Ili Charter Tourism 10 Must Visit Destinations+Full Price Guide+Taklimakan+Shache Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price

Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.

Starred Recommendation ✨: A Double Adventure of Yili Grasslands and Southern Xinjiang Desert:Comprehensive Guide to Customized Self-Drive Travel (2026 Latest Edition)
[Introduction:Why Choose This Route?]
As the grasslands of the Yili River Valley don their early summer green robes, the dunes of the Taklimakan Desert are gilded by the noonday sun; as the blue ice of Sayram Lake quietly melts, the melodies of the Twelve Mukams fill the streets and alleys of the old town of Shache. This customized self-drive route, connecting the natural beauty of northern Xinjiang with the cultural heritage of southern Xinjiang, allows you to experience the vastness of the grasslands, touch the desolation of the desert, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a millennium-old city. Based on a 2026 recent field visit, we have compiled a list of 10 must-visit destinations, price details, and practical tips for you.
I. Key Highlights of the Route: A Symphony of Nature and Culture
[Northern Xinjiang Section:In-Depth Exploration of Yili Grasslands]
Grassland Trio
Nalati Grassland:Open from May to September, with an admission fee of 95 yuan. The aerial grassland area is at an altitude of 2,200 meters. In June, wildflowers are in full bloom; in July, you can experience the yurt life of various ethnic groups. The nighttime temperature is around 15°C, so bring a light jacket.
Karajun Grassland:Admission fee is 170 yuan, including the Flower Terrace and Falcon Terrace. Falcon performances are held once each at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM daily, so arrive 20 minutes early to secure a spot.
Kuerdening:A World Natural Heritage site with an admission fee of 120 yuan. In June, you can admire the snow-capped spruce forests and alpine rhododendrons. The hiking trail “King Spruce Path” is about 3 kilometers long and suitable for families.
Lakes and Canyons

Starred Recommendation ✨: A Double Adventure of Yili Grasslands and Southern Xinjiang Desert: Comprehensive Guide to Customized Self-Drive Travel (2026 Latest Edition)Sayram Lake:Admission fee is 145 yuan, with a 92-kilometer circular road around the lake. It is recommended to drive counterclockwise. The light is soft after 4:00 PM, making it ideal for capturing reflections on the lake’s surface.
Guozigou Bridge:The free observation deck is located 2 kilometers east of the bridge. At 7:00 AM, you can capture the sea of clouds alongside the bridge.
[Southern Xinjiang Section:Dialogue Between Desert and Ancient City]
Desert Adventure
Taklimakan Desert:Admission to the N39° scenic area is 80 yuan, including a desert off-road vehicle experience (5 kilometers). It is recommended to participate in the “Sand Sea and Camel Bells” project at sunset. After 7:30 PM, the desert temperature drops sharply, so bring a windproof jacket.
Lop Nur Village:Admission fee is 40 yuan, with a shuttle bus fee of 15 yuan. The Tarim River rafting project (3 kilometers) in the village is suitable for families, with gentle currents and no need to worry about getting wet.
Cultural Codes
Old Town of Shache:Free admission. The Twelve Mukams performance is held daily at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM at the Old Town Cultural Center, with an admission fee of 30 yuan. Customized souvenirs can be made at the handmade ironware shop on Kazanqi Street, with a bargaining range of about 30%.
Id Kah Square:Free admission. Every Friday at 12:00 PM, there is a collective dance performance by various ethnic groups, and tourists are welcome to join in.
II. 7-Day Customized Self-Drive Itinerary Reference (2026 Recently Optimized Edition)
[Days 1-3:Yili Grassland Section]

[Introduction: Why Choose This Route?]07:30 Depart from Yining → 09:00 Circular tour of Sayram Lake (3 hours) → 13:00 Observation at Guozigou Bridge → 15:00 Huocheng Lavender Manor (limited to June-July) → 19:00 Check-in at Qingshuihe Town
08:00 Depart from Qingshuihe → 10:30 Karajun Grassland (hiking at Flower Terrace) → 14:00 Lunch at Tekes Bagua City → 16:00 Lijie Cultural and Creative District → 20:00 Check-in at Tekes County
08:30 Depart from Tekes → 10:00 Nalati Grassland (aerial grassland route) → 14:00 Home visit to various ethnic groups → 17:00 Return to Nalati Town
[Days 4-7:Southern Xinjiang Desert Section]
08:00 Depart from Nalati → 14:00 Duoku Road (Northern Section) → 18:00 Check-in at Kuqa City
09:00 Depart from Kuqa → 13:00 Taklimakan N39° Scenic Area → 17:00 Lop Nur Village → 20:00 Check-in at Yuli County
08:30 Depart from Yuli → 11:00 Old Town of Shache → 14:00 Twelve Mukams Performance → 17:00 Shopping on Kazanqi Street → 20:00 Check-in at Shache County
09:00 Depart from Shache → 13:00 Id Kah Square → 16:00 Return to Yining (or adjust according to flight schedule)
III. 2026 Customized Self-Drive Price Details (Based on a 5-seat SUV)
[Basic Fees]

As the grasslands of the Yili River Valley don their early summer green robes, the dunes of the Taklimakan Desert are gilded by the noonday sun; as the blue ice of Sayram lake quietly melts, the melodies of the Twelve Mukams fill the streets and alleys of the old town of Shache. This customized self-drive route, connecting the natural beauty of northern Xinjiang with the cultural heritage of southern Xinjiang, allows you to experience the vastness of the grasslands, touch the desolation of the desert, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a millennium-old city. Based on a 2026 recent field visit, we have compiled a list of 10 must-visit destinations, price details, and practical tips for you.Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October):900-1100 yuan/day
Peak Season (June-August, National Day):1200-1500 yuan/day
Low Season (November-March of the following year):700-900 yuan/day
[Fees Included]
Vehicle usage fee, fuel fee, toll fee
Driver service fee (8 hours of work per day, with an additional 50 yuan/hour for overtime)
Basic insurance (it is recommended to purchase travel accident insurance separately)
[Fees Not Included]
Driver’s food and accommodation subsidy (usually 200 yuan/day, can be negotiated to be included in the total price)
Scenic area admission fees and shuttle bus fees
Personal expenses and off-itinerary vehicle usage

I. Key Highlights of the Route: A Symphony of Nature and Culture[Special Notes]
Prices for 7-seat commercial vehicles increase by 20% during peak season. Vehicles with more than 9 seats must be booked 5 days in advance.
Prices may fluctuate based on market supply and demand. The specific price shall be based on the contract with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
IV. Registration Method and Fee Explanation
[Registration Channels]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for details.
[Fee Explanation]
The fee includes vehicle, driver, and basic insurance, but does not include admission tickets, meals, and personal expenses.
For single registrants, we will do our best to arrange shared accommodation. Special circumstances require negotiation.
If the itinerary needs to be reasonably changed due to uncontrollable factors such as weather or traffic control during the trip, both parties shall reach a consensus through negotiation.

[Northern Xinjiang Section: In-Depth Exploration of Yili Grasslands] The specific itinerary is subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
[Service Guarantees]
Provide 24-hour emergency support
Daily vehicle disinfection and driver health monitoring
The contract clearly specifies the vehicle model, service content, and fee composition
V. Practical Tips: Make Your Journey Even Better
Equipment Checklist:For the grassland section, bring a windproof jacket and sunscreen; for the desert section, prepare high-top hiking boots and a sand mask; for the southern Xinjiang section, carry valid identification (some areas require ID verification for entry)
Photography Opportunities:Morning mist at Sayram Lake (7:00-8:00 AM), sunset at Nalati Grassland (9:00-9:30 PM), night view of the old town of Shache (after 10:00 PM)
Dietary Notes:There are many restaurants in the southern Xinjiang section. Do not bring non-food items outside. When trying kumis in the grassland section, drink a small amount to avoid stomach discomfort.
Cultural Etiquette:Obtain consent before photographing residents of various ethnic groups; remove shoes when entering certain places and do not touch the Quran.
[Conclusion]
From the undulating green waves of the Yili grasslands to the golden sands of the Taklimakan Desert, and then to the tranquil years of the old town of Shache, this route connects the diverse faces of Xinjiang in 7 days. The 2026 latest guide is ready for you. Just bring your curiosity and leave the rest to the professional team—Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency will assist you in starting an unforgettable journey to the Western Regions with compliant services and transparent prices.

Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.