Plan an unforgettable family trip with our detailed 13-day itinerary. Enjoy cultural experiences and scenic attractions in various destinations across Northern Xinjiang, China.
Highlights: Airport pickup, hotel check-in
Details:
Accommodation: Comfortable city hotel, standard twin room
Travel: 290 km, approx. 6 hours drive
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities:
Xinjiang Museum: Start the day with a visit to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum. An expert local guide will accompany us, providing insights into the rich history and culture of Xinjiang through the museum’s exhibits.
Note: The museum requires booking at least 7 days in advance, with limited daily openings. If the museum is closed or unavailable, the itinerary will adjust to visit the International Grand Bazaar instead.
Duku Highway Museum: Discover the history of the Duku Highway before embarking on our journey through it. Learn about the highway’s construction and the heroic stories associated with it.
Dushanzi Grand Canyon: Visit this stunning natural wonder with steep cliffs and unique geological formations carved by the Tianshan river. Experience the awe-inspiring power of nature.
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel, standard twin room
Travel: 310 km, 7-seater van, approx. 8 hours drive (excluding scenic transfers)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch (packed meal) included
Activities:
Duku Highway: Traverse one of the most scenic highways in China, connecting the north and south of Tianshan. Enjoy diverse landscapes including deserts, mountains, glaciers, grasslands, and rivers.
Bayanbulak Grassland: Arrive at this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its lush meadows and the Swan Lake Nature Reserve. If time permits, witness the breathtaking sunset over the grassland (sunset around 10 PM in summer).
Note: The Duku Highway is only open from June to September and allows only 7-seater vehicles. If the highway is closed due to weather or other conditions, alternative routes will be arranged.
Accommodation: Comfortable county hotel, standard twin room
Travel: 335 km, approx. 6 hours drive
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities:
Bayanbulak Grassland: Enjoy the morning exploring more of the grassland, home to diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Flower Fields in Ili Valley: Visit expansive flower fields, including a famous lavender garden. Experience the vibrant colors and fragrances of various blooms.
Note: If the previous day’s itinerary was affected by Duku Highway closures, adjustments will be made to ensure all planned Activities are covered.
Accommodation: Comfortable county hotel, standard twin room
Travel: 30 km, approx. 1 hour drive (excluding scenic transfers)
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities:
Kalajun Grassland: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its vast, fertile grasslands. Enjoy panoramic views and diverse landscapes including rivers, forests, and mountains.
Comprehensive Tour: Spend the entire day exploring Kalajun Grassland with various Activities such as hiking, photography, and appreciating the natural beauty.
Note: Prepare for a day with significant walking and ensure comfortable, waterproof footwear.
Accommodation: Comfortable city hotel, standard twin room
Travel: 140 km, approx. 3.5 hours drive
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities:
Six-Star Street in Yining: Visit this picturesque area known for its colorful houses and unique architecture. Enjoy fresh fruits and local snacks prepared by friendly locals.
Free Time: In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Ili River, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and sunset views.
Accommodation: Hotel near the scenic area, standard twin room
Travel: 150 km, approx. 2.5 hours drive
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities:
Sailimu Lake: Known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” this high-altitude lake offers stunning blue waters and serene surroundings. Enjoy a day exploring the lake and its picturesque surroundings.
Lake Tour: Circle the lake, stopping at various scenic spots to take in the views and relax by the water.
Accommodation: Comfortable city hotel, standard twin room
Travel: 560 km, approx. 7.5 hours drive
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities:
Journey to Urho: Travel through the vast expanses of the Junggar Basin, experiencing the diverse landscapes along the way.
Urho Ghost City: Arrive at this unique Yadan landform area known for its eerie, otherworldly landscape. Capture stunning photos and enjoy the dramatic scenery.
Accommodation: Local boutique wooden lodge, twin room
Travel: 410 km, approx. 8 hours drive (including scenic transfers)
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities:
Scenic Drive to Hemu: Travel through changing landscapes from deserts to grasslands to mountains as you head towards Hemu.
Hemu Village: Arrive in this picturesque village known for its traditional wooden houses and stunning natural surroundings. Visit the observation deck for panoramic views of the village.
Note: Prepare a small backpack for essentials as luggage may remain on the bus.
Accommodation: Local wooden lodge, twin room
Travel: 96 km, approx. 3.5 hours drive (including scenic transfers)
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities:
Morning in Hemu: Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hemu, with the option to explore the village and its surroundings at your own pace.
Kanas Lake: Travel to Kanas Lake, a beautiful alpine lake known for its stunning scenery. Climb to the Fish Viewing Pavilion for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Stargazing in Kanas: Spend the night in Kanas Village, where you can enjoy a clear, star-filled sky.
Accommodation: Local wooden lodge, twin room
Travel: Activities within the scenic area
Meals: Breakfast included
Activities:
Three Bays of Kanas: Visit the famous “Three Bays” of Kanas: God Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty and take plenty of photos.
Tuva Music Live Performance: In the evening, enjoy a live performance of traditional Tuva music by a local band. Experience the unique cultural heritage of the region.
Note: The order of Activities may be adjusted based on local conditions.
Accommodation: Comfortable city hotel, standard twin room
Travel: 300 km, approx. 7.5 hours drive (including scenic transfers)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included (simple meal at a local family’s home)
Activities:
Close-up of Kanas Lake: Enjoy a leisurely morning by the lake, taking in the beauty from a different perspective.
Return Journey: Leave Kanas and Travel back through scenic landscapes, visiting local Kazakh families along the way.
Kazakh Hospitality: Enjoy traditional Kazakh music and dance, and hear stories from local families.
Details:
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Start planning your family’s adventure today with our comprehensive Travel itinerary. Explore breathtaking landscapes, immerse in rich cultures, and create unforgettable memories.
