Scenic Xinjiang with Nalati Grassland

After breakfast, your guide and the driver will wait for you at your hotel lobby. Set out to the Heavenly Lake, about a 1.5-hour drive away from the city. With its deepest place of 105 meters (345 ft), the crescent-shaped lake nestled in the northern Heavenly Mountains (Tianshan Mountains) was formed by ancient glacial movement, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush forests. In summer, expect to witness wildflowers covering the grassy green mountains, while in winter, it is a fairytale world forested with white snow. Enjoy a blissful stroll around the lake under the sunshine for serene lake views and encounter the cascading waterfalls, or you can simply find a patch of grass by the roadside to sit on and gaze at the lake – that's a true pleasure. If interested, hire a boat at your own expense or climb up the Temple of Queen Mother of the West to learn about the local legend.  

Finish the visit, and let’s embark on a 4-hour car journey to explore the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, a geological wonder formed over billions of years. The snowmelt from the Heavenly Mountains has eroded and carved a "great fissure" that is 200 meters (656 ft.) deep and over 1,000 meters (3,280 ft.) wide, with dense black-grey gullies on both sides, like a giant spider web, sprawling towards the plain. As the sun sets slowly over the horizon, they resemble the blood vessels of the earth, surging with vitality. The viewing platform at the very end of the wooden boardwalk is the prime spot to enjoy the stunning views. Don’t miss capturing marvelous panoramic shots using the ultra-wide-angle mode on your phone. Afterward, we’ll drive to Kuitun and check in a comfortable hotel. 

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Haofeng International Grand Hotel (4 stars)

★ Traverse along Duku Highway - China’s Most Scenic Highway!

This morning, get up early, and your private guide will accompany you on an epic road trip along the Duku Highway, beautiful yet dangerous and challenging with rugged mountain roads clinging to cliffs and sharp bends. We’ll traverse along its north section, stretching about 230 km (143 mi), which takes about 5 hours to reach Nalati Grassland, today’s final destination. On the way, pass by the Dushanzi Grand Canyon again, gradually leaving behind the mesmerizing views of steep and rugged cliffs, and then, feast your eyes on mind-blowing vistas including the desert, snow-topped mountains, lush forests with babbling brooks, and vast grasslands dotted with cattle, sheep, and white yurts. As the elevation rises, reaching 3,390 meters (11,122 ft.) at its highest point, you might feel a little short of breath, and the temperature also drops significantly outside the car. Don’t worry, just prepare some warm clothes for snowy weather, and we’ll soon descend to warmer places. 

► Warm Tips: 
1.The Duku Highway only opens from mid-June to early October as it is covered by snow most of the year. In other months, we’ll arrange a 3.5-hour high-speed train for you to arrive in Yining, along which you can also enjoy distant mountains, deserts, and some grasslands.  
2.In peak season from July to August, the scenic and bumpy Duku Highway may attract a throng of visitors. Due to its complex road conditions, it is frequently congested. Please prepare enough snacks, fruits and water, though there are also many supplies available on the way. After the nature-packed journey, we’ll come to Nalati Grassland, one of the most beautiful grasslands in China. “Nalati” is a Mongolian word meaning the place where the sun rises, which originates from a legend about Genghis Khan's westward expedition: after his army crossed the Heavenly Mountains into bright sunshine, the soldiers cheered in Mongolian, “Nalati”, hence the name of the beautiful grasslands. What’s more, as it is located in intermontane basins at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,218 ft.), 400 meters (1,312 ft.) higher than the town of Nalati, it is known as the "Sky Grassland". Standing at the high observation platform, you can capture a stunning panoramic view, where the vast grasslands unfold like an oil painting, with protruding hillsides on the east and west resembling giant saddles. The landscape is dotted with wild lilies nourished by snowmelt, alongside tulips, wild poppies, and dandelions. You may also happen to encounter local Kazakh herdsmen driving herds of cattle, horses, and sheep migrating here, all against the spectacular backdrop of snow-capped peaks and azure skies. Don’t miss the peerless sunset, when the gentle sunshine casts its golden glow on the grass, making the vibrant green drenched in orange hues, while the clouds turn pink. If you’re interested, you can also try horse riding or go for a thrilling grass-skating ride through the lush meadows at your own expense. Finally, your guide and the driver will escort you to check in the hotel in Nalati.

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Liancheng Shengtai Hotel (3 stars)

This morning, pack up your luggage and be ready to explore Xinjiang’s largest and highest lake, Sayram Lake, with a height of 2,073 meters (6,800 ft.). Your guide will wait for you at your hotel lobby and hit the road for a 5- to 6-hour drive. On the way, other than the beautiful scenery, you’ll also have a chance to witness a marvelous engineering wonder, Guozigou Bridge, the most expensive bridge in China, yet one of the most photogenic bridges. The 700-meter-long (2,300-foot) cable-stayed bridge stands above the 200-meter-deep valley, with two main structures soaring high respectively, which is said to use more than 17,000 tons of steel in total, costing around CNY 2.39 billion (USD 33.9 million)! Just overlook the S-shaped bridge meandering through the canyon surrounded by rolling hills. Then, continue the trip, and you’ll drop by a dreamlike purple wonderland filled with lavender from June to August, where every frame is a picture-perfect scene!

★ Encounter the Last Teardrop of the Atlantic - Sayram Lake!

Finally, we’ll arrive at today’s destination, Sayram Lake. The blue-hued lake offers dramatic natural scenery in different seasons. In spring, the lake awakens from the frozen winter, and the water is as clear as a sapphire; with fewer tourists around, you can fully soak up the cool yet gentle atmosphere. In summer, it is livelier, with wild flowers blooming brilliantly, and cattle and sheep graze peacefully. Autumn at Sayram Lake is just like a palette of colors, with golden meadows and deep blue waters set against distant snow-capped mountains. While the lake in winter is a completely different world, as everything around is a vast expanse of white, frozen into a quiet ice and snow kingdom, which is breathtakingly beautiful! Although it was a bit chilly, sitting in the car and slowly appreciating its pristine beauty is still quite a treat.

After the visit, the guide will escort you to check in a comfortable hotel near the lake. 

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Sayram Lake Rezen Chinese Inn Xiangjiang Holiday Hotel (4 stars)

After breakfast, your guide and driver will accompany you to Yining by a 2-hour private drive. As the capital city of Yili, Yining served as a popular stopover for visitors to Sayram Lake and Nalati Grassland; however, the city itself is also worth a deep exploration, as it can be the most culturally rich place in Northern Xinjiang. Follow your guide to Kazanqi Folk Village first, which is more than an attraction but home to Uyghurs, Kazakhs and other ethnic groups that have lived here for generations. The street lined with sky blue and lake blue houses with colorful doors and windows may catch your eyes, while every household has a large yard with long grape trellises, flowers, and fruit trees. Stroll through the maze-like alleys to glimpse the authentic local life, and if interested, you can try a local traditional ‘Hadik’ horse carriage at your own expense.

Then, proceed to Liuxing Street, the most popular local pedestrian zone centered around a square, with six main streets radiating outwards, featuring a unique hexagonal layout. Feast your eyes on its diverse architecture blending European, Russian, and Central Asian styles with colorful facades and carved doors and windows. This is a paradise for foodies, offering local snacks such as cakes and pastries, handmade ice cream with nuts, fresh fruits, as well as the Russian style Leba bread. Here you can also browse some stores offering exquisite handicrafts. 

After that, spend your time strolling along the beautiful Yili River, where you can capture a stunning sunset with looming snow-capped mountains in the distance. At the end of the day, the guide will escort you to check in at a well-selected hotel. 

Meals: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Meijing Hotel (4 stars)

Enjoy a rich breakfast at your hotel, and your guide and the driver will wait for you at your hotel lobby according to your schedule. They are ready to escort you to the airport at any time. Wish you a nice journey home!

Meals: Western buffet breakfast

 For Your Information:
If you have a later flight and want to make the most of your final hours experiencing the local vibe on your own, don’t miss the famous morning market located at Lane 6, Stalin West Road. It’s worth observing locals haggling prices for their daily needs, and savoring some authentic local food like pan-fried buns and dumplings, freshly made deep-fried dough sticks, and salty tofu puddings at a fair price, not to mention the delicious dairy products. If you’d like to extend your trip to Kashgar in South Xinjiang, feel free to contact us to tailor your trip!