8 Days Best Western Xinjiang Hiking Tour
Tour Overview
This 8-day private tour to Xinjiang’s west region will take you on a hiking tour of off-the-beaten places, with some of the most beautiful grasslands in Ili included.
You can explore the Kazakh lifestyle at Nalati Grassland and enjoy the blooming wildflowers and beautiful grassland around Sayram Lake. Also, immerse yourself in the ingenious Kalajun Prairie by boat, cableway & sightseeing bus and appreciate the striking views of the secluded Qiongkushitai village. Last, go back to Urumqi for departure, with private tour guides and considerate drivers throughout the entire itinerary.
Travel destinations: Urumqi, Tekes, Zhaosu, Yining
Suitable for: Hikers, Nature Lovers, Shutterbugs
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Feel the strong Islamic style architecture and taste the local food in Erdaoqiao Bazaar.
- Get your jaw dropped by the beautiful grassland scenery of Nalati River Valley Grassland.
- Enjoy a whole-day exploration of the Kalajun Grassland by boat, cableway, or sightseeing bus.
- Hike the Xiate Ancient Road of Tianshan Mountain.
- Spend a full day exploring the tranquil village – Qiongkushitai.
- Take in the striking views of “The Last Tear of the Atlantic” – Sayram Lake.
- Experience a picturesque landscape at Heavenly Lake and admire the stunning Tianshan snow mountains.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Urumqi ArrivalFell the Islamic Style of Architecture, Taste Local Specialties
Please take the flight to Urumqi on your own. Upon landing, a local driver and your private guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the well-selected hotel.
After a short break, take a guided tour of theĀ Erdaoqiao Grand 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
Erdaoqiao International Bazaar - Day 2: Urumqi to Nalati Tour by Flight, Tekes ArrivalEnjoy Vast Grassland Scenery and Local Kazakh Folk Customs
Early in the morning, take a 1.5-hour flight to the Nalati. Upon arrival, the local guide will pick you up and then escort you for 1 hour to the Nalati River Valley Grassland.Ā 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...
Nalati Grassland Continue your visit to theĀ 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 toĀ TekesĀ for the night.
Accommodation: in Tekes
- Day 3: Tekes Highlights TourExplore Dense Forests, Snow Peaks, and Grand Canyon
Start today's west Xinjiang tour with an exploration of the Kalajun GrasslandĀ 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.
Kalajun Grassland TheĀ East-West Karajun Grand GrasslandĀ is the most popular part of the wholeĀ Karajun Scenic Area. Guided by your guide, take a sightseeing bus to visit theĀ Flower Terrace,Ā Falcon Terrace, andĀ Dielang Valley.
Then take a cable car down toĀ 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
Crocodile Bay of Kuotesu Grand Canyon - Day 4: Tekes to Qiongkushitai TourHike the Secluded Qiongkushitai with Optional Horse Riding
Today, you are going to enjoy a Xinjiang hiking tour. In the morning, drive 90 km (about 2.5 hours) from Tekes to Qiongkushitai.
A Kazakh-populated village, Qiongkushitai is surrounded by mountains, with the Kuerdai River running through it. Hiking is the best way to explore Qiongkushitai. Beginning from the hut, follow the riverside paths, enjoying the serene beauty of the forests and rivers along the way.
Of course, you can hire a local horse (at your own expense) to ride through the hills and meadows, enjoying the soft winds and the serenity of this secluded village.
Later, drive backĀ toĀ Tekes.
Accommodation: in Tekes
Stunning Natural Beauty of Qiongkushitai - Day 5: Tekes to Zhaosu TourTrek along Xiate Ancient Road through Rivers, Lakes, and Forests
After breakfast, your Western Xinjiang trip continues with a 4.5-hour drive to Xiate Ancient Road. An ancient route from Yili to Aksu, now it has become one of the most popular hiking routes, attracting countless exploration enthusiasts. Here you will have another exciting hike to experience the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Ride a Horse in Xiata Ancient Road After arrival, follow your guide on a hike through flower blooming grasslands, glacial-fed rivers, mirror-like lakes, and pristine forests. You can explore outdoor scenery by riding a horse or mountain bike (optional at your own expense).
After the hike, we will drive to Zhaosu County for the night.
Note: You are suggested to pack some snacks and drinks for lunch in advance. We can provide you with a blanket for a relaxing picnic.
Accommodation: in Zhaosu
- Day 6: Zhaosu to Yining TourExperience Uygur Customs by Visiting Kazanqi Folk Street
Enjoy the patches of rape flowers along the road while driving to Yining from Zhaosu. Upon arrival, you will visitĀ Kazanqi Folk Street,Ā which is the only large-scale original cultural scenic spot in Northern Xinjiang with Uygur customs as its main theme.
Kazanqi Folk Street 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
- Day 7: Yining to Sayram Lake TourEnjoy Xinjiang's Largest and Highest Alpine Lake
Today's Xinjiang tour takes you 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.
Relax Yourself in Sayram Lake In summer,Ā Sayram LakeĀ 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 anĀ optional horseback rideĀ to the lakeside hills overlooking the beautiful lake. OrĀ take a boat tripĀ onĀ Sayram Lake. The blue, clear water is like a mirror reflecting you and the boat.Ā After the tour, return to Yining.
Accommodation: in Yining
- Day 8: Yining to Urumqi Tour by Flight, Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Then escort you to the airport for the morning flight back to Urumqi. Your 8-day private west Xinjiang hiking tour comes to a perfect end. Hope you had a great time with us!
Option: You can pay a visit toĀ Heavenly Lake before you leave Urumqi. With melted snow as its source, the lake enjoys crystal water. In summer, Heavenly Lake is an ideal cool resort.
Accommodation: N/A
