How Many Days Are Suitable for Carpooling Tour of Duku Highway in Xinjiang Crossing Tianshan Mountains + 2026 Cost Recommended Routes Cost and Price

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send your itinerary and quotation.

Exploring Xinjiang’s Duku Highway:A Visual Feast and Practical Guide Through the Tianshan Mountains✨
On the vast expanse of Xinjiang’s land, there lies a highway renowned for its breathtaking scenery and unique driving experience, becoming a dream route in the hearts of countless travelers—the Duku Highway. This highway, which traverses the spine of the Tianshan Mountains, not only connects Northern and Southern Xinjiang but also links snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, lakes, and other natural landscapes into a magnificent tapestry. So, how many days are most suitable for planning a carpooling trip along the Duku Highway? And what will be the costs in 2026? Let’s unveil the mysteries of this journey through the Tianshan Mountains together.
I. Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination: Duku Highway—Four Seasons in One Day, Different Skies Every Ten Miles
The Duku Highway, stretching approximately 561 kilometers, starts from Dushanzi District in Karamay City in the north and ends in Kuqa City in the Aksu Prefecture in the south, serving as a vital passage connecting northern and southern Xinjiang. It traverses the Tianshan Mountains, passing through several mountain ranges such as the Yilianhabierga Mountains, Boluokenu Mountains, and Awulale Mountains, with elevations soaring from a few hundred meters to over 3,400 meters, creating the unique spectacle of ‘four seasons in one day and different skies every ten miles.’
Highlights along the route include:
Dushanzi Grand Canyon:Cliffs and wind-eroded landscapes make it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Qiaoerma Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery:Pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the construction of the Duku Highway and feel the weight of history and honor.
Nalati Grassland:Renowned as the ‘grassland in the sky,’ it boasts lush green grass and herds of cattle and sheep, making it an excellent place to experience grassland charm.
Bayinbuluk Grassland:The sunset over its winding rivers is a natural wonder not to be missed on the Duku Highway.

Exploring Xinjiang’s Duku Highway: A Visual Feast and Practical Guide Through the Tianshan Mountains✨Small and Big Dragon Pools:Mountain lakes reflecting the snow-capped mountains, offering picturesque scenery.
Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon:A canyon composed of red sandstone, where hiking allows you to feel the extraordinary craftsmanship of nature.
II. Simple Itinerary: Flexible Arrangements, Enjoy the Scenery to the Fullest
Based on the latest information for 2026, the Duku Highway is typically open from June to October each year, with specific dates subject to change due to weather and construction conditions. Therefore, it is essential to pay close attention to announcements when planning your trip. Below is a simple itinerary based on a 5-day trip for your reference:
Day 1:Depart from Urumqi → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Qiaoerma (overnight stay)
Set out from Urumqi in the morning and drive to the Dushanzi Grand Canyon to admire its spectacular scenery.
Continue to Qiaoerma in the afternoon and visit the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery to honor the fallen heroes.
Stay overnight in a guesthouse near Qiaoerma to experience local life.
Day 2:Qiaoerma → Nalati Grassland (overnight stay)

On the vast expanse of Xinjiang’s land, there lies a highway renowned for its breathtaking scenery and unique driving experience, becoming a dream route in the hearts of countless travelers—the Duku Highway. This highway, which traverses the spine of the Tianshan Mountains, not only connects Northern and Southern Xinjiang but also links snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, lakes, and other natural landscapes into a magnificent tapestry. So, how many days are most suitable for planning a carpooling trip along the Duku Highway? And what will be the costs in 2026? Let’s unveil the mysteries of this journey through the Tianshan Mountains together.Depart in the morning and traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway, enjoying the scenery of snow-capped mountains and grasslands along the way.
Arrive at Nalati Grassland and explore the ‘grassland in the sky,’ feeling the vastness and grandeur of the grassland.
Stay overnight in Nalati Town and savor local cuisine.
Day 3:Nalati → Bayinbuluk Grassland (overnight stay)
Enjoy free time on Nalati Grassland in the morning, with options for horseback riding or hiking.
Drive to Bayinbuluk Grassland in the afternoon, admiring the wetland scenery of the central grassland section along the way.
In the evening, watch the sunset over the winding rivers at Bayinbuluk Grassland and capture stunning photos.
Stay overnight in Bayinbuluk Town and experience the tranquility of the grassland night.
Day 4:Bayinbuluk → Small and Big Dragon Pools → Kuqa (overnight stay)

I. Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination: Duku Highway—Four Seasons in One Day, Different Skies Every Ten MilesDepart in the morning and continue southward, visiting the Small and Big Dragon Pools along the way to feel the serenity and beauty of mountain lakes.
Arrive in Kuqa in the afternoon and visit historical and cultural sites such as the Kuqa Royal Palace and Kuqa Grand Mosque.
Stay overnight in a hotel in downtown Kuqa and sample Kuqa’s specialty cuisine.
Day 5:Return from Kuqa or continue exploring Southern Xinjiang
Depending on your personal interests and schedule, you can choose to return directly to Urumqi or continue exploring other attractions in Southern Xinjiang, such as the ancient city of Kashgar and Baisha Lake.
III. Pricing Explanation: Transparent and Reasonable, Subject to Contract
The cost of a carpooling trip along the Duku Highway varies depending on factors such as the number of itinerary days, accommodation standards, and vehicle types. Based on market conditions in 2026, the per capita cost for a 5-day carpooling trip along the Duku Highway is roughly between 2,500 and 4,000 yuan, including vehicle usage fees, fuel costs, tolls, parking fees, driver service fees, and some entrance tickets to attractions. However, please note that the following pricing explanation is for reference only, and actual costs may fluctuate due to factors such as seasons, holidays, and hotel standards. The specific costs are subject to the contract signed with Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency.
Vehicle and Driver Fees:Calculated based on vehicle type and itinerary days, including vehicle usage fees, fuel costs, tolls, parking fees, and driver service fees.
Accommodation Fees:Calculated based on the selected hotel standard, with economy hotels costing approximately 150 to 250 yuan per night and comfortable hotels costing around 300 to 450 yuan per night. Prices for guesthouses within scenic areas may be higher.

The Duku Highway, stretching approximately 561 kilometers, starts from Dushanzi District in Karamay City in the north and ends in Kuqa City in the Aksu Prefecture in the south, serving as a vital passage connecting northern and southern Xinjiang. It traverses the Tianshan Mountains, passing through several mountain ranges such as the Yilianhabierga Mountains, Boluokenu Mountains, and Awulale Mountains, with elevations soaring from a few hundred meters to over 3,400 meters, creating the unique spectacle of ‘four seasons in one day and different skies every ten miles.’Catering Fees:Self-paid or included in some package deals. It is recommended to reserve a daily catering budget of approximately 100 to 200 yuan per person.
Entrance Tickets to Attractions:Calculated based on the actual attractions visited, with some attractions possibly offering group discounts.
Other Fees:Such as driver’s accommodation and meals (negotiable, with the team arranging or paying meal allowances) and personal expenses.
IV. Registration Method: Convenient and Efficient, Start Your Journey with Ease
To plan a carpooling trip along the Duku Highway, you can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Simply contact customer service manager Zhang Jing and provide your travel dates, number of people, accommodation preferences, and other information. Our professional team will tailor an itinerary plan for you, ensuring your trip is both worry-free and enjoyable.
V. Pricing Explanation and Service Explanation: Meticulous and Thoughtful, Enjoy a Comfortable Trip
In addition to the aforementioned pricing explanation, Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency also provides the following service guarantees when registering for a carpooling trip along the Duku Highway:
Professional Drivers:All drivers hold compliant tourism operation vehicle licenses and possess extensive mountain driving experience, ensuring safe travel.
Itinerary Design:Design reasonable itinerary routes based on your needs and interests, ensuring each attraction receives sufficient visiting time.

Highlights along the route include:Basic Insurance:Purchase vehicle compulsory traffic insurance and commercial insurance for each tourist, providing basic travel protection.
Emergency Handling:In case of extreme weather, road closures, or other force majeure factors, both parties will negotiate and make reasonable changes to the itinerary to ensure the trip proceeds smoothly.
Subject to Actual Consultation and Contract Signing:All costs and service contents are subject to the contract signed with Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, ensuring your rights and interests are fully protected.
VI. Warm Tips: Be Well-Prepared and Enjoy Your Journey
Document Preparation:Please be sure to carry valid identification documents to facilitate smooth passage through various checkpoints and hotel check-ins.
Clothing Preparation:The elevation along the Duku Highway varies greatly, resulting in significant temperature differences. Please prepare appropriate clothing according to the season, especially warm coats and sun protection items.
Medication Preparation:It is recommended to carry some common medications, such as cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, and motion sickness medicine, for unexpected needs.
Environmental Awareness:During your trip, please respect the natural environment, refrain from littering, and protect our shared homeland.
Driving:If you choose to drive yourself, please be sure to obey traffic rules and drive carefully, especially on mountain roads.
The Duku Highway, a visual feast route through the Tianshan Mountains, awaits every travel enthusiast to explore. Whether it’s the magnificent natural scenery or the profound historical and cultural heritage, it will leave you with unforgettable memories. Choose Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, and let’s embark on this wonderful journey through the Tianshan Mountains together!

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send your itinerary and quotation.