2026XinjiangYiliCarpoolingTourRecommendation SayramLake+Lavender4 PersonGroupQuotes RecommendedItineraryCostsPrices

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

Ili Summer Carpooling Guide: A poetic encounter with Sayram Lake and a sea of purple flowers 🌿
[Route Highlights:An immersive experience blending nature and culture]
In 2026, the Ili River Valley will welcome its most lush grasslands and clearest lakes of the year. This 4-person carpooling route, centered around “Sayram Lake + Lavender,” connects the most representative natural landscapes and cultural experiences in northwest Xinjiang. The itinerary covers Yining City, Huocheng County, Tekes County, Xinyuan County, and other areas, allowing you to experience the purity of Sayram Lake, known as “the last tear of the Atlantic,” immerse yourself in the purple romance of Huocheng’s lavender fields, and venture deep into Nalati Grassland and Kalajun Grassland to witness the grandeur of the “Tianshan Green Island.”
I. Detailed Explanation of Core Route Destinations
Sayram Lake:A 24-hour immersion in the high-altitude sapphire
As a national 5A-level scenic spot, Sayram Lake is renowned for its elevation of 2,073 meters and a 90-kilometer circular lake road. During the peak season of 2026 (March 16 – October 15), a timed reservation system will be implemented, requiring reservations 1-3 days in advance through the “One Phone for Traveling in Xinjiang” platform. Admission is 70 yuan per person, the shuttle bus is 75 yuan per person, and the self-drive package is 145 yuan per person (including admission + shuttle bus, valid for 48 hours). There are three main entrances along the circular route: East Gate, South Gate, and North Gate. It is recommended to tour counterclockwise:
Morning:Capture the lake shrouded in morning mist at the Songshutou stop and overlook the magnificent curve of the Guozigou Bridge;
Noon:Walk along the Kele Yongzhu boardwalk to get up close to the swan habitat and observe the ecological diversity of the high-altitude lake;
Evening:Wait for sunset at Xihai Grassland, where golden sunlight spills over the meadow dotted with wildflowers, creating the spectacle of “half lake, half flame.”
Huocheng Lavender:A purple wave in the Orient’s Provence
Huocheng County boasts 32,000 acres of lavender fields, with the second blooming period from late June to mid-July in 2026. We recommend visiting “Manxin Forgotten Valley” and the Princess Xieyou Lavender Manor in Lucaogou Town:
Photography Tips:Shoot before 10 AM or after 5 PM for soft light and fewer tourists;
Enhanced Experience:The manor offers hands-on lavender essential oil making experiences (reservation required), allowing you to take home homemade sachets or hand creams;
Practical Tips:Lavender fields have many mosquitoes; wear long sleeves and bring insect repellent.

Ili Summer Carpooling Guide: A poetic encounter with Sayram Lake and a sea of purple flowers 🌿Nalati Grassland:A three-dimensional painting of the空中草原 (aerial grassland)
Nalati Grassland is divided into three main areas: Aerial Grassland, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley Road. In 2026, the sightseeing bus will operate from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Key experiences include:
Aerial Grassland:Take the shuttle bus to the Youmu Renjia stop and hike 2 kilometers to the yurt clusters at the foot of the snow-capped mountains to experience the nomadic culture of various ethnic groups;
River Valley Grassland:Ideal for family fun, offering traditional activities like horseback riding and archery, and opportunities to observe the flora and fauna of the grassland ecosystem;
Night Tour:Starting in July, the “Grassland Starry Sky Camp” will be open, providing astronomical telescope observations and folk performances by various ethnic groups.
II. 2026 4-Person Carpooling 6-Day Itinerary Reference
Day 1:Gather in Yining City → Circular tour of Sayram Lake → Guozigou Viewpoint → Qingshuihe Town
08:00 Pick up in Yining City and drive to Sayram Lake (approximately 4 hours);
12:30 Circular tour of the lake, with key stops at:Jinhua Zihui, Kele Yongzhu, and Songshutou;
18:00 Capture sunset at the Guozigou Bridge viewpoint and check into an economy hotel in Qingshuihe Town;
Dining Recommendation:“Wutai Mixed Stew Soup” in Qingshuihe Town, averaging 30 yuan per person.
Day 2:Qingshuihe → Huocheng Lavender → Huiyuan Ancient City → Downtown Yining
09:00 Visit lavender fields for 2 hours of photography;
12:00 Tour Huiyuan Ancient City, visiting the Ili General’s Mansion and Bell and Drum Tower;
16:00 Return to Yining City, check into a four-diamond hotel, and freely explore the Kazanqi Folk Village;

[Route Highlights: An immersive experience blending nature and culture]Special Experience:Visit the century-old Gulandam Ice Cream Shop in Kazanqi to taste original ice cream (9 yuan per scoop).
Day 3:Yining → Kalajun Grassland → Kuokesu Grand Canyon → Tekes County
08:30 Depart for Kalajun Grassland (approximately 3 hours’ drive);
12:00 Tour the combined ticket for East and West Kalajun, focusing on:Xianhua Terrace and Falcon Terrace;
15:00 Take the Kuokesu Grand Canyon cable car to photograph the “Human Body Grassland” landscape;
19:00 Check into a comfortable hotel in Tekes County; dinner recommended at the “Li Street” night market for roasted baozi.
Day 4:Tekes → Qiongkushatai → Light hike in the back mountains → Zhaosu County
08:00 Drive to Qiongkushatai (approximately 4 hours; gravel road, drive carefully);
12:30 Light hike 3 kilometers in the back mountains to explore the ancient trail entrance;
16:00 Return to Zhaosu County, passing by rape flower fields (peak bloom in July);
Accommodation Tip:Hotels in Zhaosu County should be booked in advance; prices increase by 30% during peak season.
Day 5:Zhaosu → Xiata Ancient Trail → Nalati Aerial Grassland → Nalati Town
08:30 Tour the Xiata Ancient Trail (shuttle bus to the hot spring hotel, hike to the General Bridge);
14:00 Drive to Nalati Town (approximately 4 hours);
18:00 Focus on touring the Aerial Grassland and check in at the popular “Youmu Renjia” spot;

In 2026, the Ili River Valley will welcome its most lush grasslands and clearest lakes of the year. This 4-person carpooling route, centered around “Sayram Lake + Lavender,” connects the most representative natural landscapes and cultural experiences in northwest Xinjiang. The itinerary covers Yining City, Huocheng County, Tekes County, Xinyuan County, and other areas, allowing you to experience the purity of Sayram Lake, known as “the last tear of the Atlantic,” immerse yourself in the purple romance of Huocheng’s lavender fields, and venture deep into Nalati Grassland and Kalajun Grassland to witness the grandeur of the “Tianshan Green Island.”Special Tip:Temperatures drop at night in Nalati Town; bring a warm jacket.
Day 6:Nalati → Northern Section of the Duku Highway → Disband in Yining City
08:00 Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway (reservation required 1-7 days in advance through the “One Code for Traveling in Xinjiang” platform);
12:00 Pass by the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery to learn about the road’s construction history;
16:00 Return to Yining City and see you off according to your flight schedule.
III. Pricing Explanation and Discount Policies
The per capita cost reference range for the 2026 4-person carpooling 6-day itinerary is 4,800-6,500 yuan, specifically including:
Vehicle Costs:7-seat business vehicle (including driver service fee, fuel fee, and basic insurance);
Accommodation Arrangements:4 nights at economy-comfortable hotels + 1 night at a comfortable hotel (upgrade to four-diamond in Yining City);
Scenic Spot Admission:First-entry tickets to Sayram Lake, Kalajun, Nalati, etc.;
Experience Items:Lavender field photography and guided hiking on the Xiata Ancient Trail.
Costs Not Included:
Round-trip transportation costs;
Secondary consumption such as shuttle buses and cable cars within scenic spots;

I. Detailed Explanation of Core Route Destinations Dining costs (AA system throughout; driver’s meals shared by tourists);
Personal consumption and expenses incurred due to force majeure.
Discount Events:
Sign up between July 15 and July 30 to receive a 300 yuan discount per person;
Sign up as a group of three for an additional gift of a Xinjiang specialty dried fruit gift box.
IV. Registration Methods and Consultation Channels
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, where Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing will provide detailed itinerary explanations. Registration requires:
Number of travelers and age distribution;
Special needs (e.g., dietary restrictions, physical condition);
Estimated travel dates and return flight information.
V. Cost Explanation and Service Commitments
Costs Include:
Compliant operational vehicle usage fee;
Professional driver service (working no more than 10 hours per day);
Conventional route planning within the itinerary;

Sayram Lake: A 24-hour immersion in the high-altitude sapphire Basic travel insurance.
Costs Not Include:
Round-trip transportation costs;
Secondary consumption such as shuttle buses and cable cars within scenic spots;
Accommodation costs (additional charges apply for hotel upgrades);
Personal consumption and items temporarily added outside the itinerary.
Service Commitments:
In case of force majeure such as sudden weather changes, road closures, or temporary scenic spot closures during the itinerary, both parties may reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement;
The driver is familiar with local road conditions and scenic spot opening dynamics and can assist with parking and entry coordination but does not undertake tour guide duties;
All service content, cost details, and refund/change rules are executed in accordance with the “Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China” and related regulations.
[Travel Tips]
Document Preparation:Valid ID, health code (subject to daily policies), and a small amount of cash;
Clothing Suggestions:Large temperature differences between day and night in Xinjiang; bring a windbreaker, sun protection clothing, and comfortable hiking shoes;
Photography Equipment:Wide-angle lens for grasslands, telephoto lens for capturing wildlife, and polarizing filter to reduce lake surface glare;
Cultural Respect:Dress appropriately when visiting and do not randomly photograph local residents.
Ili’s summer is a symphony of snow-capped mountains and grasslands, a dance between lakes and flower fields. Choose a reliable customized vehicle to start your journey with peace of mind and end it with unforgettable memories.

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.