2026Duku Highway Shared Car Tour 2026 Nalati + Bayinbuluk + Kuqa 7 Day Group Tour Essentials Recommended Itinerary, Costs, and Prices

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

Explore the Backbone of the Tianshan Mountains:2026 7-Day In-Depth Carpooling Tour of Nalati + Bayanbulak + Kuqa along the Duku Highway
[Route Highlights:A Landscape Corridor Through All Four Seasons]
The Duku Highway, known as Xinjiang’s ‘Internet-famous highway,’ is recommended to be open for 4-5 months each year and officially opened on June 1, 2026. This 561-kilometer highway running through the Tianshan Mountains connects four major types of landscapes: snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, and wetlands. Along the way, you can experience the wonder of ‘seeing four seasons in one day and different skies every ten miles.’ This carpooling tour focuses on the core section from Northern Xinjiang to Southern Xinjiang, covering three major 5A-level scenic spots:
Nalati Grassland:One of the world’s four major alpine meadows, with wildflowers covering the fields from June to August. You can ride horses through the aerial grasslands and Panlong Valley trails.
Bayanbulak Grassland:China’s second-largest grassland, where you can see the reflection of ‘nine suns’ at sunset along the meandering river.
Kuqa Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon:A blend of Danxia landforms and canyon terrain, with ever-changing light and shadow among the red rock walls.
[Itinerary Planning:Key Daily Experiences]
▶ Day 1:Urumqi Assembly → Yining (Accommodation)
Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport in the morning, take an airport shuttle or taxi to the bus station, and transfer to a bus heading to Yining City (approximately 7-hour drive). Upon arrival in the evening, check into the hotel and freely explore the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area, sampling local specialties like pilaf and baked buns.
▶ Day 2:Yining → Sayram Lake → Fruit Valley Bridge → Nalati Town (Accommodation)
Depart early for Sayram Lake, known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic.’ After touring around the lake, cross the Fruit Valley Bridge and arrive in Nalati Town in the afternoon. In the evening, you can opt for a self-paid home visit to experience folk activities like milking cows and making nang bread with local families of various ethnic groups.
▶ Day 3:In-Depth Tour of Nalati Grassland (Accommodation in Nalati Town)
Full-day tour of Nalati Scenic Area:

Explore the Backbone of the Tianshan Mountains: 2026 7-Day In-Depth Carpooling Tour of Nalati + Bayanbulak + Kuqa along the Duku HighwayAerial Grassland Route:Take a shuttle bus to the nomadic families’ area and hike to the forest stream, a popular spot for photos.
River Valley Grassland Route:Visit the Kezilaxia Waterfall and the museum of yurts from various ethnic groups.
Panlong Valley Trail Route:Traverse the primitive spruce forest and photograph the layered mountains.
▶ Day 4:Nalati → Bayanbulak (Accommodation)
Proceed along the middle section of the Duku Highway, crossing the Yuximolegai Daban Tunnel, and arrive at Bayanbulak Grassland in the afternoon. In the evening, wait at the viewing platform for the sunset over the meandering river and photograph the reflection on the Kaidu River.
▶ Day 5:Bayanbulak → Large and Small Dragon Pools → Kuqa (Accommodation)
Travel through the southern section of the Duku Highway, passing by:
Tielimaiti Daban:At an altitude of 3,220 meters, with continuous hairpin turns testing driving skills.
Large and Small Dragon Pools:High-altitude lakes formed by Tianshan snowmelt, where you can stop for photos.
Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon:Hike 1.5 kilometers to explore the mysterious red rock walls.
▶ Day 6:In-Depth Tour of Kuqa (Accommodation)
Visit Kuqa Grand Mosque and Kuqa Royal Palace in the morning, then head to Kuqa Grand Nang City in the afternoon to experience nang-making craftsmanship. In the evening, freely shop for seasonal fruits like figs and small white apricots.
▶ Day 7:Return from Kuqa
Based on your flight/train schedule, you can freely arrange visits to the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves (70 km from Kuqa) or the Shaya Populus euphratica Forest (120 km from Kuqa) before being transferred to your departure point.

[Route Highlights: A Landscape Corridor Through All Four Seasons][Cost Explanation:Transparent Consumption List]
▶ Basic Carpooling Costs (Reference Range)
5-Seater SUV:2,000-2,500 yuan/person/day during peak season (June-August)
7-Seater Business Vehicle:1,800-2,200 yuan/person/day during peak season (June-August)
Costs Include:Vehicle usage fee, fuel cost, toll fee, driver service fee, vehicle insurance
Costs Exclude:Scenic area entrance tickets, shuttle bus tickets, accommodation fees, dining fees, personal expenses
▶ Reference Ticket Prices (Subject to daily announcements by the scenic area)
Nalati Grassland:95 yuan/person, aerial grassland shuttle bus 40 yuan/person
Bayanbulak:65 yuan/person, shuttle bus 75 yuan/person
Tianshan Secret Grand Canyon:40 yuan/person
Sayram Lake:145 yuan/person (including shuttle bus)
▶ Accommodation Recommendations (Bookable upon request)
Budget:Business hotels in Nalati Town/Bayan Town, 200-300 yuan/night
Comfort:Characteristic homestays around the scenic area, 400-600 yuan/night

The Duku Highway, known as Xinjiang’s ‘Internet-famous highway,’ is recommended to be open for 4-5 months each year and officially opened on June 1, 2026. This 561-kilometer highway running through the Tianshan Mountains connects four major types of landscapes: snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, and wetlands. Along the way, you can experience the wonder of ‘seeing four seasons in one day and different skies every ten miles.’ This carpooling tour focuses on the core section from Northern Xinjiang to Southern Xinjiang, covering three major 5A-level scenic spots:Luxury:Wild luxury tents at Nalati Borui Campsite, 1,200-1,500 yuan/night
[Service Guarantees:Professional Team Escort]
▶ Vehicle Configuration
New vehicles within 3 years, equipped with GPS positioning system and first aid kit
Each vehicle limited to 6 passengers, with ample luggage space
Daily pre-departure inspections, with anti-skid chains and tow ropes carried on board
▶ Driver Team
Local drivers with passenger transport qualification certificates, averaging over 10 years of driving experience
Familiar with the entire Duku Highway route and experienced in high-altitude driving
Daily driving limited to 8 hours, with rest stops every 2 hours
▶ Emergency Plan
Established green channels with hospitals in Nalati Town and Bayanbulak Town
Equipped with satellite phones for emergencies in areas without signal

Nalati Grassland: One of the world’s four major alpine meadows, with wildflowers covering the fields from June to August. You can ride horses through the aerial grasslands and Panlong Valley trails. Travel accident insurance included, with coverage of 500,000 yuan/person
[Registration Instructions:Details Determine the Experience]
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for details.
▶ Group Formation Rules
Minimum 2 persons to form a group, with a maximum of 6 persons per group
Register 15 days in advance to secure vehicle type and driver
Free cancellation up to 7 days before departure; 30% fee deducted for cancellations within 7 days
▶ Equipment Recommendations
Clothing:Windbreaker, quick-drying clothes, sun-protective clothing, comfortable hiking shoes
Medications:Rhodiola, motion sickness pills, gastrointestinal medicine, band-aids
Others:Power bank, thermos, sunglasses, sunscreen, folding umbrella
▶ Special Reminders
The Duku Highway restricts vehicles to those with fewer than 7 seats daily and prohibits motorcycles and recreational vehicles
June-August is the rainy season; bring rain gear and monitor real-time road conditions

Bayanbulak Grassland: China’s second-largest grassland, where you can see the reflection of ‘nine suns’ at sunset along the meandering river. There is a large temperature difference between day and night in Bayanbulak, so bring a thin down jacket
[Seasonal Limits:Seize the Optimal Travel Period]
▶ June:Wild lilies bloom in Nalati, and the blue ice on Sayram Lake melts
▶ July:Lavender fields intertwine with rape flower fields, and Bayanbulak hosts the Nadam Fair
▶ August:Peak traffic on the Duku Highway; recommend departing before 8 a.m. to avoid congestion
▶ September:Autumn colors gradually appear, and the Gongnaisi Forest Farm is ablaze with color
[Common Questions Answered]
Q:Will there be altitude sickness on the Duku Highway?
A:The highest point, Hashilegen Daban, is at an altitude of 3,400 meters. A brief stay will not cause altitude sickness, but avoid strenuous exercise.
Q:Can we stop for photos anytime during the itinerary?
A:The driver will stop in designated areas based on road conditions, with ample time reserved for shooting at attractions like the Tangbula百里画廊 (Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery) and Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery.
Q:How is accommodation arranged for solo travelers?
A:Same-sex room sharing is the default arrangement. A single room supplement is required for a private room, subject to actual consultation and contracting.
[Conclusion]
This highway traversing the Tianshan Mountains is not just a geographical passage but a natural epic written in rock, streams, and meadows. From the blooming flowers of Nalati to the red Danxia cliffs of the Kuqa Grand Canyon, this 7-day journey will showcase Xinjiang’s finest landscape combination. Immediately consult Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to embark on your in-depth Duku Highway tour!

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