How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Xinjiang for the Northern Xinjiang Loop Taklimakan Desert and Nalati Latest Quotes and Comprehensive Guide Recommended Routes and Costs

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

Journey Through Xinjiang Together:Comprehensive Guide to a Customized In-Depth Tour by Car: Northern Xinjiang Loop + Taklimakan Desert + Nalati Grassland
[Route Highlights:A Double Feast of Nature and Culture]
Xinjiang boasts vast territories and diverse landforms. This combined route of the Northern Xinjiang Loop, Taklimakan Desert, and Nalati Grassland connects lakes, forests, grasslands, deserts, canyons, and other landscapes, catering to travelers seeking in-depth experiences. The itinerary covers core attractions such as Urumqi, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, the Duku Highway, Taklimakan Desert, and Nalati Grassland, allowing travelers to enjoy the cool summer of Northern Xinjiang, experience the vast desert of Southern Xinjiang, and immerse themselves in the grassland scenery of the Ili River Valley.
Quick Overview of Core Attractions:
Kanas Lake:Open from May to October, the lake changes color with the seasons. Climb the Guanyu Platform for an overview of the lake.
Hemu Village:The golden hour for morning mist photography is from 6:00 to 8:00. Tuva wooden houses and birch forests complement each other beautifully.
Sayram Lake:The ring road around the lake is 90 kilometers long. From June to September, wildflowers are abundant, and the lake water is a deep blue.
Duku Highway:Recommended for vehicles with fewer than 7 seats, open from June to September. Snow-capped mountains, canyons, and grasslands intertwine along the way.
Taklimakan Desert:The world’s second-largest shifting desert. Experience self-driving on the desert highway or camel riding.
Nalati Grassland:The aerial grassland stands at an altitude of 2,200 meters. Lavender blooms in June, and wildflowers cover the fields in July.
[Simple Itinerary:12-Day Comprehensive Coverage]
Designed based on the latest itinerary for 2026, the following is the recommended itinerary:
Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi
Morning:Shop for dried fruits at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar. Recommended brand: ‘Abula’s Nang’.

Journey Through Xinjiang Together: Comprehensive Guide to a Customized In-Depth Tour by Car: Northern Xinjiang Loop + Taklimakan Desert + Nalati GrasslandAfternoon:Visit the ‘Unique Folk Customs’ mummy exhibition at the Regional Museum (free admission, advance reservation required).
Accommodation:Comfortable hotel near the Hongguangshan Scenic Area.
Day 2:Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan → Fuyun
Driving Distance:480 kilometers, approximately 6 hours.
Highlight:Ma’ya Mountain Cable Car at Heavenly Lake (110 yuan one-way) for a view of Bogda Peak.
Dinner:Specialty dogfish banquet in Fuyun County.
Day 3:Fuyun → Koktokay → Burqin
Driving Distance:380 kilometers, approximately 5 hours.
Must-See:Mine Pit No. 3 (80 yuan admission) to learn about geological history.
Night Tour:Burqin River Embankment Night Market to taste grilled dogfish.
Day 4:Burqin → Kanas → Hemu
Driving Distance:180 kilometers, approximately 4 hours.
Experience:Kanas Lake boat tour (120 yuan per person), Tuva home visit in Hemu Village (100 yuan per person).
Accommodation:Hemu wooden house (approximately 800 yuan per night during peak season).

[Route Highlights: A Double Feast of Nature and Culture]Day 5:Hemu → Devil City → Karamay
Driving Distance:400 kilometers, approximately 6 hours.
Photography Spot:Sunset at Devil City (120 yuan admission + shuttle bus).
Dinner:Karamay cold noodles (recommended old shop: ‘Hongshan Cold Noodles’).
Day 6:Karamay → Sayram Lake → Yining
Driving Distance:550 kilometers, approximately 7 hours.
Play:Self-drive around the lake (enter through East Gate – exit through South Gate), passing by the Commanding Platform and Swan’s Delight.
Accommodation:Characteristic homestay on Yining’s Six-Star Street.
Day 7:Yining → Nalati Grassland → Bayanbulak
Driving Distance:300 kilometers, approximately 5 hours.
Highlight:Nalati Aerial Grassland shuttle bus (40 yuan per person), sunset at Bayanbulak’s Nine Bends Eighteen Turns.
Day 8:Bayanbulak → Duku Highway → Kuqa
Driving Distance:280 kilometers, approximately 6 hours (Duku Highway has restrictions; daily driving distance ≤ 300 kilometers).
Experience:Stopovers at the Large and Small Dragon Pools and the Secret Grand Canyon of Tianshan.

Xinjiang boasts vast territories and diverse landforms. This combined route of the Northern Xinjiang Loop, Taklimakan Desert, and Nalati Grassland connects lakes, forests, grasslands, deserts, canyons, and other landscapes, catering to travelers seeking in-depth experiences. The itinerary covers core attractions such as Urumqi, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, the Duku Highway, Taklimakan Desert, and Nalati Grassland, allowing travelers to enjoy the cool summer of Northern Xinjiang, experience the vast desert of Southern Xinjiang, and immerse themselves in the grassland scenery of the Ili River Valley.Day 9:Kuqa → Taklimakan Desert → Hotan
Driving Distance:500 kilometers, approximately 7 hours (desert highway section).
Activity:Stargazing on the desert highway (tripod recommended), taste grilled stuffed buns at Hotan Night Market.
Day 10:Hotan → Kashgar Old Town
Driving Distance:500 kilometers, approximately 6 hours.
Highlight:Opening ceremony of Kashgar Old Town (10:30/18:00), visit Id Kah Mosque.
Day 11:Kashgar → Pamir Plateau → Taxkorgan
Driving Distance:300 kilometers, approximately 5 hours (pass required in advance).
Must-See:White Sand Lake, Muztagh Ata, Karakul Lake.
Day 12:Taxkorgan → Wensu Ancient Road → Return to Kashgar
Driving Distance:400 kilometers, approximately 6 hours.
Experience:Self-drive on Wensu Ancient Road (signboard: ‘Today, I’ve traveled all the winding roads; from now on, my life will be smooth sailing’).
[Price Description:Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Costs]
Based on the latest market conditions in 2026, customized car rental fees vary depending on vehicle type, season, and services provided. The following is a reference range (subject to contract):

Quick Overview of Core Attractions:Vehicle Types and Average Daily Fees:
5-Seater SUV (e.g., Toyota RAV4):Low season (November-April): 800-1,200 yuan/day, peak season (June-October): 1,200-1,800 yuan/day.
7-Seater Business Van (e.g., Buick GL8):Low season: 1,000-1,500 yuan/day, peak season: 1,500-2,200 yuan/day.
Toyota Prado (off-road vehicle):Low season: 1,500-2,000 yuan/day, peak season: 2,000-2,800 yuan/day.
17-Seater Minibus:Low season: 1,800-2,200 yuan/day, peak season: 2,200-2,800 yuan/day.
Fees Include:
Vehicle usage fee, driver’s salary, fuel cost, toll fees, parking fees.
Basic insurance (compulsory traffic insurance + commercial insurance, seat insurance ≥ 500,000 yuan per person).
24-hour emergency rescue, allocation of backup vehicles in case of breakdown.
Fees Exclude:
Attraction admission fees and shuttle bus fees (e.g., Kanas 230 yuan per person, Nalati 95 yuan per person + shuttle bus).
Driver’s food and accommodation subsidy (approximately 150 yuan per day, pay separately if not included).
Personal expenses (meals, shopping, etc.).
Seasonal Fluctuations:

Kanas Lake: Open from May to October, the lake changes color with the seasons. Climb the Guanyu Platform for an overview of the lake.Peak season (June-August, National Day): Prices increase by 40%-60%.
Low season (November-March of the following year): Prices decrease by 30%-40%.
[Registration Method:Professional Customization for a Worry-Free Trip]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide one-on-one itinerary planning services based on your needs. After registration, a formal travel contract will be signed, clearly stating included and excluded fees to avoid later complaints and suggestions.
[Fee and Service Description:Details Determine the Experience]
Driver Services:Work 8-10 hours daily. Overtime can be negotiated at an additional fee (approximately 50-100 yuan per hour).
Vehicle Selection:Recommend appropriate vehicle types based on the number of passengers. A 7-seater business van is more cost-effective for 4 passengers traveling together.
Meal Arrangements:The driver’s meal expenses are borne by the tourists (or a subsidy of 150 yuan per day is provided). Alternatively, meals can be shared through negotiation.
Accommodation Suggestions:During peak season, accommodations inside attractions such as Kanas and Hemu need to be booked in advance, and prices may double.
Contract Terms:Clearly state liability for breach of contract, backup vehicle terms, and excess mileage fee standards (some vehicles have a limit of 300 kilometers per day, with an additional charge of 1.5-2 yuan per kilometer for excess).
[Precautions:Flexible Itinerary Changes]
Weather and Road Conditions:Some road sections in Xinjiang may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions. Both parties can reasonably adjust the itinerary through mutual agreement.
Attraction Policies:Kanas Scenic Area implements traffic control from October 1st to 15th, requiring a transfer to shuttle buses.
Document Preparation:Carry valid identification documents. A pass is required in advance for the Pamir Plateau.
Clothing Suggestions:The temperature difference between day and night is significant in the Ili region. Even in summer, a windproof jacket is recommended.
The specific itinerary is subject to actual consultation and contract signing. Xinjiang boasts vast territories and breathtaking scenery. Choose a reputable travel agency and sign a detailed contract to ensure a smooth journey. If you have any questions, feel free to consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.

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