2026 9 Day Urumqi Lakeside In Depth Group Tour Karakul Lake and Sayram Lake Scenic Highlands Full View Group Fee Registration Recommended Itinerary Price

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

《9-Day In-Depth Panoramic Tour of Karakul Lake and Sayram Lake Departing from Urumqi in 2026:Unlock the Secret Realms of Twin Lakes in Northern and Southern Xinjiang》
(Icon)✨【Itinerary Highlights:Twin Lakes Linkage + Essence of Northern and Southern Xinjiang】✨
This 9-day circular route starting from Urumqi will connect Sayram Lake, known as the “Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic” in Northern Xinjiang, and Karakul Lake, the “Father of Glaciers” in Southern Xinjiang. Along the way, it traverses three major geographical units: the Duoku Highway, the Pamir Plateau, and the Ili River Valley, covering six landscape types: snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, wetlands, canyons, and Yardang landforms. The itinerary includes special arrangements for all-day photography sessions at Karakul Lake to capture the reflection of Muztagh Ata, and for Sayram Lake, it adopts a “self-drive around the lake + lakeside camping” dual mode to deeply unlock every secret spot along the 92-kilometer lakeside route.
(Icon) 🗺️【Simple Itinerary:Scientific Pace + Immersive Experience】🗺️
Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi
Upon arrival, check into a four-star hotel. Recommended free afternoon activities:Visit the Xinjiang Museum (free, advance reservation required) to learn about the history of the Western Regions, and taste specialties such as baked buns and hand-pulled rice at the International Bazaar.
Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (approximately 550 kilometers, 6.5-hour drive)

《9-Day In-Depth Panoramic Tour of Karakul Lake and Sayram Lake Departing from Urumqi in 2026: Unlock the Secret Realms of Twin Lakes in Northern and Southern Xinjiang》Travel west along the Lianhuo Expressway, stopping for a 20-minute photo session at the Guozigou Bridge viewpoint. Upon arrival at Sayram Lake, complete self-drive procedures (admission ticket + self-drive package 145 yuan/person, valid for 24 hours), and drive along the east shore to the south gate, focusing on photographing:Jinhua Zihui Viewpoint (summer wildflowers), Swan Paradise Wetland (migratory bird habitat), and Kele Yongzhu (blue ice wonder photo spot). Overnight at the lakeside starry sky campsite, equipped with professional stargazing equipment.
Day 3:In-Depth Circular Tour of Sayram Lake
Morning photography spots: Songshu Tou Footpath (overlooking the lake), Xihai Grassland (sunrise lighting). In the morning, self-drive along the west lakeside route, passing by the Dianjiangtai Ruins and film city filming locations. In the afternoon, engage in light travel photography by the lakeside, with ethnic costume rental services available. In the evening, participate in the “Lakeside Sunset Party” at the south gate, including a special cold buffet.
Day 4:Sayram Lake → Yining → Tekes (approximately 350 kilometers, 5-hour drive)
Pass by the Huocheng Lavender Manor (peak bloom in mid-to-late June), and enjoy free time in Tekes Bagua City, with a recommended hot air balloon ride to overlook the city layout (at own expense). Overnight at a four-star hotel in Bagua City.
Day 5:Tekes → Kalajun Grassland → Nalati (approximately 200 kilometers, 4-hour drive)
In the morning, visit the east and west combined ticket areas of Kalajun Grassland, focusing on photographing:Xianhua Terrace (flower sea in May-June) and Falcon Terrace (snow-capped mountains and grasslands in the same frame). In the afternoon, traverse the Qiapuqihai Tunnel and arrive in Nalati Town to check into a characteristic homestay.
Day 6:In-Depth Tour of Nalati Grassland

(Icon)✨【Itinerary Highlights: Twin Lakes Linkage + Essence of Northern and Southern Xinjiang】✨All-day tour of Nalati Aerial Grassland + River Valley Grassland, with special arrangements:Visit local families of various ethnic groups (taste milk curd, learn to play the dongbula), and hike in Snow Lotus Valley (requires taking a shuttle bus). In the evening, a complimentary grassland barbecue party with a bonfire interaction session is included.
Day 7:Nalati → Duoku Highway → Kashgar (approximately 700 kilometers, 10-hour drive)
Traverse the northern section of the Duoku Highway, with key stops at:Qiao’erma Martyrs Cemetery (to honor road construction heroes), Hashilegen Daban (snow play possible in June), and Yuximolegai Tunnel viewpoint. Upon arrival in Kashgar in the evening, check into a four-star hotel near the ancient city.
Day 8:Kashgar → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan (approximately 300 kilometers, 6-hour drive)
After obtaining a border pass, head to the Pamir Plateau, passing by Baisha Lake and Muztagh Ata viewpoint. All-day itinerary at Karakul Lake: morning photography of the lake’s reflection in direct sunlight, afternoon boat ride to closely contact the glaciers (at own expense), and evening experience of dinner with local families of various ethnic groups in lakeside wooden houses. Overnight at a three-star hotel in Taxkorgan.
Day 9:Taxkorgan → Panlong Ancient Road → Return to Kashgar
In the morning, visit the popular Panlong Ancient Road (600+ bends) and take creative photos at the “Today, I’ve walked through all the winding roads” sign. In the afternoon, return to Kashgar and arrange free time in the Kashgar Ancient City according to flight schedules (recommendations:Century-old Tea House, Id Kah Square).
(Icon)💰【Price Explanation:Transparent Consumption + Flexible Choices】💰

This 9-day circular route starting from Urumqi will connect Sayram Lake, known as the “Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic” in Northern Xinjiang, and Karakul Lake, the “Father of Glaciers” in Southern Xinjiang. Along the way, it traverses three major geographical units: the Duoku Highway, the Pamir Plateau, and the Ili River Valley, covering six landscape types: snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, wetlands, canyons, and Yardang landforms. The itinerary includes special arrangements for all-day photography sessions at Karakul Lake to capture the reflection of Muztagh Ata, and for Sayram Lake, it adopts a “self-drive around the lake + lakeside camping” dual mode to deeply unlock every secret spot along the 92-kilometer lakeside route.Reference price range for 2026:6,980-8,980 yuan/person for adults (including round-trip transportation from Urumqi, 8 nights’ accommodation, first admission tickets to scenic spots, professional guide services, and travel accident insurance). Detailed price breakdown:
Transportation expenses:Full-trip 19-seat medium-sized air-conditioned tour bus (including fuel, tolls, driver’s accommodation and meals), approximately 2,800-3,200 yuan per person
Accommodation expenses:6 nights at four-star hotels + 2 nights at characteristic homestays/wooden houses, approximately 2,200-2,800 yuan per person
Admission ticket expenses:Core scenic spots such as Sayram Lake, Nalati, and Karakul Lake, approximately 1,000-1,200 yuan per person
Meal expenses:Includes 8 breakfasts + 3 special main meals, with other main meals at own expense (recommended 50-80 yuan/meal per person)
：Single travelers will be coordinated for room sharing as much as possible; a supplement of 1,500 yuan/person is required in special cases
Prices may fluctuate depending on the departure date; specific prices are subject to the contract or confirmation on the day. Child prices are calculated separately based on height and whether a bed is occupied. Seniors aged 65 and above enjoy admission ticket discounts with valid identification.
(Icon)📝【Registration Method:Professional Services + Worry-Free Guarantees】📝

(Icon)🗺️【Simple Itinerary: Scientific Pace + Immersive Experience】🗺️Registration can be done through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Provide your name, valid identification number, contact information, and travel dates. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will assist with the contract signing and payment process. A deposit of 30% is required upon signing, with the remaining balance to be paid 30 days before departure. Special train departure dates and available seats are subject to customer service confirmation. In case of force majeure factors (such as weather, policy changes), both parties can agree to reasonably modify or postpone the itinerary through consultation.
(Icon)💡【Fee Explanation and Service Explanation】💡
Fees include:Special train soft sleeper tickets (4-person compartments), local air-conditioned tour buses, full-trip three-star hotel accommodation (upgraded to wooden houses/homestays in characteristic scenic spots), first admission tickets and shuttle bus fees to scenic spots, professional guide services, and travel accident insurance
Fees do not include:Personal consumption and self-funded items (such as horse riding, hot air balloon rides), border pass processing fees, and additional costs incurred due to failure to share a room for single travelers
Service standards:
1. Vehicle guarantee: All vehicles have operating qualifications, pass annual inspections, and have sufficient insurance. Each seat is equipped with seat belts and emergency tools
2. Accommodation arrangements: Upgrade to five-star hotels in Urumqi/Kashgar for 1 night each, with the rest being four-star hotels or characteristic homestays
3. Catering services: Includes 8 breakfasts + 3 special main meals (Sayram Lake cold buffet, Nalati Grassland barbecue, Taxkorgan dinner with local families of various ethnic groups)

Day 1: Gathering in Urumqi4. Guide services: Certified guides accompany the entire trip, providing bilingual explanations (Chinese + simple English)
5. Emergency support: The team is equipped with a first aid kit and has established a green channel with medical institutions along the way
Specific service content, fee breakdown, vehicle standards, etc., are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. In case of force majeure factors such as weather, traffic control, or temporary scenic spot closures during the trip, both parties can agree to reasonably modify the route through consultation.
(Icon)⚠️【Important Reminders】⚠️
Document preparation:A border pass is required to enter Taxkorgan and can be obtained with the assistance of a compliant travel agency
Equipment recommendations:The Pamir Plateau has a high altitude, so it is recommended to bring anti-altitude sickness medication and warm clothing; Sayram Lake has a large temperature difference between day and night, so a windbreaker or thin down jacket is required
Photography guide:The best photography times at Sayram Lake are 7-9 am and 7-9 pm in the morning and evening; for Karakul Lake, it is recommended to bring a polarizing filter to eliminate lake surface glare
Environmental protection initiative:Biodegradable garbage bags are provided during the trip; please do not litter any waste in scenic spots
This twin lakes circular route in northern and southern Xinjiang will take you through the changing seasons in 9 days, from the deep blue of Sayram Lake to the profound depths of Karakul Lake, from the lush green of Nalati Grassland to the vast expanse of the Pamir Plateau. Every turn is a visual feast. For specific itinerary details and available seat information, please consult customer service manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.

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