{"product_id":"14-day-northern-xinjiang-scenic-tour-with-experienced-local-driver","title":"14-Day Northern Xinjiang Scenic Tour with Experienced Local Driver and Guide","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEmbark on a 14-day odyssey through the vast, untamed landscapes of northern Xinjiang, where snow-capped peaks, emerald lakes, and rolling grasslands stretch beyond the horizon. Begin in Urumqi's vibrant bazaars, then journey to the alpine serenity of Tianchi Lake and the granite wonders of Koktokay. Lose yourself in the fairy-tale beauty of Kanas and Hemu—remote Tuvan villages framed by golden birch forests and the legendary lake's turquoise waters. Traverse the wind sculpted \"Ghost City\" of Urho, stand before the \"Atlantic's Last Tear\" at Sayram Lake, and ride across the flower carpeted meadows of Nalati. Conquer the dramatic Duku Highway, a mountain road threading through sheer cliffs and deep gorges, before returning to Urumqi's cultural treasures. With comfortable stays and private transfers throughout, this journey immerses you in Xinjiang's wild heart—a land of ethnic diversity, ancient Silk Road echoes, and nature at its most majestic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItinerary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 1 Arrival in Urumqi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe will greet you at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and provide a private transfer to your hotel for check-in. If time permits, we recommend a self guided visit to the Grand Bazaar, where you can admire striking Islamic architecture and browse local crafts such as silk carpets, musical instruments, and dried fruits. The bazaar is a vibrant introduction to Xinjiang's diverse cultures. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(53, 100, 172);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHotel accommodation: Kaysen Hotel.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 2 Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi Lake (approx. 110 km, ~2 hours)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe will take a drive to Tianshan Tianchi Lake, a stunning alpine lake nestled in the Tianshan Mountains. You will take a scenic shuttle bus up to the lake, surrounded by snow capped peaks and pine forests. We recommend a gentle walk along the lakeshore or a boat ride to fully appreciate the crystal clear waters reflecting the majestic Bogda Peak. The fresh mountain air and breathtaking views make this a perfect start to the journey. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(47, 113, 193);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHotel accommodation: Tianshan Wujiang Hot Spring City Hotel.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 3 Tianshan Tianchi – Koktokay (approx. 460 km, ~5.5 hours)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter breakfast, we will drive to Koktokay, a remote and beautiful region known for its dramatic granite rock formations and pristine rivers. We are going to explore the Koktokay National Geopark, home to the iconic \"Fairy Mountain\" and \"Golden Triangle\" peaks. The Irtysh River flows through the valley, creating a serene landscape. You may also spot the rare Siberian ibex and other wildlife. The evening is free to enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(47, 113, 193);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHotel accommodation: Yuan Fang Grand Hotel.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 4 Koktokay – Burqin (approx. 370 km, ~5.5 hours)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe will travel to Burqin, a small riverside town surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. Along the way, we are going to stop at scenic viewpoints to admire the changing landscapes, from rugged mountains to gentle valleys. Upon arrival, you may take a leisurely stroll along the Burqin River and visit the local market. The town serves as the gateway to the famous Kanas Lake region.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(47, 113, 193);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eHotel accommodation: Hongyu Furui Hotel Buerjin.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 5 Burqin – Kanas (via Baihaba) (approx. 140 km, ~2.5-3 hours)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday we will enter the Kanas Scenic Area, passing through Baihaba Village, a picturesque settlement of the Tuvan people, with wooden houses surrounded by golden birch forests. We are going to take a leisurely walk through the village to experience its unique culture and hospitality. Then we continue to Kanas Lake, often compared to a fairyland with its emerald waters. We will check into our accommodation and prepare for tomorrow's full exploration. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(47, 113, 193);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHotel accommodation: Zarat B\u0026amp;B (Kanas New Village Shop).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 6 Full Day in Kanas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe will spend the entire day exploring Kanas Lake and its surrounding scenery. A sightseeing bus will take us to the main viewing platforms, including the Fish Pavilion, where you can overlook the entire lake and spot the legendary \"Kanas monster\" if lucky. We are going to walk along the boardwalk by the lakeshore, photograph the vibrant autumn (or summer) colours, and enjoy a peaceful picnic. The tranquility and natural beauty of Kanas will leave you mesmerised. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(47, 113, 193);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHotel accommodation: Zarat B\u0026amp;B (Kanas New Village Shop).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 7 Kanas – Hemu (approx. 90-100 km, ~1.5-2 hours)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe will drive to Hemu, one of China's most beautiful villages, home to the Tuvan and Kazakh ethnic groups. We are going to explore the village with its distinctive wooden cabins, grazing livestock, and the Hemu River winding through the valley. The surrounding mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. You may hike up to the viewing platform for a panoramic shot of the village at sunset. The peaceful rural atmosphere is perfect for relaxation. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(47, 113, 193);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHotel accommodation: Hemu Hotel.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 8 Hemu – Urho (approx. 350-400 km, ~4-5 hours)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter breakfast, we will travel to Urho, a region famous for its unique wind eroded rock formations known as the \"Ghost City.\" We are going to explore the vast desert landscape of the Urho National Geopark, where the wind has sculpted the sandstone into towers, pagodas, and animal shapes. The site is especially atmospheric at sunset, when the rocks glow in shades of gold and red. We will then check into our hotel for the night. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(47, 113, 193);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOvernight at Western Wuzhen.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 9 Urho – Jinghe (approx. 320-430 km, ~4-5 hours)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe will drive to Jinghe, a quiet town on the edge of the Gurbantünggüt Desert. Along the way, we are going to pass through vast cotton fields and desert oases, offering a glimpse into the agricultural heartland of northern Xinjiang. Upon arrival, you may take a relaxed walk to explore the local streets and sample regional snacks. The town serves as a convenient stopover before our visit to Sayram Lake. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(47, 113, 193);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHotel accommodation: Jinghehe Hotel.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 10 Jinghe – Sayram Lake – Liuxing Street – Yining (approx. 240 km, ~3.5 hours)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e(Jinghe to Sayram: approx. 100 km, ~1.5 hours; Sayram to Yining: approx. 140 km, ~2 hours)\u003cbr\u003eToday we will visit Sayram Lake, the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, often called the \"Atlantic's Last Tear\" due to its pristine beauty. We are going to take a scenic drive around the lake, stopping at the best viewpoints for photography and a gentle walk along the flower covered shores. Afterwards, we will head to Yining and explore Liuxing Street, a vibrant Uyghur neighbourhood with colourful houses and artisan workshops. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(47, 113, 193);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHotel accommodation: Cloud Hotel Yining.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 11 Yining – Nalati Grassland (approx. 250-280 km, ~3.5-4.5 hours)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe will drive to Nalati Grassland, one of the most beautiful alpine meadows in Xinjiang. We are going to take the scenic cable car up to the high altitude prairie, where you will be greeted by rolling green hills dotted with yurts and grazing sheep. The views of the snow capped peaks in the distance are breathtaking. You may enjoy a horseback ride or simply wander through the wildflower covered meadows. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(47, 113, 193);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eHotel accommodation: Urba Hotel (Nalati Bus Station Branch).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 12 Bayinbrook – Kuitun (via Northern Duku Highway) (approx. 280-380 km, ~7-8 hours)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe are going to travel along the legendary Duku Highway, one of China's most spectacular mountain roads. We will stop at Bayinbrook Grassland to view the famous \"Nine Sunsets\" at the winding Kaidu River. The drive through the Tianshan Mountains offers dramatic cliffs, deep gorges, and panoramic alpine scenery. We will continue to Kuitun, a town at the northern end of the highway, and check into our hotel. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(47, 113, 193);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHotel accommodation: Kuytun Duku Highway Renjoy Hotel.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 13 Kuitun – Urumqi (approx. 240 km, ~2.5-3 hours)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe will return to Urumqi, driving through the fertile plains of northern Xinjiang. Upon arrival, the remainder of the day is free for you to explore the city at your own pace. We recommend a visit to the Xinjiang Museum to learn about the region's rich history and diverse ethnic cultures, or a final shopping trip at the Grand Bazaar for souvenirs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(47, 113, 193);\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHotel accommodation: Urumqi Galaxy Hotel.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay 14 Urumqi Departure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe will transfer you to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport according to your flight schedule and bid you farewell. We wish you a pleasant journey to the next destination or back home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInclusions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrivate transport\u003cbr\u003eHotel accommodation\u003cbr\u003eAdmission tickets\u003cbr\u003eTravel insurance, bottled water\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExclusions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAirfares\u003cbr\u003eMeals (lunch and dinner)\u003cbr\u003eOptional paid activities within the scenic areas (e.g., horse riding, etc.)\u003cbr\u003eOther personal expenses\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Panda Tours","offers":[{"title":"4 pax (p\/p)","offer_id":46043977777209,"sku":null,"price":3480.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0266\/2003\/5129\/files\/cd185c248fb275918a73bf30606f2531.jpg?v=1781258916","url":"https:\/\/www.mypandatours.com\/ja-jp\/products\/14-day-northern-xinjiang-scenic-tour-with-experienced-local-driver","provider":"My Panda Tours","version":"1.0","type":"link"}