June is an excellent time to visit Ili. The beauty of Ili during this time is captivating, with lush green grasslands, flowers blooming in competition, majestic snow-capped mountains, and azure clear lakes. Here are specific travel recommendations:?
Must-Visit Attractions:?
Xiata Ancient Road: This is a classic hiking trail with picturesque scenery along the way. From the grassland below the glacier to the valley and forest, every scene is breathtaking.?
Qiongkushitai: A primitive village located at the foot of a snow-capped mountain, the scenery behind the village resembles a fairy tale world and is perfect for taking photos.?
Nalati Grassland: As one of the most famous grasslands in Xinjiang, the Nalati Grassland in June is lush green, with wildflowers blooming and herds of cattle and sheep grazing. It is a great place for horse riding and hiking.?
Sayram Lake: Known as the ‘Last Teardrop of the Atlantic Ocean’, the period from May to late June is the most beautiful time at Sayram Lake. The lake water is clear, and wildflowers bloom around it, making it an excellent choice for self-driving around the lake and camping by the lake.?
Lavender Fields: From mid-to-late June is the lavender blooming season in Ili. Ili is one of the four major lavender bases in the world, with large fields of lavender forming a sea of purple, which is very romantic.?
Tour Route:?
You can choose to depart from Urumqi, passing by Sayram Lake and the Guozigou Bridge before arriving in Yining. Afterward, you can visit the Xiata Ancient Road, Muzart Glacier, and then proceed to Zhaosu. Next, explore Qiongkushitai and Tekes Eight Trigrams City, before heading to Kuerdining, Nalati, and Xinyuan. Finally, pass through Tangbula and the Duku Highway, returning to Urumqi. This is a classic 5-day tour route.?
Precautions:?
In Ili, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large in summer, so it is advisable to bring a jacket for cooler evenings.?
Traveling in Xinjiang involves long car rides, so it is recommended to prepare comfortable shoes.?
Although there are relatively fewer tourists in June, it is still necessary to book accommodation and transportation in advance to ensure a smooth itinerary.?
Additional Highlights:?
The Duku Highway opens in June, a breathtaking highway running north and south through the Tianshan Mountains, and is one of the must-visit highways for countless travelers.?
Traveling at this time also allows you to avoid high airfare prices and crowded tourist seasons, enjoying a more peaceful and economical travel experience.?
In summary, traveling to Ili in June will be an unforgettable experience, as both the natural scenery and cultural landscapes will captivate you and make you reluctant to leave.?