The Most Comprehensive Group Tour Guide and Booking for the Duku Highway All Year Round Recommended Routes, Costs, and Prices

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

In-Depth Exploration Guide to the Duku Highway:Complete Guide to Group Tours in 2026✨
I. Itinerary Highlights: An Epic Road Trip Through the Tianshan Mountains
The Duku Highway (National Highway 217, from Dushanzi to Kuqa) spans 561 kilometers, traversing north and south through the Tianshan Mountains and connecting snow-capped peaks, canyons, grasslands, forests, lakes, and other stunning landscapes. The highway is recommended to be open for 4-5 months each year and is hailed by travelers as ‘China’s Most Beautiful Highway.’ In 2026, the highway will welcome visitors from all directions with more mature tourism support services, offering breathtaking experiences for both self-drive enthusiasts and group tour travelers.
【Quick Overview of Core Attractions】
Snow-Capped Peaks and Mountain Passes:Along the way, you’ll cross the Hasilegen Pass (elevation 3,400 meters), Yuximolegai Pass, and Tieliemaiti Pass, experiencing the wonder of ‘snow in June’ during summer.
Grasslands and Wetlands:The Nalati Alpine Grassland, Bayanbulak Grassland, and Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery offer distinct seasonal scenery.
Canyons and Landforms:The Dushanzi Grand Canyon and Kuqa Tianshan Grand Canyon feature interwoven red rock formations and yardang landforms.
Lakes and Rivers:Sayram Lake, Swan Lake, and the Konas River showcase water colors that change with the seasons.
II. Sample Itinerary for a 7-Day, 6-Night Group Tour in 2026
Based on the itinerary designed by Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency, here is a classic route arrangement:
【Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi】
Arrive in Urumqi, where a private car will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.
Recommended Free Activities:Experience the cultures of various ethnic groups at the International Bazaar and savor local specialties like baked stuffed buns and pilaf.

In-Depth Exploration Guide to the Duku Highway: Complete Guide to Group Tours in 2026✨【Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Guozigou】
Driving Time:Approximately 5 hours
Highlights:Enjoy a scenic drive around Sayram Lake, known as ‘the last teardrop of the Atlantic,’ with 3 hours reserved for free photography; visit the Guozigou Bridge for a panoramic view of the canyon.
Accommodation:Budget hotel in Yining City.
【Day 3:Yining → Tangbula Grassland → Fairy Lake】
Driving Time:Approximately 4 hours
Highlights:Explore Tangbula Grassland in depth, take an electric cart to Fairy Lake for a hiking adventure; visit local families to experience their culture and taste hand-grabbed meat and kumis.
Accommodation:Characteristic yurts in Tangbula Grassland (equipped with electric blankets).
【Day 4:Tangbula → Northern Section of Duku Highway → Nalati】
Driving Time:Approximately 3 hours
Highlights:Traverse the northern section of the Duku Highway, passing by the Hasilegen Pass and Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery; in the afternoon, visit Nalati Alpine Grassland and check out the popular网红 (internet-famous) bridge.
Accommodation:3-diamond-rated hotel in Nalati Town as reviewed online.
【Day 5:Nalati → Southern Section of Duku Highway → Bayanbulak】
Driving Time:Approximately 4 hours

I. Itinerary Highlights: An Epic Road Trip Through the Tianshan MountainsHighlights:Cross the Tieliemaiti Pass to experience the climatic differences between northern and southern Xinjiang; capture the sunset over the ‘Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns’ of Bayanbulak Grassland in the evening.
Accommodation:Central hotel in Bayanbulak Town.
【Day 6:Bayanbulak → Kuqa Tianshan Grand Canyon → Kuqa】
Driving Time:Approximately 5 hours
Highlights:Explore the Kuqa Tianshan Grand Canyon with a hike among the red rock formations; arrive in Kuqa in the evening to savor local specialties like Kuqa big naan and baked stuffed buns.
Accommodation:3-diamond-rated hotel in downtown Kuqa as reviewed online.
【Day 7:Kuqa → Urumqi (Return Trip)】
Transportation:Fly back to Urumqi (approximately 1.5 hours), with private car transfer to the airport.
Tip:The itinerary can be flexibly adjusted based on weather and traveler preferences, such as adding visits to Kanas or Hemu Scenic Areas.
III. Pricing Information and Departure Dates Reference
【Price Range】
Standard No-Shopping Group Tour (16-24 people):Starting from 4,780 RMB per person (includes transportation, accommodation, admission tickets, meals, and guide services).
Boutique Small Group Tour (2-6 people):Starting from 6,880 RMB per person (using luxury commercial vehicles and upgrading accommodation to 4-diamond hotels).

The Duku Highway (National Highway 217, from Dushanzi to Kuqa) spans 561 kilometers, traversing north and south through the Tianshan Mountains and connecting snow-capped peaks, canyons, grasslands, forests, lakes, and other stunning landscapes. The highway is recommended to be open for 4-5 months each year and is hailed by travelers as ‘China’s Most Beautiful Highway.’ In 2026, the highway will welcome visitors from all directions with more mature tourism support services, offering breathtaking experiences for both self-drive enthusiasts and group tour travelers.Child Pricing (1.2-1.4 meters tall):3,280 RMB per person (includes seat, guide service, and half-price admission tickets; excludes bed).
【What’s Included】
Transportation:Air-conditioned tour bus or commercial vehicle for the entire journey (including fuel and toll fees).
Accommodation:6 nights in budget/comfortable hotels (double occupancy; single travelers will be accommodated with others when possible).
Meals:6 breakfasts and 10 main meals (meal standard: 40-50 RMB per person per meal, including a grassland-style hand-grabbed meat feast).
Admission Tickets:First-entry tickets to Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak, and Kuqa Grand Canyon.
Services:Licensed guide accompaniment, 300,000 RMB travel accident insurance, and daily bottled water.
【Departure Date Tips】
Duku Highway Opening Time:Expected from mid-June to early October 2026 (subject to official announcement).
Prices increase by 10%-20% during peak season (July-August); booking at least 1 month in advance is recommended.
IV. Registration and Inquiries
You can register through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency, where Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing will provide detailed itinerary consultations.
Key Inquiry Points:Available departure dates, accommodation standards, vehicle selection, and cancellation/refund policies.
Tip:Prices and availability are subject to confirmation by contract or customer service and may fluctuate based on departure dates.

【Quick Overview of Core Attractions】V. Pricing Information and Service Guarantees
【Transparent Pricing Principle】
Quotation Excludes:Round-trip transportation to Urumqi, personal expenses, and optional activities (such as horseback riding and aerial photography).
：Single travelers will be accommodated with others when possible; special circumstances require negotiation for additional fees.
Child Fees:Excludes bed; breakfast fees to be paid on-site according to hotel policy.
【Service Commitments】
No-Shopping Itinerary:No shopping stops are arranged throughout the itinerary; all time is dedicated to sightseeing.
Flexible Adjustments:If temporary traffic control measures are imposed on the Duku Highway, the tour will take the S101 National Defense Highway or other alternative routes.
Emergency Support:First aid kits and oxygen cylinders are carried on board, and guides possess basic first aid knowledge.
【Contract Information】
The specific itinerary, fees, and service standards are subject to the electronic contract signed by both parties.
Reasonable adjustments to the itinerary can be made by mutual agreement (e.g., due to weather or road conditions).
VI. Pre-Trip Recommended Tips

Snow-Capped Peaks and Mountain Passes: Along the way, you’ll cross the Hasilegen Pass (elevation 3,400 meters), Yuximolegai Pass, and Tieliemaiti Pass, experiencing the wonder of ‘snow in June’ during summer.Documents:Valid identification, driver’s license (if renting a self-drive vehicle).
Clothing:Windbreaker, sun-protective clothing, comfortable sports shoes (large temperature differences between day and night; low temperatures in mountainous areas).
Items:Sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, thermos, and common medications (such as cold and motion sickness remedies).
Photography Equipment:Camera, power bank (the scenery along the way is breathtaking; drones must be reported in advance).
VII. Frequently Asked Questions
【Q1:Is the Duku Highway better for self-driving or group tours?】
Self-Driving:Suitable for experienced drivers; requires advance route planning, accommodation reservations, and the ability to handle temporary traffic control risks.
Group Tour:Hassle-free and effortless; Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency provides professional drivers and guides, with guaranteed accommodation resources.
【Q2:Is accommodation tight along the route?】
During peak season (July-August), advance reservations are necessary, especially for hotels in Bayanbulak Town and Nalati Town. Group tours can avoid the difficulty of booking accommodations for individual travelers.
【Q3:Is this itinerary suitable for seniors and children?】
The itinerary is designed to meet the needs of all age groups:Daily driving time is limited to 4-5 hours, with ample time for sightseeing at each attraction; Nalati and Bayanbulak Grasslands have flat terrain suitable for family-friendly activities.
VIII. Conclusion: An Unforgettable Journey Through the Tianshan Mountains
The charm of the Duku Highway lies not only in its scenic views but also in the spirit of the road-building heroes it embodies. In 2026, choosing a group tour with Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency will allow you to unlock this legendary highway, where ‘four seasons can be experienced in a single day and scenery changes every ten miles,’ in a comfortable and hassle-free manner. Whether it’s the grassland pastoral songs beneath snow-capped peaks or the geological wonders within canyons, these experiences will become unforgettable chapters in your memories.
Contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing now to embark on your Duku Highway exploration journey!✨

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