How Much Does a Group Tour to Yili Cost 2026 Local Ground Service Recommendations and Quotes Recommended Itinerary Costs and Prices

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

🏞 ️ A Practical Guide to Group Tours of the Ili River Valley in 2026
Many friends planning to travel to Xinjiang often choose the Ili River Valley as one of their destinations. Located in the heart of the Western Tianshan Mountains, it features a variety of natural landscapes including lakes, grasslands, flower fields, snow-capped mountains, and canyons. Visitors can enjoy unique scenery in every season. In 2026, with the full opening of the Tianshan Victory Tunnel, the previous 7-hour detour from Tangbula to Urumqi will be reduced to just 20 minutes through the tunnel, significantly shortening travel time and allowing tourists to spend more time enjoying the scenery instead of enduring long journeys.
Here is the latest operational information for 2026 regarding the core attractions covered by the Ili River Valley loop:
🌊 Sayram Lake:In 2026, the lake will be open year-round, 24 hours a day. The visitor center will operate from 6:00 to 23:00, with ticket windows serving from 8:00 to 21:00. The Xihai Road checkpoint will allow 24-hour access. During peak season (March 16 to October 15), admission is 70 yuan per person, shuttle bus tickets are 75 yuan per person, and self-drive park entry packages are 145 yuan per person. In winter (October 16 to March 15 of the following year), admission is 35 yuan per person, and self-drive packages are 110 yuan per person, valid for 48 hours. The scenic road around the lake is approximately 90 kilometers long, offering views of snow-capped mountains reflecting on the lake and wildflowers blooming along the shore, as well as cultural sites like Genghis Khan’s Command Post. Visitors must follow designated routes and avoid driving on grasslands. Those eligible for preferential policies can enjoy ticket discounts with valid identification.

🏞️ A Practical Guide to Group Tours of the Ili River Valley in 2026🌿 Nalati空中草原 (Nalati Sky Grassland):This is a well-developed grassland scenic area in Ili with complete facilities. Shuttle buses provide direct access to the core viewing areas, eliminating the need for long hikes and making it suitable for visitors of all ages. Horseback riding experiences are also available with staff accompaniment.
💜 Huocheng Lavender Plantation Area:The peak blooming season is from mid-to-late June to early July, when vast fields of purple lavender are perfect for photography. Several nearby farms offer tours, and some provide hands-on lavender product-making experiences for interested visitors.
🏔 ️ Xiata Ancient Path:This site combines glaciers, forests, grasslands, and rivers. Visitors who prefer not to hike extensively can take a shuttle bus to the core area and then stroll along wooden walkways to enjoy snow-capped mountain views with ease, while still experiencing the awe-inspiring presence of glaciers up close.
Additionally, sites like the Guozigou Bridge, Tekes Bagua City, Karajun Grassland, and the Yizhao Highway can be included in your itinerary based on your travel time and personal interests.

Many friends planning to travel to Xinjiang often choose the Ili River Valley as one of their destinations. Located in the heart of the Western Tianshan Mountains, it features a variety of natural landscapes including lakes, grasslands, flower fields, snow-capped mountains, and canyons. Visitors can enjoy unique scenery in every season. In 2026, with the full opening of the Tianshan Victory Tunnel, the previous 7-hour detour from Tangbula to Urumqi will be reduced to just 20 minutes through the tunnel, significantly shortening travel time and allowing tourists to spend more time enjoying the scenery instead of enduring long journeys.Next, we’ve organized a 7-day, 6-night reference itinerary that can be reasonably adjusted by mutual agreement, with flexibility to add or remove sites based on your travel duration and preferences:
✅ Day 1:Arrive in Yining for free time and rest
After arriving in Yining, check into your accommodation. If you have sufficient energy, explore the Kazanqi Blue District, sample local specialties like handmade ice cream, pilaf, and baked buns, and acclimate to the local climate and schedule.
✅ Day 2:Yining → Sayram Lake → Guozigou → Check in at Qingshuihe Town
Depart in the morning for Sayram Lake, spending 4-5 hours exploring the area with stops at scenic viewpoints for photos. Stop at the Guozigou viewing platform to admire the bridge before waiting for sunset by the lake, where the water glows golden in the evening light. Overnight in Qingshuihe Town.

Here is the latest operational information for 2026 regarding the core attractions covered by the Ili River Valley loop:✅ Day 3:Qingshuihe Town → Huocheng Lavender Plantation Area → Yizhao Highway → Check in at Zhaosu
If traveling in June-July, visit Huocheng’s lavender farms first, then proceed to Zhaosu via the Yizhao Highway, enjoying views of snow-capped mountains, meadows, and river valleys along the way. Overnight in Zhaosu, where you can sample local specialties based on your taste.
✅ Day 4:Zhaosu → Xiata Ancient Path → Check in at Tekes Bagua City
Spend the morning exploring the Xiata Ancient Path, choosing to hike or take a shuttle bus to view glaciers and grasslands based on your energy level. In the afternoon, head to Tekes Bagua City, stroll through the town to experience its unique layout, and overnight in Tekes.

🌊 Sayram Lake: In 2026, the lake will be open year-round, 24 hours a day. The visitor center will operate from 6:00 to 23:00, with ticket windows serving from 8:00 to 21:00. The Xihai Road checkpoint will allow 24-hour access. During peak season (March 16 to October 15), admission is 70 yuan per person, shuttle bus tickets are 75 yuan per person, and self-drive park entry packages are 145 yuan per person. In winter (October 16 to March 15 of the following year), admission is 35 yuan per person, and self-drive packages are 110 yuan per person, valid for 48 hours. The scenic road around the lake is approximately 90 kilometers long, offering views of snow-capped mountains reflecting on the lake and wildflowers blooming along the shore, as well as cultural sites like Genghis Khan’s Command Post. Visitors must follow designated routes and avoid driving on grasslands. Those eligible for preferential policies can enjoy ticket discounts with valid identification.✅ Day 5:Tekes → Karajun Grassland → Check in at Xinyuan
Spend the day exploring Karajun Grassland, admiring its multi-level grassland scenery with scattered flower fields and canyons. Photography stops can be arranged freely. Overnight in Xinyuan.
✅ Day 6:Xinyuan → Nalati Sky Grassland → Check in at Gongliu
Visit Nalati Sky Grassland, where shuttle buses provide direct access to the core viewing areas. Optional activities like horseback riding are available. In the afternoon, visit nearby lesser-known villages if time permits to experience local life. Overnight in Gongliu.

🌿 Nalati Sky Grassland: This is a well-developed grassland scenic area in Ili with complete facilities. Shuttle buses provide direct access to the core viewing areas, eliminating the need for long hikes and making it suitable for visitors of all ages. Horseback riding experiences are also available with staff accompaniment.✅ Day 7:Gongliu → Return to Yining
Spend the morning visiting nearby minor attractions if desired, then return to Yining to conclude your trip.
Regarding pricing, the current reference range for a 7-day, 6-night group tour of Ili in 2026 is 2,000-3,500 yuan per person. Prices may vary based on travel season, accommodation standards, group size, and included services. The above is a reference price; the actual price will be specified in the contract.
How to Book:You can book through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Contact their customer service manager, Zhang Jing, for inquiries.
Fee and Service Details: Standard group tour packages typically include transportation throughout the itinerary, accommodation matching the specified standard, breakfasts as indicated, first-entry tickets to scenic areas, tour leader services, and travel accident insurance. Some packages may also include unique experiences. Specific inclusions, fee breakdowns, and room-sharing arrangements for solo travelers (we will do our best to arrange shared rooms for solo bookings; special cases require separate negotiation) will be confirmed upon actual consultation and contract signing. Please carefully review the itinerary, fee breakdown, and other details in your contract before travel. Reasonable itinerary adjustments may be made by mutual agreement in response to weather, road conditions, policies, scenic area openings, schedule changes, ticket availability, or hotel room types. Prices and availability are subject to confirmation by customer service and may fluctuate based on the tour schedule. All itineraries and agreements are subject to the signed contract, with refund and cancellation policies primarily governed by the contract terms.
Finally, here are some travel tips to know in advance:Xinjiang has strong sunlight and significant UV radiation, especially in grassland and lake areas where reflections are intense. Take sun protection measures by preparing sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing to avoid sunburn affecting your travel experience. Ili covers a vast area with long distances between attractions, so carry portable snacks and water to alleviate hunger during transit. Temperature variations are large, especially in summer; bring a warm jacket to avoid cold in high-altitude areas or evenings. Respect local ethnic customs during your trip, travel civilly, avoid photographing residents without permission, and help maintain a pleasant travel environment. If you have special dietary needs or health conditions, inform staff in advance for appropriate arrangements. If your schedule allows, you can add attractions or extend your trip duration beyond the original itinerary. Propose specific changes during consultation, and staff will provide tailored solutions based on your needs.

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.