Tours in North Xinjiang
Travels to North Xinjiang
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A 9-day journey through Xinjiang’s most breathtaking landscapes and cultural gems. Traverse the dramatic Du-Ku Highway, explore UNESCO-listed Silk Road ruins, and immerse in Kazakh nomadic life on alpine grasslands. From Urumqi’s bustling markets to Turpan’s desert oases, experience the harmony of nature, history, and ethnic traditions.
What's included
Destination
Xinjiang Discover Xinjiang
Departure Location
Urumqi
Return Location
Urumqi
Additional Information
What is Special About This Tour?: Du-Ku Highway Adventure: Drive one of China’s most scenic routes, crossing glacial valleys and meadows between the Tianshan Mountains. Nomadic Culture: Stay in Kazakh yurts, ride horses on Karajun and Narat Grasslands, and taste kumis (fermented mare’s milk). Silk Road Legacy: Explore 2,000-year-old Jiaohe Ruins and Buddhist caves adorned with ancient murals. Natural Wonders: Witness Sayram Lake’s sapphire waters, Flaming Mountains’ fiery cliffs, and Grape Valley’s lush vineyards.
What to Prepare?: Clothing: Layered outfits (0–30°C range), hiking shoes, sun hat, and windproof jacket. Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses, lip balm. Altitude Prep: Acclimatize for Sayram Lake (2,070m); carry motion sickness pills for mountain roads. Essentials: Power bank, reusable water bottle, cash (small bills for rural areas), dust mask (Gobi Desert). Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit for long drives.
Best Time to Visit Mid-May–October Mid-May–June: Lavender fields in bloom; cool temperatures on grasslands. July–August: Warm weather for hiking and lake activities. September–October: Autumn foliage on the Du-Ku Highway; harvest season in Turpan. Note: Du-Ku Highway closes November–April due to snow.
Price includes
- Accommodation （Breakfast included）
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide
- Private air-conditioned vehicle/bus
- Train tickets
Price does not include
- Entrance fees to monuments/attractions(can be arranged if needed)
- International/domestic flights(can be arranged if needed)
- Meals (can be arranged if needed)
- Optional excursions not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, laundry)
- Tips for guide/driver
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 9
Day 1
Arrive in Urumqi
Highlights: Urumqi Grand Bazaar. Activities: After airport pickup and hotel check-in, explore the Grand Bazaar, a sensory feast of Uyghur crafts, spices, and street food. Sample samsa (flaky lamb pies) and shop for Kazakh embroidery or silk scarves. Overnight: Urumqi
Day 2
Urumqi → Heavenly Lake (110km, 2hrs)
Highlights: Xinjiang Regional Museum, Heavenly Lake.
Begin at the Xinjiang Regional Museum to see the 3,800-year-old “Loulan Beauty” mummy and Silk Road relics. Drive to Heavenly Lake, boarding a shuttle boat to glide past Siberian pines with Bogda Peak’s glaciers mirrored in turquoise waters. Hike the “Fairy’s Footsteps” trail for pine-scented vistas.
Overnight: Urumqi
Day 3
Urumqi → Sayram Lake (550km, 7hrs)
Highlights: Sayram Lake.
Depart early through the Dzungarian Basin’s vast plains. Arrive at Sayram Lake, Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, to stroll wildflower-fringed shores (June–July). Capture the sunset’s golden glow over sapphire waters.
Overnight: Sayram Lake area
Day 4
Sayram → Karajun Grassland (300km, 4hrs)
Highlights: Fruit Valley Bridge, Kazanqi Street, Karajun Grassland.
Stop at Fruit Valley Bridge for panoramic views of Ili River orchards. Visit Kazanqi Street in Yining to browse Uyghur handicrafts and taste freshly baked nan bread. Arrive at Karajun Grassland, riding horses across rolling hills or hiking to sunset viewpoints.
Overnight: Tekes
Day 5
Tekes → Narat Grassland (250km, 3hrs)
Highlights: Narat Grassland.
Drive to Narat Grassland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Kazakh herders tend flocks under snow-capped peaks. Wander flower-dotted meadows or join a herder’s family for kumis tasting.
Overnight: Narat Town
Day 6
Narat → Urumqi via Du-Ku Highway (500km, 9hrs)
Highlights: Du-Ku Highway.
Embark on a full-day drive along the Du-Ku Highway, winding through the Tianshan’s glacial valleys and meadows. Stop for photos of Kurgan Tash Snow Peak and breathe crisp mountain air at 3,500m passes.
Overnight: Urumqi
Day 7
Urumqi → Turpan (180km, 2.5hrs)
Highlights: Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Well, Emin Minaret.
Pass the Dabancheng Wind Farm en route to Turpan. Explore Jiaohe Ruins, a 2nd-century BC mesa-top city with preserved temples and dwellings. Descend into Karez Wells, ancient underground canals sustaining Turpan’s vineyards. Admire Emin Minaret’s 14 geometric patterns symbolizing Quranic chapters.
Overnight: Turpan
Day 8
Turpan → Urumqi (200km, 3hrs)
Highlights: Tuyuq Village, Flaming Mountains, Bezeklik Caves, Grape Valley.
Visit Tuyuq Village, a 1,700-year-old oasis with apricot groves and cliffside Buddhist caves. Stop at the Flaming Mountains for photos of Mars-like red cliffs. Explore Bezeklik Caves’ 7th-century Buddhist murals, then unwind in Grape Valley, sampling Turpan’s famed raisins. Return to Urumqi.
Overnight: Urumqi
Day 9
Urumqi Departure
Transfer to Urumqi Airport. Optional last-minute shopping for dried fruits or jade souvenirs. Tour concludes.
More about Xinjiang
A 9-day journey through Xinjiang’s most breathtaking landscapes and cultural gems. Traverse the dramatic Du-Ku Highway, explore UNESCO-listed Silk Road ruins, and immerse in Kazakh nomadic life on alpine grasslands. From Urumqi’s bustling markets to Turpan’s desert oases, experience the harmony of nature, history, and ethnic traditions.
More about this tour
Customizable Itineraries
Your Journey, Your Way
Craft the perfect adventure with our fully flexible tours! Add or remove days, swap activities, or request unique experiences—we’ll tailor every detail to match your interests. Simply share your vision via email, and our experts will design a bespoke itinerary just for you.
Accommodation Options
Stay Your Way
Choose from a curated selection of lodgings to suit your style:
Luxury: 5-star international hotels in major cities.
Comfort: 4-star hotels with modern amenities.
Authentic: Charming 3-star stays for a local vibe.
All bookings include daily breakfast.
Private Transportation
Travel in Comfort and Style
Enjoy seamless journeys with our private vehicle fleet, tailored to your group size and route:
SUVs (1–2 guests)
MPVs (2–4 guests)
Vans (4–8 guests)
Coaches (9+ guests)
Need special requests? Just ask—we prioritize your safety and comfort.
Dining Flexibility
Savor Local Flavors, Your Way
Included: Daily breakfast at your hotel.
Lunch & Dinner: Explore freely! Our guides will recommend top restaurants based on your preferences
Let us know dietary needs or must-try dishes—we’ll ensure every meal delights.
Ready to Start Planning?
Email us your ideas, and we’ll create a trip as unique as you are.
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