2026Price of Xinjiang Special Train in the South of the Great River Itinerary Guide to Kanas and Yili Recommended Routes Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
Galaxy Train Departs! 2026 In-Depth Tour of Kanas + Yili in Xinjiang: A Complete Guide
[Route Highlights:A Poetic Journey Through the Four Seasons of Northern Xinjiang]
✦ Kanas Lake:The ‘Oriental Switzerland’ in Morning Mist
In the morning, Kanas Lake is shrouded in mist, with smoke from the Tuwa people’s wooden houses intertwining with the steam rising from the lake, creating a picturesque ink painting. Visitors can take a boat to the heart of the lake (reference price: 120 yuan/person, subject to scenic area notice) to closely observe the birthplace of the legend of the ‘lake monster’—the color-changing lake that reaches a depth of 188 meters. The Fish-Viewing Platform by the lake is an excellent spot for capturing morning mist photos, requiring a hike of 1,068 steps to reach the summit.
✦ Hemu Village:The Tuwa People’s Fairy-Tale Wooden Houses
This primitive village surrounded by birch forests preserves the traditional lifestyles of various ethnic groups. Visitors can participate in a ‘Tuwa Home Visit’ (reference price: 100 yuan/person), taste freshly squeezed milk wine, learn to make the ‘Sudi’ musical instrument, and spend the night in a wooden cabin, gazing up at the dazzling starry sky.
✦ Nalati Grassland:Summer Pastoral Song on the Air Grassland
As one of Xinjiang’s four major grasslands, Nalati is famous for its ‘three-dimensional grassland’ landscape. From June to August, wildflowers blanket the grassland, and local Kazak herders move their flocks. Visitors can experience horseback riding across the Gongnaisi River (reference price: 200 yuan/hour) or take a shuttle bus to the summit of the nomadic homestead at an altitude of 2,200 meters to overlook the boundary between spruce forests and grasslands.
✦ Sayram Lake:The Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic Ocean
This alpine lake is renowned for its ‘Sayram Blue,’ with a 90-kilometer circular road featuring 13 scenic viewpoints. It is recommended to stop at ‘Songshu Head’ and hike for 20 minutes to the summit for a panoramic view of both the lake and the Guozigou Bridge. In summer, golden lotuses and wild poppies bloom along the lakeshore, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
[Simple Itinerary:12-Day Panoramic Loop of Northern and Southern Xinjiang]
Days 1-2:Gathering in Urumqi
Galaxy Train Departs! 2026 In-Depth Tour of Kanas + Yili in Xinjiang: A Complete GuideAfter arrival, check into the hotel. Recommended free activities:
Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar:Taste baked buns and hand-grabbed rice, purchase ethnic handicrafts
Xinjiang Museum:View the ‘Loulan Mummy’ and artifacts unearthed from the Niya Site
Days 3-4:Natural Feast in Northern Xinjiang
Urumqi → Beitun (overnight train)
Beitun → Kanas (5-hour drive):Visit the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Crouching Dragon Bay), ascend the Fish-Viewing Platform
Kanas → Hemu Village (2-hour drive):Stay in characteristic wooden houses and experience Tuwa culture
Days 5-6:Grasslands and Lakes in Western Xinjiang
Hemu → Burqin (4-hour drive):Tour the colorful beach Yardang landform
Burqin → Sayram Lake (8-hour drive):Cycle or drive around the lake, spend the night at a lakeside RV campground
Sayram Lake → Nalati (6-hour drive):Cross the Guozigou Bridge and visit the lavender farm (blooming season: June-July)
Days 7-8:Duku Highway and Southern Xinjiang Culture
[Route Highlights: A Poetic Journey Through the Four Seasons of Northern Xinjiang]Nalati → Northern Section of Duku Highway (4-hour drive):Experience four seasons in one day, passing by the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery
Duku Highway → Kashgar (overnight train):Visit the Id Kah Mosque and watch the ancient city gate-opening ceremony
Days 9-10:Exploring the Pamir Plateau
Kashgar → Taxkorgan (6-hour drive):Obtain a permit and visit Baisha Lake and Muztagh Ata
Taxkorgan → Stone City:Explore villages of various ethnic groups and watch eagle dance performances
Days 11-12:Return and Summary
Kashgar → Urumqi (overnight train):Summarize the itinerary and purchase specialties
Return from Urumqi:Airport transfer based on flight schedule
[Price Description:Multiple Room Types to Meet Different Needs]
In 2026, the Tianshan train will offer four room type systems, with reference price ranges as follows (subject to the final contract):
▶ Blue Diamond Series (High Cost-Performance)
Upper Bunk in 4-Person Room:16,999 yuan/person
Lower Bunk in 4-Person Room:17,999 yuan/person
✦ Kanas Lake: The ‘Oriental Switzerland’ in Morning Mist2-Person Room:24,999 yuan/person
▶ Silver Diamond Series (Comfortable Experience)
2-Person Room:25,888 yuan/person
4-Person Room:17,888 yuan/person
Presidential Suite (with bathroom):42,888 yuan/person
▶ Executive Series (Exclusive Services)
2-Person Room:26,888 yuan/person (equipped with smart toilet and thermostatic shower)
▶ Children’s Policy
Under 1.2 meters: 13,980 yuan/person (excluding bunk and tickets)
1.2-1.5 meters: 80% of adult price (bunk supplement required)
[Registration Method:Customized Services by Professional Team]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide the following services:
In the morning, Kanas Lake is shrouded in mist, with smoke from the Tuwa people’s wooden houses intertwining with the steam rising from the lake, creating a picturesque ink painting. Visitors can take a boat to the heart of the lake (reference price: 120 yuan/person, subject to scenic area notice) to closely observe the birthplace of the legend of the ‘lake monster’—the color-changing lake that reaches a depth of 188 meters. The Fish-Viewing Platform by the lake is an excellent spot for capturing morning mist photos, requiring a hike of 1,068 steps to reach the summit.① Recommend suitable room types based on the number of travelers and budget
② Assist with permit applications and scenic area ticket reservations
③ Provide guides on Xinjiang’s climate, clothing, and altitude sickness prevention
④ Coordinate train station pickup and drop-off services
[Fee Description and Service Standards]
◉ Included Fees:
Transportation:Urumqi round-trip train sleeper + ground bus
Accommodation:10 nights in hotels/characteristic homestays (including breakfast)
Meals:17 main meals (8 dishes and 1 soup standard)
Tickets:First entrance tickets to Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati, etc.
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance + travel accident insurance
◉ Self-Paid Items:
✦ Hemu Village: The Tuwa People’s Fairy-Tale Wooden HousesConsumption within the scenic area, such as Kanas boat rides and Tuwa home visits
Car rental fees for the Duku Highway (if choosing the self-drive section)
Personal expenses and entertainment outside the itinerary
◉ Service Description:
Each tour group is accompanied by 1 full-time tour guide + 1 local tour guide
The train is equipped with a medical room, common medications, and oxygen equipment
Daily provision of mineral water and fruit
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing
[Pre-Trip Tips]
① Document Preparation:Valid ID, senior citizen/student ID (discount certificates), permit (to be obtained in Kashgar)
② Clothing Suggestions:From June to August, bring a windbreaker (large temperature difference in mountainous areas), sun protection clothing, and comfortable hiking shoes
③ Photography Equipment:Drones must be reported in advance; Sayram Lake and Kanas are restricted flight zones
④ Altitude Sickness Prevention:The Pamir Plateau is over 3,000 meters above sea level; it is recommended to prepare Rhodiola in advance
From the morning mist of Kanas Lake to the starry sky of the Pamir Plateau, this 12-day loop tour will take you through 80% of Xinjiang’s 5A-rated scenic areas. Zhang Jing, customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, reminds:June to September 2026 is the peak tourist season; it is recommended to secure seats 45 days in advance. Double occupancy registrations will be given priority for lower bunks. Let’s collect the seasons and culture of this land with the most leisurely attitude!
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
