Luxury Northern Xinjiang

OVERVIEW

A confident way into Xinjiang

The entire trip starts and ends in Urumqi, completing a full loop of northern Xinjiang by following the route: "enter via the eastern route of northern Xinjiang → in‑depth tour of Altay → Ili loop → return via Duku Highway".

Special Arrangements for This Trip
① S21 Desert Expressway
Instead of merely heading to scenic spots, "crossing the desert" is made an integral part of the journey.
② A‑He Highway
Travel into Hemu along the Altai Mountains, incorporating forests, snow‑capped mountains and grasslands along the route into your trip.
③ In‑resort Accommodation in Kanas and Hemu
Avoid rushing in and out on the same day. Set aside time to truly experience the mountain forests of Northern Xinjiang.
④ Yizhao Highway
Cross the Tianshan Mountains into Zhaosu, turning the highway itself into a scenic attraction.
⑤ Xiate, Kuerdening and Narat
Rather than visiting just one grassland in Ili, discover Ili through multiple perspectives including canyons, forests and alpine grasslands.
⑥ Tangbula Grassland Campsite
Skip standard hotels for your final night and stay at a grassland campsite, concluding your Northern Xinjiang trip immersed in nature.
⑦ Duku Highway for the Grand Finale
Wrap up your Tianshan Mountains crossing on the final day via one of China’s most famous scenic highways.

YOUR JOURNEY

Day by day

Two most representative Xinjiang delicacies are freshly‑baked naan and charcoal‑grilled lamb skewers — one is the staple food most commonly seen in Xinjiang people’s daily lives, and the other is the classic street‑style barbecue across Xinjiang.

Upon arriving in Urumqi, we will skip complicated itineraries at first and take you to seek out the naan and lamb skewers favored by locals. You will witness how naan is stuck into a tandoor for baking, tear off a piece to taste while it is hot, and enjoy several charcoal‑grilled lamb skewers seasoned with distinctive Xinjiang spices. Kick off your Northern Xinjiang trip with an authentic Xinjiang feast.

What we arrange for you: Private airport pick‑up + 7‑seater business vehicle + local food recommendations + naan & lamb skewer experience

The Kalamaili Desert and the S21 Desert Expressway represent some of Xinjiang’s most iconic desert highway landscapes. Straight‑stretching roads cut directly through vast stretches of gobi desert and sand dunes.

Today marks our official entry into Northern Xinjiang. We will first experience desert scenery, then head north along S21 towards Altay. Stops for photos will be arranged along the way based on the views, letting you truly savour the charm of road‑tripping in Xinjiang.

What we arrange for you: High‑speed rail connected with business vehicle transfers, dedicated driver, and flexible stops en route.

The A‑He Highway stretches from the Altai Mountains into forests and snow‑capped areas, serving as a scenic key highway leading to Hemu.

There is no rush to arrive today. Instead, the roadside scenery is treated as part of the itinerary. You will travel through mountain forests, grasslands and snow‑capped landscapes along the way, and reach Hemu in the evening.

What we arrange for you: exclusive business vehicle + leisurely drive along the scenic highway + accommodation within the Hemu Scenic Area

Surrounded by snow‑capped mountains and primeval forests, Kanas Lake is the most representative alpine lake in Xinjiang and one of the classic natural sights for trips in northern Xinjiang.

Depart from Hemu for Kanas in the morning, and set aside ample time to experience the scenery of forests, lakes and valleys. Accommodation within the scenic area is arranged, so you won’t have to cut your sightseeing short to rush back to the city.

Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay and Wolong Bay are the three most classic viewing areas in Kanas, where the river forms continuously winding waterways amid forests and mountain valleys.
Complete the tour of the three bays in the morning, leave the Altai mountainous area in the afternoon, head south all the way to Karamay, and transition from forests and lakes to the vast Gobi landforms of Xinjiang.
What we arrange for you: focused sightseeing of the three bays + exclusive business vehicle

Sayram Lake is a well‑known alpine lake in Xinjiang. Its lake water, snow‑capped mountains, forests and grasslands form the most classic alpine‑lake landscape in northern Xinjiang.

Today we gradually enter the Ili area. The scenery along the route shifts from gobi desert to snow‑capped mountains and grasslands. Upon arriving at Sayram Lake, set aside more time to enjoy the lakeside views.

What we arrange for you: Private business vehicle + Lake area tour

A confident way into Xinjiang

Day by day

Clear before you go