2026 Northern Xinjiang Group Tour Quotes How Much Does an 8 Day Trip to Kanas, Altay, and Yili Cost Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Shining Star of Northern Xinjiang: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2026 8-Day In-Depth Tour of Kanas, Altay, and Yili
(Icon:🌄)【Route Highlights: A Visual Feast Through All Four Seasons】
This 8-day circular route connecting Kanas, Altay, and Yili represents the essence of Northern Xinjiang’s natural landscapes. The itinerary covers three major geographical units: the forest lakes of Kanas Lake area, the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Altay Mountains, and the grassland flower fields of the Yili River Valley, creating a unique experience of “one scenic view per day, one season per step.”
▶ Kanas Core Area:In 2026, a new star-gazing point will be added at Guanyu Platform, equipped with professional telescopes (advance reservation required). The scenic area implements a timed reservation system with a daily limit of 8,000 visitors. It is recommended to enter between 08:30-10:00 or 16:00-18:00.
▶ Altay Secret Realm: The General Mountain Ski Resort transforms into a mountain sports base in summer, offering projects such as high-altitude zip lines and jungle crossings. The newly opened S21 Desert Highway in 2026 shortens the travel time by 1.5 hours, with three scenic overlooks along the way to capture views of the Gurbantunggut Desert.
▶ Yili Grassland Belt: Nalati Grassland implements zoned management. The Sky Grassland area requires a shuttle bus (included in the ticket), while the Panlong Valley area allows self-drive vehicles (additional self-drive ticket required). In 2026, the blooming period of the Huocheng Lavender Manor will be extended to July 15th, with a new nighttime light show project added.
(Icon:🗺️)【Simple Itinerary Arrangement】
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Morning:Free activities (recommended: Xinjiang Museum, open from 10:00-18:00, closed on Mondays)
Afternoon:15:00 Depart by unified transportation along the S21 Desert Highway to Altay
Dinner:Specialty cold-water fish feast in Altay City
Accommodation:Four-diamond hotel in Altay (with floor heating)
Shining Star of Northern Xinjiang: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2026 8-Day In-Depth Tour of Kanas, Altay, and YiliDay 2:Altay – Kanas
Morning:General Mountain sports experience (includes basic instruction)
Afternoon:Travel through the Gobi Highway, passing by the Irtysh River Canyon
Evening:Arrive at Jiadengyu and transfer to shuttle buses to enter Kanas
Accommodation:Characteristic wooden cabin inside Kanas Scenic Area (includes breakfast)
Day 3:In-Depth Kanas Tour
Early Morning:Photograph the morning mist at Fairy Bay (optimal time 06:30-08:00)
Morning:Take shuttle buses to visit Moon Bay and Wolong Bay
Afternoon:Hike a 3-kilometer wooden boardwalk (staff provided)
Evening:Visit a Tuwa family (includes ethnic song and dance performance)
Day 4:Kanas – Hemu
Morning:Ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake
(Icon: 🌄)【Route Highlights: A Visual Feast Through All Four Seasons】Afternoon:Drive for 2 hours to Hemu Village
Evening:Hike through the birch forest and photograph the village panorama
Accommodation:Scenic wooden cabin inside Hemu Scenic Area (with floor heating)
Day 5:Hemu – Burqin
Early Morning:Photograph sunrise at the Haden Platform (arrive before 05:30)
Morning:Rafting experience on the Hemu River (life-saving equipment provided)
Afternoon:Photograph sunset at Colorful Beach (optimal time 19:30-20:30)
Dinner:Burqin River Embankment Night Market (free activities)
Day 6:Burqin – Sayram Lake
Full Day:Travel through the Gurbantunggut Desert, passing by the Kelameili Sand Dunes
Evening:Self-drive around Sayram Lake (includes 3精华停靠 points)
Accommodation:Sayram Lake RV Camp (includes star-gazing guidance)
This 8-day circular route connecting Kanas, Altay, and Yili represents the essence of Northern Xinjiang’s natural landscapes. The itinerary covers three major geographical units: the forest lakes of Kanas Lake area, the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Altay Mountains, and the grassland flower fields of the Yili River Valley, creating a unique experience of “one scenic view per day, one season per step.”Day 7:Sayram Lake – Yining
Morning:Cycling experience by the lakeside (mountain bikes provided)
Afternoon:Photograph at the Guozigou Bridge Viewing Platform
Evening:Travel photography in Yining’s Six-Star Street with makeup and costumes (includes 3 sets of ethnic costumes)
Accommodation:Four-diamond hotel in Yining (includes breakfast)
Day 8:Yining – Urumqi
Morning:Light hike on the Kalajun Grassland (guide provided)
Afternoon:Aerial photography experience at Tekes Bagua City
Evening:Arrive in Urumqi for group disbandment (recommended to purchase flights after 20:00)
(Icon:💰)【Cost Explanation (Reference Price for 2026)】
Basic Itinerary with No Additional Consumption:3980-4580 RMB per person
Includes:7 nights of accommodation (includes characteristic accommodations inside scenic areas), full transportation, 7 breakfasts and 10 main meals, tickets and shuttle buses for core attractions, professional guide services, travel accident insurance
▶ Kanas Core Area: In 2026, a new star-gazing point will be added at Guanyu Platform, equipped with professional telescopes (advance reservation required). The scenic area implements a timed reservation system with a daily limit of 8,000 visitors. It is recommended to enter between 08:30-10:00 or 16:00-18:00.Upgrade Options:Complimentary ethnic costume travel photography session once, afternoon tea at Sayram Lake
Comfort Experience Itinerary:5280-5980 RMB per person
Adds to the basic itinerary:2+1 first-class land bus, four-diamond hotel accommodations, 5 specialty main meals (meal standard 60 RMB per person), professional photography guidance
High-End Custom Itinerary:6980-7580 RMB per person
Includes:7-seat business vehicle exclusive service, five-diamond hotels and characteristic homestays, full meal standard of 80 RMB per person, starry sky camping experience, drone aerial photography services
Special Notes:
1. Prices may fluctuate based on departure dates and are subject to contract confirmation
2. June 15th to August 25th is peak season, with prices increasing by 15%-20%
3. A discount is available for two people traveling together sharing a room; single travelers must pay an additional fee (approximately 1000-1500 RMB)
4. Child price (under 12 years old) reduced by 800 RMB, does not include bed or breakfast
(Icon:✍️)【Registration Method】
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Consultation services are available daily from 09:00-21:00. Registration requires providing valid identification information and special needs explanations.
▶ Altay Secret Realm: The General Mountain Ski Resort transforms into a mountain sports base in summer, offering projects such as high-altitude zip lines and jungle crossings. The newly opened S21 Desert Highway in 2026 shortens the travel time by 1.5 hours, with three scenic overlooks along the way to capture views of the Gurbantunggut Desert.(Icon:📋)【Service Standards and Precautions】
1. Transportation Guarantee: Use vehicles no more than 3 years old, conduct daily pre-departure inspections, equipped with first aid kits, oxygen bottles, and warmers
2. Accommodation Arrangements: All accommodations inside scenic areas are文旅-certified; wooden cabin accommodations provide electric blankets and 24-hour hot water
3. Dining Standards: Main meal standard of 30-80 RMB per person, includes specialty meals such as Burqin grilled fish, Yili hand-grabbed rice, and Hemu local hot pot
4. Guide Services: Certified guides lead the group, hold daily summary meetings after the itinerary to collect tourist feedback
5. Emergency Plan: Establish a green channel with local hospitals, equip vehicles with satellite phones, arrange for double drivers in mountainous sections
Special Tips:
Drones are prohibited inside the Kanas Scenic Area and must be reported in advance at the transfer center
Self-driving around Sayram Lake requires a C1 or higher driver’s license with at least 3 years of driving experience
The Yili grassland area has large temperature differences between day and night; it is recommended to bring a windbreaker and sun protection items
The specific itinerary may be reasonably changed due to weather, road conditions, etc.; the order of visits can be changed after mutual agreement
(Icon:📞)【Important Reminder】
All prices and service standards are subject to the final signed travel contract. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency reserves the right to modify the itinerary content. It is recommended to purchase travel insurance covering high-altitude reactions 7 days before departure. Tourists over 65 years old must provide a health certificate.
(Ending Icon:✨) This newly optimized Northern Xinjiang circular route for 2026 not only retains the in-depth experience of classic landscapes but also incorporates emerging outdoor projects and photography elements. Through the professional arrangements of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, tourists can systematically appreciate the diverse landscapes and various ethnic cultures of Northern Xinjiang in 8 days, obtaining a travel experience that exceeds expectations.
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
