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10-Day Northern Xinjiang Private Tour: Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake & Duku Highway
Explore Northern Xinjiang’s most spectacular landscapes on this 10-day private tour. Visit Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, Rainbow Beach, Urho Ghost City, and drive the legendary Duku Highway while discovering authentic Uyghur and Kazakh culture.
Starting and ending in Urumqi, this classic itinerary includes a private guide, comfortable vehicle, quality hotels, admission tickets, and flexible sightseeing—perfect for travelers seeking Northern Xinjiang’s most iconic highlights.
10 Days
Northern Xinjiang's iconic highlights
Urumqi → Kanas → Hemu → Yining
Classic scenic route
Kanas • Sayram Lake • Duku Highway
China's most spectacular landscapes
Private Tour
Private guide & flexible itinerary
What Makes This Journey Different
A Hong Kong–registered travel group
Backed by a Hong Kong group, with local teams across China.
Secure payments
Pay safely by Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, PayPal, or bank transfer.
24/7 support
Real human assistance before, during, and after your journey in China.
Custom experiences
Activities and pacing tailored to your interests and travel style.
Northern Xinjiang Journey Overview
This 10-day Northern Xinjiang private tour follows a classic circular route, combining alpine lakes, grasslands, deserts, colorful canyons, ethnic villages, and one of China’s most scenic highways. From Kanas Lake and Hemu Village to Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and the legendary Duku Highway, every day offers unforgettable scenery and authentic cultural experiences.
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Urumqi | Arrival, private airport transfer & hotel check-in |
| Day 2 | Urumqi | Free time or explore the Grand Bazaar |
| Day 3 | Urumqi → Burqin | S21 Desert Highway, Karamayli Sand Dunes, Ulungur Lake |
| Day 4 | Burqin → Kanas | Kanas Lake, Fairy Bay, Moon Bay & Dragon Bay |
| Day 5 | Hemu Village | Tuwa Village, Hemu River & photography experience |
| Day 6 | Burqin → Kuitun | Rainbow Beach, Urho Ghost City & Karamay Oilfield |
| Day 7 | Kuitun → Yining | Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Lavender Fields & Liuxing Street |
| Day 8 | Yining → Nalati | Nalati Sky Grassland & Ili Valley |
| Day 9 | Nalati → Urumqi | Duku Highway & Tangbula Scenic Area |
| Day 10 | Urumqi | Hotel check-out & airport drop-off |
Tour Highlights
From alpine lakes and wooden villages to desert highways, grasslands, colorful canyons, and mountain roads, this 10-day Northern Xinjiang private tour brings together the region’s most iconic scenery and cultural experiences.
Kanas Lake
Admire Northern Xinjiang’s most famous alpine lake, surrounded by forests, snow-capped mountains, Moon Bay, Fairy Bay, and Dragon Bay. The scenery changes beautifully with the four seasons, from vibrant summer greenery to golden autumn forests.
Hemu Village
Walk through a fairytale Tuwa village known for wooden cabins, birch forests, mountain views, and beautiful travel photography. Meet the Tuwa people and discover one of the most peaceful villages in the Altai Mountains.
S21 Desert Highway & Karamayli Sand Dunes
Drive across the Gurbantunggut Desert on the scenic S21 Desert Highway and stop at Karamayli Sand Dunes for dramatic desert landscapes, open horizons, and an unforgettable adventure through remote Xinjiang.
Rainbow Beach & Urho Ghost City
See colorful Yardang landforms at Rainbow Beach and explore the wind-carved rock formations of Urho Ghost City. These scenic spots are especially impressive at sunset and ideal for photography.
Sayram Lake & Guozigou Bridge
Circle Sayram Lake, Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, and enjoy sweeping mountain views around the spectacular Guozigou Bridge. In summer, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore beneath snow-capped peaks.
Nalati Grassland & Ili Valley
Experience rolling grasslands, Kazakh culture, grazing horses, wildflowers, and panoramic views across the beautiful Ili Valley. This is one of the best places for cultural immersion and nomadic scenery.
Legendary Duku Highway
Travel along one of China’s most scenic mountain roads, passing valleys, forests, snow peaks, and changing landscapes. Crossing the Tianshan Mountains, the Duku Highway connects Northern Xinjiang with Southern Xinjiang.
Best Time to Visit Northern Xinjiang
Northern Xinjiang offers spectacular scenery throughout the travel season, with each season showcasing a different side of this remarkable region.
May to June is perfect for fresh grasslands, blooming wildflowers, and pleasant weather around Sayram Lake and Nalati Grassland. July and August bring lush alpine scenery, lavender fields in the Ili Valley, and excellent driving conditions along the legendary Duku Highway.
September is widely regarded as the best time to visit Kanas Lake and Hemu Village, when golden forests transform Northern Xinjiang into one of the most beautiful autumn destinations in mainland China.
Because Northern Xinjiang covers vast remote landscapes and scenic mountain roads, we recommend advance booking during the peak travel season from June through September.
10-Day Northern Xinjiang Detailed Itinerary
Follow a carefully designed 10-day journey through Northern Xinjiang’s most spectacular landscapes. From the deserts of the S21 Desert Highway and the turquoise waters of Kanas Lake to Hemu Village, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, and the legendary Duku Highway, each day combines breathtaking scenery, authentic local culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Day 1–2 | Arrival in Urumqi
Accommodation: Urumqi
Welcome to Urumqi, the gateway to Xinjiang and one of the world’s most remote major cities from the ocean. Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
The rest of the time is free to relax, adjust to the local time, or explore the city at your own pace. You may choose to visit local markets, sample authentic Xinjiang cuisine, or simply prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Travel Tips: Xinjiang is vast, and long drives of 5–6 hours are common throughout this itinerary. Temperatures can change significantly between day and night, so layered clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Day 3 | Urumqi – S21 Desert Highway – Karamayli Sand Dunes – Ulungur Lake – Burqin
Accommodation: Burqin
After breakfast, begin your Northern Xinjiang adventure by driving along the spectacular S21 Desert Highway, one of China’s newest scenic desert roads. Crossing the heart of the Gurbantunggut Desert, you’ll experience endless dunes, vast Gobi landscapes, and dramatic open scenery rarely seen elsewhere in China.
Stop at Karamayli Sand Dunes, where rolling golden sand hills create a striking contrast with the surrounding desert. Continue to the beautiful Ulungur Lake, often called the “Sea of Northern Xinjiang,” before arriving in the riverside town of Burqin, the gateway to Kanas National Park.
Today’s Highlights
Drive across the scenic S21 Desert Highway
Visit Karamayli Sand Dunes
Enjoy views of Ulungur Lake
Overnight in Burqin
Day 4 | Burqin – Kanas National Park
Accommodation: Jiadengyu or Jikepulin
Today you’ll explore Kanas National Park, one of China’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Surrounded by the Altai Mountains, Kanas Lake is famous for its crystal-clear water, dense forests, and spectacular alpine scenery.
Travel by eco-shuttle through the park to visit its three most iconic viewpoints—Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay—where wooden boardwalks provide excellent opportunities for photography. If time permits, you may also choose optional activities such as a lake cruise or a visit to a local Tuwa family to learn about their unique traditions and culture.
Today’s Highlights
Explore Kanas National Park
Visit Fairy Bay, Moon Bay & Dragon Bay
Admire one of China’s most beautiful alpine lakes
Optional lake cruise or Tuwa cultural experience
Day 5 | Kanas – Hemu Village – Burqin
Accommodation: Burqin
After breakfast, continue to Hemu Village, a peaceful settlement nestled among birch forests and rolling mountains. Home to the Tuwa people, Hemu is often described as one of China’s most beautiful villages, with traditional wooden houses, grazing livestock, and breathtaking natural scenery.
Stroll through the village, cross the famous Hemu Bridge, and enjoy time to capture unforgettable photographs along the Hemu River. A complimentary travel photography experience is included, allowing you to take home memorable images from one of Northern Xinjiang’s most picturesque destinations before returning to Burqin for the evening.
Today’s Highlights
Visit the fairytale Hemu Village
Experience Tuwa culture
Walk across Hemu Bridge
Complimentary travel photography
Return to Burqin
Day 6 | Burqin – Rainbow Beach – Urho Ghost City – Kuitun
Accommodation: Kuitun or Dushanzi
This morning, visit the spectacular Rainbow Beach, where colorful rock formations rise above the Irtysh River. The striking contrast between vibrant cliffs, flowing water, and lush riverside vegetation makes this one of Northern Xinjiang’s most photogenic locations.
Continue to Urho Ghost City, a remarkable Yardang landscape shaped by millions of years of wind erosion. Towering rock formations create dramatic natural sculptures that resemble castles, animals, and ancient ruins. As you travel toward Kuitun, you’ll also pass the famous Karamay oilfields, offering a fascinating glimpse into Xinjiang’s energy industry.
Today’s Highlights
Explore Rainbow Beach
Visit the unique Urho Ghost City
View the Karamay oilfields
Overnight in Kuitun or Dushanzi
Day 7 | Kuitun – Sayram Lake – Lavender Fields – Liuxing Street – Yining
Accommodation: Yining
Today’s journey takes you to the breathtaking Sayram Lake, often called the “Last Tear of the Atlantic.” Enjoy a scenic drive around Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, where crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding snow-capped mountains and endless grasslands.
Continue through the spectacular Guozigou Bridge, one of China’s most impressive mountain bridges, before visiting the famous Ili Lavender Fields, one of the world’s largest lavender growing regions. The best viewing season is from June to July. Later, stroll along colorful Liuxing Street in Yining, where Uyghur, Kazakh, and Russian influences blend together in unique architecture, local cafés, and lively street life.
Today’s Highlights
Drive around Sayram Lake
Pass the magnificent Guozigou Bridge
Visit Ili Lavender Fields
Explore Liuxing Street in Yining
Day 8 | Yining – Nalati Sky Grassland
Accommodation: Nalati Town
After breakfast, travel into the heart of the Ili Valley to visit the spectacular Nalati Grassland, one of China’s most beautiful alpine grasslands. Ride the scenic shuttle through rolling meadows, snow-capped mountains, forests, and traditional Kazakh grazing areas.
Take time to enjoy the peaceful scenery, photograph grazing horses and wildflowers, and experience the nomadic culture that has shaped this region for centuries. The fresh mountain air and breathtaking landscapes make Nalati one of the highlights of any Northern Xinjiang journey.
Today’s Highlights
Explore Nalati Sky Grassland
Enjoy panoramic mountain scenery
Experience traditional Kazakh culture
Overnight in Nalati Town
Day 9 | Nalati – Duku Highway – Tangbula Scenic Area – Urumqi
Accommodation: Urumqi
Today you’ll travel along the world-famous Duku Highway, widely regarded as one of China’s most scenic mountain roads. Crossing the Tianshan Mountains, the route passes deep valleys, alpine meadows, forests, rivers, and dramatic snow-covered peaks, with breathtaking scenery changing around every corner.
Stop at the beautiful Tangbula Scenic Area, known for its rolling grasslands, winding rivers, and panoramic mountain views. The Duku Highway is generally open from June to early October, depending on weather conditions. After a memorable drive through one of Xinjiang’s greatest natural wonders, return to Urumqi for your final evening.
Today’s Highlights
Drive the legendary Duku Highway
Cross the spectacular Tianshan Mountains
Visit Tangbula Scenic Area
Return to Urumqi
Day 10 | Departure from Urumqi
After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to Urumqi International Airport according to your flight schedule.
As your unforgettable Northern Xinjiang adventure comes to an end, you’ll leave with lasting memories of alpine lakes, grasslands, deserts, colorful canyons, ethnic villages, and one of China’s most spectacular road trips. We look forward to welcoming you back to Xinjiang on your next journey.
Service Includes
Private airport transfer
Assistance with departure arrangements
Hotel Options & Location
We select clean, quiet, and well-located hotels to keep transfers short and rest quality high. Exact hotel names are confirmed after booking and tailored to your style.
- 4-star comfort in the best locations (standard).
- 5-star / star hotel upgrades or boutique hotels on request.
- Family rooms or connecting rooms available (subject to availability).
Tip: Share your preferences (location, breakfast, gym/pool, quiet rooms) and we’ll recommend the best match.
Tour Price & Inclusions
Tour Code: XJ-10D-NX
From US$2,569
per person
- Indicative price for a private tour (2 adults) with well-located 4-star hotels.
- Price includes basic travel insurance and a complimentary translation device for easy local interaction.
- Final pricing depends on travel dates, group size, room type, and hotel level (boutique / star hotel upgrades on request).
- Domestic flights and/or high-speed train tickets are arranged based on the confirmed itinerary.
Comfort-first private touring
Private guide & driver in each city — flexible pace.
Designed around you
We tailor sights, timing, and hotel level to you.
Clear pricing, no surprises
Inclusions confirmed before you book.
What’s Included
Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver for all scheduled transfers
English-speaking local guide for all included sightseeing
All entrance tickets and activities listed in the confirmed itinerary
Domestic flights and/or high speed train tickets between itinerary cities (as per plan)
Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast (4-star standard; boutique hotels / star hotel upgrades optional)
Government taxes and service charges
24/7 support while you are traveling
What’s Not Included
International flights to and from China
China visa fees (if applicable)
Meals not specified in the itinerary (many lunches are included; dinners often flexible)
Personal expenses and optional experiences
Booking & Payment Details
- Deposit: 20% to confirm your booking. The deposit is refundable within 48 hours after confirmation if plans change.
- Balance: Due 15–20 days before arrival, or upon confirmation for late bookings.
- Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, PayPal, or bank transfer.
- Changes: Free minor itinerary adjustments up to 14 days before the trip starts.
- Cancellation: Flexible cancellation policy. Specific terms will be confirmed based on travel dates and hotel selection.
Visa-Free & Travel Tips
- China Visa-Free Policy 2026 — check visa-free entry rules and 240-hour transit options.
- China Visa Guide — understand tourist visa basics, documents, and application steps.
- First Trip to China Guide— learn about payments, apps, transport, and practical travel tips.
- China Weather in June — see weather tips, packing advice, and seasonal travel ideas.
Plan Your Northern Xinjiang Private Tour
Share your travel plans, and we’ll create a personalized 10-Day Northern Xinjiang Private Tour with a customized itinerary, handpicked hotels, private transportation, and a quotation within 24 hours.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Private tour only
- No forced shopping
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to take this Northern Xinjiang tour?
The best time to visit Northern Xinjiang is from mid-May to early October. June to August offers pleasant temperatures, lush grasslands, and lavender blooms, while September is famous for golden forests around Kanas Lake and Hemu Village. The Duku Highway is generally open from June to early October, depending on weather conditions.
Is this a private tour or a group tour?
This is a fully private tour. You’ll travel with your own professional guide, private vehicle, and experienced driver. Unlike group tours, the itinerary can be adjusted to match your travel interests, photo stops, preferred pace, and hotel style.
What's included in this 10-day Northern Xinjiang private tour?
The tour includes private airport transfers, private transportation, an English-speaking guide, accommodation, admission tickets to the attractions listed in the itinerary, and breakfast. Your local guide will assist with sightseeing arrangements throughout the trip.
What isn't included in this tour?
International and domestic flights, lunches, dinners, personal expenses, travel insurance, optional activities, and items not listed in the itinerary are not included unless otherwise specified. Please contact us for the latest booking, cancellation, free cancellation, and full refund policy before confirming your tour.
Is the Duku Highway open all year?
No. The Duku Highway is a seasonal mountain road and is usually open from June to early October, depending on snow and weather conditions. If it is closed, we’ll arrange the best alternative route while ensuring you experience Northern Xinjiang’s top attractions.
Is this tour suitable for families and senior travelers?
Yes. This itinerary is suitable for families, couples, and senior travelers with a normal level of mobility. Most sightseeing involves easy walking, while long-distance travel is completed in a comfortable private vehicle with regular sightseeing and rest stops.
Can I customize this Northern Xinjiang itinerary?
Absolutely. Every private tour can be tailored to your preferences. We can adjust the travel pace, upgrade hotels, add destinations such as Heavenly Lake, Turpan, or Kashgar, or arrange additional cultural experiences before or after your Northern Xinjiang journey.
Can I extend my journey to Southern Xinjiang?
Yes. Many travelers continue to Southern Xinjiang after this tour to visit Kashgar Old City, Karakul Lake, Baisha Lake, the Karakoram Highway, the Pamir Plateau, or the Taklamakan Desert. We can customize the route based on your interests, flight schedule, and travel dates.
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