How to Book a Private Car or Carpool for Yizhao Highway Tour Complete Route Guide Recommended Routes and Costs

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

Exploring the Yizhao Highway:2026 Ultimate Guide to Customized Car Rentals and Carpooling✨
The Yizhao Highway, Provincial Road 237 connecting Yining and Zhaosu, spans 180 kilometers of winding roads that link the best sceneries north and south of the Tianshan Mountains. In 2026, this ‘Mini Duku Highway’ will become a ‘limited-time hidden gem’ in the hearts of self-drive enthusiasts due to its unique geographical conditions and seasonal traffic restrictions. This article provides a practical guide covering route features, itinerary planning, cost breakdowns, and booking methods.
I. Yizhao Highway: One Road, Four Seasons of Scenery
The Yizhao Highway starts from Yining City, the capital of the Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, in the north and extends south to Zhaosu County, winding its way up the Wusun Mountains with an elevation difference exceeding 2,000 meters. Along the way, you can encounter:
Grasslands and Flower Fields:From June to July, the Karajun Grassland and Zhaosu Grassland on both sides of the highway are dotted with wildflowers, with perilla, rapeseed flowers, and snow-capped mountains creating a picturesque scene.
Canyons and Forests:The grandeur of the Guozigou Bridge, the steepness of Baishi Peak, and the spruce forests along the way form a visually stunning feast with distinct layers.
Borderland Charm:Zhaosu County borders Kazakhstan, allowing you to experience a cultural atmosphere blending multiple ethnic groups.

Exploring the Yizhao Highway: 2026 Ultimate Guide to Customized Car Rentals and Carpooling✨Traffic Restrictions:The Yizhao Highway is recommended for vehicles with 7 seats or fewer, and it is open for approximately 3 months each year (expected from mid-June to the end of September in 2026, subject to official announcements from traffic management authorities). It may be temporarily closed due to rain or snow, so it is essential to monitor road conditions in advance.
II. 3-Day, 2-Night Essential Itinerary: Customized Car Rentals and Carpooling Both Work Well
Based on the actual road conditions and scenic spot opening information in 2026, the following itinerary is recommended:
[Day 1:Yining → Guozigou Bridge → Zhaosu Grassland]
Morning:Depart from Yining City and take the Qingyi Expressway to the Guozigou Bridge to marvel at the magnificent landscape of the ‘Highest Bridge in Xinjiang.’
Afternoon:Travel along the Yizhao Highway, passing by the Baishi Peak viewing platform to overlook the winding mountain road and distant snow-capped mountains.
Evening:Arrive in Zhaosu County, check into a county hotel, and savor local specialties such as hand-pulled rice and horse meat naren.
[Day 2:Zhaosu → Xiata Ancient Path → Tekes Bagua City]

The Yizhao Highway, Provincial Road 237 connecting Yining and Zhaosu, spans 180 kilometers of winding roads that link the best sceneries north and south of the Tianshan Mountains. In 2026, this ‘Mini Duku Highway’ will become a ‘limited-time hidden gem’ in the hearts of self-drive enthusiasts due to its unique geographical conditions and seasonal traffic restrictions. This article provides a practical guide covering route features, itinerary planning, cost breakdowns, and booking methods.Morning:Visit the Xiata Ancient Path National Park to hike or ride a horse to explore the border area between glaciers and grasslands (admission fee reference: 80 yuan/person, shuttle bus 40 yuan/person, subject to scenic spot announcements).
Afternoon:Drive to Tekes Bagua City and ascend the Liji Street viewing platform to overlook the city layout, experiencing the fusion of metaphysics and modern architecture.
Evening:Check into a Tekes homestay and enjoy traditional song and dance performances from various ethnic groups.
[Day 3:Tekes → Karajun Grassland → Yining]
Morning:Tour the Karajun Grassland and take the shuttle bus to visit scenic spots such as the Flower Terrace and Falcon Terrace (admission fee reference: 140 yuan/person, including shuttle bus, subject to scenic spot announcements).
Afternoon:Return to Yining City, stopping along the way in Huocheng’s Huanghuang Village to visit popular homestays and lavender fields (July is the blooming season).
Evening:Arrive in Yining City and conclude the itinerary.
III. Cost Breakdown: Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees

I. Yizhao Highway: One Road, Four Seasons of SceneryThe costs for customized car rentals and carpooling vary depending on the vehicle type, number of passengers, and season. The reference prices for 2026 are as follows (subject to the contract):
Customized Car Rental Fees (including driver, fuel, and tolls):
5-seat SUV (e.g., Toyota RAV4):700-900 yuan/day (suitable for 2-4 people)
7-seat business van (e.g., Buick GL8):900-1200 yuan/day (suitable for 4-6 people)
Carpooling Fees (per person, no forced consumption during the itinerary):
5-seat carpooling (4 people full):180-220 yuan/person/day
7-seat carpooling (6 people full):120-150 yuan/person/day
Other Fees:

The Yizhao Highway starts from Yining City, the capital of the Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, in the north and extends south to Zhaosu County, winding its way up the Wusun Mountains with an elevation difference exceeding 2,000 meters. Along the way, you can encounter:Driver’s meals and accommodation:Industry practice is for guests to share meal expenses (approximately 80-100 yuan/day), with accommodation covered by the车队 (car fleet) (economic accommodations can be arranged in remote areas).
Scenic spot admission fees and experience projects:Self-paid (e.g., Xiata Ancient Path shuttle bus, Karajun Grassland admission fee, etc.).
Excess mileage fee:If the daily average mileage exceeds the agreed limit (e.g., 400 kilometers/day), a fee of 1.5-2 yuan/kilometer may be charged.
IV. Booking Methods: Professional Team, Hassle-Free Travel
You can book through the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which offers the following services:
Vehicle selection:Includes 5-seat SUVs, 7-seat business vans, and 9-seat minibusses, all equipped with formal operating qualifications and sufficient insurance.
Route customization:Adjust the itinerary pace according to tourist needs and add nearby attractions such as the Nalati Grassland and Sayram Lake.
Driver team:All drivers have over 5 years of driving experience in Ili, are familiar with the roads, and possess basic first aid skills.

Grasslands and Flower Fields: From June to July, the Karajun Grassland and Zhaosu Grassland on both sides of the highway are dotted with wildflowers, with perilla, rapeseed flowers, and snow-capped mountains creating a picturesque scene.Contract guarantee:Sign a formal electronic contract specifying cost breakdowns, liability for breach of contract, and insurance terms.
V. Service Instructions and Precautions
Fees and services:The quotation includes vehicle usage fees, driver service fees, basic insurance, and fuel costs, excluding round-trip transportation for tourists, personal expenses, and scenic spot admission fees.
Itinerary changes:In case of severe weather or road closures, both parties can agree to make reasonable changes to the itinerary.
Room sharing arrangements:Single travelers will be coordinated for room sharing as much as possible. If room sharing is not possible, an additional fee will be charged (specific fee subject to the contract).
Cancellation and refund policy:Subject to the contract signed by both parties. It is recommended to book 15-30 days in advance, as vehicles are in high demand during peak seasons, and remaining spots should be confirmed in advance.
VI. Consultation Channels
If you have any questions, you can contact Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, to obtain information on the latest departure dates, vehicle types, and quotations for 2026.
The beauty of the Yizhao Highway lies in its limited availability and rarity. Choose a formal travel agency and let a professional team help you avoid risks, allowing you to focus on enjoying every frame of the scenery along the way. Whether you prefer a customized car rental for a free and easy trip or a carpooling group tour, there is an option here that suits you. Set off and fulfill your appointment with the Tianshan Mountains!

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