2026Yili Group Tour Registration Full Analysis of 7 Day Itinerary to Nalati+Sayram Lake+Bayinbuluk Recommended Route Cost and Price

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation

⭐【2026 Ili 7-Day In-Depth Travel Guide:Nalati + Sayram Lake + Bayanbulak】⭐
Midsummer in Ili is the gentlest poem in Xinjiang. While much of the country is sweltering under high temperatures, here, the cool 22°C air carries the fragrance of lavender, with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes weaving a flowing tapestry. This article will guide you through a 7-day loop that combines natural wonders with cultural experiences, avoiding crowded conventional routes to delve deep into Ili’s core hidden gems.
I. Itinerary Highlights: Three Premium Scenic Areas + Hidden Gems in Series
【Nalati Grassland:The Hanging Garden in the Clouds】
As one of the world’s four great alpine grasslands, Nalati is renowned for its “sky grassland.” In 2026, the scenic area will be open from mid-April to late October, daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (extended to 8:00 PM during peak season). It features three classic shuttle bus routes:
Sky Grassland Route (60 RMB/person):Ascend Tianjie Terrace for panoramic cloud views, experience yurt culture with local communities at the nomadic homestead, and encounter wild lilies across the mountainsides in July.
River Valley Grassland Route (40 RMB/person):Traverse poplar forests and grassland rock formations, feeling the millennia-old imprints of the Silk Road.
Panlong Valley Road Route (100 RMB/person):Venture deep into virgin forests along mountain roads, encountering distinct landscapes at every turn.
【Sayram Lake:The Atlantic’s Last Tear】
This alpine lake at 2,071 meters breaks traditional scenic area limits with 24-hour access. The 92-km lakeside highway offers over 20 photo spots, including waterside boardwalks, the viral S-curve, and lighthouse viewpoints. 2026 data shows misty lake surfaces from 7-9 AM and golden-hued snow-capped mountains after 7:30 PM—prime photography hours.
【Bayanbulak:Sunset Miracle of the Nine Curves】
As China’s second-largest grassland, Bayanbulak is famed for the Kaidu River’s nine curves. Open daily 9:00 AM-7:00 PM, arrive at viewpoints by 6:30 PM. From June-August, sunsets create the illusion of nine suns reflecting on the river, best viewed from the Brazilik Viewing Platform (40 RMB/person shuttle required).

⭐【2026 Ili 7-Day In-Depth Travel Guide: Nalati + Sayram Lake + Bayanbulak】⭐【Enhanced Hidden Gem Experiences】
Huocheng Lavender Farm (Mid-to-late June):Avoid crowds at Jieyou Princess Lavender Garden by visiting the 65th Regiment Farm of the 4th Division for vast purple fields and sachet-making workshops.
Xiate Ancient Road Light Trek (July):Hike 8 km along the Muzart River from Zhaosu Wetland Park, observing snow mountains, forests, and glaciers up close.
Kalajun “Human Body” Grassland (May-June):Arrive at Flower Terrace before 7 AM to capture undulating grassland curves in morning mist, guided by professional photographers on composition.
II. 7-Day Itinerary (2026 Optimized Version)
Day 1:Urumqi Assembly
Afternoon:Arrive at Diwopu International Airport; private transfer to a 4-diamond city hotel
Evening:Explore the International Bazaar freely, savoring ethnic delicacies like baked stuffed buns and pilaf
Night:Hotel in Urumqi’s Hongguangshan District
Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (550 km, 6.5 hrs)
Morning:Cross the Junggar Basin, stopping at the Anjihai Grand Canyon viewpoint
Afternoon:Self-drive or take the sightseeing bus (included in 145 RMB ticket) to visit Jinhua Zihui, Pine Tree Head, and other spots

Midsummer in Ili is the gentlest poem in Xinjiang. While much of the country is sweltering under high temperatures, here, the cool 22°C air carries the fragrance of lavender, with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes weaving a flowing tapestry. This article will guide you through a 7-day loop that combines natural wonders with cultural experiences, avoiding crowded conventional routes to delve deep into Ili’s core hidden gems.Evening:Check into lakeside RV camp for a starry high white trout feast
Day 3:Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Huocheng (150 km, 2.5 hrs)
Morning:Photograph the Guozigou Bridge panorama and visit the Cliffside Café
Afternoon:In-depth exploration of Huocheng Lavender Farm with complimentary professional photography service
Evening:Stay in a Yining Liuxing Street boutique guesthouse; experience the Accordion Museum night tour
Day 4:Yining → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes (180 km, 3 hrs)
Morning:Hike Kalajun’s Falcon Terrace to identify alpine plants like snow lotus and aconite
Afternoon:Aerial photography of Tekes Bagua City; explore the Lijie Cultural Market
Night:4-diamond hotel in Bagua City center
Day 5:Tekes → Xiate Ancient Road → Zhaosu (220 km, 4 hrs)
Morning:Light trek on Xiate Ancient Road; encounter marmots and ground squirrels
Afternoon:Watch the “Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River” performance at Zhaosu Wetland Park

I. Itinerary Highlights: Three Premium Scenic Areas + Hidden Gems in SeriesEvening:Check into grassland starry tent camp
Day 6:Zhaosu → Nalati Grassland (300 km, 4.5 hrs)
Full Day:Dual Nalati grassland experience (sky + river valley) with complimentary ethnic homestay visit
Night:Nalati Town yurt guesthouse
Day 7:Nalati → Northern Duku Highway → Urumqi (480 km, 6 hrs)
Morning:Traverse the northern Duku Highway; visit the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery
Afternoon:Arrive in Urumqi; airport transfer based on flight schedule
III. Pricing (2026 Reference Range)
Basic No-Shopping Tour:3,980-4,580 RMB/person
Includes:6 nights in comfortable hotels, standard tour bus, first entrance tickets + shuttle buses, 6 breakfasts + 3 lunches, guide service, 500,000 RMB insurance
Comfort No-Shopping Tour:5,280-6,280 RMB/person
Upgrades:4-diamond hotels, 2+1 first-class land bus, 5 specialty dinners, Sayram Lake afternoon tea, 800,000 RMB insurance

【Nalati Grassland: The Hanging Garden in the Clouds】Premium Custom Tour:6,980-7,980 RMB/person
Includes:5-diamond hotel + 1 night lakeside RV, 7-seat business vehicle, all meals included, premium guide, helicopter aerial photography, and 10 other specialty experiences
⚠ ⚠️ Special Notes:Prices may fluctuate by departure date; consult and sign contracts for exact details. June-August is peak season; reserve 30 days in advance.
IV. Registration Methods
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency; contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for details. Provide valid ID information for insurance and scenic area reservations. Solo registrants will be matched for room sharing; special cases require separate negotiation.
V. Fee & Service Inclusions
Included:Accommodation, meals, transportation, tickets, guide service, insurance
Excluded:Round-trip transportation to Urumqi, personal expenses, voluntary experiences
Service Standards:
1. Licensed vehicles with minimum 800,000 RMB insurance per seat
2. Certified guides working ≤10 hours daily
3. Scenic area tickets reserved 3 days in advance for hassle-free entry

As one of the world’s four great alpine grasslands, Nalati is renowned for its “sky grassland.” In 2026, the scenic area will be open from mid-April to late October, daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (extended to 8:00 PM during peak season). It features three classic shuttle bus routes:4. Groups ≤25 people with first aid kits and oxygen equipment
Actual itinerary subject to mutual agreement; reasonable changes permitted through consultation.
VI. Pre-Trip Checklist
Documents:Valid ID, discount certificates (student/senior/military)
Clothing:Windbreaker, quick-dry shirts, sun protection clothing, comfortable hiking shoes
Protection:SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brim hat, moisturizing skincare
Electronics:Camera, drone (pre-registration required), power bank
Others:Thermos, personal medications, wet wipes, folding umbrella
VII. Special Reminders
Transportation Policy:Duku Highway expected to open June 10, 2026; alternative Yizhao Highway route if temporarily closed
Eco-Friendly Initiative:No drone flying in grassland areas; restricted zones apply
Cultural Respect:Long pants/sleeves required for visits; headscarves for women
Photography Tips:East Sayram Lake shore for sunrise; west shore for sunset compositions
This summer, let Ili’s breeze sweep away urban noise. From flower fields at snow mountain bases to nine-curve sunsets, from ethnic yurts to multicultural cuisine, this route unlocks Xinjiang’s most relaxing summer. Contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency now to start your northern paradise journey!

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation