Xinjiang Yili Group Tour Guide 7 Day Itinerary Cost Breakdown for Nalati + Sayram Lake Recommended Routes and Pricing
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Star Recommendation✨:7-Day In-Depth Tour of Yili, Xinjiang: A Poetic Encounter with Nalati Grassland and Sayram Lake
I. Itinerary Highlights and Destination Details
[Nalati Grassland:A Three-Dimensional Masterpiece of the Hanging Garden]
As one of Xinjiang’s first national 5A-level scenic spots, Nalati Grassland is renowned as the “place where the sun first rises,” with an average annual temperature of 20°C and a summer average of 23°C, making it a paradise for summer retreat. Scenic spots within the area, including Tianjietai, Youmu Renjia, and Panlong Gudao, connect to form a three-dimensional grassland landscape. Visitors can ride horses across streams or stay in yurts of various ethnic groups to experience local customs. In 2026, the scenic area will implement a timed reservation system with a daily limit of 12,000 visitors. Advance reservations are required through designated channels (95 RMB/person during peak season, shuttle bus 40-140 RMB/person).
[Sayram Lake:The Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic]
This alpine lake at an elevation of 2,073 meters features a vast blue expanse of 1,600 square kilometers and snow-capped mountain reflections, making it a popular destination for photography. In 2026, the scenic area will launch a “Deep Lake Tour” service, allowing visitors to take electric sightseeing buses (145 RMB/person including lake shuttle) to 12 scenic viewpoints such as Jinhua Zihui and Songshu Tou, or experience special projects like sailing and helicopter tours (300-800 RMB/person). The scenic area is open 24 hours, but night tours require prior notification.
[Unlock Hidden Gems]
▶ Kalajun Grassland:A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site with Flower Terrace and Falcon Terrace ideal for hiking enthusiasts
▶ Xiate Ancient Trail:A light hike through snow-capped mountains and forests, with opportunities to spot marmots and the Heavenly Horse River Bathing performance
▶ Huocheng Lavender Manor:A limited-time flower sea from June to July, with customizable essential oil DIY experiences (150 RMB/person)
II. Classic 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
✈ ✈️ Arrive in Urumqi by air from various locations and check into a hotel (airport transfer included). Recommended free activities:Shop for dried fruits at the International Bazaar or visit the Xinjiang Museum to see the Loulan Princess mummy.
Star Recommendation✨: 7-Day In-Depth Tour of Yili, Xinjiang: A Poetic Encounter with Nalati Grassland and Sayram LakeDay 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (550 km, 6.5 hours)
🚌 Travel along the Lianhuo Expressway, crossing the Guozigou Bridge for stunning cliff photography. Spend the afternoon touring the lake and wait for the “golden hour” sunset at Dianjiangtai in the evening.
🍴 Dinner: Enjoy sashimi made from high white salmon (a Sayram Lake specialty, 88 RMB/serving)
Day 3:Sayram Lake → Huocheng → Yining (220 km, 3 hours)
🌸 In the morning, visit the Princess Jieyou Farm in Huocheng for French-style photography amidst a purple flower sea. Arrive in Yining in the afternoon to explore Liuxing Street for ethnic handicrafts. Dinner recommendation: A century-old teahouse in Kazanqi Folk Village (hand-grabbed meat 48 RMB/serving, baked stuffed bun 3 RMB/piece).
Day 4:Yining → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes (180 km, 3.5 hours)
🐎 Spend the day exploring Kalajun with a recommended route:Flower Terrace → Falcon Terrace → Kuokesu Grand Canyon. In the evening, take a Ferris wheel ride (30 RMB/person) for a night view of Tekes’八卦城 (Bagua City).
📌 New for 2026: “Grassland Starry Sky Camping” experience (580 RMB/person including tent and dinner)
Day 5:Tekes → Xiate Ancient Trail → Zhaosu (200 km, 4 hours)
🏔 Enjoy a light hike along the Xiate Ancient Trail for close-up views of Muzart Snow Mountain. In the afternoon, watch the Heavenly Horse River Bathing performance (daily at 16:00, free). Dinner: Savor Zhaosu Grassland roast whole lamb (1,980 RMB/lamb, advance reservation required).
Day 6:Zhaosu → Nalati Grassland (320 km, 5 hours)
🌿 Visit the popular bridge in Nalati’s aerial grassland and experience folk activities like milking cows and making nang bread at Youmu Renjia. Check into a yurt of various ethnic groups within the scenic area in the evening (380 RMB/night including breakfast).
🎁 Special souvenirs:Lavender sachets (35 RMB), hand-embroidered felt blankets (starting at 280 RMB)
I. Itinerary Highlights and Destination DetailsDay 7:Nalati → Duku Highway → Urumqi (500 km, 8 hours)
🛣 Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway, experiencing “four seasons in one day,” and pay respects to road construction heroes at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery. Arrive in Urumqi in the evening for airport transfer based on flight schedules.
⚠ ⚠️ The Duku Highway is recommended for travel from June to September; exact opening times are subject to official announcements.
III. Cost Breakdown and Pricing Reference
[Group Tour Cost Ranges]
▶ Economy:3,980-4,980 RMB/person
Includes:Comfortable hotels, standard tourist buses, 3 main meals, basic scenic spot tickets
▶ Comfort:5,280-6,580 RMB/person
Upgrades:4-diamond hotels, 2+1 first-class land buses, 5 main meals, complimentary Sayram Lake afternoon tea
▶ Premium:6,980-7,980 RMB/person
Includes:5-diamond hotels + RV campsites, 7-seater business vehicles, 6 main meals, 8 special experiences including horseback riding in Hemu
[Items Not Included]
✈ ✈️ Round-trip transportation to/from Urumqi
[Nalati Grassland: A Three-Dimensional Masterpiece of the Hanging Garden]🎫 Optional scenic spot activities (e.g., sailing, helicopter tours, horseback riding)
🍜 Personal expenses and meals outside the itinerary
🏨 (Approximately 800-1,200 RMB/person; efforts will be made to arrange shared rooms)
[Price Fluctuation Notes]
▶ Prices increase by 15%-20% during peak season (July-August)
▶ Early bird discount of 300 RMB/person for bookings made 30 days in advance
▶ Instant discount of 200 RMB/person for groups of 2 (limited to comfort-level products and above)
⚠ ⚠️ Prices are subject to change based on actual consultation and contract signing; prices may fluctuate depending on the tour date.
IV. Registration Process and Service Guarantees
[Registration Process]
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency by providing valid identification information and special needs (e.g., dietary restrictions, mobility issues). Staff will call within 24 hours to confirm itinerary details and send an electronic contract for signing.
[Service Standards]
▶ Vehicles:Legally operated tourist vehicles used throughout the trip, with mandatory 20-minute breaks every 4 hours
As one of Xinjiang’s first national 5A-level scenic spots, Nalati Grassland is renowned as the “place where the sun first rises,” with an average annual temperature of 20°C and a summer average of 23°C, making it a paradise for summer retreat. Scenic spots within the area, including Tianjietai, Youmu Renjia, and Panlong Gudao, connect to form a three-dimensional grassland landscape. Visitors can ride horses across streams or stay in yurts of various ethnic groups to experience local customs. In 2026, the scenic area will implement a timed reservation system with a daily limit of 12,000 visitors. Advance reservations are required through designated channels (95 RMB/person during peak season, shuttle bus 40-140 RMB/person).▶ Accommodation:Preference given to hotels near scenic spots; mutual agreement required for changes in case of tight availability during peak season
▶ Tour Guides:Certified tour guides leading groups with a daily work limit of 10 hours
▶ Insurance:Includes travel agency liability insurance + 500,000 RMB travel accident insurance
[Emergency Support]
▶ Equipped with high-altitude emergency kits (including oxygen tanks, glucose)
▶ 24-hour customer service manager Zhang Jing available to respond to needs
▶ Written confirmation required from both parties for any itinerary changes
V. Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist
[Documents]
▶ Valid ID/passport (foreign visitors need to apply for Xinjiang entry permit in advance)
▶ Discount certificates for students/seniors/military personnel (for ticket discounts)
[Clothing and Gear]
▶ Windbreaker/light down jacket (low nighttime temperatures in Nalati and Sayram Lake)
[Sayram Lake: The Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic]▶ Sun protection gear:SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat
▶ Comfortable hiking shoes (required for Kalajun and Xiate due to extensive walking)
[Electronic Devices]
▶ Power bank (limited charging facilities in scenic spots)
▶ Offline maps (weak signal in some mountainous areas)
[Other Items]
▶ Thermos (large temperature differences on grasslands)
▶ Common medications (cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine)
VI. Special Reminders
Scenic Spot Policies:Drones prohibited at Nalati Grassland; flight permits required at Sayram Lake
Photography Tips:Capture Sayram Lake morning mist from 6-8 AM and Nalati sunset after 8:00 PM
Cultural Respect:Long pants and sleeves required for entry; consent needed before photographing ethnic compatriots
Environmental Initiative:Littering prohibited on grasslands; violators may face fines
This summer, let Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency take you on a journey through the Yili Valley, where you’ll encounter poetry and distant horizons amidst snow-capped mountains and flower seas. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for the latest tour dates and discounts to start your northern江南 (Jiangnan-style) adventure!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
