8 Days Northern Xinjiang Private Tour with Hotels

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Urumqi Arrival – Airport Pickup & Free Time⌄

   Arrive at Urumqi International Airport. Your private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your 4-diamond hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Urumqi on your own. We recommend visiting the Xinjiang Regional Museum or the Grand Bazaar in the city center.

   Overnight: 4-diamond hotel in Urumqi

2. 2Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – S21 Desert Highway – Altay⌄

   After breakfast, drive to Heavenly Lake (Tianshan Tianchi), a sacred alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Enjoy a scenic walk along the lake and take a boat ride (optional). After lunch, drive along the S21 Desert Highway, crossing the Gurbantünggüt Desert with stunning sand dune views. Arrive in Altay in the evening.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast is included at hotel.

   Overnight: 4-diamond hotel in Altay

3. 3Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village⌄

   Hemu Village is a picturesque Tuvan settlement with traditional wooden cabins nestled in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains and birch forests. Travelers will explore the village on foot, visit local homes, enjoy the sunset over the village, and experience the serene rural atmosphere.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast is included at hotel.

   Overnight: Wooden cabin accommodation in Hemu Village

4. 4Hemu - Kanas – Burqin⌄

   Drive to Kanas Lake, one of Xinjiang's most famous natural wonders. Enjoy a full-day exploration of Kanas — walk along the lake, visit the Fish Pavilion for a panoramic view, and admire the lush forests and crystal-clear turquoise water.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast is included at hotel.

   Overnight: 4-diamond hotel in Burqin

5. 5Burqin – Duku Highway (Northern Section) – Kuitun⌄

   Urho Devil City is a stunning yardang landform created by centuries of wind and rain erosion. The unique rock formations resemble ancient castles, pagodas, and various animals, creating a surreal desert landscape. Travelers will explore the site by sightseeing shuttle, with multiple photo stops at the most spectacular viewpoints. The area is also famous as a filming location for several Chinese blockbuster movies, including "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast is included at hotel.

   Overnight: 4-diamond hotel in Kuitun

6. 6Kuitun – Sayram Lake – Jinghe⌄

   Sayram Lake, known as the "Pearl of the Tianshan Mountains," is Xinjiang's largest high-altitude lake. Travelers will enjoy a full-circle scenic drive around the lake, with stops at the best viewpoints to admire the crystal-clear blue water, surrounding snow-capped peaks, and green meadows. The lake's color changes with the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing visual experience.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast is included at hotel.

   Overnight: 4-diamond hotel in Jinghe

7. 7Jinghe - Grand Bazzar - Urumqi⌄

   Urumqi's Grand Bazaar is Xinjiang's largest market, offering a vibrant taste of Silk Road culture. You can shop for handmade carpets, silk scarves, and local handicrafts, enjoy Xinjiang street food like lamb skewers and freshly baked naan, and watch live Uyghur music and dance performances. The iconic 80-meter sightseeing tower provides a panoramic view of the city.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast is included at hotel.

   Overnight: 4-diamond hotel in Urumqi

8. 8Urumqi Departure – Airport Drop-off⌄

   After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Urumqi until your departure time. Your private driver will transfer you to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport according to your flight schedule.

   Meals: Breakfast: Breakfast is included at hotel.