2026 Xinjiang Travel Self Guided Tour with Chartered Vehicle Quotation Detailed Costs for Yili Grassland and Sayram Lake Recommended Itinerary Prices

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

Exploring the Beauty of Xinjiang:In-Depth Guide to a Customized Self-Drive Tour of Yili Grassland and Sayram Lake in 2026✨
I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination
Xinjiang, a vast land brimming with countless natural and cultural treasures. In the summer of 2026, the Yili Grassland and Sayram Lake will become dream destinations for many travelers. The Yili Grassland, with its boundless expanse of green like a carpet, leisurely herds of cattle and sheep, and magnificent scenery set against distant snow-capped mountains, makes one feel as if they are in a captivating painting. Sayram Lake, on the other hand, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, ever-changing lake and mountain scenery throughout the seasons, and wildflowers blooming along its shores. It is hailed as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean,’ attracting countless photography enthusiasts and nature explorers for cultural experiences.
【Yili Grassland】🌿
The Yili Grassland, located in the northwest of Xinjiang, is one of China’s four largest grasslands. With lush water and grass in summer, it is an excellent destination to experience grassland life and feel the customs of various ethnic groups. Visitors can ride horses galloping across the grassland, feeling the freedom as the wind whizzes past their ears; they can also participate in bonfire parties on the grassland, singing and dancing with local friends from different ethnic groups, sharing joyful moments together.
【Sayram Lake】🌊
Sayram Lake, a national 5A-level scenic spot, sits at an altitude of approximately 2,073 meters above sea level, making it the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. The lake water is crystal clear with visibility up to 12 meters, and the stones at the lake bottom are clearly visible. The ring-lake road is fully accessible, offering picturesque views along the way, making it a paradise for self-drive tours. From June to August each year, wildflowers along the lakeshore bloom competitively, forming a colorful sea of flowers that contrasts beautifully with the distant snow-capped mountains, creating a breathtaking sight.

Exploring the Beauty of Xinjiang: In-Depth Guide to a Customized Self-Drive Tour of Yili Grassland and Sayram Lake in 2026✨II. Simple Itinerary
【7-Day Customized Self-Drive Tour of Yili Grassland + Sayram Lake】
Day 1:Airport/Station Pick-up in Urumqi → Check-in at Downtown Hotel
Upon arrival at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, a professional driver will pick you up and take you to a downtown hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, you are free to explore. We recommend visiting the International Bazaar to experience the rich Silk Road atmosphere. In the evening, savor authentic Xinjiang cuisine such as大盘鸡 (big plate chicken) and 烤包子 (baked stuffed buns).
Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (approximately 580 kilometers, about 7 hours’ drive)
After breakfast, depart for Sayram Lake, enjoying the magnificent scenery of the Gobi Desert and grasslands along the way. Upon arrival, take a tour around the lake, capturing classic scenes such as snow-capped mountain reflections and the S-shaped road. In the evening, wait for the sunset by the lake, feeling the tranquility and grandeur of Sayram Lake. Overnight by the lake or in Qingshuihe Town.
Day 3:Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge Viewpoint → Huocheng Lavender Garden → Yining City

I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or DestinationIn the morning, you can re-enter Sayram Lake to capture the sunrise, then head to the Guozigou Bridge Viewpoint to take photos and admire the engineering marvel of the bridge穿梭 (threading) through the valleys. Subsequently, visit the Huocheng Lavender Garden (peak bloom in mid-to-late June) to check in at the purple flower sea reminiscent of Provence. In the afternoon, return to Yining City to explore the Kazanqi Folk Street and Liuxing Street area, sampling special snacks such as handmade ice cream.
Day 4:Yining → Tekes → Kalajun Grassland
After breakfast, depart for Tekes County, enjoying the pastoral scenery of the Yili River Valley along the way. Upon arrival, tour the Kalajun Grassland, including the combined ticket area of East and West Kalajun and the Kuokesu Grand Canyon cable car. Capture the stunning light and shadow layers at sunset at the ‘Human Body Grassland’ spot. Overnight in Tekes or Qiongkushitai Village.
Day 5:In-Depth Exploration of Qiongkushitai Village → Return to Tekes or Proceed to Zhaosu
Spend the whole day exploring Qiongkushitai Village in depth. This primitive village is well-preserved, with the road into the village being gravel, so it is recommended to use a vehicle with a higher chassis. Here, you can stroll among the forest streams, feeling the tranquility and harmony of nature. In the afternoon, choose to return to Tekes or proceed to Zhaosu County based on your interests.
Day 6:Zhaosu → Xiate Ancient Trail → View Snow-Capped Mountains and Forests → Overnight in Zhaosu or Xinyuan
After breakfast, depart for the Xiate Ancient Trail and hike to the General Bridge area, admiring the magnificent scenery of glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and forests. In the afternoon, choose to continue exploring or return to your accommodation to rest based on your physical condition. Overnight in Zhaosu or Xinyuan County.

Xinjiang, a vast land brimming with countless natural and cultural treasures. In the summer of 2026, the Yili Grassland and Sayram Lake will become dream destinations for many travelers. The Yili Grassland, with its boundless expanse of green like a carpet, leisurely herds of cattle and sheep, and magnificent scenery set against distant snow-capped mountains, makes one feel as if they are in a captivating painting. Sayram Lake, on the other hand, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, ever-changing lake and mountain scenery throughout the seasons, and wildflowers blooming along its shores. It is hailed as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean,’ attracting countless photography enthusiasts and nature explorers for cultural experiences.Day 7:Zhaosu/Xinyuan → Nalati Grassland → Return to Yining or Urumqi
After breakfast, visit the Nalati Grassland to explore the aerial grassland area, feeling the vastness and grandeur of the grassland. In the afternoon, arrange your return flight/train to Yining or Urumqi based on your schedule, concluding a pleasant journey.
III. Price Explanation
【Reference for Customized Vehicle Costs】 (Subject to contract and may fluctuate based on tour period)
7-seater domestic regular business vehicle:Approximately 1,500-1,700 yuan/day during peak season (June-September); approximately 800-1,100 yuan/day during off-season (November-April of the following year).
7-seater luxury business vehicle (modified from 9-seater to 7-seater):Approximately 1,800-2,000 yuan/day during peak season; approximately 1,300-1,800 yuan/day during off-season.
7-seater first-class 1+1 business vehicle (modified from 14-seater to 7-seater):Approximately 2,000-2,400 yuan/day during peak season; approximately 1,500-2,000 yuan/day during off-season.

【Yili Grassland】🌿【Fees Included】
Vehicle usage fee, driver’s labor fee, fuel fee, road and bridge fee, parking fee, and basic insurance.
【Fees Excluded】
Visitor’s accommodation, dining, admission tickets, and personal expenses; driver’s food and accommodation subsidies (included in some fleet quotations, need to be confirmed in advance); overtime service fee (approximately 50-150 yuan/hour if exceeding the agreed 8 hours); excess mileage fee (approximately 1-10 yuan/kilometer if exceeding the agreed 300 kilometers/day); tour guide service fee, etc.
Prices and available seats are subject to contract confirmation and may fluctuate based on the tour period, with the contract signed by both parties as the primary reference.
IV. Registration Method
You can register for this customized self-drive tour of Yili Grassland + Sayram Lake through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Professional travel consultants will provide you with one-on-one consultation services, tailoring an itinerary plan according to your needs and budget.

The Yili Grassland, located in the northwest of Xinjiang, is one of China’s four largest grasslands. With lush water and grass in summer, it is an excellent destination to experience grassland life and feel the customs of various ethnic groups. Visitors can ride horses galloping across the grassland, feeling the freedom as the wind whizzes past their ears; they can also participate in bonfire parties on the grassland, singing and dancing with local friends from different ethnic groups, sharing joyful moments together.V. Fee Explanation and Service Explanation
【Fee Explanation】
All fee details will be clearly listed in the contract, including but not limited to vehicle usage fee, driver’s labor fee, fuel fee, road and bridge fee, parking fee, etc. Visitor’s accommodation, dining, admission tickets, and personal expenses are to be borne by the visitor. Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
【Service Explanation】
Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency provides vehicles with regular operation qualifications, and drivers are licensed and familiar with road conditions across Xinjiang.
If the itinerary needs to be temporarily changed due to uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, or policies during the trip, both parties will negotiate and make reasonable changes after reaching a consensus.
For single registrants, our agency will do its best to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
All service contents are subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties.
Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency for more details. Let’s embark on this journey to explore the beauty of Xinjiang together!🌈

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