2026 12 Day Hiking Tour in Mountain Valleys of Northern and Southern Xinjiang for Middle aged and Elderly with Gentle Routes 2026 Online Inquiry for Group Fee Recommended Route Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and quotation.
Starred Recommendation✨:12-Day Hiking Tour in the Mountain Valleys of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 2026 – A gentle route designed specifically for middle-aged and elderly travelers, offering an immersive experience of the picturesque landscapes of the Western Regions.
I. Key Highlights of the Route: A low-intensity, high-experience mountain and water hiking journey.
Tailored to the physical characteristics of middle-aged and elderly travelers, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency has specially designed the “12-Day Mountain Valley Hiking Route,” selecting two major geographical units: the grassland valleys of Northern Xinjiang and the plateau lakes of Southern Xinjiang. The average daily hiking duration is controlled to 2-3 hours, primarily featuring wooden plank paths and gentle slope trails, avoiding high-altitude passes and gravel sections. The route connects four core scenic spots: Sayram Lake, Kalajun Grassland, Nalati Sky Grassland, and Baisha Lake, integrating four major landscapes: lakes, forests, snow-capped mountains, and wetlands. Hikers can stop at any time to take photos or rest during the hike, balancing both exercise and sightseeing needs.
[Geographical Features]
Sayram Lake Circular Trail:Laid with non-slip wooden plank paths and equipped with 8 observation decks along the way, allowing close-up views of the lake’s blue-green gradient that changes with the light.
Kalajun Human Body Grassland:A 1.5-kilometer gentle slope trail is set up from the Flower Terrace to the Falcon Terrace, avoiding muddy sections of the original pastoral path.
Nalati Panlong Valley Trail:The original horse trail has been transformed into a gravel path with a slope controlled within 8°, equipped with rest benches.
Baisha Lake Wooden Plank Path:A 2-kilometer anti-corrosion wooden plank path is built along the lakeshore to avoid difficulties walking on sandy terrain.
[Safety Measures]
Each group is equipped with 2 certified outdoor guides, both holding Red Cross first aid certificates.
Portable oxygen generators, blood oxygen meters, and high-altitude emergency medicines are carried in the vehicle.
Reflective markers are laid along the hiking trails, and headlamp rental services are provided at night.
II. 12-Day Itinerary Arrangement: Scientifically allocate physical effort for an immersive experience of the changing seasons.
[Days 1-2: Gathering in Urumqi]
Starred Recommendation✨: 12-Day Hiking Tour in the Mountain Valleys of Northern and Southern Xinjiang in 2026 – A gentle route designed specifically for middle-aged and elderly travelers, offering an immersive experience of the picturesque landscapes of the Western Regions. Upon arrival, check into a four-star hotel in the city center. For leisure activities, we recommend visiting the Autonomous Region Museum (advance reservation required).
A pre-trip briefing will be held the next day, and customized hiking poles and windproof face masks will be distributed.
[Days 3-5: Exploring Northern Xinjiang Valleys]
Urumqi → Sayram Lake (550 kilometers, 6.5 hours by car)
In the afternoon, hike 3 kilometers around the lake, focusing on photographing the swans at the Jiangjuntai viewpoint.
The next morning, hike from the Qinshuitan beach to the Jinhua Zihui section, capturing the lake’s reflections amidst the morning mist.
On the third day, cross the Guozigou Bridge observation deck and hike 2 kilometers to the Cliff Café for a rest.
[Days 6-8: Light Hiking on the Ili Grasslands]
Sayram Lake → Kalajun Grassland (280 kilometers, 4 hours by car)
Hike 5 kilometers from the Flower Terrace to the Falcon Terrace, with 3 supply points set up along the way.
The next day, visit the Qiongkushitai primitive village and experience making nang (a type of bread) in the homes of local Kazak residents.
On the third day, hike 8 kilometers on the Nalati Sky Grassland and return by shuttle bus.
[Days 9-11: Southern Xinjiang Plateau Lakes]
Nalati → Baisha Lake (620 kilometers, 7.5 hours by car, with a stop at the Qiaoerma Service Area)
I. Key Highlights of the Route: A low-intensity, high-experience mountain and water hiking journey.Hike 4 kilometers around the lake on a wooden plank path, focusing on photographing the reflection of Muztagh Ata.
The next day, visit Karakul Lake and enjoy rose tea at a lakeside teahouse.
On the third day, traverse the Panlong Ancient Road and capture stunning road photos at the 66-bend observation deck.
[Day 12: Return Day]
Free activities in the Kashgar Old City. We recommend visiting the Eid Gah Mosque (long pants and long sleeves required).
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport/train station to conclude the trip.
[Special Arrangements]
One-hour foot massage services are arranged after each day’s hike.
Thermostatic water dispensers are provided throughout the trip, and rest areas are set up every 500 meters along the hiking trails.
Portable folding chairs are equipped for convenient rest and sightseeing at any time.
III. Fee Explanation: Transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
[Basic Tour Fee]
Adult Price:7,980 yuan/person (for departures from June 15 to July 10)
The price increases by 15% to 9,180 yuan/person for departures from August 1 to August 25.
Tailored to the physical characteristics of middle-aged and elderly travelers, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency has specially designed the “12-Day Mountain Valley Hiking Route,” selecting two major geographical units: the grassland valleys of Northern Xinjiang and the plateau lakes of Southern Xinjiang. The average daily hiking duration is controlled to 2-3 hours, primarily featuring wooden plank paths and gentle slope trails, avoiding high-altitude passes and gravel sections. The route connects four core scenic spots: Sayram Lake, Kalajun Grassland, Nalati Sky Grassland, and Baisha Lake, integrating four major landscapes: lakes, forests, snow-capped mountains, and wetlands. Hikers can stop at any time to take photos or rest during the hike, balancing both exercise and sightseeing needs.Fees Include:
11 nights of four-star hotel accommodation (including breakfast)
Full transportation in a 19-seat air-conditioned tour bus (including fuel and toll fees)
First entrance tickets and shuttle bus fees for scenic spots (Sayram Lake 145 yuan, Kalajun 170 yuan, Nalati 155 yuan)
8 main meals (including a布尔津 cold-water fish banquet and an Ili lavender-themed meal)
Professional outdoor guide service fees
Travel accident insurance (coverage of 500,000 yuan/person)
[Self-Paid Items]
Sayram Lake boat tour (140 yuan/person, optional)
Horse riding in Nalati (80 yuan/hour, optional)
Pottery-making experience in the Kashgar Old City (120 yuan/person, optional)
[Important Reminders]
Prices may fluctuate depending on the departure date. The specific price shall be based on the contract signed after consulting with Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
An additional landscape maintenance fee of 300 yuan/person is required for departures during the poplar season in October.
[Geographical Features] For solo travelers, we will do our best to arrange room-sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
IV. Registration Method: Three steps to complete your booking.
Step 1:Call and consult with Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, and provide the number of travelers, their ages, and any special needs.
Step 2:Confirm the departure date and available room types (we recommend booking at least 30 days in advance).
Step 3:Pay a deposit of 3,000 yuan/person (supporting transfer to a corporate account).
V. Service Commitments: Quality体现在 details.
[Accommodation Standards]
Urumqi:Hilton Happy Hotel Hongguangshan (including an executive lounge)
Sayram Lake:Lakeside RV Camp (equipped with floor heating)
Kalajun:Four-star hotel in Tekes Bagua City (night sky observation layout)
Kashgar:Qiniwaq International Hotel (including breakfast)
[Transportation Plan]
Ground Transportation:7-seat business vehicle (4 people/vehicle) or 19-seat minibus (12 people/vehicle), both equipped with USB charging ports.
Luggage Arrangement:Each person is limited to one 20-inch suitcase + backpack. Oversized luggage requires an additional fee.
Sayram Lake Circular Trail: Laid with non-slip wooden plank paths and equipped with 8 observation decks along the way, allowing close-up views of the lake’s blue-green gradient that changes with the light.[Emergency Support]
Each group is equipped with a first aid kit (including nitroglycerin, Yunnan Baiyao, etc.).
A green channel has been established with a top-tier hospital in Urumqi.
24-hour multilingual customer service support (including Russian and English).
[Special Reminders]
Valid original identification documents and a green health code are required.
Travelers aged 70 and above need to provide a physical examination report from the past 3 months.
Body temperature is measured before departure each day, and disinfectant wipes are provided.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is the hiking route suitable for elders with knee joint diseases?
A:The route design avoids steps, and the Kalajun Grassland section can be replaced by a sightseeing bus. The specific arrangement shall be based on actual consultation and contract signing.
Q:How is the itinerary changed in case of bad weather?
A:Both parties can reasonably change the itinerary by mutual agreement, such as canceling the original hike and replacing it with a scenic spot sightseeing bus tour.
Q:Is there a service for renting hiking poles?
A:Customized hiking poles are provided upon registration, and no additional rental is required.
This summer, let’s measure the picturesque landscapes of Xinjiang with our feet and experience the grandeur and gentleness of the Western Regions through a gentle hike. With 18 years of professional experience, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency creates a comfortable and in-depth travel experience for middle-aged and elderly travelers, making every step an unforgettable memory.
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and quotation.
