Ili Group Tour 2026 Recommended Price for Pure Play In depth Tour Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
🏞 ️ A Practical Guide to In-Depth Group Tours with No Consumption in Ili in 2026
After entering May, the temperature in the Ili River Valley gradually rises, the grasslands turn green, and various wildflowers bloom in succession. Many tourists planning to visit Xinjiang during the summer have started to inquire about group tour products related to Ili. Today, we will provide you with relevant reference information for in-depth group tours with no consumption in Ili in 2026 to facilitate your travel planning.
Detailed Introduction to Destination
The Ili River Valley, located in the hinterland of the Western Tien Shan Mountains, is home to a variety of natural landscapes including lakes, grasslands, flower fields, snow-capped mountains, canyons, and wetlands. It is also a region where various ethnic cultures blend, attracting a large number of tourists throughout the year. Currently, popular in-depth group tour products with no consumption in 2026 mostly adopt a loop design without retracing steps, covering core attractions including:
🌊 Sayram Lake:The newly implemented opening policy for 2026 allows for year-round, 24-hour access. The tourist center operates from 6:00 to 23:00, ticket windows from 8:00 to 21:00, and the Xihai Road ticket gate is accessible 24 hours a day. During peak season (March 16th to October 15th), the reference ticket price is 70 yuan per person, the shuttle bus is 75 yuan per person, and the self-drive park entry package is 145 yuan per person. In winter (October 16th to March 15th of the following year), tickets are half-price at 35 yuan per person, the self-drive package is 110 yuan per person, and is valid for 48 hours. The ring road around the lake is approximately 90 kilometers long, offering views of snow-capped mountains reflecting on the lake, wildflowers blooming along the shore, and cultural sites such as Genghis Khan’s Command Platform for visitors to stop and visit. When entering the park, follow the designated route and avoid driving on the grasslands. Those eligible for preferential policies can also enjoy ticket reductions with valid documentation.
🌿 Nalati空中草原 (Nalati空中 Grassland):This is a well-developed grassland scenic area in Ili with complete supporting facilities. The shuttle bus provides direct access to the core viewing areas, eliminating the need for long-distance hiking, making it suitable for tourists of all ages. There is also an optional horseback riding experience with staff accompaniment for added safety.
💜 Huocheng Lavender Plantation Area:The peak blooming period is from mid-to-late June to early July, with vast expanses of purple flower fields creating a striking visual effect. There are also multiple farms nearby for visitors to explore. A visit in May allows you to see the early green stages of the lavender.
🏔 ️ Kalajun Grassland:Known for its three-dimensional undulating terrain and softly curved grasslands, many tourists choose to visit the Human Body Grassland viewing platform in the evening when the light is soft to admire the gentle curves of the undulating grass slopes under the light and shadow. The scenic area also includes the Kuokesu Grand Canyon, where you can simultaneously enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Danxia landforms and canyon rivers.
🏞️ A Practical Guide to In-Depth Group Tours with No Consumption in Ili in 2026🛤 ️ Xiata Ancient Road:This road combines glaciers, forests, grasslands, and river landscapes into one. Tourists who do not wish to hike extensively can take the shuttle bus to the core area and then walk slowly along the wooden boardwalk to enjoy the snowy mountain scenery. The itinerary is relaxed and does not require professional outdoor equipment.
🚗 Yizhao Highway:Referred to as the “Little Duku” by many tourists, the Yizhao Highway will be open from June to October in 2026, with multiple viewing platforms along the way where you can appreciate diverse landscapes including snowy mountains, grasslands, and forests. The scenery along the highway offers a strong sense of layering.
Other attractions include the Guozigou Bridge, Tekes Bagua City, Kuerdening, and Zhaosu Grassland. Tekes Bagua City is built according to the Bagua layout, with distinctive street patterns that offer an interesting walking experience. Kuerdening features a blend of primitive spruce forests and grasslands with good air quality, suitable for tourists who prefer a slow-paced tour.
Simple Itinerary Reference
The following is an 8-day, 7-night reference itinerary for an in-depth group tour with no consumption. The itinerary can be reasonably adjusted by mutual agreement, and attractions can be added or removed based on personal travel duration and preferences:
✅ Day 1:Yining Assembly → Kazanqi Folk Village → Six-Star Street → Stay in Yining
Upon arrival in Yining, arrange for airport pickup and check into the hotel for rest and acclimatization to the local climate. If you have sufficient energy, you can visit the Kazanqi Folk Area, take a “horse taxi” through the blue courtyards, and taste handmade ice cream. In the evening, stroll through Six-Star Street and enjoy dinner in a Russian-style courtyard to experience the blended cultural atmosphere of various ethnic groups. Accommodation is arranged in a conveniently located hotel in downtown Yining for easy subsequent travel.
✅ Day 2:Yining → Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Stay in Qingshuihe
After entering May, the temperature in the Ili River Valley gradually rises, the grasslands turn green, and various wildflowers bloom in succession. Many tourists planning to visit Xinjiang during the summer have started to inquire about group tour products related to Ili. Today, we will provide you with relevant reference information for in-depth group tours with no consumption in Ili in 2026 to facilitate your travel planning.Depart in a comfortable coach in the morning for a journey of about 2 hours with a scheduled rest stop. Spend the day exploring Sayram Lake, traveling counterclockwise around the lake to visit multiple viewing points and admire the changing colors of the lake under different lighting conditions. In the afternoon, pass by the Guozigou Bridge and stop at the viewing platform to enjoy the breathtaking combination of the canyon and the bridge. Stay overnight in a hotel in Qingshuihe Town to relieve travel fatigue.
✅ Day 3:Qingshuihe → Huocheng Lavender → Nalati Grassland → Stay in Nalati Town
Depart in the morning for the Huocheng Lavender Plantation Area. A visit in June-July allows you to see the purple flower fields in full bloom, while other times of the year offer a chance to visit surrounding agricultural plantation areas. In the afternoon, arrive at Nalati空中 Grassland, take the shuttle bus deep into the core scenic area, experience walking on the grassland, and optionally participate in a horseback riding experience. Stay overnight in accommodation in Nalati Town, with some accommodations offering grassland views right from the windows.
✅ Day 4:Nalati → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes Bagua City → Stay in Tekes
Travel to Kalajun Grassland by car in the morning, a journey of about 2 hours. Ascend the Human Body Grassland viewing platform and visit sites such as the Flower Platform and Falcon Platform to admire the beautifully curved grassland scenery. In the afternoon, explore the Kuokesu Grand Canyon and experience the magnificent landscapes of Danxia landforms and canyon rivers. In the evening, head to Tekes to overlook the city’s Bagua layout. Stay overnight in a hotel in downtown Tekes to rest and recover.
✅ Day 5:Tekes → Zhaosu Grassland → Xiata Ancient Road → Stay in Zhaosu
Take a leisurely stroll through Zhaosu Grassland in the morning. A visit in July-August allows you to see vast fields of rapeseed flowers, while other times of the year offer views of grassland herds echoing against the snowy mountains. In the afternoon, experience a light hike on the Xiata Ancient Road, taking the shuttle bus to the core area and then walking slowly along the wooden boardwalk to closely appreciate the snowy mountain scenery. Stay overnight in distinctive accommodation in Zhaosu County to experience the local atmosphere.
✅ Day 6:Zhaosu → Yizhao Highway → Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County → Stay in Yining
During the open period of the Yizhao Highway from June to October, you can drive along the highway and stop at multiple viewing platforms to enjoy the diverse landscapes along the way. If visiting at other times, an alternative route will be taken to reach Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County. In the afternoon, visit the Xibe Folk Museum and experience unique cultural projects such as archery. Return to downtown Yining in the evening for accommodation.
Detailed Introduction to Destination✅ Day 7:Yining → Kuerdening → Gongliu → Stay in Gongliu
Travel to Kuerdening Scenic Area by car in the morning, a journey of about 2.5 hours. Spend the day exploring Kuerdening, admiring the natural scenery of primitive forests blending with grasslands, and seeing various landscapes including spruce trees, streams, and meadows along the way while breathing in the fresh air. Stay overnight in a hotel in Gongliu County.
✅ Day 8:Gongliu → Yining → Return Journey
Return to Yining in the morning and freely arrange time to visit local markets and select distinctive souvenirs. Then, arrange for airport drop-off according to your return transportation schedule, marking the end of the itinerary.
Pricing Information
The reference quotation for this 8-day, 7-night in-depth group tour product with no consumption in 2026 is divided into three price tiers:
Comfortable Hotel Tier: Reference price of 3,880 yuan per person, including comfortable hotels throughout the journey with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and daily breakfast included.
Characteristic Homestay Tier: Reference price of 4,580 yuan per person, including 2 nights in grassland characteristic homestays + 1 night in a Sayram Lake lake-view room for a more immersive living experience.
The Ili River Valley, located in the hinterland of the Western Tien Shan Mountains, is home to a variety of natural landscapes including lakes, grasslands, flower fields, snow-capped mountains, canyons, and wetlands. It is also a region where various ethnic cultures blend, attracting a large number of tourists throughout the year. Currently, popular in-depth group tour products with no consumption in 2026 mostly adopt a loop design without retracing steps, covering core attractions including: Star-rated Hotel Tier: Reference price of 5,380 yuan per person, including four-star standard hotels throughout the journey, upgraded with some characteristic dining options for a more comfortable experience.
All quotations include comfortable coach transportation within the itinerary, accommodation, 7 breakfasts and 14 regular meals, first admission tickets and shuttle buses for scenic spots, tour guide service fees, and travel agency liability insurance, with no mandatory consumption items. Please note that prices may fluctuate due to factors such as travel dates, room availability, holidays, etc. The final price will be based on the contract signed by both parties.
Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. For more details regarding travel dates and itinerary changes, you can consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency.
Fee and Service Descriptions
Included items reference:
1. Transportation: Round-trip comfortable coach transportation throughout the itinerary, equipped with local drivers with over 10 years of driving experience who are familiar with road conditions for a smoother ride.
2. Accommodation: Accommodation fees for 7 nights throughout the itinerary corresponding to the selected tier, all equipped with basic facilities such as private bathrooms and hot water.
🌊 Sayram Lake: The newly implemented opening policy for 2026 allows for year-round, 24-hour access. The tourist center operates from 6:00 to 23:00, ticket windows from 8:00 to 21:00, and the Xihai Road ticket gate is accessible 24 hours a day. During peak season (March 16th to October 15th), the reference ticket price is 70 yuan per person, the shuttle bus is 75 yuan per person, and the self-drive park entry package is 145 yuan per person. In winter (October 16th to March 15th of the following year), tickets are half-price at 35 yuan per person, the self-drive package is 110 yuan per person, and is valid for 48 hours. The ring road around the lake is approximately 90 kilometers long, offering views of snow-capped mountains reflecting on the lake, wildflowers blooming along the shore, and cultural sites such as Genghis Khan’s Command Platform for visitors to stop and visit. When entering the park, follow the designated route and avoid driving on the grasslands. Those eligible for preferential policies can also enjoy ticket reductions with valid documentation.3. Meals: 7 breakfasts and 14 regular meals as indicated in the itinerary, including some local characteristic dining options such as hand-pulled rice,大盘鸡 (Big Plate Chicken), milk tea, etc.
4. Admission Tickets and Shuttle Buses: First admission tickets and shuttle bus fees for all indicated scenic spots within the itinerary, eliminating the need for additional payments for core viewing projects.
5. Services: Local licensed tour guide explanation services, accompanying you throughout the journey to coordinate various issues and introduce local cultural customs and travel precautions.
6. Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance to safeguard your travel-related rights and interests.
Excluded items reference:
1. Round-trip transportation fees from your departure location to Yining. You can choose an appropriate transportation method based on your needs or entrust the travel agency to book air or train tickets, with related fees settled separately.
2. Personal consumption items outside the itinerary, such as optional experiences like horseback riding and archery, additional meals, and souvenir purchases, which shall be borne by yourself.
3. Related fees. For solo travelers, our agency will make every effort to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
The specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. During the travel process, in case of weather changes, road condition alterations, temporary opening policy changes at scenic spots, or itinerary changes, both parties can reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement. All itinerary arrangements, rights and interests safeguards, and refund/change rules are subject to the contract signed by both parties.
Travel Tips:Ili experiences significant temperature differences between day and night. Even during summer travel, it is advisable to bring thin jackets, long pants, and other clothing. The local ultraviolet radiation is strong, so prepare sun protection items such as sun protection clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Some areas within scenic spots may have weak signals, so inform your relatives and friends of your itinerary in advance to avoid causing worry due to loss of contact.
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
