9 Days Turpan & Ili North Xinjiang Tour via Du-Ku Road

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Overview

A 9-day journey through Xinjiang’s most breathtaking landscapes and cultural gems. Traverse the dramatic Du-Ku Highway, explore UNESCO-listed Silk Road ruins, and immerse in Kazakh nomadic life on alpine grasslands. From Urumqi’s bustling markets to Turpan’s desert oases, experience the harmony of nature, history, and ethnic traditions.

What is Special About This Tour?

 

Du-Ku Highway Adventure: Drive one of China’s most scenic routes, crossing glacial valleys and meadows between the Tianshan Mountains.
Nomadic Culture: Stay in Kazakh yurts, ride horses on ​Karajun and ​Narat Grasslands, and taste kumis (fermented mare’s milk).
Silk Road Legacy: Explore 2,000-year-old ​Jiaohe Ruins and Buddhist caves adorned with ancient murals.
Natural Wonders: Witness Sayram Lake’s sapphire waters, Flaming Mountains’ fiery cliffs, and Grape Valley’s lush vineyards.

What to Prepare?

Clothing: Layered outfits (0–30°C range), hiking shoes, sun hat, and windproof jacket.

Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses, lip balm.

Altitude Prep: Acclimatize for Sayram Lake (2,070m); carry motion sickness pills for mountain roads.

Essentials: Power bank, reusable water bottle, cash (small bills for rural areas), dust mask (Gobi Desert).

Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit for long drives.

Best Time to Visit

Mid-May–October

Mid-May–June:Lavender fields in bloom; cool temperatures on grasslands.

July–August:Warm weather for hiking and lake activities.

September–October:Autumn foliage on the Du-Ku Highway; harvest season in Turpan.
Note: Du-Ku Highway closes November–April due to snow.

Tour Plan

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Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi

Highlights:Urumqi Grand Bazaar.

Activities:After airport pickup and hotel check-in, explore the ​Grand Bazaar, a sensory feast of Uyghur crafts, spices, and street food. Sample samsa (flaky lamb pies) and shop for Kazakh embroidery or silk scarves.

Overnight:Urumqi

Day 2: Urumqi → Heavenly Lake (110km, 2hrs)

Highlights:Xinjiang Regional Museum, Heavenly Lake.

Activities:Begin at the ​Xinjiang Regional Museum to see the 3,800-year-old “Loulan Beauty” mummy and Silk Road relics. Drive to ​Heavenly Lake, boarding a shuttle boat to glide past Siberian pines with Bogda Peak’s glaciers mirrored in turquoise waters. Hike the “Fairy’s Footsteps” trail for pine-scented vistas.

Overnight:Urumqi

​Day 3: Urumqi → Sayram Lake (550km, 7hrs)

Highlights:Sayram Lake.

Activities:Depart early through the Dzungarian Basin’s vast plains. Arrive at ​Sayram Lake, Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, to stroll wildflower-fringed shores (June–July). Capture the sunset’s golden glow over sapphire waters.

Overnight:Sayram Lake area

​Day 4: Sayram → Karajun Grassland (300km, 4hrs)

Highlights:Fruit Valley Bridge, Kazanqi Street, Karajun Grassland.

Activities:Stop at ​Fruit Valley Bridge for panoramic views of Ili River orchards. Visit ​Kazanqi Street in Yining to browse Uyghur handicrafts and taste freshly baked nan Arrive at ​Karajun Grassland, riding horses across rolling hills or hiking to sunset viewpoints.

Overnight:Tekes

​Day 5: Tekes → Narat Grassland (250km, 3hrs)

Highlights:Narat Grassland.

Activities:Drive to ​Narat Grassland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Kazakh herders tend flocks under snow-capped peaks. Wander flower-dotted meadows or join a herder’s family for kumis

Overnight:Narat Town

​Day 6: Narat → Urumqi via Du-Ku Highway (500km, 9hrs)

Highlights:Du-Ku Highway.

Activities:Embark on a full-day drive along the ​Du-Ku Highway, winding through the Tianshan’s glacial valleys and meadows. Stop for photos of ​Kurgan Tash Snow Peak and breathe crisp mountain air at 3,500m passes.

Overnight:Urumqi

​Day 7: Urumqi → Turpan (180km, 2.5hrs)

Highlights:Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Well, Emin Minaret.

Activities:Pass the ​Dabancheng Wind Farm en route to Turpan. Explore ​Jiaohe Ruins, a 2nd-century BC mesa-top city with preserved temples and dwellings. Descend into ​Karez Wells, ancient underground canals sustaining Turpan’s vineyards. Admire ​Emin Minaret’s 14 geometric patterns symbolizing Quranic chapters.

Overnight:Turpan

​Day 8: Turpan → Urumqi (200km, 3hrs)

Highlights:Tuyuq Village, Flaming Mountains, Bezeklik Caves, Grape Valley.

Activities:Visit ​Tuyuq Village, a 1,700-year-old oasis with apricot groves and cliffside Buddhist caves. Stop at the ​Flaming Mountains for photos of Mars-like red cliffs. Explore ​Bezeklik Caves’ 7th-century Buddhist murals, then unwind in ​Grape Valley, sampling Turpan’s famed raisins. Return to Urumqi.

Overnight:Urumqi

​Day 9: Urumqi Departure

Activities:Transfer to Urumqi Airport. Optional last-minute shopping for dried fruits or jade souvenirs. Tour concludes.

Trip Notes

Flexibility

Tailor your itinerary effortlessly! Add or remove days, adjust activities, or customize services to match your interests. Simply email us your preferences, and we’ll craft the perfect private tour for you.

Accommodation

Share your hotel preferences, and we’ll handle the rest. Choose from:

5-star international hotels in major cities

4-star or 3-star options
All accommodations include breakfast.

Transportation

Enjoy private, comfortable transfers in vehicles suited to your group size and needs. Let us know any special requests (e.g., extra space, child seats) for a seamless journey.

Meals

Breakfast is included daily. Lunch and dinner are left flexible so you can explore local cuisine freely. Our guides will gladly recommend top-rated restaurants based on your tastes.

 

Inclusions
  • Accommodation (Breakfast included)
  • Licensed English-speaking tour guide
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle/bus
  • Guide & driver accommodation + meals
Exclusions
  • International/domestic flights(can be arranged if needed)
  • Meals (can be arranged if needed)
  • Entrance fees to monuments/attractions(can be arranged if needed)
  • Optional excursions not listed in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, laundry)
  • Tips for guide/driver
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