2026 Xinjiang Group Tour Quotes Cost Guide for 8 Day Kanas + Yili Itinerary Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quote
Explore the Hidden Gems of Xinjiang:Comprehensive Cost Analysis for an 8-Day In-Depth Tour of Kanas and Ili
Itinerary Highlights and Destination Details
Xinjiang, covering one-sixth of China’s land area, attracts countless travelers with its magnificent natural scenery and diverse cultures. In 2026, the combined itinerary of Kanas and Ili becomes a popular choice—the former is renowned as the ‘backyard garden,’ while the latter is famous for its grassland flower fields known as the ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.’ Connecting these two regions allows travelers to experience both the vastness of the Altay Mountains and the gentle beauty of the Tianshan hinterland, making it a classic choice for first-time visitors to Xinjiang.
【Kanas Core Attractions】
Kanas Lake:As a national 5A-level scenic spot, the lake’s color changes with the seasons, appearing bluish-green in summer and jade-like in autumn. The Fish-Viewing Platform by the lakeside offers a panoramic view, while the ‘Three Bays’ hiking trail—comprising Fairy Bay, Crescent Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay—is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Hemu Village:This village inhabited by the Tuwa people features wooden houses scattered throughout the valley. The morning mist intertwined with cooking smoke creates a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. In 2026, a new stargazing spot has been added in the village, allowing nighttime views of the Milky Way.
Baihaba Village:Located on the China-Kazakhstan border, it is known as the ‘No. 1 Village in the Northwest.’ A permit must be obtained in advance. The primitive wooden houses in the village form a unique landscape, and the golden birch forests in autumn are a must-visit spot.
【Ili’s Essence Regions】
Sayram Lake:As the highest alpine lake in Xinjiang, the lake’s crystal-clear waters require about 4 hours for a drive around it. In 2026, a new ‘Pine Head Hiking Trail’ has been added, offering a panoramic view of the Guozigou Bridge from the summit.
Nalati Grassland:It is divided into two routes: the aerial grassland and the river valley grassland. Near the ‘Nomadic Family’ stop on the aerial grassland, there is a popular suspension bridge. To avoid crowds, head to the secret spot ‘Snow Lotus Valley.’
Karajun Grassland:A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, it is famous for its ‘human-shaped grassland.’ In June, wildflowers bloom, with the ‘Flower Terrace’ in West Karajun and the ‘Falcon Terrace’ in East Karajun being the core viewing points.
Huocheng Lavender:The blooming period is from mid-to-late June to early July. Jieyou Princess Farm offers free photography opportunities. To avoid crowds, head to the Fourth Farm, where the viewing platform atop the hillside captures scenes of ‘purple waves + windmills.’
Simple Itinerary Plan (2026 Reference Version)
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
After airport pickup, check into a downtown hotel. Recommended free activities:
Xinjiang Art Museum:Features a permanent exhibition of Kizil murals to learn about Western Region art.
Explore the Hidden Gems of Xinjiang: Comprehensive Cost Analysis for an 8-Day In-Depth Tour of Kanas and IliInternational Bazaar:Shop for dried fruits and handicrafts, and taste grilled stuffed buns and noodle lung soup.
Dinner:Experience the yellow carrot pilaf at ‘Wei’s Lamb Shop,’ a three-generation-old establishment.
Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Qingshuihe
Driving Time:Approximately 6 hours (including highways and the lakeside road)
Key Experiences:
Drive Around Sayram Lake:Travel counterclockwise, stopping at Crescent Moon Bay, Beach by the Water, and Xihai Grassland.
Guozigou Bridge:Photograph the bridge and valley together from a non-tour-group viewpoint.
Hidden Perk:Red and white dresses are provided in the car for photography, along with a reflector for lighting.
Day 3:Qingshuihe → Huocheng Lavender → Kazanqi Folk Village → Yining
Morning:Photograph lavender at Huocheng Jieyou Princess Farm, recommended to arrive before 9 a.m.
Afternoon:Kazanqi Folk Village:
Take a horse-drawn carriage to tour the blue streets (the guide helps negotiate the price to 30 yuan per person).
Visit families of various ethnic groups and taste handmade ice cream for 5 yuan per bowl.
Evening:Food experience on Hanren Street: grilled stuffed buns and minced meat noodles.
Day 4:Yining → Karajun Grassland → Tekes
Morning:Full-area ticket tour of Karajun Grassland:
Itinerary Highlights and Destination DetailsWest Karajun:Photograph the ‘human-shaped grassland’ during the excellent light at 5 p.m.
Kuokexu Canyon:Take a boat across the Kurdai River to view Crocodile Bay and the Meandering River.
Afternoon:Tekes Bagua City:
Take a Ferris wheel (30 yuan per person) for a panoramic view of the city.
The guide recommends a local horse-riding spot (60 yuan per hour, lower than景区价 [scenic spot price]).
Day 5:Tekes → Qiongkushatai (stay for 2 nights)
Driving Time:Approximately 3 hours of winding mountain roads
In-Depth Experiences:
Hike the entrance of the Wusun Ancient Road:Walk 1 kilometer along streams and fir forests.
Milk a Cow Experience:Contact locals to boil the milk into tea.
Horseback Riding in the Evening:80 yuan per hour; watch the sunset over the golden mountains from a swing at the summit.
Accommodation Tip:Wooden houses have average sound insulation; the travel agency provides earplugs and assists with room selection.
Day 6:Qiongkushatai → Xiata Ancient Road → Zhaosu
Morning:Xiata Scenic Area:
Take a shuttle bus + electric cart to General Bridge, then hike 4 kilometers to Flower Terrace.
Photograph the Muzart Glacier and purple primroses.
Xinjiang, covering one-sixth of China’s land area, attracts countless travelers with its magnificent natural scenery and diverse cultures. In 2026, the combined itinerary of Kanas and Ili becomes a popular choice—the former is renowned as the ‘backyard garden,’ while the latter is famous for its grassland flower fields known as the ‘Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.’ Connecting these two regions allows travelers to experience both the vastness of the Altay Mountains and the gentle beauty of the Tianshan hinterland, making it a classic choice for first-time visitors to Xinjiang.Afternoon:Zhaosu Wetland Park: Watch the ‘Wild Horses Bathing in the River’ performance at 12:00.
Food Recommendation:Xibe pancakes with flower vegetables and chili sauce.
Day 7:Zhaosu → Nalati Grassland → Nalati Town
Morning:Nalati Aerial Grassland:
Avoid the crowds at the popular bridge and head to the secret suspension bridge.
Horseback Riding on the River Valley Grassland:Cross the Gongnaisi River and observe the local herders’ seasonal migration.
Afternoon:Visit families of various ethnic groups: drink kumis and learn the ‘Black Walking Horse’ dance.
Dinner:Horse meat naren (smoked horse meat with fruit wood as a specialty) in Nalati Town.
Day 8:Nalati → Duku Highway → Urumqi
Driving Time:Approximately 8 hours (including the northern section of the Duku Highway)
Key Experiences:
Duku Highway:Open from June to September, with stops at Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery along the way.
Watching the Tianshan Memorial:A popular photo spot.
Return Trip Tip:If the flight schedule allows, visit Hualing Market to purchase Yili haw flakes and lavender sachets.
Price Explanation and Cost Breakdown (2026 Reference Range)
According to the 2026 summer quote provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, the cost range for the 8-day Kanas + Ili tour is as follows (specifics based on actual consultation and contract signing):
【Kanas Core Attractions】Budget Type:3800-4500 yuan per person
Accommodation:Three-star hotels or characteristic homestays (e.g., Qingshuihe Roman Tianjie Homestay).
Transportation:7-seat commercial vehicle (4 passengers + 1 driver per car).
Meals:Includes 7 breakfasts and 6 main meals (including ethnic family feasts and Xibe pancakes).
Admission Tickets:Includes (Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati, and other core scenic spots).
Comfort Type:5200-6500 yuan per person
Accommodation:Four-star hotels or scenic homestays (e.g., Nalati Mushan Guyue Homestay).
Transportation:Tank 300 off-road vehicle (3 passengers + 1 driver per car).
Meals:Includes 7 breakfasts and 7 main meals (upgraded to roast whole lamb feast and Hui flower feast).
Luxury Type:7000-9000 yuan per person
Accommodation:Five-star hotels or standalone wooden houses (e.g., Kanas Lake View Villa).
Transportation:Luxury commercial vehicle (2+1 land first-class seating).
Meals:Custom private banquets (inviting local chefs for on-site service).
Services:Equipped with high-quality guides and professional photography follow-ups.
Items Included in the Cost:
Full transportation (including fuel, road tolls, and parking fees).
Kanas Lake: As a national 5A-level scenic spot, the lake’s color changes with the seasons, appearing bluish-green in summer and jade-like in autumn. The Fish-Viewing Platform by the lakeside offers a panoramic view, while the ‘Three Bays’ hiking trail—comprising Fairy Bay, Crescent Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay—is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Accommodation (double occupancy; single travelers will be coordinated for room-sharing as much as possible).
Meals (breakfasts/main meals as indicated in the itinerary).
First admission tickets and necessary shuttle buses for scenic spots.
Travel accident insurance (500,000 yuan coverage).
Items Not Included in the Cost:
Round-trip transportation to Urumqi (airplane/train).
Some main meals (meals marked as ‘self-paid’ in the itinerary).
Personal expenses (e.g., shopping, additional horseback riding).
Registration Method and Service Guarantees
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for detailed itinerary and availability information. Services cover departure locations nationwide, providing one-stop services including airport transfers, itinerary planning, and contract signing.
Service Explanations and Precautions
Contract Signing:All cost details and service standards will be included in the electronic contract to protect tourists’ rights.
Itinerary Changes:In case of weather, traffic, or other force majeure factors, both parties can agree on reasonable changes to the itinerary.
Permit Processing:A permit must be obtained in advance to visit Baihaba Village; the travel agency can assist with the application.
Photography Services:Drone aerial photography and retouched photos are provided for comfort and luxury itineraries.
Clothing Suggestions:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night; bring a thin down jacket, sun protection items, and comfortable hiking shoes.
The grandeur of Xinjiang lies in its diverse landscapes across a vast territory. The mystery of Kanas and the gentleness of Ili can be deeply felt through this 8-day itinerary. Choosing a reputable travel agency, signing a detailed contract, and planning ahead are key to enjoying Xinjiang. For specific itinerary details and prices, please refer to the contract signed after consulting Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Contact Manager Maizi at 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quote

