Xinjiang - Hetian Hiking Tours

6 Days Urumqi - Sayram Lake - Fruit Valley -Yining - Nalati Grassland - Yining - Urumqi

 
Yining, near the border with Kazakhstan, is about 390KM on the west of Urumqi. The tour to Yining starts from Urumqi. If you arrive there by air, it will take about 1.5 hours. However, to enjoy the beauty of Xinjiang on the way and reduce the budget, bus ride seems to be a better way. On the first day, take the regular coach from Nianzigou Passenger Station to Yining. Not to miss the Sayram Lake, you need to get off half way and try to stop another passing coach after visiting the Lake. So, we suggest you try to rent a car, which will be flexible and you can set up early in the morning. To see the Lake, drive 240KM westward along No. 312 national highway (Urumqi-Kuitun) to reach Kuitun. Then drive 337KM along the Tunsai highway (Kuitun-Sayram Lake). En route, visit the Aobao of Jing River. Arrive at Sayram Lake - the famous mountain lake in Xinjiang in the late afternoon. Hike around the Lake to enjoy the stunning and charming natural scenery. Stay overnight in the camp.

On the second day, trek around the Lake if you did not finish that in the previous day. Then, drive for a while to reach the fairyland of Fruit Valley. In ancient times, the Valley was served as a controlling strategic section of the North Silk Road. It is a 28 km-long Valley covered with wild fruits, apricot trees, rare trees and exotic flowers everywhere. After seeing the sapphire-colored Lake and the charming Valley which are near to each other, you can not help exclaiming over the present bestowed by the Nature. Stay over the night either by the Lake or in the Valley. Groups of travelers are attracted here even for the night view.
 

On the third day, drive to the second largest grassland in Xinjiang - Nalati Grassland. If you need rest and buy something to eat and drink, you may stop at Yining as you will pass through there. Get to the Grassland in the afternoon. Enjoy the grand grassland. You can have a horse riding on it as well. Stay overnight in the camp or the guest house.

 
Important Note:

If you do want to visit Nalati Grassland, you have to be clear about the following points:

1. Foreign visitors are required to get a Special Travel Permit when visiting there and the surrounding area.

2. Some local Travel Agencies can apply for the Permit for travelers. However,  travelers will need to fax or scan their valid passport two months before the visit.

3. The facilities of the Guest Houses in the Grassland can not be compared with the hotels in other cities. Neither can the meals  be compared to those in the cities.
 

On the fourth day, continue to enjoy the scenery on the grassland in the morning. Drive back to Yining in the afternoon. En route, enjoy the landscape of Yili River Valley. There is no Youth Hostel in Yining, Instead, you may choose a local hotel for the night. For your information: Yining Friendship Hotel(2 star) is located in the center area with convenient location and good price. Address: No. 7, 3^rd Lane, Stalin steet, Yining, Xinjiang; Tel: 86-909-8023901.

On the fifth day, drive back to Urumqi and return the car. Enjoy the scenery of the oasis and the Gobi Desert on the way. Tour ends here.