Day 1 | Welcome to Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi and enjoy a seamless VIP airport transfer to your luxury hotel.
Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for an extraordinary journey through the heart of Xinjiang.
After check-in and some rest, you may choose to visit the Urumqi International Grand Bazaar and enjoy local food at your own pace.
- Accommodation: Selected hotel accommodation
Urumqi Grand Bazaar is a lively cultural and commercial district that combines ethnic traditions, bustling commerce, and Central Asian influences. It brings together specialty snacks and local flavors from across Xinjiang and neighboring Central Asian regions.
- A mystery welcome gift will be provided upon arrival.
Day 2 | Urumqi → Sayram Lake
Travel west across the vast and breathtaking landscapes of Xinjiang to the stunning Sayram Lake, often known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic.”
Take a relaxing walk along the lakeshore, admire the crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and capture the journey using photography equipment provided during the trip.
At sunset, enjoy one of the most beautiful evenings in Xinjiang by the lake. Tonight, stay near the Sayram Lake Scenic Area and enjoy a peaceful night close to nature.
Highlights
- Professional photography equipment provided
- Sunset at Sayram Lake
- Stay near Sayram Lake
Day 3 | In-Depth Sayram Lake Experience → Yining
Today, explore the complete scenic loop around Sayram Lake. Stop at flower-filled meadows, clear springs, and iconic viewpoints, including Swan Bay, the Lighthouse, and the famous S-Curve shoreline.
You may also enjoy a light lakeside hike and take in panoramic views from Fruit Valley Lookout. During flower season, visit colorful lavender fields before arriving in Yining, a city known for its multicultural atmosphere.
In the evening, stroll through lively Liuxing Street (Six Star Street) and experience the city’s unique blend of culture, cuisine, and architecture.
Included Experiences
- Sayram Lake sightseeing cruise
- Traditional welcome ceremony
- Ethnic cultural performances
- Seasonal visit to lavender fields
- Evening walk through Liuxing Street (Six Star Street)
Day 4 | Yining → Xiata Ancient Trail
Travel along the spectacular Yizhao Highway, often regarded as one of the most beautiful mountain roads in China.
Explore the legendary Xiata Ancient Trail, once an important route along the ancient Silk Road leading toward the magnificent Muzart Glacier. Walk through alpine meadows and admire breathtaking views of glaciers framed by the Tianshan Mountains.
Highlights
- Scenic drive along Yizhao Highway
- Muzart Glacier viewpoint
- Xiata Ancient Trail exploration
- Premium hotel stay
Day 5 | Zhaosu → Nalati
Depending on the season, visit either Qiaxi Forest Park or Kurdening Scenic Area, where you can explore pristine alpine forests and rolling grasslands.
Before continuing to Nalati, take part in a professionally guided short-form video shoot on the grassland.
Included Experiences
- Qiaxi Forest Park or Kurdening Scenic Area
- Guided grassland short-video shoot
- Panoramic views of the Tianshan Mountains
- Premium hotel in Nalati
Day 6 | Nalati Sky Grassland & Kazakh Cultural Immersion
Explore the world-famous Nalati Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley scenic road.
This afternoon, experience one of the most memorable cultural highlights of the journey: an immersive Kazakh wedding cultural experience.
Dress in traditional Kazakh clothing and become honored guests at the celebration. Enjoy music, dance, ceremonial traditions, and a lavish banquet featuring more than ten authentic Kazakh specialties.
You will also visit local families, participate in cultural activities, and discover the traditions that have shaped nomadic life on the grasslands for centuries.
Exclusive Cultural Experiences
- Immersive Kazakh wedding ceremony
- Traditional Kazakh costume experience
- Live folk music and dance
- Traditional Kazakh banquet
- Professional photography in ethnic costume
- Wildflower afternoon tea
Day 7 | A Day in the Life of Nomads → Duku Highway → Urumqi
Today offers a rare opportunity to go beyond ordinary sightseeing and experience authentic nomadic culture firsthand.
Learn traditional Kazakh crafts from local artisans, including yurt building, felt-making, and saddle craftsmanship. Visit a working horse ranch, observe traditional horse-training techniques, and learn how mare’s milk is traditionally produced and used in Kazakh culture.
Step inside beautifully designed Kazakh and Kyrgyz homes and experience the elegance, aesthetics, and hospitality of local nomadic culture.
In the afternoon, travel along the legendary Duku Highway, widely considered one of Asia’s most spectacular road trips. Cross dramatic mountain passes and breathtaking wilderness before returning to Urumqi.
Exclusive Cultural Experiences
- Traditional yurt-building demonstration
- Nomadic horse culture experience
- Felt-making and traditional crafts
- Mare’s milk production experience
- Visit premium Kazakh and Kyrgyz family homes
- Scenic drive along the Duku Highway
- Selected hotel accommodation
Departure Day
After breakfast, enjoy a comfortable airport transfer.
If your flight schedule allows, a visit to the Xinjiang Museum can be arranged.
Leave Xinjiang with unforgettable memories of alpine lakes, epic road trips, nomadic traditions, and immersive cultural experiences.
This is the kind of journey many travelers may only experience once in a lifetime.
