2026New Changes in Chartered Car Services in Yili Latest Market Trends for the Duku Highway + Nalati + Bayanbulak 2026 Recommended Itinerary Costs and Prices

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

Star Recommendation✨:New 2026 Custom Vehicle Itinerary for In-Depth Travel in Ili: A Comprehensive Guide to the Duku Highway, Nalati, and Bayinbuluk
I. Key Highlights and Destination Details of the Itinerary
(1) Duku Highway:A Scenic Corridor Through All Four Seasons in a Single Day
As Xinjiang’s ‘internet-famous highway,’ the Duku Highway stretches 561 kilometers from Dushanzi in the north to Kuqa in the south, fully opening to traffic from June 1, 2026. This highway connects four major types of landscapes: snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, and wetlands. Along the way, you can visit iconic attractions such as Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Tangbula Grassland, and Bayinbuluk Wetland. Important notes: Vehicles with 7 seats or fewer are permitted from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with no nighttime access allowed. Due to significant elevation changes on some sections, warm clothing is recommended.
(2) Nalati Grassland:An Ecological Wonderland in the Sky Grasslands
Nalati Grassland is divided into three main areas: Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley Road. In 2026, a ‘one-ticket pass’ policy will be implemented, with admission including shuttle bus fees at 135 RMB per person. Sky Grassland, at an elevation of 2,200 meters, is covered with wildflowers in summer and offers activities like horseback riding and hiking. River Valley Grassland features streams and pastures, making it ideal for family-friendly activities. The scenic area is open daily from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM, and reservations must be made in advance through the ‘One Phone for Traveling in Xinjiang’ platform.
(3) Bayinbuluk:A Wetland Kingdom Where Swans Reside
Bayinbuluk Grassland is famous for the ‘Nine Bends of the Kaidu River.’ In 2026, the scenic area will be open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with a combined ticket for admission and shuttle bus at 140 RMB per person. Every year from June to August, flocks of swans inhabit the area, and in the evening, you can capture the breathtaking sight of ‘Nine Suns’ setting. Note: The grassland experiences significant temperature variations between day and night, so even in summer, a windbreaker is recommended.
II. Classic 5-Day Custom Vehicle Itinerary Reference for 2026

Star Recommendation✨: New 2026 Custom Vehicle Itinerary for In-Depth Travel in Ili: A Comprehensive Guide to the Duku Highway, Nalati, and Bayinbuluk(The itinerary is designed to balance scenic richness and travel comfort, with daily driving times limited to under 4 hours.)
Day 1:Pick-up at Yining Airport → Circumnavigation of Sayram Lake → Fruit Valley Bridge → Overnight in Qingshuihe Town
Key Experiences:The crystal-clear waters of Sayram Lake, known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic,’ feature 12 scenic viewpoints along the shore for photography. The Fruit Valley Bridge, Xinjiang’s tallest bridge, offers panoramic views of the canyon below.
Day 2:Qingshuihe → Huocheng Lavender Manor → Yizhao Highway → Zhaosu Grassland → Overnight in Zhaosu County
Seasonal Highlight:In mid-to-late June, Huocheng’s lavender fields are in full bloom, and the manor offers experiences in essential oil production. The Yizhao Highway, opening in early June 2026, features stunning landscapes such as Baishi Peak and Angelete Daban along the way.
Day 3:Zhaosu → Light Hiking on the Xiata Ancient Path → Tekes八卦城 (Bagua City) → Overnight in Tekes
In-Depth Experience:Hike approximately 3 kilometers along the Xiata Ancient Path for a close-up view of Muzart Snow Mountain. Tekes Bagua City, built according to the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) layout, offers a must-see nighttime light show.
Day 4:Tekes → Kalajun Grassland → Nalati Sky Grassland → Overnight in Nalati Town
Scenic Comparison:Kalajun is renowned for its ‘human body grassland’ with its graceful curves, while Nalati Sky Grassland offers expansive views and observation decks for panoramic vistas.
Day 5:Nalati → Northern Section of Duku Highway → Bayinbuluk Wetland → Return to Yining

I. Key Highlights and Destination Details of the ItineraryCore Highlights:The northern section of the Duku Highway passes through Hashilergen Daban, with snow walls reaching up to 3 meters high. In Bayinbuluk Wetland, you can ride horses deep into the grassland’s heart.
III. 2026 Custom Vehicle Cost Reference and Vehicle Selection
(Prices vary by season, vehicle type, and number of days. The following are market mainstream price ranges.)
(1) Vehicle Types and Daily Rentals (including driver service fees, fuel, and tolls)
5-Seat SUV (e.g., Toyota RAV4):Off-peak season (April-May, September-October): 800-1,100 RMB/day; Peak season (June-August, National Day holiday): 1,200-1,500 RMB/day
7-Seat Business Vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8):Off-peak season: 1,000-1,300 RMB/day; Peak season: 1,500-1,800 RMB/day
9-17-Seat Minibus (e.g., Ford Transit):Off-peak season: 1,500-2,000 RMB/day; Peak season: 2,000-2,500 RMB/day
(2) Included Costs
Vehicle usage fees, driver service fees, basic insurance, fuel, tolls, and parking fees

(1) Duku Highway: A Scenic Corridor Through All Four Seasons in a Single Day. Driver accommodation and meal subsidies (already included by some fleets; confirm in advance).
(3) Excluded Costs
Scenic area admission tickets, shuttle buses, horseback riding, and other personal expenses
Driver overtime service fees (approximately 50 RMB/hour)
Excess mileage fees (approximately 1-3 RMB/kilometer beyond the agreed 300 kilometers/day)
IV. Registration Method and Process Explanation
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. The specific process is as follows:
Step 1:Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing and provide the number of travelers, dates, and vehicle preferences.
Step 2:Customize an itinerary based on your needs, confirming attractions, accommodations, and vehicle details.
Step 3:Sign an electronic contract specifying cost breakdowns, service standards, and cancellation policies.

As Xinjiang’s ‘internet-famous highway,’ the Duku Highway stretches 561 kilometers from Dushanzi in the north to Kuqa in the south, fully opening to traffic from June 1, 2026. This highway connects four major types of landscapes: snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, and wetlands. Along the way, you can visit iconic attractions such as Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Tangbula Grassland, and Bayinbuluk Wetland. Important notes: Vehicles with 7 seats or fewer are permitted from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with no nighttime access allowed. Due to significant elevation changes on some sections, warm clothing is recommended.Step 4:Pay a deposit (usually 30% of the total cost), with the remaining balance to be paid 7 days before departure.
V. Cost Explanation and Service Guarantees
(1) Commitment to Cost Transparency
All quotes include clearly defined services with no hidden fees.
Prices may fluctuate based on market supply and demand; the final price will be based on the contract.
For solo travelers, we will do our best to arrange shared accommodations. Special circumstances require separate negotiation for lodging arrangements.
(2) Standardized Service Guarantees
Vehicles:Compliant commercial vehicles with liability insurance per seat of at least 500,000 RMB.
Drivers:Over 5 years of driving experience, familiar with Ili’s road conditions and emergency response procedures.

(2) Nalati Grassland: An Ecological Wonderland in the Sky GrasslandsEmergency Response:24-hour customer service support with access to rescue resources along the entire route.
(3) Itinerary Flexibility Explanation
In the event of extreme weather, road closures, or other force majeure factors, both parties may agree to modify the itinerary.
Scenic area opening hours and ticket policies are subject to the latest announcements.
VI. Practical Travel Tips for 2026
Document Preparation:Bring valid identification and discount certificates such as senior citizen or student IDs.
Clothing Recommendations:In summer, bring a light down jacket. The grasslands have strong UV radiation, so sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
Dietary Considerations:Various ethnic groups have diverse dietary customs; inform your guide of any special needs in advance.
Photography Equipment:Wide-angle lenses are ideal for the Duku Highway and Nalati Grassland, while a telephoto lens is recommended for capturing sunsets at Bayinbuluk.
Reservation Reminders:Scenic areas such as Sayram Lake and Nalati require reservations 1-3 days in advance.
In 2026, Ili’s grasslands will be lush and its flower fields in full bloom, making it the perfect time for a custom vehicle in-depth tour. By choosing a compliant travel agency, signing a detailed contract, and planning your itinerary in advance, you can avoid consumer pitfalls and enjoy a worry-free, peaceful journey. For specific itinerary details and cost breakdowns, consult Zhang Jing, customer service manager at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, for professional one-on-one advice.

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.