11-Day Northern Xinjiang Tour from Kanas Lake to Nalati Grasslands

Day 1 Arrive Urumqi

Destination: Urumqi
Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodations: Local 4-star Urumqi Jingcadia Hotel or similar

Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in northwestern China. Historically, this city was a crucial hub on the ancient Silk Road, where diverse cultures intersected. Today, it boasts significant populations of Uyghurs, Han Chinese, and various other ethnic groups. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, your friendly expert local guide will greet you and whisk you away in a private vehicle to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 2 Urumqi – Burqin | Kurban Tonggut Desert, Rainbow Beach (Wucaitan)

Distance: Approx. 420 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 6 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Burqin Nightlight Town Hotel or similar

Set out from Urumqi in the morning and travel across the vast Kurban Tonggut Desert along Xinjiang’s newly built desert highway, a striking route that cuts through the heart of the Jungar Basin, the second-largest in Xinjiang. Pause at the tranquil Wulungu Lake to capture the contrast of water against the arid landscape before continuing to Burqin, where the surreal, multicolored rock formations of Rainbow Beach (Wucaitan) await. As evening falls, immerse yourself in local life at the lively Burqin night market, savoring fresh grilled fish and the warm, bustling atmosphere of this charming frontier town.

Day 3 Burqin – Jiadengyu | Kanas Lake

Distance: Approx. 140 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 3 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Birch Forest Hotel Jiadenyu or similar

After a delightful three-hour drive, arrive at the renowned Kanas National Geopark. The very soul of this breathtaking landscape is Kanas Lake itself, a crescent of turquoise water often hailed as China’s most beautiful lake. A 30-minute shuttle ascends to the Fish Pavilion base, where climbing 1,168 steps rewards you with a sweeping panoramic vista of the shimmering turquoise lake framed by untamed mountain wilderness. Descend via another short shuttle ride to the water’s edge for a tranquil walk along the forested shoreline. On clear days, the surrounding snow-capped peaks mirror flawlessly in the glassy surface, creating a scene of sublime tranquility. Finally, a shuttle carries you to the iconic trio of Kanas Lake’s bays: the ethereal Fairy Bay, the crescent Moon Bay, and the dramatic Crouching Dragon Bay.

Day 4 Jiadengyu –  Orho | Orho Ghost City

Distance: Approx. 350 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 6 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Haitang Hotel Karamay or similar

Embark on a captivating journey to Orho, a drive of approximately 6 hours. The endless desert stretches before you, a canvas of shifting sands and dramatic vistas, offering a glimpse into the raw beauty of Xinjiang. Along the way, visit the extraordinary Urho Ghost City, a landscape masterfully sculpted by wind and time. This remarkable site, a classic example of Yadan landforms, has earned its place as one of China’s most breathtaking Yadan landscapes, as celebrated by Chinese National Geography magazine. Also known as the Urho Wind City, its hills have been transformed into fantastical shapes, resembling ancient ruins and imposing castles, creating the illusion of a sprawling medieval European fortress from afar.

Day 5 Orho – Kuitun | Dushanzi Grand Canyon

Distance: Approx. 310 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Kuitun Runjin International Hotel or similar

Departing Orho in the morning, set out across the open landscapes toward the awe-inspiring Dushanzi Grand Canyon, where millions of years of snowmelt and rain rushing down from the Tianshan Mountains have carved an astonishing chasm straight through the desert plain. Stand along the canyon rim to marvel at the sheer, terraced cliffs, razor-sharp ridges, and intricate fluted soil columns that plummet down into the riverbed below, creating a raw, almost otherworldly geological sculpture. After immersing yourself in the immense scale and dramatic textures of this natural masterpiece, continue your journey to Kuitun to settle in for a comfortable and restful evening.

Day 6 Kuitun – Yining | Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge

Distance: Approx. 450 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 7 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Ningbai Hotel or similar

Depart from Kuitun and travel westward into the heart of the Tianshan Mountains toward Yining, a journey that blends soaring peaks, alpine lakes, and engineering marvels into one unforgettable day. Along the way, pause at Sayram Lake, the “Atlantic’s Last Tears,” whose brilliant blue waters shimmer beneath snow-capped ridges and stretch toward the horizon like a jewel set in the mountains. Continue through the dramatic Guozigou Valley, where the soaring Guozigou Bridge — the “First Bridge of the Tianshan Mountains” — arcs gracefully across deep gorges and connects the rugged peaks on either side. Arrive in Yining as the landscape softens into green valleys and fertile plains, closing the day with the warmth and charm of this historic Silk Road city.

Day 7 Yining – Nalati | Flower Sea of Tianshan Mountains

Distance: Approx. 270 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurant
Accommodations: Local 4-star Nalati Minrong Yunting Hotel or similar

Depart from Yining and head east into the Tianshan Mountains toward Nalati, a scenic journey that carries you from fertile valley plains into sweeping alpine highlands. Along the way, stop at the Tianshan Flower Sea, a vibrant carpet of blooming flowers stretching beneath the Tianshan Mountains — a dazzling splash of color planted and tended by hand against the backdrop of the mountains. Wander through the blossoms, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and soak in the endless views before continuing on to Nalati, where the famous “3D Grassland” of rolling meadows, forests, and snow peaks awaits to crown the day’s adventure.

Day 8 Nalati | Explore Nalati Grasslands

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Nalati Minrong Yunting Hotel or similar

Spend a full day exploring the sweeping beauty of Nalati Grassland, one of the most celebrated alpine meadows in all of Xinjiang. Begin at the Sky Grassland, where rolling green hills rise toward the clouds and snow-capped peaks frame panoramic views in every direction — a truly “three-dimensional” landscape of meadow, forest, and mountain. Continue to the River Grassland, where crystal streams wind gently through open pastures, mirroring the sky and drawing flocks of grazing sheep and horses along their banks. Throughout the day, opt for horseback riding across the open plains, feel the freedom of the highland wind, and immerse yourself in the timeless rhythm of nomadic life.

Day 9 Nalati – Yining | Six-Star Street

Distance: Approx. 270 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Binglv Kunlun Hotel or similar

Depart from Nalati and journey back westward to Yining, retracing the scenic mountain roads as the highland meadows give way once more to green valleys and fertile plains. Upon returning to the city, unwind with a leisurely stroll through the Six-Star Streets of Yining, a charming grid of colorful alleys brimming with local flavor, artisan shops, and warm street-side hospitality. Wander past painted doorways and blooming courtyards, sample traditional snacks, and soak in the easy rhythm of this historic Silk Road town.

Day 10 Yining – Urumqi | Urumqi International Grand Bazaar

Estimated Travel Time: Around 5.5 hours on a second class high-speed train
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: Local 4-star Urumqi Jingcadia Hotel or similar

Depart Yining and settle in for a smooth 5.5-hour high-speed train ride back to Urumqi, watching the landscapes of the Ili Valley gradually give way to the open plains and distant ridges of northern Xinjiang from the comfort of your seat. Upon arriving in the city, dive straight into the vibrant atmosphere of the Urumqi International Grand Bazaar, a lively crossroads of Silk Road culture. Wander its bustling lanes piled high with spices, dried fruits, silk goods, and handicrafts, sample local delicacies, and soak in the music, color, and energy of this iconic marketplace — a fitting finale to your journey through Xinjiang.

Day 11 Depart Urumqi

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel

A private transfer to the airport or train station of Urumqi will be provided for your departure. If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know and we would be delighted to assist you in customizing your itinerary. Have a wonderful trip!