2026Kanas5 DayPrivateCarTourRoutePrice DukuHighway+TurpanEssentials RecommendedRouteCostandPrice
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
Explore the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang:2026 Kanas 5-Day Customized Car Tour with In-Depth Exploration (Including the Duku Highway and Turpan Cultural Experience)
Highlights of the Itinerary:A Double Feast of Natural Wonders and Cultural Charm
Summer in Northern Xinjiang is a tapestry woven with the azure of lakes, the emerald of forests, and the vastness of grasslands. In 2026, the combination of the Kanas Loop and the Duku Highway has become a popular choice for travelers exploring Xinjiang. This route not only connects classic Northern Xinjiang landscapes such as Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Colorful Beach but also integrates the grandeur of the Duku Highway and the cultural experience of Turpan, forming a composite in-depth travel route that combines ‘nature and culture.’
[Key Landscape Features]
Kanas Lake:Rated as ‘China’s Most Beautiful Lake’ by Chinese National Geography, the lake changes color with the seasons. In June, the lake surface is as clear as jade, surrounded by high forest coverage and an air negative ion content of 30,000 to 50,000 per cubic centimeter.
Hemu Village:A primitive village inhabited by the Tuwa people, with wooden houses scattered across the hillside. In the morning, you can capture the ‘fairy-tale world’ amidst the morning mist, and at night, gaze upon the dazzling Milky Way.
Duku Highway:Reopening to traffic on June 1st, this ‘China’s Most Beautiful Highway’ runs through the Tianshan Mountains, connecting canyons, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and other landscapes, allowing you to experience the changes of the four seasons in a single day.
Turpan Culture:The red landscapes of Flaming Mountains, the ancient water conservancy wisdom of Karez Wells, and the mulberry feast in Grape Valley showcase the unique charm of the Western Regions civilization.
Simple Itinerary:5-Day Journey Through Northern and Eastern Xinjiang
[Day 1:Urumqi → Burqin (Approximately 600 kilometers, 7-8 hours by car)]
Explore the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang: 2026 Kanas 5-Day Customized Car Tour with In-Depth Exploration (Including the Duku Highway and Turpan Cultural Experience)Key Points:Enjoy the Gobi Desert scenery of the Junggar Basin along the way. Upon arriving in Burqin in the evening, visit the Old Russian Dock Style Street to taste grilled taimen (cold-water fish) and kvass (Russian fermented beverage).
Accommodation Suggestion:Burqin Riverside Holiday Hotel (Reference price: 400-600 yuan/night, including breakfast).
[Day 2:Burqin → Kanas (Approximately 180 kilometers, 3 hours by car) → Hemu Village]
Morning:Tour Kanas Lake, take a boat or hike to Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view, and visit the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay).
Afternoon:Drive to Hemu Village, stay in a Tuwa wooden house (Reference price: 600-1000 yuan/night, including breakfast), and capture the panoramic view of the village in the evening.
Special Experience:Participate in traditional Tuwa song and dance performances (reservation required in advance).
[Day 3:Hemu Village → Colorful Beach → Northern Section of Duku Highway (Approximately 300 kilometers, 6 hours by car)]
Morning:Photograph the morning mist in Hemu Village, hike or ride a horse to explore the surrounding birch forests.
Afternoon:Tour Colorful Beach, enter the northern section of the Duku Highway in the evening, pass by Hashilergen Daban (elevation 3390 meters), and photograph the snow-capped mountains and snow prevention corridor.
Accommodation Suggestion:Nalati Town Homestay (Reference price: 300-500 yuan/night, advance reservation required during peak season).
[Day 4:Middle Section of Duku Highway → Bayinbuluk → Kuqa (Approximately 400 kilometers, 7-8 hours by car)]
Highlights of the Itinerary: A Double Feast of Natural Wonders and Cultural CharmMorning:Travel through the Nalati Grassland, photograph the aerial grassland and snow-capped spruce forests.
Afternoon:Arrive at Bayinbuluk Grassland, tour the Nine Bends of the Eighteen Bends, and wait for the sunset to witness the wonder of ‘Nine Suns.’
Evening:Continue southward, arrive in Kuqa City via the Large and Small Dragon Pools, and stay at the Kuqa Hotel (Reference price: 200-400 yuan/night).
[Day 5:Kuqa → Turpan (Approximately 500 kilometers, 6 hours by car) → Return]
Morning:Tour the Kuqa Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon and feel the震撼 of the red Yardang landform.
Afternoon:Drive to Turpan, visit the Karez Folk Park, and learn about ancient water conservancy wisdom.
Evening:Depending on your return transportation arrangements, you can choose to tour Grape Valley (free entry) or Flaming Mountains (ticket price: 40 yuan).
Price Description:Vehicle Type and Season Affect Cost Fluctuations
[Reference for Customized Car Tour Costs (Including Driver, Fuel, and Toll Fees)]
5-Seater SUV (Suitable for 2-3 people):
Off-Peak Season (November-April of the following year):800-1000 yuan/day
Summer in Northern Xinjiang is a tapestry woven with the azure of lakes, the emerald of forests, and the vastness of grasslands. In 2026, the combination of the Kanas Loop and the Duku Highway has become a popular choice for travelers exploring Xinjiang. This route not only connects classic Northern Xinjiang landscapes such as Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Colorful Beach but also integrates the grandeur of the Duku Highway and the cultural experience of Turpan, forming a composite in-depth travel route that combines ‘nature and culture.’Shoulder Season (May, September-October):1000-1200 yuan/day
Peak Season (June-August, National Day):1300-1800 yuan/day
7-Seater Business Van (Suitable for 4-6 people):
Off-Peak Season:1200-1500 yuan/day
Shoulder Season:1500-1800 yuan/day
Peak Season:2000-2500 yuan/day
17-Seater Coaster (Suitable for 10-15 people):
Off-Peak Season:2000-2500 yuan/day
Shoulder Season:2500-3000 yuan/day
Peak Season:3500-4000 yuan/day
[Key Landscape Features][Cost Description]
Included:Vehicle usage fee, driver’s salary, fuel fee, toll fee, and basic insurance.
Not Included:Value-added services such as scenic spot tickets, accommodation, dining, and guide explanations.
Tips:The Duku Highway is recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or less, and motorhomes are limited to a height of 4.5 meters; some scenic spots in Turpan (such as Grape Valley) require additional fees for shuttle buses.
Registration Method:Embark on Your Journey Through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency by providing the number of travelers, preferred tour dates, and vehicle preferences. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will assist in confirming available spots, itinerary details, and cost breakdowns.
Cost and Service Description:Transparent Contracting, Flexible Changes
Costs Include:Vehicle rental, driver services, basic fuel costs, and toll fees, subject to actual consultation and contracting.
Service Standards:
Vehicle:Regularly maintained, with legal operating qualifications, equipped with first aid kits, car chargers, etc.
Driver:Experienced, familiar with road conditions in Northern Xinjiang, and able to provide basic scenic spot introductions.
Kanas Lake: Rated as ‘China’s Most Beautiful Lake’ by Chinese National Geography, the lake changes color with the seasons. In June, the lake surface is as clear as jade, surrounded by high forest coverage and an air negative ion content of 30,000 to 50,000 per cubic centimeter.Itinerary Changes:Reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made after mutual agreement due to weather, road conditions, or policy changes.
Single Registration:Every effort will be made to coordinate shared rooms; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Contract Signing:After paying the reservation fee, sign a formal electronic travel contract supervised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to clarify rights and responsibilities.
Travel Tips:Balance Experience with Preparation
Document Preparation:Bring valid identification, a driver’s license (if self-driving certain sections), and a student ID (for discounts at some scenic spots).
Clothing Suggestions:Northern Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night; bring a windbreaker, sun protection clothing, and comfortable hiking shoes; Turpan is dry and hot in summer, so wear lightweight and breathable clothing.
Photography Equipment:The morning mist in Hemu Village, Kanas Lake, and the Duku Highway are must-capture scenes; it is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens, tripod, and spare batteries.
Precautions:
The Duku Highway is open from 8:00 to 19:00 daily (with some sections extending to 21:00 elastically); follow the ‘Xinjiang Traffic’ WeChat official account for real-time road conditions.
Turpan’s afternoon temperatures can reach above 35°C in May, with ground temperatures exceeding 60°C; take sun protection and stay hydrated.
Respect Local Customs:Avoid touching the heads of villagers in Tuwa villages; obtain consent before photographing people.
Northern Xinjiang in 2026 is a poem woven with the tranquility of lakes, the vastness of grasslands, and the wildness of highways. From the morning mist of Kanas to the snow-capped mountains of the Duku Highway, from the starry sky of Hemu Village to the mulberries of Turpan, this route will lead you to appreciate the diverse beauty of Xinjiang. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to embark on your in-depth journey to Northern Xinjiang!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation

