Fairyland Northern Xinjiang

Fairyland Northern Xinjiang
10-Day Road Trip through Grasslands, Snowpeaks & Nomadic Dream

From sapphire-blue alpine lakes to flower-filled grasslands, from snow-dusted mountains to epic canyons—this 10-day road trip showcases the dramatic diversity of Northern Xinjiang. You’ll travel through ancient Silk Road towns, sleep in Kazakh villages, ride horses into highland meadows, and bathe in remote hot springs. Along the way, explore iconic destinations like Sayram Lake, the Duku Highway, and Kalajun Grassland, while also venturing deep into hidden valleys most travelers miss.

Whether you're a road trip lover, culture seeker, or wild nature explorer, this route offers the ultimate off-the-beaten-path adventure—made for those who want to feel the wind of the steppe and the silence of the stars.

✓ Private transport and full logistical support

✓ English-speaking local guide for cultural insights and on-the-ground assistance

✓ Curated experiences including horseback riding, hot springs, and scenic hikes

💰 USD 2,000 per person

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Itinerary

Full Description

Day 1: Meet-up in Yining

Today is the designated arrival day. We'll arrange pick-up from Yining Airport and check-in hotel. Then, you are free to explore the city and we highly recommend Sixing (Six Star) Street where you can find local food, souvenirs, and local culture shows.

Accommodation: Hotel in Yining city

Day 2: Yining → Tuohulasu Steppe → Jinghe County

Today’s route takes you through the expansive Tuohulasu Steppe, where nomadic herders still graze their flocks as they have for centuries. As you continue, the journey turns into an off-road expedition along the legendary Jingyi Pastoral Trail—a rugged, scenic route that winds through forested river valleys and hidden highland meadows. Expect dramatic views, fresh mountain air, and a sense of true remoteness.

Drive distance: approx. 232 km / 7.5 hours

Accommodation: Hotel in Jinghe County

Day 3: Sayram Lake→ Huanghuang Village with Lavender Fields

Today begins with a drive to the shimmering Sayram Lake, one of Xinjiang’s most iconic alpine lakes. Encircled by mountains and evergreen forests, the lake reflects the sky like a giant sapphire. You’ll journey around its turquoise waters, stopping to walk the shoreline and breathe in the cool alpine air. Continue through the Guozigou Bridge, one of China’s most impressive feats of engineering, offering panoramic views over deep valleys. In the late afternoon, arrive at Huanghuang Village, known for its fragrant lavender fields that paint the valley in soft purples—especially stunning during sunset.

Drive distance: approx. 225 km / 5 hours

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Huohu Village

Day 5: Jade Lake → Qiongkushitai Village

Set out for Jade Lake, a stunning turquoise glacial lake tucked between snow-capped peaks. Continue your journey along one of Xinjiang’s most scenic rural byways, passing through remote highland villages where time seems to slow. This is a place where locals still live in harmony with nature. Arrive in the fairytale-like Qiongkushitai Village, a traditional Kazakh hamlet perched on a hillside. In the evening, enjoy local food and a peaceful mountain sunset.

Drive distance: approx. 250 km / 6 hours

Accommodation: Village homestay in Qiongkushitai

Day 7: Qiafuqihai Lake → Mengkete→ Tangbula

Follow a winding mountain road to Qiafuqihai Lake, a remote highland lake surrounded by wild landscapes. From here, venture along the Mengket Ancient Trail, once used by traders and herders crossing into Central Asia. The trail includes natural hot springs—perfect for a quick soak if time allows. Arrive at Tangbula, a highland pasture famous for its untouched landscapes and traditional yurts dotting the hills.

Drive distance: approx. 290 km / 5.5 hours

Accommodation: Yurt or camping in Tangbula

Day 4: Zhaosu Wetland → Xia'te National Park

Depart from Huanghuang village and head south on the breathtaking Yining-Zhaosu Highway, often dubbed one of China’s most beautiful alpine roads. On the way, make a stop at the scenic Zhaosu Wetland Park, where you'll witness flocks of horses and yaks grazing freely beside crystal-clear streams. In summer, wildflowers blanket the grasslands in vibrant colors. By late afternoon, arrive at the Xia'te National Park, and get your first glimpse of hanging glaciers cascading down the surrounding peaks.

Drive distance: approx. 340 km / 7 hours

Accommodation: Local cabin in Xia'te

Day 6: Kalajun Grassland → Tekes

Wake up to crisp mountain air and start your journey to the iconic Kalajun Grassland, a UNESCO-recognized ecological zone known for its wide-open plains and seasonal wildflower blooms. Here, rolling green hills meet snow-capped mountains—a perfect backdrop for horse riding or a relaxed walk. Continue to Tekes, a unique city laid out in the shape of an eight-trigram pattern from Chinese cosmology.

Drive distance: approx. 50 km / 3 hours

Accommodation: Boutique guesthouse in Tekes

Day 8: Duku Highway → Fairy Lake → Dushanzi

Ride horseback to the picturesque Fairy Lake, hidden in the mountains and known for its crystal-clear reflections and tranquil setting. In the afternoon, hit the northern section of the Duku Highway, an engineering marvel that climbs over mountain passes, skirts glacier lakes, and cuts across alpine deserts. Watch as the landscape shifts dramatically before arriving in Dushanzi, a small oil-town tucked at the base of the mountains.

Drive distance: approx. 120 km / 5 hours

Accommodation: Hotel in Dushanzi

Day 9: Anjihai Grand Canyon → Urumqi

Your final day begins with a stop at the Anjihai Grand Canyon, Xinjiang’s answer to the Grand Canyon. With its layered rock walls and winding river below, it’s a spectacular natural wonder not to be missed. Afterwards, travel along Provincial Highway S101, a peaceful route through rural Xinjiang, before arriving in Urumqi, the capital of the region. Depending on your flight schedule the next day, you may have time to visit the Xinjiang Museum, home to the famous Loulan Mummies and Silk Road treasures.

Drive distance: approx. 330 km / 6 hours

Accommodation: Hotel in Urumqi

Day 11: Departure from Urumqi

Say goodbye to your guide and fellow travelers as your journey concludes. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to visit the Xinjiang Museum, home to the famous Loulan Mummies and Silk Road treasures. We’ll provide airport transfer or assist with your car return if needed.

Pricing

Group of 1-5 People: $2,800 USD per person
Group of 6–12 People: $2,500 USD per person

Addtional Information

Inclusion

✅ Transportation:

Private off-road vehicle transfers along the whole trip.
Pick-up from airport in Yining and drop-off in Hotel in Urumqi.

✅ Meals (if vegetarian option is needed, please inform us before the trip):

Day 1: Dinner
Day 2 to 9: Full board
Day 10: Breakfast

✅ Accommodation: 9 nights specialized in Full Description.

✅ Guides: English-speaking guides familiar with local culture and geography.

✅ Activity: Horse riding to Fairy Lake.

✅ Personal travel insurance.

❌ Additional activities: Any additional activities, such as horse riding other than the one to Fairy Lake.

❌ Transportation: Anywhere off the itinerary and transportation to Yining and from Urumqi.

❌ Personal expenses, including emergency evacuation or early withdrawal from the trek due to physical exhaustion or health issues.

❌ Tips: Tips for driver, guide, or other service providers (based on service satisfaction).

Notes

Please carefully and thoroughly read and evaluate this itinerary and all related details, especially the important notes highlighted. If you are unable to comply, we kindly ask that you refrain from registering or participating.

Contact: We'll share the guide contact with you upon confirmation of your registration. Please leave your phone number/WhatsApp/WeChat/Email in your registration so that we can contact you before the trip.

Group Requirement: Minimum of 2 people to form a group. Merged itineraries or cancellations may apply if undersubscribed. Notification will be given to you 24 hours before departure. Please see the Cancellation & Refund policy for details.

Important Notes!!!

Please follow safety precaution and local rules during the trip;
This trip includes visiting traditional ethnic communities, so kindly be mindful of local traditions and beliefs；
There are unforeseen safety risks which may result in itinerary change, personal injury, property damage, or harm to third parties and their property;
This journey will go through mountain roads, off-road, and remote valleys, where mudslides or landslides may occur in certain weather conditions. The itinerary will be prone to cancellation or change due to the hazard. Please see the Cancellation & Refund policy for details;
Please keep a safe distance from animals such as horses and wolves to prevent risk of being attacked;
Be cautious with health-related risks due to existing medical conditions, illness during the trip, intentional harm by others, or accidents occurring in remote areas lacking timely medical aid or emergency response.

Not suitable for

For safety reasons, participants will not be accepted under the following (but not limited to) conditions: Diagnosed with severe respiratory illnesses, high-altitude illnesses, or mobility impairments.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

If you cancel your trip within 7 days before departure, the following cancellation fees will apply:
- 6 to 4 days before: 20% of the total trip cost
- 3 to 1 day before: 40% of the total trip cost
- On the day of departure: 60% of the total trip cost
If you withdraw during the trip, the full payment cannot be refunded.
If the trip is canceled due to not meeting the group requirement, road conditions, or natural hazards, the full payment will be refunded, and a 10% discount will be granted to your next trip booking with us.
If the trip itinerary has to change during the trip due to road conditions or natural hazards, an alternate itinerary will be discussed and decided by the group. If there is a difference in the tour cost, the balance will be refunded accordingly, and a 15% discount will be granted to your next trip booking with us.
You may transfer your spot to a third party who meets the registration requirements listed in this notice. Any additional costs will be borne by the original participant and the transferee.
Any costs related to withdrawal or rescue due to personal reasons (including illness, fatigue, or other unforeseen personal incidents) must be borne by the individual.
For all other matters not specified, please refer to the Domestic Travel Contract issued by the China National Tourism Administration.

What to bring

Waterproof & windproof jacket
Layered clothing (including thermal wear for chilly nights)
Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Comfortable hiking shoes or trail boots
Casual evening wear (optional for town stays)
Important Documents: ID card, small amount of cash.
Toiletries: Sunscreen (SPF30+), garbage bags, personal hygiene items.
Electronics: Camera, mobile phone, batteries, power bank.
Essential Medications: Personal prescription medications, cold medicine, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, gastrointestinal medicine, and anti-allergy medication.

Pro tip: Bring some small gifts or snacks if you plan to visit local families—it’s a lovely gesture in Kazakh hospitality culture.

Best Season to Go

The ideal time for this route is June to September, when grasslands are lush, wildflowers are blooming, lakes sparkle under blue skies, and mountain passes like Suzhao Highway and Duku Highway are fully open.

🌼 June–July: Lavender season, greenest grasslands, snowy peaks

🌞 August: Warm weather, vibrant Kazakh festivals

🍂 September: Cooler temps, golden colors in highlands and forests