2026GroupTourtoXinjiangNorthXinjiangRoute Kanas+Ili8DaysCostandItinerary RecommendedRoutePrice
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Exploring Northern Xinjiang:In-Depth Guide to the 8-Day Group Tour of Kanas and Ili in 2026
🌄 [Route Highlights:A Double Feast of Nature and Culture]
Northern Xinjiang, a unique region covering one-sixth of Xinjiang’s land, has become a ‘pure land on earth’ in the hearts of travelers due to its diverse combination of snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, forests, and Yardang landforms. The 8-day group tour route of Kanas and Ili in 2026 will connect the most exquisite natural landscapes and ethnic cultural customs of Northern Xinjiang, offering you the following unique experiences:
Kanas Lake:Rated as one of ‘China’s most beautiful lakes’ by Chinese National Geography, the lake changes colors with the seasons, and the legend of lake monsters adds to its mysterious charm.
Ili Grasslands:The two major grasslands, Nalati and Kalajun, have been selected as World Natural Heritage sites. In June, wildflowers blanket the fields; in July, the grass is like a green carpet; in August, wheat waves roll. Every season offers breathtaking scenery.
Sayram Lake:The ‘Blue Tears’ last favored by the warm and humid air currents of the Atlantic Ocean. A self-drive around the lake offers encounters with swans, golden flowers, purple flowers, and other secret spots.
Duku Highway:Recommended as ‘China’s most beautiful highway’ open for 4 months, it allows you to travel through four seasons in one day, with snow-capped mountains, canyons, and grasslands along the way.
Huocheng Lavender:A purple sea of flowers at the same latitude as Provence, with the best viewing period from mid-June to early July.
📅 [Simple Itinerary:8-Day Immersive Journey in Northern Xinjiang]
(The itinerary is compiled based on real-time information in June 2026 and is subject to the contract)
Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi
Exploring Northern Xinjiang: In-Depth Guide to the 8-Day Group Tour of Kanas and Ili in 2026Afternoon:Arrive in Urumqi, check into the hotel, and enjoy free time. It is recommended to visit the Xinjiang Museum (free, advance reservation required) to learn about the thousand-year history of the Western Regions; or stroll through the International Bazaar to taste special snacks such as baked buns and hand-grabbed rice.
Evening:The team leader will hold a pre-trip briefing and distribute itinerary manuals and supplies.
Day 2:Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan → Fuyun
Morning:Take a bus to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, take a shuttle bus to visit West Small Heavenly Lake and East Small Heavenly Lake, and climb Mayan Mountain for a panoramic view of Heavenly Lake.
Afternoon:Drive to Fuyun, enjoying the Gobi scenery along the way. Check into the hotel upon arrival.
Day 3:Fuyun → Koktokay → Burqin
Morning:Visit Koktokay National Geological Park, stroll through the Irtysh River Grand Canyon, and admire geological wonders such as Zhongshan Mountain and Couple Trees.
Afternoon:Head to Burqin and visit the Colorful Beach in the evening to capture stunning sunset photos of Yardang landforms and the Irtysh River.
Day 4:Burqin → Kanas → Jiadengyu
All day:Venture deep into the Kanas Scenic Area, take a shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay), and climb Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake. Optional boat ride to get close to the lake (at your own expense).
Evening:Check into a hotel in Jiadengyu and enjoy a Tuwa specialty meal.
🌄[Route Highlights: A Double Feast of Nature and Culture]Day 5:Jiadengyu → Hemu Village → Burqin
Morning:Head to Hemu Village, ‘God’s private reserve,’ take a shuttle bus into the scenic area, hike through the birch forest, and climb the Haden Platform to photograph the wooden houses amidst the morning mist.
Afternoon:Return to Burqin and freely stroll through the riverside night market to taste cold-water fish feasts.
Day 6:Burqin → Urho Ghost City → Karamay
Morning:Tour Urho Ghost City, take a small train through Yardang landforms, and experience the fantasy and desolation of wind-eroded landforms.
Afternoon:Drive to Karamay and visit Heiyoushan Geological Park to learn about the history of oil extraction.
Day 7:Karamay → Sayram Lake → Yining
Morning:Arrive at Sayram Lake, drive around the lake or take a shuttle bus, stop at viewpoints such as Golden Flowers and Purple Flowers and Pine Tree Head to photograph the reflections of the lake and snow-capped mountains.
Afternoon:Cross the Guozigou Bridge and head to Yining. Check into the hotel and enjoy free time.
Day 8:Yining → Nalati Grassland → Return to Urumqi
Morning:Tour Nalati Sky Grassland, take a shuttle bus deep into the grassland, ride horses, take photos, or experience the folk customs of various ethnic groups.
Afternoon:Take a bus back to Urumqi and transfer to the airport according to flight times, ending the itinerary.
Northern Xinjiang, a unique region covering one-sixth of Xinjiang’s land, has become a ‘pure land on earth’ in the hearts of travelers due to its diverse combination of snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, forests, and Yardang landforms. The 8-day group tour route of Kanas and Ili in 2026 will connect the most exquisite natural landscapes and ethnic cultural customs of Northern Xinjiang, offering you the following unique experiences:💰 [Price Description:Transparent Consumption, No Hidden Traps]
(Prices are based on market conditions in June 2026 and are subject to the contract)
Basic Tour Fee Range:
Economy Type:3800-4500 yuan/person (including 3-4 star hotels, tourist buses, first entrance tickets to scenic spots, 7 breakfasts and 6 lunches)
Quality Type:5200-6500 yuan/person (including 4-5 star hotels, 9-seat business vehicles, scenic spot tickets + shuttle buses, 7 breakfasts and 6 lunches + 3 specialty meals)
Fees Include:
Transportation:Fully compliant operational vehicles throughout the journey (buses or business vehicles arranged according to the number of people)
Accommodation:Hotels listed in the itinerary (double standard rooms, efforts will be made to arrange room sharing for single registrants)
Meals:Includes breakfast and some main meals (team meals + specialty meals)
Tickets:First entrance tickets to scenic spots and necessary shuttle buses
Tour Guide:Fully certified tour guide services throughout the journey
Kanas Lake: Rated as one of ‘China’s most beautiful lakes’ by Chinese National Geography, the lake changes colors with the seasons, and the legend of lake monsters adds to its mysterious charm.Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance
Fees Do Not Include:
Round-trip transportation to Urumqi (airfare/train tickets)
Self-funded items within scenic spots (such as Kanas boat rides, horse riding, Tuwa home visits, etc.)
Personal expenses (such as snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
Special Notes:
Prices may fluctuate based on departure dates, hotel room types, and policy changes. It is recommended to register 30 days in advance to lock in discounts.
Child prices (ages 2-12) are usually 60%-80% of adult prices, including seat, half meal, and tickets, but no bed.
📞 [Registration Method:Professional Team, Full Escort]
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for information on recent departure dates, available seats, and discounts. When registering, please provide the number of travelers, departure time, preferred route, and special needs (such as traveling with elderly or children, accommodation within scenic spots, etc.), and staff will provide detailed plans and quotations.
📋 [Fee and Service Description:Details Determine the Experience]
Ili Grasslands: The two major grasslands, Nalati and Kalajun, have been selected as World Natural Heritage sites. In June, wildflowers blanket the fields; in July, the grass is like a green carpet; in August, wheat waves roll. Every season offers breathtaking scenery.Accommodation Standards:Economy itineraries arrange for comfortable hotels, while quality itineraries upgrade to four-star or specialty homestays (such as Hemu wooden houses), subject to the contract.
Meal Arrangements:Team meals are primarily Chinese cuisine, taking into account the tastes of various ethnic groups. Quality itineraries include specialty meals such as roast whole lamb and cold-water fish feasts.
Vehicle Configuration:Economy itineraries use 33-seat tourist buses, while quality itineraries use 9-seat business vehicles, all equipped with air conditioning, luggage compartments, and first aid kits.
Tour Guide Services:Fully certified tour guides accompany you throughout the journey, providing scenic spot explanations, itinerary coordination, and emergency response services.
Contract Guarantee:An electronic travel contract will be signed after registration, clearly stating the included fees, self-funded items, and the rights and responsibilities of both parties to avoid complaints and suggestions.
Special Needs:If you need a single room, upgrade your vehicle, or customize your itinerary, you can negotiate with customer service and make changes after paying the difference.
🌈 [Travel Tips:Make Your Journey Even Better]
Best Seasons:June-August is the peak tourist season in Northern Xinjiang, with grassland flower fields and clear lakes, but advance reservations are required; September-October offers stunning autumn scenery with relatively fewer tourists.
Clothing Guide:Northern Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, you should bring a windbreaker and long pants; thin down jackets are needed for the Duku Highway section.
Recommended Items:Sunscreen, sunglasses, moisturizing skincare products, common medications (such as cold and stomach medicines), comfortable hiking shoes.
Photography Suggestions:Sayram Lake, Kanas, and Hemu Village are popular destinations for stunning photos. It is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens and tripod; the Duku Highway section offers opportunities for highway photography.
Respect Customs:In ethnic minority areas, please respect local customs, such as removing shoes when entering certain places and not taking photos of people without permission.
The vastness and delicacy of Northern Xinjiang can only be truly appreciated through personal experience. In 2026, follow in the footsteps of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and unlock the mysteries of Kanas, the romance of Ili, and the震撼 of the Duku Highway in 8 days, making this journey the most brilliant chapter in your memories!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation

