This 7-day chartered car tour guide of the Yili Valley has carefully planned an itinerary route that includes both classic attractions and unique features. Below are the detailed itinerary arrangements and suggestions:?
Itinerary arrangement?
Day 1: Set off for Urumqi, the starting point of your Xinjiang trip. Upon arrival, you can have free time to experience the local flavor of Urumqi and prepare for the upcoming journey.?
Day 2: Depart from Urumqi and head to Sayram Lake. Along the way, enjoy the magnificent sunrise scenery and take a self-driving tour around the lake to feel the tranquility and beauty of Sayram Lake.?
In the evening, you can choose to stay in a yurt or hotel near Sayram Lake.?
Day 3: Depart from Sayram Lake, cross the Guozigou Bridge, and arrive at Qiongkushitai Village. This place retains its pristine beauty and is a great spot to experience Kazakh culture and take photos.?
In the evening, you can choose to stay at a homestay in Qiongkushitai or nearby areas.?
Day 4: Visit Qiaxi Grassland to feel its vastness and grandeur. Afterwards, proceed to Gongliu or Xinyuan for accommodation to prepare for the next day’s itinerary.?
Day 5: Depart from Gongliu or Xinyuan to enjoy the beauty of Nalati Grassland. Nalati Grassland is renowned for its beautiful roadside scenery and rich grassland culture, and is one of the must-see attractions in Xinjiang.?
In the evening, you can choose to stay at a homestay or hotel near Nalati.?
Day 6: Depart from Nalati and cross the Duku Highway to experience the amazing change of four seasons in one day. The Duku Highway is famous for its spectacular scenery and treacherous road conditions, and is a must-visit for self-driving tours in Xinjiang.?
Return to Urumqi in the evening to prepare for the return trip the next day.?
Day 7: Free time in Urumqi. You can visit local museums, markets, etc., to experience the cultural atmosphere of Xinjiang. After that, return home with full memories and beautiful scenery.?
Practical tips?
Book in advance: During the peak tourist season in Xinjiang, car fares and accommodation prices may increase. It is recommended to book rooms and vehicles in advance to ensure a smooth trip.?
Choose unique accommodations: During the trip, you can choose yurts, wooden cabins, and other unique accommodations to experience the local customs and traditions. However, it is recommended to experience them for just a few nights as these accommodations are usually located within scenic areas, with fewer dining options nearby and less convenient facilities.?
Prepare emergency items: Xinjiang’s weather is unpredictable. It is recommended to prepare some emergency items such as raincoats, sunscreen, and common medications to deal with unexpected situations.?
Pay attention to safety: During the self-driving tour, pay attention to driving safety and abide by traffic rules. At the same time, keep personal belongings safe to avoid loss or theft.?
Hope this 7-day chartered car tour guide of the Yili Valley can provide useful reference for your trip to Xinjiang!?