2026KanasShared CarTour2026 DukuHighway+Nalati7 DayCompleteGuide RecommendedItineraryCostandPrice
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
Exploring Northern Xinjiang:2026 Kanas Carpooling Tour: 7-Day In-Depth Experience of the Duku Highway and Nalati
[Route Highlights and Comprehensive Destination Analysis]
This 7-day itinerary connecting Kanas, the Duku Highway, and Nalati encompasses the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and lakes of Northern Xinjiang. The journey covers three core scenic zones:The mysterious waters of Kanas Lake, the breathtaking highway spectacle of the Duku Highway with its ‘four seasons in one day’, and the aerial flower fields of Nalati Grassland. The entire trip adopts a carpooling model, driven by experienced local drivers, balancing convenience and flexibility.
Kanas Scenic Area:The Ecological Wonderland of Northern Xinjiang’s Jewel
As a national 5A-level scenic spot, Kanas centers around Kanas Lake and extends to three iconic attractions: Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. In 2026, the scenic area will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with ticket prices at 160 yuan per person and a shuttle bus pass at 70 yuan per person. Accommodations within the scenic area primarily consist of Tuwa wooden houses, which require advance booking during peak season, with reference prices ranging from 600 to 1000 yuan per night.
Duku Highway:A Scenic Corridor Through the Tianshan Mountains
This 561-kilometer ‘Most Beautiful Highway in China’ officially opens on June 1, 2026, and remains accessible until early October. Starting from Dushanzi in the north and ending in Kuqa in the south, the highway connects four major landforms: snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and wetlands. Key sections include:
Hashilergen Daban:At an altitude of 3,390 meters, offering close-up views of glacial relics
Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery:Commemorating 168 soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the highway’s construction
Bayinbuluk Grassland:The spectacular sunset over its winding rivers
Exploring Northern Xinjiang: 2026 Kanas Carpooling Tour: 7-Day In-Depth Experience of the Duku Highway and NalatiThe Large and Small Dragon Ponds:Emerald lakes nestled deep in the Tianshan Mountains
Nalati Grassland:A Summer Feast in the Hanging Garden
As one of the world’s four largest grasslands, Nalati is divided into three major sections: the aerial grassland, river valley grassland, and Panlong Valley Road. In 2026, ticket prices are expected to be 95 yuan per person, with an aerial grassland shuttle bus ticket at 60 yuan per person. The best viewing period is from June to August when wild lilies, globeflowers, and tulips bloom competitively, forming an aerial flower field at an altitude of 2,000 meters.
[7-Day Itinerary Planning]
Day 1:Assembly in Urumqi
Morning:Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, where the carpooling group provides unified airport pickup
Afternoon:Visit the International Bazaar to purchase supplies like naan and raisins for the journey
Evening:Check into a downtown hotel to adjust to the time difference
Day 2:Urumqi → Kanas (approximately 8 hours by car)
Along the way:Traverse the Junggar Basin, enjoying the Gobi Desert scenery
Highlight:Arrive at Jiadenyu in the evening and transfer to a scenic area shuttle bus to enter Kanas
[Route Highlights and Comprehensive Destination Analysis]Accommodation:Wooden houses within the scenic area to experience Tuwa culture
Day 3:In-Depth Kanas Tour
Morning:Take a boat tour of Kanas Lake (reference price: 120 yuan per person) or hike along the lakeside boardwalk
Afternoon:Visit Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay in sequence, with a recommended 2-kilometer hike from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay
Evening:Ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view (separate ticket required, reference price: 20 yuan per person)
Day 4:Kanas → Baihaba → Hemu (approximately 4 hours by car)
Morning:Obtain a travel permit and head to Baihaba, the ‘No. 1 Village in the Northwest,’ to visit the China-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon
Afternoon:Arrive in Hemu Village and check into a wooden house
Evening:Ascend Haden Platform to photograph the village panorama and experience a bonfire party
Day 5:Hemu → Northern Section of the Duku Highway (approximately 6 hours by car)
Morning:Horseback riding in Hemu Village (reference price: 200 yuan for 2 hours) or hike to Meilifeng Peak
This 7-day itinerary connecting Kanas, the Duku Highway, and Nalati encompasses the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and lakes of Northern Xinjiang. The journey covers three core scenic zones: the mysterious waters of Kanas Lake, the breathtaking highway spectacle of the Duku Highway with its ‘four seasons in one day’, and the aerial flower fields of Nalati Grassland. The entire trip adopts a carpooling model, driven by experienced local drivers, balancing convenience and flexibility.Afternoon:Enter the Duku Highway via Kuitun and traverse Hashilergen Daban
Accommodation:Hotels in Dushanzi or downtown Kuitun
Day 6:Middle Section of the Duku Highway → Nalati (approximately 5 hours by car)
Morning:Pass by Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and Tangbula Grassland
Afternoon:Arrive at the Nalati Scenic Area and tour the aerial grassland
Evening:Check into a characteristic homestay in Nalati Town and savor Baursak with milk tea prepared by various ethnic groups
Day 7:Nalati → Urumqi (approximately 9 hours by car)
Morning:Optional in-depth tours of Panlong Valley Road or the river valley grassland
Afternoon:Return to Urumqi, with a stopover at the Gongnaisi Forest Farm along the way
Evening:Disband after arriving in Urumqi
[Cost Reference and Registration Guidelines]
Kanas Scenic Area: The Ecological Wonderland of Northern Xinjiang’s JewelPrice Breakdown
Transportation:Full carpooling expenses (including fuel and tolls) range from 2,800 to 3,500 yuan per person
Tickets:Kanas + shuttle bus: 230 yuan, Nalati: 155 yuan, Duku Highway: no ticket (recommended toll booth in the Kuqa section: about 20 yuan)
Accommodation:6 nights’ accommodation range from 2,000 to 3,500 yuan per person (wooden houses within the scenic area account for about 40%)
Dining:Average daily expenses range from 100 to 150 yuan per person, with higher costs within the scenic area
Registration Method
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for schedule availability.
[Service Standards and Precautions]
Vehicle Configuration:5-7 seat SUVs or business vehicles, with a maximum capacity of 4-6 people per vehicle
Accommodation Arrangements:Priority is given to characteristic accommodations within the scenic area. Solo travelers will be coordinated for room-sharing whenever possible
Cost Explanation:Prices are subject to actual consultation and contract signing and may fluctuate based on the schedule
As a national 5A-level scenic spot, Kanas centers around Kanas Lake and extends to three iconic attractions: Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. In 2026, the scenic area will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with ticket prices at 160 yuan per person and a shuttle bus pass at 70 yuan per person. Accommodations within the scenic area primarily consist of Tuwa wooden houses, which require advance booking during peak season, with reference prices ranging from 600 to 1000 yuan per night.Policy Reminders:
The Duku Highway is recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer
Real-name reservation is required for the Kanas Scenic Area, with a daily limit of 20,000 visitors
The last shuttle bus for the aerial grassland in Nalati Grassland departs at 7:30 PM
Emergency Support:Each vehicle is equipped with a first aid kit, thermal blanket, and car charger
[Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist]
Documents:Valid identification, travel permit (required for Baihaba)
Clothing:Windbreaker, light down jacket, sun protection clothing, comfortable hiking shoes
Protection:SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, moisturizing mask
Electronics:Power bank, spare camera battery, offline map
Medications:Gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness medicine, altitude sickness medication (some sections of the Duku Highway exceed an altitude of 3,000 meters)
This itinerary deeply integrates the精华 (essence) landscapes and cultural experiences of Northern Xinjiang. The carpooling model retains the flexibility of independent travel while enhancing the experience through professional drivers. With limited access to the Duku Highway in 2026, it is advisable to plan your itinerary in advance. For specific schedules and prices, consult Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency.
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation

