Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Urumqi Arrival

   Please take the flight to Urumqi on your own. Upon landing, your local driver and guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the well-selected hotel.

   After a short break, take a guided tour of the Erdaoqiao Bazaar, which is the most famous market in Urumqi. There you can not only appreciate the strong Islamic style of architecture but also taste the local specialties.

   Accommodation: in Urumqi

   

2. Day 2: Urumqi - Nalati Grassland - Tekes
   Nalati River Valley Grassland, Sky Grassland

   Early in the morning, take a plane to the Nalati. Upon arrival, the local guide will pick you up and then escort you to the Nalati River Valley Grassland. Nalati Grassland is one of the four grasslands in the world and has been a famous pasture since ancient times.

   The combination of beautiful grassland scenery and local Kazakh folk customs makes Nalati Grassland a popular tourist resort in Xinjiang. Taking the tourist bus to meander through the sightseeing road, you can see snow-capped peaks, dense forests, green hills, flat meadows, and groups of cattle and sheep...

   

   Continue your visit to the Sky Grassland, named for its elevation of about 2,200 meters. Aka Summer Ranch, it is a basin in the mountains, where you can feel the grassland so close to the sky. Standing in its center and looking down, you can see the villages in the distance and have a bird's eye view of the grassland stretching at a lower altitude.

   After the tour, the driver will transfer you to Tekes for the night.

   Accommodation: in Tekes

3. Day 3: Tekes Tour
   Kalajun Grassland, Kuokesu Grand Canyon

   Start our whole-day exploration of the Kalajun Grassland after breakfast.

   Kalajun Grassland is an attractive attraction integrating vast grasslands, dense forests, snow-capped peaks, limpid lakes, gorgeous canyons, as well as peaceful villages. Praised as "The Grassland in the Clouds", it is an ideal place to escape the bustle of the city.

   

   The East-West Karajun Grand Grassland is the most popular part of the whole Karajun Scenic Area. Guided by your guide, take a sightseeing bus to visit the Flower Terrace, Falcon Terrace, and Dielang Valley.

   Then take a cable car down to Kuokesu Grand Canyon, where you can enjoy a magical view of Crocodile Bay and a painting-like scene composed of looming mountains, undulating rivers, lush vegetation, and white yurts.

   After all visits, directly leave Kuotesu Grand Canyon by boat. Then drive back to Tekes.

   Accommodation: in Tekes

   

4. Day 4: Tekes - Qiongkushitai - Tekes
   Qiongkushitai

   Today is going to be a day of hiking. In the morning, drive 90 km (about 3 hours) from Tekes to Qiongkushitai.

   Qiongkushitai is a bewitching original village, endowed with clear blue skies, white clouds, silver snow mountains, dark green forests, verdant grasslands, and colorful flowers. You can hire local horses to ride (at your own expense) through the hills and meadows, enjoying gentle winds and stunning natural scenery. Spend a full day hiking and exploring the secluded, tranquil village.

   Later, drive back to Tekes.

   Accommodation: in Tekes

   

5. Day 5: Tekes - Xiate Ancient Road - Zhaosu
   Xiate Ancient Road

   Take a car ride to Xiate Ancient Road for an exciting hike, which provides you with a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. The rugged terrain and historical sites make for an unforgettable adventure.

   

   Today, take a guided hike through this pristine natural paradise, past flower-blooming grasslands, glacier-fed rivers, mirror-like lakes, and virgin forests. If you're interested, you can explore the great outdoors by horseback riding or mountain biking (optional).

   After the hike, drive to Zhaosu County to check into the hotel.

   * Note: It is recommended that you pack your snacks and drinks for lunch the night before. We can provide you with a blanket for your relaxing picnic.

   Accommodation: in Zhaosu

6. Day 6: Zhaosu - Yining
   Kazanqi Folk Street

   Enjoy the patches of rape flowers along the road while driving to Yining from Zhaosu. Upon arrival, you will visit Kazanqi Folk Street, which is the only large-scale original cultural scenic spot in Northern Xinjiang with Uygur customs as its main theme.

   

   Your guide will show you around local craft workshops to learn about the local arts and culture. Visit the sand painting exhibition hall and characteristic family museum, appreciate the unique residential building of Yili - European courtyard, and taste the distinctive food, such as lamb kebabs, and noodles, as well as milk ice cream and local drinks.

   Accommodation: in Yining

7. Day 7: Yining - Sayram Lake - Yining
   Sayram Lake

   Today is a day to visit Sayram Lake. It is the largest and highest alpine lake in Xinjiang, known as "The Last Tear of the Atlantic". Visiting Sayram Lake is a memorable eyes-feasting and mind-relaxing experience.

   

   In summer, Sayram Lake is a fairyland, boasting some of the most spectacular sights on earth like transparent water with changing colors, snow-covered peaks, numerous wildflowers, and breathtaking sunrise & sunset.

   You can enjoy an optional horseback ride to the lakeside hills overlooking the beautiful lake. Or take a boat trip on Sayram Lake. The blue, clear water is like a mirror reflecting you and the boat. After the tour, return to Yining.

   Accommodation: in Yining

8. Day 8: Yining - Urumqi Departure

   Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Then escort you to the airport for the morning flight back to Urumqi.

   * Option: You can pay a visit to Heavenly Lake before you leave Yining. With melted snow as its source, the lake enjoys crystal water. In summer, Heavenly Lake is an ideal cool resort.

   Accommodation: N/A