linked, connecting the best sceneries north and south of the Tianshan Mountains. This 9-day customized car tour will take you through four major landscapes—snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and wetlands—with six high-quality scenic spots to visit, offering a visual feast of ‘four seasons in one day and different weather every ten miles.’(Recent quote from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency in July)
Basic Vehicle Package
5-seater city SUV (Toyota RAV4/Honda CR-V)
Off-peak Season (May, September-October):900-1100 RMB/day
Peak Season (June-August, National Day):1100-1300 RMB/day
Suitable For:2-4 people traveling light with little luggage
Comfort Vehicle Package
7-seater business van (Buick GL8/SAIC Maxus G10)
Off-peak Season:1200-1500 RMB/day
Peak Season:1500-1800 RMB/day
Suitable For:Family trips, equipped with air conditioning vents
High-end Vehicle Package
7-seater first-class cabin (Mercedes-Benz Vito 1+1 seats)
Off-peak Season:1800-2200 RMB/day
Peak Season:2200-2600 RMB/day
🚗[Analysis of Core Scenic Zones]Suitable For:Business receptions, with seat spacing exceeding 1 meter
Special Road Condition Vehicle
Off-road vehicle (Toyota Prado/Tank 300)
Off-peak Season:1200-1500 RMB/day
Peak Season:1500-1800 RMB/day
Suitable For:Unpaved roads on the Duku Highway and hairpin bends on the Panlong Ancient Trail
Fees Included
Vehicle usage fee, fuel fee, highway tolls, parking fees
Driver service fee and basic insurance (coverage of 500,000 RMB/person)
Onboard emergency supplies (oxygen cylinders, snow chains, first aid kits)
Fees Excluded
Driver’s food and accommodation subsidies (150-200 RMB/day or included in the contract as coordinated by the travel agency)
Scenic spot tickets (total budget approximately 800-1200 RMB/person)
Special experience items (horseback riding 200 RMB/hour, boat ride 280 RMB/person, etc.)
Dining expenses (average 50-80 RMB/meal for regular meals)
Duku Highway (G217): Starting from Dushanzi District, Karamay City in the north and ending in Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture in the south, the highway spans 561 kilometers. It will be open from June 1 to October 10, 2026, featuring six core attractions: Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery, Nalati Grassland, Bayinbuluk Nine-Curve Eighteen-Bend, Large and Small Dragon Pools, and Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon. Among them, the Hashilergen Daban (3,400 meters above sea level) is covered in snow year-round, allowing for snow sliding experiences in summer.📝 [Registration and Inquiry]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for a detailed itinerary and availability information.
📋 [Fee and Service Instructions]
Price Validity Period:June 1 to October 10, 2026 (Duku/Yizhao Highway open period)
Schedule Changes:In case of extreme weather or policy changes, both parties can agree to make reasonable changes to the itinerary
Vehicle Configuration:All vehicles are equipped with GPS positioning systems and dashcams, with daily disinfection records available for inspection
Driver Qualifications:Certified drivers with over 5 years of driving experience in Northern Xinjiang, familiar with 32 emergency avoidance points
Insurance Plan:Basic travel accident insurance (can be upgraded to coverage of 1 million RMB)
Contract Signing:An electronic contract will be sent within 3 working days after paying the deposit, and a tour notice will be received 3 days before departure
Subject to actual consultation and contracting
⚠ ️[Pre-Trip Must-Reads]
Document Preparation:Carry valid identification with you; a travel permit can be obtained free of charge at your household registration location or Urumqi Airport
Clothing Suggestions:Adopt the ‘sandwich dressing method’ (quick-drying shirt + fleece jacket + windproof jacket)
Photography Equipment:It is recommended to bring a 70-200mm telephoto lens for shooting snow mountain details
Environmental Protection Commitment:Biodegradable garbage bags will be provided throughout the trip; throwing items out of the car window is prohibited
Special Reminder:The Duku Highway has a daily limit of 3,000 vehicles; it is recommended to book 15 days in advance
This 9-day in-depth route optimally combines the grandeur of the Duku Highway with the steepness of the Yizhao Highway, avoiding the mainstream tourist flow in July-August while capturing the flower sea spectacle in mid-to-late June. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, through its scientific fleet scheduling system, strives to pass key points before 9:00 AM daily to maximize touring time. According to recent data in July 2026, the route has a tourist satisfaction rate of 98.7%, becoming a benchmark product in the Northern Xinjiang self-drive market.
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
