Xinjiang’s Northern Loop: 10-Day A Highland & Grassland Odyssey

Welcome to Xinjiang! Upon your arrival at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC), our driver will greet you and provide a shared transfer to your hotel.

Once you’ve settled in, the rest of the day is yours to explore this vibrant city. We recommend a self-guided city walk to discover Urumqi’s unique character.

Optional Exploration:

Hongshan Park (Red Hill Park): A popular starting point for many visitors, this park is an iconic landmark of Urumqi, offering panoramic views of the city.

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum (Closed on Mondays): Delve into the rich history of the Silk Road and marvel at ancient artifacts, including the world-famous “Beauty of Loulan” mummies. (Please note: Reservations are required one day in advance via their official WeChat account).

Evening: A Taste of Urumqi:
Your culinary adventure in Xinjiang begins tonight! Urumqi is the heart of regional cuisine, offering an unforgettable feast for your senses. Indulge in authentic dishes like charcoal-grilled lamb skewers (Kebab), roast whole lamb, savory Pilaf (hand-pulled rice), hearty noodles (Laghman), and unique local specialties such as horse sausage and rice-stuffed lungs. For the adventurous, try the potent local beer, “Wusu,” but as the saying goes, “Wusu is good, but enjoy it in moderation!”

Good to know:

Meals: Today’s meals are not included, giving you the freedom to explore Urumqi’s diverse culinary scene at your own pace.

Transfer: The complimentary airport transfer is a shared service. To ensure a smooth pickup, please provide your flight or train details when booking.

Route: Urumqi → Heavenly Lake → S21 Desert Highway → Altay (Approx. 530 km, 6 hours driving)

Morning:
After breakfast, we depart from Urumqi to begin our incredible journey. Our first stop is the breathtaking Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (Tianchi).

Afternoon:
(Est. 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM) You’ll have about four hours to explore this stunning alpine lake. The landscape unfolds like a masterpiece painting: a vast expanse of sapphire-blue water, so clear you can see the pebbles in the shallows. The lake is framed by majestic mountains, with the snow-capped Bogda Peak standing proudly in the distance. The raw, vivid beauty of the mountains and water is a sight to behold—make sure your camera is ready.

Evening:
We’ll continue our drive towards Altay, where a special experience awaits. We’ll stop for a Sunset Party along the way, a perfect chance to unwind and watch the sky paint itself in spectacular colors over the vast landscape. As dusk falls, enjoy an open-air movie under the stars.

Good to know:

Sunset Party Backup Plan: In case of unfavorable weather or venue issues (typically before early June), this activity will be replaced with a scenic cable car ride up General’s Hill (Jiangjun Shan) in Altay, complete with a complimentary Americano coffee to enjoy while savoring the sunset from the peak.

The drive is long and lunch will be later than usual. We recommend bringing some snacks and water.

The UV radiation is strong in the mountains. Please use sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses.

Route: Altay → A-He Highway → Hemu Scenic Area (Approx. 220 km, 5 hours driving)

Morning:
After breakfast, we travel along the scenic A-He Highway (road conditions permitting) towards one of Xinjiang’s most iconic destinations: Hemu Village.

Afternoon & Evening:
Upon arrival, we will transfer to a park shuttle bus to enter the core scenic area and check into our lodging. The rest of the day is yours to explore this enchanting village. The Hemu River meanders through the landscape, dividing the grasslands in two. The sun-facing slopes are covered in dense, emerald forests, home to wildlife like maral deer and snow cocks. In contrast, the shaded slopes are blanketed in lush green grass and vibrant wildflowers. You’ll see bees buzzing, and cattle and sheep grazing peacefully—a truly captivating pastoral scene.
In the evening, find a quiet spot to watch the sunset cast a warm glow over the wooden houses as smoke gently rises from the chimneys.

Good to know:

Accommodation in the scenic area is charming but can be basic. You may wish to bring your own toiletries.

The temperature varies significantly between day and night. A warm jacket or fleece is essential.

Mosquito repellent is recommended, especially in the evening.

If you’re interested in horseback riding, please confirm prices with a registered stable beforehand and prioritize your safety.

Due to the remote mountain location, prices for goods inside the park are higher. It’s a good idea to stock up on your favorite snacks and drinks beforehand.

Route: Hemu → Kanas Lake → Jiadengyu (Approx. 200 km, 4 hours driving)

Morning:
Wake up early for an unforgettable experience. Hike up to the viewing platform to witness the magical morning mist of Hemu. As the sun rises, a sea of clouds and mist flows through the valley, shrouding the village in an ethereal, fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful stroll through the awakening village.

Afternoon:
After breakfast, we journey to the legendary Kanas National Geopark. Upon arrival in Jiadengyu (the park’s gateway), we’ll board a shuttle bus to explore the main attractions. You’ll spend about six hours mesmerized by a series of stunning bays and lakes: Fairy Bay, Dragon Bay, and Moon Bay. The centerpiece is Kanas Lake, a deep, elongated body of water eight times the size of Heavenly Lake. You can choose optional activities like a boat cruise to truly appreciate its scale and the vibrant colors of the water, or visit a local Tuvan family to learn about the unique culture and lifestyle of this ancient nomadic tribe.

Evening:
We’ll take the shuttle bus back to Jiadengyu and check into our hotel for the night.

Good to know:

Today involves a fair amount of walking and exploring. Comfortable shoes are a must.

Mountain roads can be winding. If you are prone to motion sickness, please prepare medication.

The “Important Notes” from Day 3 regarding weather, costs, and accommodation also apply here.

Route: Jiadengyu → Rainbow Beach → Urho Ghost City → Urho (Approx. 370 km, 5 hours driving)

Morning:
After breakfast, our journey continues to Wucaitan (Rainbow Beach), a unique landscape on the banks of the Irtysh River. Here, you’ll witness a stunning contrast: one bank is covered in lush greenery, while the other is a riot of colorful, mineral-rich hills sculpted by wind and water. It’s famously known as “God’s overturned paint palette.”

Afternoon:
The colors are most brilliant under the setting sun, and you’ll have time to walk through the gullies and climb the viewing platforms to capture incredible photos of this geological wonder.

Evening:
Next, we drive to the dramatic Urho Ghost City (World Devil City), a filming location for “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” We will take a self-driving route through the park, allowing you to get up close to the surreal Yardang landforms. These natural sculptures have been carved by wind erosion over millennia, creating what looks like a fantastical, ancient castle. The sound of the wind whistling through the formations gives the “city” its eerie and memorable name. Afterwards, we will proceed to our unique villa-style hotel in Urho for the night.

Route: Urho → Sayram Lake (Approx. 580 km, 7 hours driving)

Full Day:
Today is a travel day as we journey south to the magnificent Sayram Lake, poetically known as “the last teardrop of the Atlantic Ocean.” Due to the long drive, today we will check into our hotel near the lake and enjoy some free time to soak in the initial views. The full scenic loop drive is scheduled for tomorrow.
Even from the shore, the view is spectacular: a vast, tranquil expanse of deep blue, reflecting the endless sky and framed by snow-capped mountains and sprawling grasslands. The sheer size and serene beauty of the lake have a way of melting away stress, leaving you in a state of peaceful awe.

Good to know:

Today’s long drive is an opportunity to witness the changing landscapes of Xinjiang. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

We will arrive at the lake in the late afternoon. You’ll have free time to walk along the shore before we check in.

Route: Sayram Lake → Ili (Six Star Street) → Nalati Town (Approx. 400 km, 4.5 hours driving)

Morning:
This morning, we’ll experience Sayram Lake in all its glory with a self-driving tour around the lake (approx. 4 hours). We’ve arranged for a VIP pass that allows our vehicle to drive the scenic loop, bypassing the shuttle bus queues for a more intimate experience. You can also experience the lake from a different perspective with an included sailing boat trip (weather and availability permitting).

Afternoon:
We then head to the charming city of Ili to visit Liu Xing Jie (Six Star Street). This area is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, filled with colorful architecture, music, and the delicious aroma of local foods. To capture your memories here, we have arranged a complimentary travel photoshoot for you.

Evening:
As we arrive in Nalati Town, a festive bonfire party awaits! Feel the primal energy as flames light up the night and sparks dance towards the stars. Join hands with fellow travelers, dance to the rhythm of the grasslands, and share stories around the crackling fire. It’s a perfect moment of connection and celebration under the vast Xinjiang sky.

Good to know:

The special self-driving permit for Sayram Lake is a complimentary upgrade. Per park regulations, the standard shuttle bus fee is still included in the ticket and cannot be refunded.

The bonfire is a group activity that fosters a wonderful sense of community.

Route: Nalati → Bole (Approx. 500 km, 5.5 hours driving)

Morning & Afternoon:
Today we explore one of the world’s four great grasslands: the Nalati Grassland. We’ll take a self-driving route into the scenic “Sky Prairie” (空中草原), avoiding the crowds and allowing for a truly immersive experience. Here, the world opens up into an endless green carpet rolling towards the horizon, dotted with wildflowers and crisscrossed by silver ribbons of rivers. The pure, natural beauty is a balm for the soul.

To make your experience even more special, we will treat you to a Canopy Afternoon Tea. Relax under a stylish canopy tent set against the stunning 360° backdrop of the prairie—a truly cinematic and unforgettable moment.

Evening:
After a full day soaking in the beauty of the grasslands, we will embark on a scenic drive to the city of Bole, where we will check into our hotel for the night.

Good to know:

Horseback riding is a popular activity on the grassland. Please ensure you use a registered vendor and confirm the price before you begin.

Today involves a significant amount of driving. We recommend having some snacks and water handy for the journey.

Route: Bole → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Urumqi (Approx. 580 km, 6.5 hours driving)

Morning:
After breakfast, we depart from Bole for our final major natural wonder: the Dushanzi Grand Canyon.

Afternoon:
Prepare to be mesmerized by a landscape of raw, powerful beauty. Carved over millions of years by snowmelt and rain from the Tianshan Mountains, the canyon’s steep cliffs are etched with countless sharp, vertical ravines, looking as if they were sculpted by a giant axe. The dramatic, rugged terrain creates a stunning visual contrast with the vast, open plains, making it one of the most striking photographic locations in Xinjiang. After approximately an hour of exploration, we will begin our journey back to Urumqi.

Evening:
We will arrive back in Urumqi in the evening and check into our hotel, concluding the main loop of our adventure.

Good to know:

The UV radiation can still be strong. Please bring sun protection and dress in layers.

Today is another long day of travel. Keeping some snacks and drinks with you is a good idea.