Best of Urumqi, Sayram Lake & Nalati — 4-City Small Group

Trip Overview

An 8-day Xinjiang grand loop across the Ili river valley and the Altai — alpine lakes, flower-filled grasslands and the turquoise shores of Kanas.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 · Urumqi

• Arrive Urumqi; bazaar and museums.
• Scenic spots: Xinjiang Regional Museum, Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar.
• Local food: big plate chicken, lamb skewers, naan.
• Transport: private car airport transfer.

Day 2 · Urumqi → Sayram Lake

• Drive the desert-to-alpine highway.
• Scenic spots: Sayram Lake (the "last Atlantic tear").
• Transport: private car (~6h).

Day 3 · Sayram Lake → Yining / Ili

• Lakeside sunrise, then into the Ili valley.
• Scenic spots: Guozigou Bridge, Ili poplar forests.
• Transport: private car.

Day 4 · Ili → Nalati

• Reach the alpine grassland.
• Scenic spots: Nalati (Skyline) Grassland, river valley.
• Transport: private car (~4h).

Day 5 · Nalati

• Horse riding and nomad culture.
• Scenic spots: Nalati Sky Grassland, herders' camps.
• Transport: private car.

Day 6 · Nalati → Kanas region

• Long transfer north to the Altai.
• Scenic spots: en-route Urumqi/Uturan highway scenery.
• Transport: flight or long car (split day).

Day 7 · Kanas

• The lake and its viewpoints.
• Scenic spots: Kanas Lake, Fishview Pavilion, three bays.
• Transport: park shuttle.

Day 8 · Kanas → Hemu → depart

• Tuva village of Hemu, then out.
• Scenic spots: Hemu Village, birch forests.
• Transport: private car to Burqin airport.

Highlights

• The mirror-blue water of Kanas and Sayram lakes.
• Galloping across Nalati's flower meadows.
• Dawn smoke over the log cabins of Hemu.

Practical Tips

• Best season: June–September (wildflowers, green grassland).
• Distances are huge; allow long driving days.
• Xinjiang checkpoints: carry passports, buffer time.
• Nights are cool even in summer at altitude.

Estimated Cost (per person)

• Lodging (7 nights, comfort): ~$520
• Transport (car + flight): ~$430
• Tickets: ~$180
• Meals: ~$200
• Guide share: ~$160
• Total (Comfort): ~$1,490 per person
• Budget variant: ~$1,050 · Comfort variant: ~$1,490 · Premium variant: ~$2,300