2026 Urumqi Duku Yizhao 9 Day Group Tour with Dual Scenic Highways, Snow Mountains, and Grasslands Full Panorama Tour Fare and Registration Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation
✨ [2026 Departure from Urumqi · 9-Day In-Depth Panoramic Tour of the Dual Scenic Highways of Duku and Yizhao] An Exquisite Collision of Snowy Mountains, Grasslands, and Internet-Famous Highways✨
I. Itinerary Highlights: Traversing a Scenic Corridor of ‘Four Seasons in One Day’
The Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway in Xinjiang are considered ‘top-tier’ highways among self-drive enthusiasts. In the summer of 2026, these two highways, known for their limited-time accessibility, will become the core highlights of travel in Northern Xinjiang.
Duku Highway: Starting from Dushanzi in the north and ending in Kuqa in the south, it spans 561 kilometers and is recommended to be open for 4 months each year (from June 1 to October 10, 2026). Along the way, it traverses the Tianshan Mountains, connecting snowy peaks, glaciers, grasslands, canyons, wetlands, and other landscapes. It is known by China National Geographic as the ‘Scenic Avenue Running Along the Spine of the Tianshan Mountains.’
Yizhao Highway:Connecting Yining and Zhaosu, it spans 180 kilometers and has an even shorter open period (expected from mid-June to the end of August in 2026). Famous for its steepness, it passes by Baishi Peak and offers views of rape flower fields and alpine meadows along the way, earning it the nickname ‘Little Duku.’
Combination of the Two Highways:The 9-day itinerary connects these two highways with classic attractions such as Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, and Xiata Ancient Path, forming a composite route of ‘highway travel + natural scenery + cultural experience,’ suitable for photography enthusiasts, nature explorers, and in-depth travelers.
II. Simple Itinerary: A 9-Day, 8-Night Journey with a Relaxed Pace
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Upon arrival in Urumqi, check into the hotel and rest. Recommended free activities:Visit the International Bazaar to taste baked buns and hand-grabbed rice, or tour the Xinjiang Museum to learn about the history of the Western Regions.
✨[2026 Departure from Urumqi · 9-Day In-Depth Panoramic Tour of the Dual Scenic Highways of Duku and Yizhao] An Exquisite Collision of Snowy Mountains, Grasslands, and Internet-Famous Highways✨Day 2:Urumqi → Northern Section of Duku Highway → Tangbula Grassland
Depart early in the morning and drive along the northern section of the Duku Highway, crossing the Hashilergen Pass (elevation 3,400 meters). Stop at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery to pay respects to the road-building heroes. Arrive at Tangbula Grassland in the afternoon, stroll along the百里画廊 (Hundred-Li Gallery), and capture the magnificent scenery of snowy mountains and grasslands in the same frame. Stay overnight at a grassland homestay.
Day 3:Tangbula → Nalati Aerial Grassland → Nalati Town
Spend the whole day exploring Nalati Grassland. Take the shuttle bus into the aerial grassland and hike to the nomadic families to experience the local Kazakh lifestyle up close. In the afternoon, move to the river valley grassland to capture serene scenes of streams and forests. Stay overnight at a boutique hotel in Nalati Town.
Day 4:Nalati → Middle Section of Duku Highway → Bayanbulak Grassland
Traverse the middle section of the Duku Highway, enjoying views of the primeval forests and alpine lakes in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains. Arrive at Bayanbulak Grassland in the afternoon and take the shuttle bus to the Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends, waiting for the spectacular sight of ‘Nine Suns’ at sunset. Stay overnight at a grassland hotel.
Day 5:Bayanbulak → Southern Section of Duku Highway → Kuqa (or divert to the starting point of the Yizhao Highway)
If the southern section of the Duku Highway is open, continue south to Kuqa and visit the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves (advance reservation required). If closed due to weather or traffic control, divert to Zhaosu, the starting point of the Yizhao Highway, to acclimate to the high-altitude climate. Stay overnight in Zhaosu County.
Day 6:Zhaosu → Yizhao Highway → Xiata Ancient Path → Tekes Bagua City
Depart early in the morning and drive along the Yizhao Highway, stopping at the Baishi Peak viewpoint to capture clouds and flower fields. Arrive at Xiata Ancient Path in the afternoon and hike lightly to the foot of the Muzart Glacier, experiencing the collision of snowy mountains and forests. Reach Tekes Bagua City in the evening and take a night stroll along Yijie Street, experiencing the night market where various ethnic cultures blend.
I. Itinerary Highlights: Traversing a Scenic Corridor of ‘Four Seasons in One Day’Day 7:Tekes → Karajun Grassland → Kuokesu Grand Canyon → Yining
Spend the whole day exploring Karajun Grassland, taking the shuttle bus through attractions such as the Human Body Grassland and Flower Terrace to capture stunning photos of ‘grassland curves.’ In the afternoon, move to the Kuokesu Grand Canyon and take a boat ride to appreciate the three-dimensional landscape of the canyon and grassland. Stay overnight in Yining City.
Day 8:Yining → Sayram Lake → Self-Drive Around the Lake → Huocheng
Depart early in the morning and arrive at Sayram Lake. Drive 120 kilometers around the lake, stopping at attractions such as Moon Bay, General’s Platform, and Swan’s Delight to capture the lake’s scenery. In the afternoon, pass by the Guozigou Bridge and capture the magnificent combination of the ‘S-curve’ highway and the canyon. Arrive in Huocheng in the evening and check into the hotel.
Day 9:Huocheng → Lavender Manor → Return to Urumqi
For itineraries in June-July, visit the Huocheng Lavender Manor (flowering period until late July). For itineraries after August, replace it with the Jieyou Princess Lavender Museum. Return to Urumqi in the afternoon and arrange airport transfers based on flight times.
III. Pricing Information: Transparent Quotations with No Hidden Costs
Reference Tour Fee Range for 2026:
Adults:Starting from 4,380 RMB per person (June departures)
Adults:Starting from 4,580 RMB per person (July-August departures)
The Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway in Xinjiang are considered ‘top-tier’ highways among self-drive enthusiasts. In the summer of 2026, these two highways, known for their limited-time accessibility, will become the core highlights of travel in Northern Xinjiang.Children (under 12 years old, no extra bed):Starting from 3,280 RMB per person
Fees Include:
Transportation:4-9-seater business vehicle (including driver/guide)
Accommodation:8 nights at quality hotels + characteristic homestays (including breakfast)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets and shuttle buses for Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak, Xiata Ancient Path, etc.
Insurance:High-value travel accident insurance
Fees Do Not Include:
Round-trip major transportation (airfare/train tickets)
Main meals (AA system or self-catering; recommended to taste Xinjiang specialties)
Duku Highway: Starting from Dushanzi in the north and ending in Kuqa in the south, it spans 561 kilometers and is recommended to be open for 4 months each year (from June 1 to October 10, 2026). Along the way, it traverses the Tianshan Mountains, connecting snowy peaks, glaciers, grasslands, canyons, wetlands, and other landscapes. It is known by China National Geographic as the ‘Scenic Avenue Running Along the Spine of the Tianshan Mountains.’ Personal consumption and self-funded items (such as horse riding, travel photography, etc.)
Special Notes:
Prices may fluctuate based on departure date, room type, and availability, subject to contract confirmation.
If the itinerary changes due to weather or policies, fees will be refunded or supplemented accordingly.
IV. Registration Method: Professional Services for a Comfortable Journey
Register through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency, which provides the following services:
Itinerary Customization:Adjust the order of attractions or duration of stays based on tourist needs.
Carpooling and Group Formation:Depart with a minimum of 3 people; 4 people can customize departure dates with no age restrictions.
Accommodation Upgrade:Upgrade to a 5-diamond hotel or characteristic yurt by paying the difference.
Consultation Method:Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for the latest departure dates and discount information.
Yizhao Highway: Connecting Yining and Zhaosu, it spans 180 kilometers and has an even shorter open period (expected from mid-June to the end of August in 2026). Famous for its steepness, it passes by Baishi Peak and offers views of rape flower fields and alpine meadows along the way, earning it the nickname ‘Little Duku.’V. Fee and Service Descriptions
Included items are subject to the contract and may be slightly adjusted based on actual conditions.
Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms as much as possible; a supplement may be required in special cases.
Transportation, admission tickets, accommodations, etc., involved in the itinerary are all pre-booked and confirmed by Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency.
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
VI. Travel Tips: Making Your Journey More Comfortable
Clothing Preparation:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night; bring a windbreaker and thin down jacket in summer. The grassland areas have strong UV radiation, so bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
Transportation Tips:The Duku Highway restricts vehicles to under 7 seats, and the Yizhao Highway restricts vehicles to under 5 seats. If the group size exceeds the limit, separate vehicles will be arranged for touring.
Photography Suggestions:Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and Xiata Ancient Path are popular destinations for stunning photos. It is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens and tripod.
Cultural Respect:When visiting local homes, obtain consent before taking photos; avoid bringing outside food into restaurants.
Xinjiang in 2026 is waiting to be explored in its most splendid form. Whether it’s the thrill of the Duku Highway or the serene beauty of the Yizhao Highway, this 9-day itinerary will unlock the top scenery of Northern Xinjiang for you. Contact Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency immediately to start your journey to snowy mountains and grasslands!
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation

