Northern Xinjiang Tour
From Nalati Grassland To Anjihai Grand Canyon, Hear the Whistles In The Wind
Our Northern Xinjiang Tour takes you into secluded lands to discover majestic snow-capped peaks, emerald lakes and vast grasslands, while experiencing the rich tapestry of Uyghur, Kazakh, and Mongol cultures that have thrived in this remote frontier for centuries.
Our Northern Xinjiang Tour
| FROM | TO | KM | TRAVEL TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| URUMQI | DUSHANZI | 250 KM | 3 HR 15 MIN |
| DUSHANZI | NARAT | 320 KM | 6 HR 30 MIN |
| NARAT | QIONGKUSHUTAI | 330 KM | 6 HR 56 MIN |
| QIONGKUSHUTAI | SAYRAM | 341 KM | 5 HR 25 MIN |
| SAYRAM | DUSHANZI | 365 KM | 4 HR 45 MIN |
| DUSHANZI | URUMQI | 250 KM | 3 HR 15 MIN |
Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi
- Morning: Arrive in Urumqi and enjoy a private airport transfer to your hotel in the city center.
- Afternoon: Savor a curated lunch of authentic Uyghur flavors at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the Xinjiang Museum to marvel at ancient mummies and Silk Road artifacts.
- Evening: Embark on a guided exploration of the vibrant Grand Bazaar, immersing yourself in its colorful markets and cultural treasures. Relax at your hotel.
Day 2: Urumqi → Dushanzi
- Morning: Take a scenic drive to the ethereal Tianchi Lake, where you’ll enjoy a gentle walk amid alpine forests and crystal-clear waters.
- Afternoon & Evening: Relish a curated lunch of Uyghur specialties at a local restaurant, then embark on a leisurely drive to Dushanzi. Relax in your hotel.
Day 3: Dushanzi → Narat
- Morning: Depart Dushanzi for a full-day journey along the legendary Duku Highway, traversing snow-capped passes and breathtaking alpine vistas.
- Afternoon: Continue through dramatic gorges and wildflower meadows, arriving in Narat by evening.
- Evening: Settle into your hotel and unwind amid the vast grasslands.
Day 4: Narat
- Morning: Embark on a guided horseback ride across the endless Narat Grassland, encountering nomadic herders and yurt communities.
- Afternoon: Enjoy relaxing activities like gentle hikes or eagle-watching to restore your energies.
- Evening: Relax at your hotel, savoring the starry skies.
Day 5: Narat → Qiongkushutai
- Morning: Begin a scenic full-day drive through Xinjiang’s emerald territories, crossing vast steppes and mountain passes.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Qiongkushutai, settling into your grassland resort in this authentic nomadic enclave.
- Evening: Unwind with panoramic views of the rolling grasslands.
Day 6: Qiongkushutai
- Morning: Set off on an exhilarating horseback ride through the lush grasslands, guided by local nomads.
- Afternoon: Savor a curated lunch of fresh, farm-to-table cuisine, followed by a serene hike along the winding river.
- Evening: Return to your hotel to relax under the infinite horizon.
Day 7: Qiongkushutai → Sayram
- Morning: Drive to the enchanting Ili Lavender Farms, wandering through China’s “Provence” amid blooming purple fields (seasonal).
- Afternoon: Cross the stunning Xiazigou Bridge to reach Sayram Lake, where you’ll check into your comfortable yurt stay with lakeside views.
- Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner, embracing the nomadic ambiance.
Day 8: Sayram → Dushanzi
- Morning: Depart Sayram for a scenic drive to Dushanzi.
- Afternoon: Arrive at the dramatic Anjihai Grand Canyon for a guided golden-hour exploration of its towering red sandstone formations.
- Evening: Settle into your hotel in Dushanzi.
Day 9: Dushanzi → Urumqi → Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.
- Afternoon: Private transfer from Dushanzi to Urumqi Airport (approx. 3 hours) for your departure, concluding your Xinjiang adventure.
Recommended 9-day itinerary. We handcraft each experience to match your style and budget.
Start designing your exclusive China journey today.
Urumqi (乌鲁木齐)
Xinjiang’s capital city at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains serves as the gateway to China’s western frontier. This modern metropolis at 830m elevation blends Silk Road heritage with urban development. Home to Uyghur, Han, Kazakh, and Hui communities, Urumqi showcases diverse cultures through its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Highlights:
Grand Bazaar
Experience Central Asian culture at this market featuring traditional crafts, textiles, and foods.
Xinjiang Museum
View the region’s history through Silk Road artifacts, including the famous “Tarim mummies”.
Tianchi Lake
Explore the stunning Heavenly Lake, nestled in the Tian Shan mountains.
Dushanzi (独山子)
Located in northern Xinjiang at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, Dushanzi is an industrial town famous for its oil refinery. It serves as an important gateway to the spectacular Duku Highway, one of China’s most scenic routes that stretches 561 kilometers from Dushanzi to Kuqa through the heart of the Tianshan Mountains.
Highlights:
Duku Highway
Experience the legendary Duku Highway, renowned for its stunning mountain passes, diverse ecosystems, and breathtaking vistas.
Tianshan Mountains
Explore the nearby natural wonders including alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, and lush forests – a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Nalati Grassland (那拉提)
Located in northwestern Xinjiang, Nalati (Narati / Narat) is renowned for its vast, lush grasslands stretching over 400 square kilometers at an elevation of 1,800 meters. This natural wonderland features rolling meadows, colorful wildflowers, creating one of China’s most picturesque pastoral landscapes.
Highlights:
Grassland Exploration
Explore this classic Xinjiang landscape across the expansive grasslands and rolling hills.
Qiongkushutai (穹窟石台)
Qiongkushutai is a breathtaking scenic area known for its dramatic alpine landscapes, pristine forests, and crystal-clear lakes. This remote paradise features towering snow-capped peaks and verdant valleys showcasing some of Xinjiang’s most untouched natural beauty.
Highlights:
Grassland Exploration
Explore alpine forests and meadows, offering spectacular views of the mountain ranges and valley.
Sayram Lake (赛里木湖)
Known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” Sayram Lake Xinjiang is a stunning alpine lake situated at an elevation of 2,073 meters in the Tianshan Mountains. With its crystal-clear blue waters surrounded by lush meadows and snow-capped peaks, it’s one of Xinjiang’s most beautiful natural wonders.
Highlights:
Yurt Stay
Experience Kazakh nomadic lifestyle by staying in a traditional yurt, enjoying local hospitality by the tranquil lakeside.
Yili Lavender Farms
Visit China’s “Provence” with sprawling purple fields set against the Tianshan Mountains.
Xiazigou Viaduct
Marvel at the impressive engineering of this scenic roadway offering breathtaking views.
– Yili Lavander Farms–
Yili Xinjiang “Provence“
YIli (Ili) Valley in has become renowned as “China’s Provence” due to its stunning lavender fields. With over 16,000 hectares of lavender cultivation, this region produces some of the highest quality lavender in the world.
A seasonal beauty
The lavender blooms from June to August, transforming the valley into a sea of purple against the backdrop of the majestic Tianshan Mountains. Visitors can roam into the lavander fields and enjoy the nature show!
Anjihai Grand Canyon (安集海大峡谷)
Located in northern Xinjiang, the Anjihai Grand Canyon features dramatic red sandstone formations carved by natural forces over millions of years.
This hidden gem showcases towering cliffs, narrow passages, and vibrant striped rock formations, creating a stunning landscape with its own unique character.
Stretching over 80 kilometers with depths reaching 400 meters, the canyon displays colorful layers of sedimentary rock that reveal the region’s geological history.
Photographers particularly value the golden hours when sunlight enhances the canyon’s vibrant colors and creates dramatic shadows.
Table Of Contents
Your Journey Includes:
Considering the customizable nature of your trip, please regard the following as indicative and subject to modification based on your preferences. What will be included will ultimately be clearly specified in the Travel Services Contract prepared specifically for your travel experience:
- Private Transfers & Transportation
- Private airport transfers at the start/end of the trip
- Private vehicle and driver for all major overland journeys outlined in the final itinerary / Rental vehicle for self-drive trips, including insurance coverage
- Major train journeys
- Domestic flights and related taxes
- Guide/Coordinator & Activities
- Dedicated English-speaking guide/coordinator
- All entrance fees and activity costs per itinerary
- Accomodation
- Hotels based on availability and your preferred travel style (double occupancy)
- Daily breakfast
- Travel Support & Equipment
- In the case of an independent trip, remote support from the Ink Voyages Team throughout the duration of your journey
- Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags) where applicable
- Support for setting up the main Chinese apps required for traveling in China
Your Journey does not include:
Considering the customizable nature of your trip, please regard the following as indicative and subject to modification based on your preferences. Anything not included will be clearly specified in the Travel Services Contract prepared specifically for your travel experience:
- Chinese tourist visa (can be required for some foreign passport holders – See our dedicated section “Tips&Tools – VISA Guidelines”)
- International flights and related taxes
- In the case of a self-drive itinerary, fuel costs and tolls
- Excursions/activities beyond the planned itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Travel/medical insurance (See our dedicated section “Tips&Tools – Travel Insurance)
- Meals and dining expenses
- Gratuities for guides and drivers (at your discretion)
- Any items/services not specified in “Your Journey Includes”
