9-Day Xinjiang Ili Tour: Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland & the Duku Highway
Xinjiang’s Ili Valley is the heart of northern China’s wild beauty — alpine lakes, glacier valleys, flower meadows and the grasslands that stretch to the snow line. This 9-day private loop from Urumqi covers the very best of it: Sayram Lake (“the last tear of the Atlantic”), the lavender fields of Huocheng, the Kalajun and Nalati grasslands, the Shata glacier trail, and a drive over the legendary Duku Highway. One family, one group, no strangers.
Tour Highlights
- Sayram Lake — Xinjiang’s most beautiful alpine lake, ringed by snow peaks and grassland, with a full lakeside drive
- Duku Highway (Du-Ku Road) — the famous “one mountain, four seasons” scenic road across the Tianshan
- Nalati Air Grassland — rolling meadows stretching to the snow line, with a private photo session and grassland afternoon tea
- Kalajun Grassland — the “human body grassland” of Kekesu Grand Canyon, with silky meadow curves
- Shata Ancient Trail & Muzart Glacier — hike to the foot of the towering Muzart Glacier
- Anjihai Grand Canyon — a colorful eroded canyon of layered red-brown cliffs
- Lavender fields & Kazanqi — purple flower seas (in season) and the blue streets of the Kazanqi folk village
- Guozigou Bridge & Tangbula — the landmark mountain bridge and the Hundred-Li Gallery valley
- Zero shopping stops — our written guarantee
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Urumqi
Airport pickup and transfer to your 4-star hotel. Free evening to explore the Xinjiang International Bazaar — the largest Islamic-style market in the world — with its Uyghur architecture, crafts and dried fruits. Overnight in Urumqi.
Day 2 – Urumqi to Anjihai Grand Canyon & Jinghe/Bole
Morning drive to the Anjihai Grand Canyon: a colorful, water-carved canyon with layered red-brown cliffs — a photographer’s dream. Lunch en route, then continue west across the Gobi toward Jinghe. Overnight in Jinghe or Bole.
Day 3 – Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Lavender Fields & Kazanqi to Yining
Full day at Sayram Lake — “the last tear of the Atlantic” — with a scenic lakeside drive and plenty of photo stops. Cross the landmark Guozigou Bridge, stop at the lavender fields of Huocheng (in season), then visit the blue-washed streets of the Kazanqi folk village. Evening arrival in Yining with an Ili specialty dinner. Overnight in Yining.
Day 4 – Yining to Zhaosu: Rape Flower Fields & Shata Ancient Trail
Drive to the Zhaosu plateau, passing endless golden rape flower fields in summer. Afternoon: enter the Shata Ancient Trail scenic area — shuttle bus deep into the valley, then hike toward the Muzart Glacier. Snow peaks, virgin forest, streams and alpine meadows unfold in layers. Overnight in Zhaosu.
Day 5 – Kalajun Grassland & Tekes Bagua City
Morning: Kalajun Grassland — the “air grassland” and the famous Human Body Grassland of Kekesu Grand Canyon, where meadow curves ripple like silk. Afternoon: Tekes, the unique Bagua (Eight Trigrams) city with no traffic lights — stroll Li Street for its folk-art atmosphere. Overnight in Tekes.
Day 6 – Qiaxi or Kuerdening (choose one) & Gongliu
Choose your valley: Qiaxi — snow-capped meadows with winding streams, or Kuerdening — a pristine spruce forest reserve, one of Ili’s hidden gems. Deep forest walks away from the crowds. Overnight in Gongliu.
Day 7 – Nalati Grassland & Private Photo Session
Full day at Nalati Air Grassland — meadows stretching to the snow line. We arrange a private grassland photo session against the snow peaks, plus a relaxing grassland afternoon tea. Overnight in Xinyuan.
Day 8 – Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery & the Duku Highway to Urumqi
Drive through the Tangbula Hundred-Li Gallery — a valley of grassland, streams and snow mountains with viewpoints along the way. Then cross the legendary Duku Highway’s northern section: “one mountain, four seasons; ten miles, different skies.” Stop at Qiaoerma before returning to Urumqi. Overnight in Urumqi.
Day 9 – Departure from Urumqi
Breakfast, then airport transfer at your chosen time. End of the Ili journey.
What’s Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout (7-seat business van, 1+1 first-class seating)
- English-speaking guide (licensed guide available on request)
- 4-star hotel accommodation with breakfast; choose the full-board option (all main meals included) or breakfast-only rate
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- All entrance tickets, shuttle buses and scenic-area transport as per itinerary
- Private grassland photo session & afternoon tea at Nalati
- Zero shopping stops — guaranteed
Why Book with ShenYou?
We are a licensed Shenzhen-based travel agency specializing in private, family-friendly China tours. One family, one group — you never share a vehicle or guide with strangers. Every itinerary is customized around your dates, pace and interests. Best season: June to September, when the grasslands are green and the flowers are out.
Pricing
Prices start from USD 1,280 per person (2 people sharing, 4-star hotels, full-board with all main meals). A breakfast-only rate is available at a lower price. Final quote depends on group size, season and hotel choice. Message us on WhatsApp for a free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Ili?
June to September is the golden season — green grasslands, lavender in July, and the Duku Highway open (usually June to October).
Is the Duku Highway always open?
The highway is seasonal, typically open from June to October depending on snow. Your guide will adjust the route if needed.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes — the loop involves scenic drives and gentle walks. Distances between sites are long, so we build in plenty of stops; a child-friendly pace is easy to arrange.
Is there any shopping stop?
Never. Zero shopping stops is our written guarantee.
Can we combine Ili with Urumqi, Turpan or the Silk Road?
Yes — Ili pairs well with Turpan, Dunhuang and the classic Silk Road route. Ask us for a combined itinerary.