2026How to Book a Chartered Car Tour in Yining Understand the Cost of a 10 Day Trip to Sayram Lake and Turpan in One Article Recommended Routes Prices and Expenses
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quote
In-depth tour starting from Yining:10-Day Customized Vehicle Itinerary for the Loop around Sayram Lake and Turpan (Practical Version for 2026)
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Double Feast of Nature and Culture
[Sayram Lake:The Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic]
This alpine lake at an altitude of 2,070 meters is renowned for its “blue.” In June, golden lotuses and tulips bloom along the lakeside, creating a stunning picture with the reflection of snow-capped mountains. The road around the lake is approximately 90 kilometers long, allowing self-driving or customized vehicles to stop at core attractions such as Dianjiang Terrace, Kele Yongzhu, and Xihai Grassland at any time. In 2026, the scenic area will implement a policy of “one ticket valid for two days.” Self-driving vehicles are required to pay a service fee (reference price: 300 yuan per vehicle). If you choose the customized vehicle service of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, this fee is usually included in the itinerary quote.
[Turpan:Millennium Civilization in the Land of Fire]
As an important node on the Silk Road, Turpan boasts unique landscapes such as Grape Valley, Karez Irrigation System, and Kumutag Desert. In 2026, several preferential policies will be introduced locally: Grape Valley will offer free admission, Kumutag Desert will provide a 50% discount for visitors with valid documents from Hunan Province, and visitors born in the Year of the Horse or with “horse” in their names can enjoy free or discounted admission at multiple scenic spots. This place is not only a paradise for nature lovers but also a living textbook for experiencing the cultures of various ethnic groups.
II. 10-Day Classic Itinerary Plan
[Days 1-3:In-depth Tour of Yining and Surroundings]
Day 1:Arrive in Yining and visit the Kazanqi Folk Street (free admission). Stroll through century-old residences with blue doors and windows and taste handmade ice cream. In the afternoon, head to Liuxing Street to experience the blend of diverse cultures in specialty cafes.
Day 2:Yining → Huocheng Lavender Base (peak bloom in June) → Guozigou Bridge → Sayram Lake. Capture the morning mist over the lavender fields in the early morning, traverse Guozigou, known as the “First Scenic Spot of Ili,” in the afternoon, and arrive at Sayram Lake in the evening. Stay at a lakeside hotel.
In-depth tour starting from Yining: 10-Day Customized Vehicle Itinerary for the Loop around Sayram Lake and Turpan (Practical Version for 2026)Day 3:Spend the whole day touring around the lake. In the morning, capture panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and the lake at Dianjiang Terrace. At noon, observe swans at Kele Yongzhu. In the afternoon, have a picnic at Xihai Grassland and wait for the sunset at Sayram Lake in the evening.
[Days 4-6:Crossing the Tianshan Mountains and Exploring Turpan]
Day 4:Sayram Lake → Jinghe → Urumqi. Pass by Kuitun Grand Canyon and arrive in Urumqi in the evening. Take a night tour of the Grand Bazaar.
Day 5:Urumqi → Turpan. Visit the Karez Paradise (reference ticket price: 40 yuan) to learn about the underground water conservancy project. In the afternoon, tour Kumutag Desert (ticket price: 30 yuan) and experience sandboarding and camel riding.
Day 6:In-depth tour of Turpan. In the morning, visit Grape Valley (free admission) to explore Uyghur farmhouses and learn the art of drying raisins. In the afternoon, feel the high surface temperatures at Flaming Mountains (ticket price: 40 yuan) and return to Urumqi in the evening.
[Days 7-10:Northern Xinjiang Grasslands and Return Journey]
Day 7:Urumqi → Nalati Grassland. Traverse the northern section of the Dukou Highway, enjoying the three-dimensional landscape of snow-capped mountains, canyons, and grasslands along the way. Stay in Nalati Town.
Day 8:Spend the whole day touring the Nalati Aerial Grassland (reference ticket price: 95 yuan + shuttle bus 40 yuan). Experience horseback riding and hiking, and participate in a bonfire party at night.
Day 9:Nalati → Yining. On the return journey, stop at Kalajun Grassland (reference ticket price: 140 yuan) to photograph the curves of the “Human Body Grassland.”
Day 10:Return from Yining. Enjoy free activities based on your flight schedule. It is recommended to purchase Ili lavender products and handicrafts from various ethnic groups as souvenirs.
III. Detailed Explanation of Customized Vehicle Costs (Reference Prices for 2026)
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Double Feast of Nature and Culture[Vehicle Types and Daily Rental Prices]
7-seater business vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8):Approximately 1,200-1,500 yuan/day during peak season (June-August) and approximately 800-1,000 yuan/day during off-season (November-April)
14-seater minibus:Approximately 1,800-2,600 yuan/day during peak season and approximately 1,500-2,200 yuan/day during off-season
38-seater bus:Approximately 3,500-4,500 yuan/day during peak season and approximately 2,800-3,800 yuan/day during off-season
[Items Included in the Cost]
Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, fuel fee, toll fee, basic insurance
Self-driving service fee for Sayram Lake (if included in the itinerary)
First admission tickets to some scenic spots in Turpan (if eligible for discounts for visitors born in the Year of the Horse)
[Items Not Included in the Cost]
Shuttle buses at scenic spots, entertainment items such as horseback riding
[Sayram Lake: The Last Tear Drop of the Atlantic] Driver’s meal allowance (approximately 80-120 yuan/day) and accommodation subsidy (approximately 150-200 yuan/day), which can be negotiated and included in the total price
Personal expenses of tourists and additional itinerary expenses not agreed upon
[Special Tips]
Prices may fluctuate with the seasons and are subject to the contract or confirmation on the day
An additional fee of 1.5-2 yuan/kilometer will be charged for mileage exceeding the daily standard (usually 300-400 kilometers)
Prices may increase by 20%-50% during peak season (June-August and holidays)
IV. Registration Method and Process
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. The specific steps are as follows:
Step 1:Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing and inform her of the number of travelers, preferred tour dates, and vehicle type preferences
Step 2:The customer service will provide a detailed itinerary plan and quote and confirm the availability of remaining spots
Step 3:Submit the identity information of all travelers and pay the reservation fee
This alpine lake at an altitude of 2,070 meters is renowned for its “blue.” In June, golden lotuses and tulips bloom along the lakeside, creating a stunning picture with the reflection of snow-capped mountains. The road around the lake is approximately 90 kilometers long, allowing self-driving or customized vehicles to stop at core attractions such as Dianjiang Terrace, Kele Yongzhu, and Xihai Grassland at any time. In 2026, the scenic area will implement a policy of “one ticket valid for two days.” Self-driving vehicles are required to pay a service fee (reference price: 300 yuan per vehicle). If you choose the customized vehicle service of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, this fee is usually included in the itinerary quote.Step 4:Sign an electronic tourism contract supervised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to clarify the rights and responsibilities of both parties
Step 5:Receive the tour notice 3 days before departure, including the assembly time, location, and emergency contact information
V. Cost Explanation and Service Guarantee
[Principle of Cost Transparency]
All quotes include clear service content, and secondary charges are prohibited
Sign a formal tourism contract listing the cost details and self-funded items
Drivers must hold formal tourism passenger transport qualification certificates and are not allowed to leave their posts or recommend consumption without authorization during the itinerary
[Itinerary Change Mechanism]
In case of force majeure factors such as weather and traffic control, both parties can reasonably change the itinerary through mutual agreement
Preferential policies for scenic spots in Turpan may change over time and are subject to the actual admission policies
[Turpan: Millennium Civilization in the Land of Fire] For single registrants, efforts will be made to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation
[Service Standards]
Vehicles are disinfected daily and equipped with first aid kits, mineral water, and charging equipment
Provide cultural explanations of Xinjiang tourism throughout the journey and recommend authentic cuisine and unique experiences
24-hour emergency response to ensure a smooth itinerary
VI. Pre-departure Recommended Tips
Document Preparation:Valid documents, driver’s license (if self-driving), and documents eligible for discounts (e.g., for visitors born in the Year of the Horse)
Clothing Suggestions:In June, bring a windbreaker for Ili. Turpan is hot during the day, so bring sun protection clothing. High-top shoes are recommended for desert areas
Photography Equipment:Use a polarizing filter to reduce lake surface reflection, a telephoto lens to photograph naturally growing animals, and confirm no-fly zones in advance if using a drone
Special Reminders:Some sections of the road around Sayram Lake have weak signals. It is recommended to download offline maps in advance. Turpan has high surface temperatures in summer, so take sun protection measures
[Conclusion]
From the pure blue of Sayram Lake to the fiery red of Turpan, this 10-day loop connects Xinjiang’s diverse natural and cultural landscapes. Choosing the customized vehicle service of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency allows you to enjoy the flexibility of independent travel while obtaining the guarantee of a professional team. For specific itinerary plans and quotes, please contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for the latest information to make your trip to Ili unforgettable!
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quote
