Xinjiang Chartered Car Tour in Northern Xinjiang In depth Exploration Duku Highway plus Bayinbuluk Detailed Quotation Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation

Explore the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang:Comprehensive Guide to Customized Vehicle Tours of the DuKu Highway and Bayanbulak Grasslands
Route and Destination Highlights
Northern Xinjiang, a land of diverse landscapes divided by the Tianshan Mountains, weaves an astonishing natural tapestry with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and lakes. In 2026, the combination of the DuKu Highway and Bayanbulak Grasslands becomes a popular choice for customized vehicle tours—this collision of the “Most Beautiful Highway in China” traversing northern and southern Xinjiang and the “Second Largest Grassland in China” allows travelers to experience the geographical wonder of “four seasons in one day” and witness the breathtaking sunset at the Nine-Curve Eighteen-Bend.
DuKu Highway: Starting from Dushanzi in the north and ending in Kuqa in the south, the highway spans 561 kilometers and is recommended to be open for four months each year (from mid-June to early October in 2026). This highway traverses the heart of the Tianshan Mountains, connecting landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, glaciers, grasslands, canyons, and lakes. Along the way, there are iconic attractions like the Hashilergen Daban Pass (elevation 3,400 meters, where you can play in the snow in summer), Heavenly Waterfall, and the Large and Small Dragon Pools. Due to the complex road conditions, it is recommended for vehicles with seven seats or fewer, making it the “exclusive track” for customized vehicle tours.
Bayanbulak Grassland: Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, it covers an area of approximately 23,000 square kilometers and is famous for the Kaidu River with its “Nine-Curve Eighteen-Bend.” At sunset, the setting sun reflects multiple images of the sun on the river, known by photography enthusiasts as the “Nine Suns on the Grassland.” The grassland is also home to rare birds such as swans and wild geese, and in summer, wildflowers blanket the fields, making it an ideal place to experience the local grassland community life.
Sample Itinerary Reference (5 days, 4 nights)
Day 1:Urumqi → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Qiaoerma
Transportation:Depart from Urumqi in a customized vehicle and drive for about 3 hours along the Lianhuo Expressway to reach Dushanzi, then enter the northern section of the DuKu Highway.
Highlights:The Dushanzi Grand Canyon is the starting point of the DuKu Highway, and the “cracks in the earth” formed by millions of years of rain erosion are perfect for drone aerial photography. The Qiaoerma Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery allows you to pay tribute to the heroes who built the road, and nearby grassland homestays offer a chance to experience local delicacies such as hand-grabbed meat and baked buns from various ethnic groups.
Accommodation:Qiaoerma characteristic homestay (clean and comfortable, with star-gazing opportunities at night).

Explore the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang: Comprehensive Guide to Customized Vehicle Tours of the DuKu Highway and Bayanbulak GrasslandsDay 2:Qiaoerma → Hashilergen Daban Pass → Nalati Town
Transportation:Drive over the Hashilergen Daban Pass along the northern section of the DuKu Highway (about 2.5 hours) and arrive in Nalati Town (about 1.5 hours).
Highlights:At Hashilergen Daban Pass, you can play in the snow in summer and experience “four seasons in one day.” The three-star standard hotel in Nalati Town is within walking distance of the scenic area entrance, making it convenient for the next day’s visit.
Dining:Nalati specialty roasted lamb and wild vegetable noodles.
Day 3:In-depth Tour of Nalati Grassland
Transportation:Scenic area shuttle bus (advance ticket reservation required).
Highlights:The alpine meadow, snow-capped spruce forests, and waterfalls on the aerial grassland create a “nomadic family” scene. The river valley grassland is suitable for horseback riding (正规马队 80 yuan/hour), and from June to August, wildflowers bloom like a carpet.
Accommodation:Same hotel in Nalati Town (to avoid frequent room changes).
Day 4:Nalati → Bayanbulak Grassland
Transportation:Drive for about 1.5 hours along the middle section of the DuKu Highway to reach Bayanbulak.

Route and Destination HighlightsHighlights:Observe natural swans at Swan Lake; wait for the sunset at the Nine-Curve Eighteen-Bend viewing platform (arrive early to secure a spot), and enjoy a grassland hot pot to keep warm.
Accommodation:Boutique hotel in Bayanbulak Town (equipped with oxygen devices for high-altitude environments).
Day 5:Bayanbulak → Return Journey
Transportation:Choose to return to Urumqi or Yining based on your itinerary (airport/train station transfer services provided).
Highlights:If time permits, stop by the Large and Small Dragon Pools (turquoise alpine lakes) or the Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon (red sandstone canyon) along the way.
Price Description (2026 Reference Range)
The price of customized vehicle tours varies based on vehicle type, accommodation standards, and itinerary duration. The following are common price ranges (specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing):
Comfort Tier:Starting at 3,680 yuan per person
Includes:Three-star standard hotel + characteristic homestay, 4 breakfasts and 8 main meals (including grassland specialties), customized vehicle fees, first entrance tickets to attractions (Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Nalati, Bayanbulak), high-quality tour guide services, and travel agency liability insurance.
Boutique Tier:Starting at 4,680 yuan per person

Northern Xinjiang, a land of diverse landscapes divided by the Tianshan Mountains, weaves an astonishing natural tapestry with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and lakes. In 2026, the combination of the DuKu Highway and Bayanbulak Grasslands becomes a popular choice for customized vehicle tours—this collision of the “Most Beautiful Highway in China” traversing northern and southern Xinjiang and the “Second Largest Grassland in China” allows travelers to experience the geographical wonder of “four seasons in one day” and witness the breathtaking sunset at the Nine-Curve Eighteen-Bend. Includes:Four-star standard hotel + grassland characteristic homestay, 4 breakfasts and 10 main meals (including a whole roast lamb banquet), 2-6 person boutique small group, VIP access to attractions, exclusive tour guide explanations, and travel accident insurance (coverage of 1 million yuan).
Luxury Tier:Starting at 5,680 yuan per person
Includes:Five-star standard hotel + high-end homestay, 4 breakfasts and 12 main meals (including private customized meals), dedicated vehicle and guide, premium explanations in Nalati, VIP sunset viewing spot in Bayanbulak, and zero self-paid items throughout the trip.
Price Fluctuation Factors:
Prices may increase by 10%-20% during peak season (July-August);
The type of customized vehicle (5-seat SUV/7-seat business vehicle) affects costs;
Self-paid items (such as horseback riding in Nalati and boat tours in Bayanbulak) require additional fees.
Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for the latest departure dates and availability. Registration requires providing valid identification information for insurance purchase and scenic area reservations. Both parties can reasonably modify the itinerary through mutual agreement (e.g., changing the order of attractions due to weather or road conditions).
Fee Description and Service Description

DuKu Highway: Starting from Dushanzi in the north and ending in Kuqa in the south, the highway spans 561 kilometers and is recommended to be open for four months each year (from mid-June to early October in 2026). This highway traverses the heart of the Tianshan Mountains, connecting landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, glaciers, grasslands, canyons, and lakes. Along the way, there are iconic attractions like the Hashilergen Daban Pass (elevation 3,400 meters, where you can play in the snow in summer), Heavenly Waterfall, and the Large and Small Dragon Pools. Due to the complex road conditions, it is recommended for vehicles with seven seats or fewer, making it the “exclusive track” for customized vehicle tours.Fees Include:
Transportation:Full customized vehicle fees (including fuel, tolls, and driver service fees);
Accommodation:Hotels or homestays indicated in the itinerary (single travelers will be coordinated for room-sharing as much as possible; special cases require separate negotiation);
Dining:Meals indicated in the itinerary (excluding alcoholic beverages);
Tickets:First entrance tickets to attractions (excluding shuttle buses and self-paid items);
Services:Tour guide explanations and travel agency liability insurance.
Fees Do Not Include:
Self-paid items (such as horseback riding, boat tours, whole roast lamb, etc.);
Personal expenses (such as additional dining);
Travel accident insurance (needs to be purchased independently or entrusted to the travel agency for purchase).

Bayanbulak Grassland: Located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains, it covers an area of approximately 23,000 square kilometers and is famous for the Kaidu River with its “Nine-Curve Eighteen-Bend.” At sunset, the setting sun reflects multiple images of the sun on the river, known by photography enthusiasts as the “Nine Suns on the Grassland.” The grassland is also home to rare birds such as swans and wild geese, and in summer, wildflowers blanket the fields, making it an ideal place to experience the local grassland community life.Service Commitments:
Zero Consumption Itinerary:No mandatory consumption during the itinerary; all self-paid items are completely voluntary;
Guarantees:Daily vehicle inspections, tour guides carry emergency items, and partners undergo regular screenings;
Flexible Changes:If the DuKu Highway is temporarily closed, we will negotiate to switch to the Yizhao Highway or other northern Xinjiang attractions.
Precautions
Document Preparation:Valid identification, senior citizen/student ID cards, and other documents that qualify for ticket discounts;
Clothing and Equipment:The DuKu Highway has large temperature differences between day and night, so bring short sleeves + a thin jacket + a windbreaker; the grassland has strong UV rays, so bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+); wear comfortable non-slip sports shoes for hiking.
Medication Suggestions:Cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, anti-altitude sickness medicine (such as Rhodiola), and band-aids.
Photography Tips:The DuKu Highway offers breathtaking scenery, so bring a DSLR camera, a drone (requires advance notification), and spare batteries; for sunset photography in Bayanbulak, arrive early to secure a spot, and a tripod is recommended.
Cultural Respect:Ask for permission before taking photos of local people on the grassland, and avoid touching items inside yurts随意; in Xinjiang, prices are per kilogram, so bargain moderately.
Summer in northern Xinjiang is a poem woven from the thrill of the DuKu Highway and the gentleness of Bayanbulak. Whether chasing the sunset at the Nine-Curve Eighteen-Bend or indulging in the flower fields of Nalati, a customized vehicle tour allows you to experience the vastness and delicacy of this land in the most liberating way.

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation