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8-Day Xinjiang Tour with Ili River Valley
Discover the natural beauty of northern Xinjiang on this private 8-day journey from Urumqi to Yining. Explore Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Tekes Bagua City, Kalajun Grassland, and Nalati Grassland, with snow mountains, forests, lavender fields, vast grasslands, and local culture throughout the trip.
Includes private guide, driver, selected hotels, breakfast, entrance fees, and flexible travel service.
8 Days / 7 Nights
Classic northern Xinjiang journey
Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Tekes → Nalati → Yining
Main attractions in Ili River Valley
Private Guide, Driver & Hotels
Flexible travel with breakfast and entrance fees
Lakes, Grasslands & Local Culture
Sayram Lake, Kalajun, Nalati, and more
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.
8-Day Xinjiang Itinerary at a Glance
| Days | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Urumqi | Tianshan Mountains and Heavenly Lake |
| 3 | Sayram Lake | Lake views, wildflowers, and snow mountain scenery |
| 4–5 | Tekes | Guozigou Bridge, lavender fields, Kalajun Grassland, Tekes Bagua City |
| 6 | Nalati | Nalati Sky Grassland, forests, streams, and meadows |
| 7–8 | Yining | Uyghur living community and departure |
Why Travelers Love This Ili River Valley Tour
See the Blue of Sayram Lake
Stand by the shore of Sayram Lake and admire one of the purest shades of blue in northern Xinjiang, framed by grasslands, fresh mountain air, and distant snow peaks.
Walk through a Landscape of Snow Mountains, Forests, and Grasslands
In Kalajun and Nalati, layered scenery of snowy peaks, dark green forests, and flower-dotted meadows creates one of the most impressive views of the trip.
Encounter the Romantic Purple of Ili
Visit the lavender fields during the flowering period and enjoy one of the most photogenic summer experiences in the Ili River Valley.
Discover Fairy-Tale Scenery in Nalati
Streams, white yurts, wildflowers, and cool mountain air make Nalati Sky Grassland feel peaceful, fresh, and unforgettable.
Explore Tekes Bagua City
Wander through this unique town and experience the distinctive charm, layout, and atmosphere of one of Ili’s most interesting destinations.
Savor the Flavors of Xinjiang
Complete the journey with regional cuisine, warm hospitality, and the lively spirit of local music and dance.
Scenic Moments from Urumqi to Yining
Real moments from our 8-day Ili River Valley journey, from alpine lakes and lavender fields to vast grasslands, local culture, and the scenic beauty of northern Xinjiang.
Detailed 8-Day Itinerary
This 8-day Xinjiang tour with Ili River Valley travels from Urumqi to Yining City, covering Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Lavender Manor, Kalajun Grassland, Nalati Grassland, Tekes Bagua City, and local culture in northern Xinjiang. With convenient transportation, selected hotels, breakfast, entrance fees, a tour guide, and driver, the itinerary can be customized for private travel or a small group tour.
Day 1 – Urumqi Arrival
Arrive in Urumqi. Your tour guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Meals: None
Accommodation: Urumqi hotel
Day 2 – Urumqi to Kuitun — Tianshan Mountains and Heavenly Lake
Visit Heavenly Lake in the Tianshan Mountains, known for blue water, forests, and snow mountains. Then drive to Kuitun.
Driving distance: about 400 km (250 mi)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kuitun hotel
Day 3 – Kuitun to Sayram Lake
Travel to Sayram Lake, the blue jewel of the Ili River Valley. Enjoy the lake, wildflowers, fresh air, and part of the Sayram Lake Loop. Bole City may be passed along the way.
Driving distance: about 400 km (250 mi)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sayram Lake / nearby hotel
Day 4 – Sayram Lake to Tekes — Guozigou Bridge and Lavender Manor
Admire Guozigou Bridge above the grand canyon scenery, then continue through Huocheng to visit Lavender Manor and lavender fields during the flowering period, especially in mid June.
Driving distance: about 280 km (175 mi)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tekes hotel
Day 5 – Tekes — Kalajun Grassland and Tekes Bagua City
Explore Kalajun Grassland, one of the best scenic areas in the Ili grassland region, with endless grasslands, rivers, forests, wildflowers, and snow mountains. Later, visit Tekes Town, also known as Tekes Bagua City, and walk along Lijie Street.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tekes hotel
Day 6 – Tekes to Nalati — Nalati Grassland
Drive to Nalati Grassland. Take the shuttle bus into the scenic area to enjoy vast grasslands, forests, flowers, rivers, and mountain views. Some customized routes may connect with Yizhao Highway or Duku Highway.
Driving distance: about 250 km (155 mi)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Nalati hotel
Day 7 – Nalati to Yining — Uyghur Culture
Drive to Yining City and explore a traditional community rich in Uyghur culture and the traditions of many ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Local dining and a relaxed cultural visit can be arranged.
Driving distance: about 250 km (155 mi)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Yining City hotel
Day 8 – Yining Departure
Transfer to Yining Airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast
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
From US$2,769
per person
Tour Code:XJ-ILI-8D
- 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.
Customize Your Journey (Optional)
This is a fully flexible private tour. Let us know how you’d like to adjust the itinerary — our travel specialists will take care of every detail.
Popular customization options include:
Adjusting the travel pace or adding rest time
Extending the journey or adding nearby destinations
Upgrading hotel standards or choosing scenic stays
Accommodating dietary preferences and special requests
Simply share your ideas, and we’ll tailor the journey to match your travel style.
Visa-Free & Travel Tips
- Visa-Free Entry to China — check if your passport is eligible.
- How to Visit China Without a Visa — 144-hour transit options.
- eSIM & Mobile Payments in China — WeChat Pay, Alipay and bank cards.
- China Weather by Month — plan around seasons and festivals.
Plan Your Xinjiang Ili River Valley Tour
Tell us your travel plans — we’ll customize your 8-day Xinjiang tour with Ili River Valley, including Sayram Lake, lavender fields, Kalajun Grassland, Nalati, and unforgettable experiences from Urumqi to Yining.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Private tour only
- No forced shopping
FAQs About the 8-Day Xinjiang Tour with Ili River Valley
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors?
Yes. It covers the main attractions of northern Xinjiang, including Sayram Lake, Kalajun Grassland, Nalati Grassland, Tekes Bagua City, and Yining City.
What is included?
The tour usually includes hotels, breakfast, some meals, entrance fees, a tour guide, driver, and convenient transportation.
Is this a private tour or a small group tour?
It is usually arranged as a private tour, but a small group tour can also be organized.
What is the best time to visit?
Summer is the best season. Mid June is ideal for lavender fields, while July and August are best for grasslands, forests, and scenic spots.
Are there any climate tips?
Yes. There is often a large temperature difference between day and night, especially near lakes and grasslands.
Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes. Extensions to Duku Highway, Yizhao Highway, Dushanzi Grand Canyon, or other destinations in China can be arranged.
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