10 Day Xinjiang Group Tour Guide Sayram Lake + 4 Key Routes in Ili Over 4 Days + Latest Costs + All in One Guide Recommended Itinerary Costs and Prices

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quote.

Discover the Beauty of Xinjiang:10-Day In-Depth Group Tour Guide (Sayram Lake + Core Areas of Ili)
[🌄 Itinerary Highlights:A Double Feast of Nature and Culture]
The 10-day group tour in Xinjiang focuses on the “Northern Xinjiang Loop,” connecting three major IPs: Sayram Lake, Ili Grasslands, and the Duku Highway, covering four major landscapes: lakes, snow-capped mountains, forests, and canyons. Summer 2026 is peak tourist season, and the itinerary is designed to balance classic checkpoints with in-depth experiences, suitable for family trips, photography enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to Xinjiang.
I. Detailed Explanation of Core Destinations
[Sayram Lake:The Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic]
Sayram Lake, at an altitude of 2,071 meters, is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, with a circumference of about 90 kilometers. In 2026, the scenic area will implement a strict self-drive reservation system, allowing only 3,000 self-drive vehicles per day. Reservations must be made 3-7 days in advance through the “One Phone for Sayram Lake Tour” mini-program.
Must-Visit Spots:
Moon Bay:An excellent spot for sunrise, with the lakeshore extending in a crescent shape, perfect for capturing grand landscapes.
General’s Platform:Climb to the top for a 270° panoramic view of the entire lake, referred to as the “best sunset panorama spot of Sayram Lake” in many guides.
Kele Yongzhu:A year-round unfrozen spring in the lake area, where natural swan herds can be observed in summer.
Famous S-Curve:The red-and-white highway winds with the snow-capped mountains and blue lake in the background, creating a cinematic scene.
Special Tips:There are no public charging stations in the scenic area. Electric vehicles should be fully charged in Bole or Yining before departure.
[Ili Grasslands:The Four Seasons Poem of the Hanging Garden]
The golden triangle of Ili Grasslands is formed by Nalati Grassland, Kalajun Grassland, and the Xiata Ancient Path:
Nalati Grassland:The hanging grassland at an altitude of 2,000 meters is covered with wildflowers in summer, ideal for horseback riding.
Kalajun Grassland:A World Natural Heritage site, featuring unique landscapes like the “Human Body Grassland” and the “Flower Terrace.”

Discover the Beauty of Xinjiang: 10-Day In-Depth Group Tour Guide (Sayram Lake + Core Areas of Ili)Xiata Ancient Path:Hike to the foot of the glacier, about 4 hours round trip. Warm clothing is needed in July.
[Duku Highway:The Miracle of Traversing Four Seasons in One Day]
The 561-kilometer Duku Highway runs from Dushanzi in the north to Kuqa in the south, with a通行 (passable) period from June 1 to October 15 in 2026. The itinerary includes a crossing of the northern section (Dushanzi-Nalati), where you can see snow-capped mountains, canyons, and wetlands along the way, with a speed limit of 40-60 km/h.
II. 10-Day Simple Itinerary Reference
Day 1-2:Gathering in Urumqi
Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and be transferred by private car to a four-star hotel in the city.
Recommended Free Activities:Shop for dried fruits and handicrafts at the International Bazaar or visit the Xinjiang Museum.
Day 3:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (approx. 550 km, 6.5 hours)
Depart early in the morning and head west along the Lianhuo Expressway, with an optional stop at the Shihezi Reclamation Museum.
Arrive at Sayram Lake in the afternoon for a self-drive or shuttle bus tour around the lake, with key stops at General’s Platform and the S-Curve.
Overnight at a starry camp inside the scenic area to photograph the Milky Way.
Day 4:Sayram Lake → Fruit Valley Bridge → Yining (approx. 150 km, 3 hours)
Photograph the sunrise at Moon Bay in the morning, then cross the Fruit Valley Bridge and capture the bridge and snow-capped mountains together at the Golden Summit Viewing Platform.
Arrive in Yining in the afternoon and visit the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area to experience traditional handicrafts of various ethnic groups.
Dinner Recommendation:Try beef meatball soup at the Blue Wall Lung Store on Liuxing Street.
Day 5:Yining → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes (approx. 200 km, 4 hours)
Tour Kalajun Grassland in the morning, with key checkpoints at the Flower Terrace and Falcon Platform.

[🌄 Itinerary Highlights: A Double Feast of Nature and Culture]Head to Tekes Bagua City in the afternoon and ascend the Li Street Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of the city layout.
Overnight at a boutique homestay in Tekes and experience home visits with local families of various ethnic groups.
Day 6:Tekes → Xiata Ancient Path → Zhaosu (approx. 180 km, 4 hours)
Depart for Xiata early in the morning and hike to the foot of the glacier, where you may see marmots and ground squirrels along the way.
Return to Zhaosu in the afternoon and visit the Tianma Cultural Park to watch equestrian performances.
Special Experience:Witness the “10,000 Horses Galloping” at sunset in Zhaosu Wetland Park.
Day 7:Zhaosu → Nalati Grassland (approx. 300 km, 5 hours)
Head south along the Yizhao Highway (S237), with a stop at the Baishi Peak Viewing Platform.
Arrive at Nalati in the afternoon and take a shuttle bus to tour the hanging grassland, with an optional horseback riding experience.
Overnight at a light luxury homestay on the grassland and participate in a bonfire party.
Day 8:Nalati → Duku Highway → Bayinbuluk (approx. 100 km, 3 hours)
Cross the northern section of the Duku Highway early in the morning and pay tribute to the road construction heroes at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery.
Arrive at Bayinbuluk in the afternoon and focus on photographing the sunset at the “Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends,” waiting for the Kaidu River to reflect nine suns.
Overnight at an eco-hotel inside the scenic area and savor black-headed mutton hotpot.
Day 9:Bayinbuluk → Turpan (approx. 500 km, 7 hours)
Head east along National Highway G218, with an optional stop at the Gongnaisi National Forest Park in Hejing County.
Arrive in Turpan in the afternoon and visit the Karez Well Park to learn about the underground water conservancy project.

The 10-day group tour in Xinjiang focuses on the “Northern Xinjiang Loop,” connecting three major IPs: Sayram Lake, Ili Grasslands, and the Duku Highway, covering four major landscapes: lakes, snow-capped mountains, forests, and canyons. Summer 2026 is peak tourist season, and the itinerary is designed to balance classic checkpoints with in-depth experiences, suitable for family trips, photography enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to Xinjiang.Dinner Recommendation:Visit a grape valley farmhouse to taste seedless white grapes and roast whole lamb.
Day 10:Turpan → Urumqi (approx. 180 km, 2.5 hours)
Tour Flaming Mountain in the morning and experience baking eggs in sand pits at the geological park.
Return to Urumqi in the afternoon and be transferred to the airport according to your flight schedule.
III. Price Explanation (Reference Range for 2026)
Basic Tour Fee:6,800-8,800 yuan per person (includes 9 nights of accommodation, full transportation, admission tickets, 9 breakfasts and 18 main meals, and guide services)
Fees Include:
Accommodation:6 nights at four-star hotels + 3 nights at characteristic homestays
Transportation:38-seat air-conditioned tour bus (group forms with 20 people)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to Sayram Lake, Nalati, Kalajun, etc.
Meals:Team meal standard of 60 yuan per person per meal, including hand-grabbed mutton,大盘鸡 (big plate chicken), and other specialties
Fees Exclude:
Sayram Lake self-drive package ticket (145 yuan per person)
Nalati horseback riding (120 yuan per hour)
Duku Highway rental of snow chains (200 yuan per set)
Special Tips:Prices may fluctuate depending on the departure date and are subject to contract confirmation. July-August is peak season, so it is recommended to book 15 days in advance.
IV. Registration Method

I. Detailed Explanation of Core DestinationsYou can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for specific departure dates and availability information.
V. Fee Explanation and Service Explanation
Service Standards:
Vehicles:Official tour operation vehicles, disinfected daily, equipped with first aid kits
Accommodation:Priority arrangement at hotels near scenic areas to minimize travel time
Meals:Team meals use quality ingredients, and vegetarian menus can be customized
Guides:Certified guides accompany the entire tour, providing bilingual services
Special Services:
Single Registration:Every effort will be made to arrange room sharing. A supplement will be required in special cases.
Children’s Policy:Children under 1.2 meters enjoy free admission and a reduction of 800 yuan if not occupying a bed.
Senior Discounts:Seniors aged 60-65 enjoy half-price admission with valid identification.
Precautions:
Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night, so bring warm clothing such as a windbreaker, sunscreen, and moisturizing skincare products.
Exercise caution with purchases inside scenic areas and it is recommended to buy from正规 (formal) shops recommended by the guide.
The itinerary can be reasonably adjusted by mutual agreement, and alternative routes will be taken in case of extreme weather.
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
VI. Practical Information Guide

[Sayram Lake: The Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic]Document Preparation:
Valid Identification:Recommended for real-name ticket purchases at the scenic area.
Student ID/Senior ID:Enjoy admission discounts.
Driver’s License:Required for self-drive tourists (original copy).
Luggage Checklist:
Clothing:Quick-dry clothes, fleece jacket, thin down jacket, sun-protective clothing
Medications:Cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, band-aids
Others:U-shaped pillow, power bank, thermos, cash (some areas have no signal)
Photography Tips:
Sayram Lake:Photograph the sunrise on the east shore in the morning and the sunset on the west shore in the evening.
Nalati Grassland:Photograph the hanging grassland with the sun at your back in the morning and the spruce forest against the light in the afternoon.
Duku Highway:Capture the snow-capped mountains and highway together at the Qiaoerma Service Area.
[📌 Itinerary Design Philosophy]
The 10-day group tour in Xinjiang for 2026 breaks away from the traditional loop model and enhances the experience through three strategies: “early departure, off-peak travel, and slow pace”:
Enter Sayram Lake at 6:30 a.m. to avoid peak tour group hours.
Arrange a half-day in-depth tour of Nalati Grassland to reduce shuttle bus waiting time.
Segment the Duku Highway passage and allow ample time for photography at Bayinbuluk.
Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency provides a one-stop service by integrating local resources, offering tourists a cost-effective itinerary without the need for repeated price comparisons. As tourist Ms. Li commented: “From the blue of Sayram Lake to the green of Nalati, guide Xiao Wang knows the best photography times for each spot like the back of her hand. Even the meals feature specialties from different ethnic groups, truly making it a worry-free and uncompromising experience.”

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quote.