2026 Light Hiking in Northern and Southern Xinjiang 11 Day Group Tour Recommended Quotation for Xiata Muji Leisurely Trail Small Group How Much Does the Recommended Itinerary Cost

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

Icon prefix:✨【2026 11-Day In-Depth Light Hiking Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang】Gentle Trail of Xiata Muji · Comprehensive Quotation Analysis for Leisurely Small Group Tours✨
I. Key Highlights of the Route: A Light Hiking Experience Interwoven with Nature and Culture
【Xiata Muji Gentle Trail】Located at the junction of the Ili River Valley and Southern Xinjiang, it represents a “low-intensity, high-experience” hiking route in Xinjiang for 2026. The route connects three core landscapes: the Zhaosu Grassland, Xiata Ancient Road, and Muji Volcanic Craters, featuring a gentle trail design throughout. The average daily hiking duration is approximately 3-4 hours, making it suitable for family groups, middle-aged and elderly tourists, and photography enthusiasts.
Route Features:
Richly Layered Natural Landscapes:From the Zhaosu rape flower sea (blooming in June-July) to hiking on the Xiata Glacier, and then to the volcanic landscapes of the Muji Volcanic Craters, one can experience the scenery of all four seasons in a single day.
Deep Integration of Cultural History:Along the way, you will pass ancient road relics and villages of various ethnic groups, where you can participate in naan-making experiences and the grassland Nadamu Festival (held irregularly in July-August).
Light Hiking-Friendly Design:The trail’s altitude gain is gentle (the highest point is about 2,800 meters), equipped with professional guides and emergency medical support, allowing participation without the need for specialized equipment.
Priority on Ecological Protection:Daily visitor limit of 200 people, adopting a “hiking + sightseeing bus” shuttle model to minimize disturbance to the grassland ecosystem.
II. 11-Day Simple Itinerary (Real-time Optimized Version for 2026)
Days 1-2:Gathering in Urumqi · Initial Cultural Exploration
Transportation:Direct flights to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport from across the country, with private car transfers to downtown hotels.
Key Activities:
Visit the Xinjiang Museum (free, advance reservation required), focusing on artifacts unearthed from the “Niya Site” and exhibitions of ethnic costumes.

Icon prefix: ✨【2026 11-Day In-Depth Light Hiking Tour of Northern and Southern Xinjiang】Gentle Trail of Xiata Muji · Comprehensive Quotation Analysis for Leisurely Small Group Tours✨Stroll through the International Bazaar in the evening to sample specialty foods like baked buns and pilaf, with a recommendation to try the “Abula’s Naan” chain store.
Day 3:Urumqi → Zhaosu (approximately 8-hour drive, including 2 rest stops)
Transportation:Use of a 7-seater business vehicle throughout, equipped with oxygen cylinders and first aid kits.
Key Activities:
Cross the Guozigou Bridge for a panoramic view of Sayram Lake (not a full lake tour to save time).
Arrive at the Zhaosu Wetland Park in the evening to watch the performance of wild horses bathing in the river (starts daily at 18:00 in summer).
Day 4:Zhaosu → Xiata Ancient Road (hiking start point → Flower Terrace, about 6 km)
Transportation:Sightseeing bus shuttle to the hiking start point.
Key Activities:
Light hike through a spruce forest with a distant view of the Muzart Glacier, capturing shots of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and streams in the same frame along the way.
Lunch at a local resident’s home in Flower Terrace to experience baursak (fried dough pastries of various ethnic groups) with milk tea.
Day 5:Xiata → Muji Volcanic Craters (hiking about 8 km, cumulative ascent of 300 meters)
Transportation:Cross the Gobi Desert by off-road vehicle (about 2.5 hours).

I. Key Highlights of the Route: A Light Hiking Experience Interwoven with Nature and CultureKey Activities:
Hike the volcanic crater loop trail, observing the landscape interwoven with black basalt and red soil, and photographing the reflection of the “Volcanic Crater Lake.”
Participate in a multi-ethnic bonfire evening in Muji Township in the evening (advance reservation required).
Days 6-7:Muji → Karajun Grassland → Tekes (In-Depth Tour)
Transportation:Combination of business vehicle and sightseeing bus.
Key Activities:
Hike at the Karajun Falcon Terrace to observe the grassland’s five-colored flower sea (peak bloom in July).
Photograph the night view of Tekes八卦城 (Bagua City), with a recommendation to ascend the Lijie Street observation deck (free).
Days 8-9:Tekes → Nalati Grassland → Northern Section of the Duku Highway
Transportation:Return journey along the Duku Highway with segmented tours.
Key Activities:
Horseback riding on the Nalati空中草原 (Aerial Grassland) (2-hour experience, including insurance).
Check in at the “Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery” on the northern section of the Duku Highway to learn about the road construction history.

【Xiata Muji Gentle Trail】Located at the junction of the Ili River Valley and Southern Xinjiang, it represents a “low-intensity, high-experience” hiking route in Xinjiang for 2026. The route connects three core landscapes: the Zhaosu Grassland, Xiata Ancient Road, and Muji Volcanic Craters, featuring a gentle trail design throughout. The average daily hiking duration is approximately 3-4 hours, making it suitable for family groups, middle-aged and elderly tourists, and photography enthusiasts.Days 10-11:Return to Urumqi · Free Activities
Transportation:Private car transfer to the airport.
Key Activities:
Flexible arrangement based on flight time, with a recommendation to purchase dried fruit as souvenirs (recommend the “Xiyu Guoyuan” brand).
Complimentary Xinjiang tourism souvenir booklet (including itinerary photos and introductions to various ethnic cultures).
III. Pricing Explanation (Real-time Reference for 2026)
【Basic Package】Starting at 5,980 RMB per person (group of 6, including the following services):
Transportation:Full journey in a 7-seater business vehicle (including fuel, tolls, driver’s accommodation and meals).
Accommodation:8 nights in comfortable hotels (default twin room, efforts made to arrange room-sharing for solo travelers) + 2 nights in scenic area specialty accommodations (such as Xiata wooden houses, Nalati yurts).
Admission Tickets:First entrance tickets to Xiata Ancient Road, Karajun, Nalati, etc.
Meals:10 breakfasts + 8 main meals (including 3 special meals: roast whole lamb, cold-water fish banquet, grassland home feast).
Services:Professional hiking guide, travel accident insurance, 24-hour emergency response.
【Upgrade Options】(Need to be reserved 15 days in advance):

Route Features:Accommodation Upgrade:Stargazing RV inside Nalati scenic area (+800 RMB per person per night).
Experience Upgrade:Xiata Glacier helicopter tour (+1,200 RMB per person, limited to 4 people).
Photography Services:Professional photographer for 1 day (+600 RMB per person, including 10 retouched photos).
Important Reminder:Prices may fluctuate based on the tour date, with specifics subject to actual consultation and contract signing. A deposit is required to secure spots during peak season (June-August), with the balance due 7 days before departure.
IV. Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for details.
Registration Process:
Submit the number of travelers, dates, and special requests (such as single room, dietary restrictions).
Customer service will provide feedback on the itinerary plan and cost breakdown within 72 hours.
After confirmation, sign an electronic contract (supports online signing) and pay the deposit.
Receive the “Pre-Trip Manual” (including weather warnings, equipment list, emergency contacts) 3 days before departure.
V. Cost Explanation and Service Explanation
Included Costs:See the “Service Standards” clause in the contract for details, including but not limited to transportation, accommodation, admission tickets, meals, and guide services.

Richly Layered Natural Landscapes: From the Zhaosu rape flower sea (blooming in June-July) to hiking on the Xiata Glacier, and then to the volcanic landscapes of the Muji Volcanic Craters, one can experience the scenery of all four seasons in a single day.Excluded Costs:Round-trip major transportation, personal expenses, price differences for upgrade options, additional expenses due to weather-related itinerary changes.
Service Guarantees:
Daily vehicle disinfection, drivers with health green codes on duty.
AED emergency equipment and satellite phones equipped on hiking sections.
Daily itinerary can be negotiated for minor adjustments (in case of extreme weather or scenic area visitor limits).
Specifics subject to actual consultation and contract signing, with both parties’ rights and obligations based on the contract.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1:What equipment is needed for summer hiking?
A:Recommended to bring sunscreen (SPF50+), windbreaker (large temperature differences in mountainous areas), hiking shoes (non-slip mid-top), trekking poles (rentable at the scenic area). The travel agency provides complimentary windproof scarves and rain ponchos.
Q2:Is the Duku Highway passage guaranteed?
A:In 2026, the Duku Highway implements a “segmented visitor limit + reservation passage” system. The travel agency submits vehicle information 3 days in advance, with a passage rate of over 98%. In case of temporary closure, an alternative plan of “Yizhao Highway + S101” will be adopted.
Q3:Can foreign tourists be accommodated?
A:Passport information needs to be submitted 30 days in advance, with the travel agency assisting in obtaining the border pass (free). Access to some areas (such as Muji Volcanic Craters) may be restricted, subject to real-time policies.
Conclusion:
This light hiking route in northern and southern Xinjiang focuses on “low intensity, deep experience,” avoiding the long-distance travel of traditional loop routes while integrating Xinjiang’s most精华 (essential) natural and cultural landscapes in summer. In 2026, let’s measure the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains with our footsteps, feeling the vastness and gentleness of the Western Regions on gentle trails.

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