12 Days Northern Xinjiang Tour With Duku Highway

Duration

12 Days

Main Sights

13

Age

Child Friendly

Itinerary

DAY 1 - Urumqi Arrival

Your guide and driver will pick you up at Urumqi airport. Transfer to the hotel,

after check-in, you could have dinner in old town may be a little walk (Optional).

DAY 2 - Urumqi to Dushanzi

Drive on the magnificent Scenic Road to a vast area that comprises canyons, sand dunes and snow-capped steppe. You would experience four seasons during a day.

A view on S101 Scenic Road

DAY 3 - Dushanzi to Lake Sayram

Travel by 4×4 to Sayram Lake , where has one of the most beautiful lake of China, it has another name “The last tear of the Atlantic” every year it attracts tourists from all over the world. Settle into a ger tonight, we will stay Sayram Camping site.

Lake Sayram

DAY 4 - Lake Sayram to Yining

Enjoy a morning tour of Huocheng Lavender Farm where the group can admire a massive violet field, via Guozigou (fruit vally) Bridge we could have a look at the most beautiful bridge in Xinjiang .In the afternoon, the tour will be arrived at Kazanqi Folk Village, This is the only large-scale original ecological cultural scenic spot in northern Xinjiang that mainly reflects the Uyghur customs. Along the way, we could have local ice cream, visit Uyghur houses, walking among the characteristic blue houses you would think you are in Chefchaouen.

Guozi Gou Bridge

DAY 5 - Yining to Tekes

After breakfast, we will directly head to Kalajun Prairie. Kalajun means Vast black grassland in Kazakh, along the grassland, we could reach the edge of Kalajun Canyon. Kalajun was once rated as the most beautiful three-dimensional grassland in China by China National Geographic magazine.

Kalajun Prairie

DAY 6- Tekes to Zhaosu

After breakfast, we will head to Xiata Scenic Park. There is an ancient road connecting the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains. It was the most dangerous road on the ancient Silk Road. A story says, that the princesses of the Qin, Han Dynasties even Xuanzang had been here making this place full of mystery. On the way back, we will go to Zhaosu Wetland Park for a chance to see the spectacular Tianma Bathing River. The Ili horses are galloping in the river, which is truly spectacular!

Tianma Bathing River

DAY 7 - Tekes to Qiongku shitai

Qiongku Shitai is a small village located on the edge of the Ili River Valley. The natural scenery here remains pristine and has not been disturbed by human activities. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it is also the entrance to the Wusun Ancient Road and an important stop on the Silk Road. Almost all the houses in the village are made of wood. It is a pastoral village dominated by Kazakhs. Because of its rich historical information and strong authenticity, it is the best-preserved wooden building complex in the Ili Valley, so It is listed as a “famous historical and cultural

village in China”.

Qiongku shitai

DAY 8 - Kuer Dening to Nalati

Nalati has been a famous pasture since ancient times. It has flat river valleys, high mountain peaks, deep gorges, lush forests, and stretches of grassland. Combined with the local Kazakh folk customs, it has become a tourist resort integrating sightseeing, scientific investigation, leisure and entertainment, summer vacation and souvenir purchase. You would immerse yourself in this prairie. Depending on the time, you could have some interesting activities like, horse riding, hiking, photography (Optional).

Nalati Prairie

DAY 9 - Nalati Prairie

After breakfast, our first visit is to Nalati Prairie. Nalati has been a renowned pasture since ancient times. It features flat river valleys, high mountain peaks, deep gorges, lush forests, and expansive grasslands. Combined with local Kazakh folk customs, it has developed into a tourist resort that offers sightseeing, scientific exploration, leisure and entertainment, summer vacations, and souvenir shopping. You’ll immerse yourself in this prairie. Depending on the time, you could enjoy engaging activities like horseback riding, hiking, and photography (optional).

Nalati Praire

DAY 10 - Nalati to Dushanzi

Today we drive to Dushanzi via the Duku Highway, a 561-km national defense road connecting North and South Xinjiang. Hailed as China’s premier road trip for its spectacular scenery, this unique and challenging route winds through steep mountains, peaks, and valleys, passing diverse ethnic communities. Open only from mid-June to mid-September, this three-month window attracts countless travelers seeking one of China’s most iconic drives.

DAY 11 - Dusahnzi to Urumqi

After breakfast, we visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon—a 4A-rated “billion-year wonder” featured in China National Geographic and one of Xinjiang’s top 100 photography spots. This geologic landmark also marks the start of the famous Duku Highway, one of China’s most scenic drives. Later we return to Urumqi to explore the International Bazaar, the world’s largest bazaar blending Islamic culture, architecture, and commerce—a renowned Xinjiang landmark.

Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar

DAY 12 - Urumqi Departure

Fly back home, trip ends.

Our guide and driver will take you to airport. (We also offer customized travel

plan according to your preference).

Included / Excluded

Included:

1. One driver plus one guide.

2. Full -board for the driver and guide.

3. Accommodation:

-10 nights in the 4-5 star hotels (subject to actual budget)

-2 people per room

4. Meal: Full hotel buffet breakfast .

5. Tickets: The main entrance for all listed attractions + scenic area shuttle bus

6. Intimate gift: Water, tissues, wet wipes, yoghurt, local seasonal fruit.

7. Insurance: 500,000 travel accident insurance.

Not Included:

1. Major transportation: Fly tickets.

2. Meals: Full meal.

3. Force Majeure: Due to traffic delays, strikes, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, additional costs are incurred due to force majeure.

4. Consumption: All personal expenses during the trip and optional items in the scenic area.

5. Others: Other projects and scenic spots not mentioned in the fee include optional items: Additional payment (optional)

6. Single room difference: This trip is arranged for 2 people/room, if you need a single person a price difference is required.

7. Lunch/Dinner not included.

Gallery

Each image tells a unique story, inviting us into a world of emotion, beauty, and complexity. Get ready to be moved, inspired, and challenged as we journey through this captivating collection of images.

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