Escape the Summer Heat in Yili's Hidden Gems (Including Costs)

Step into a Hayao Miyazaki Summer❗ The Ultimate 6-Day Yili Niche Itinerary is Here❗
Snow-capped mountains, endless grasslands, wildflower-covered hills, and azure lakes—this route captures the essence of Yili Valley's breathtaking scenery. 🚗 Drive through the Nalati Sky Grasslands, 🚶 hike the Xia Ancient Trail, 🌊 circle the pristine Sayram Lake, and 🌾 explore the secluded beauty of Ku'erdening/Qiaxi. From July to August, dare to conquer the "Mini Duku Highway"—the Yizhao Road! With professional photography📸, this soul-soothing journey is bound to light up your social media!
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🛬【Itinerary】:
D1: Depart nationwide - Assemble in Yining
D2: Yining - Nalati Sky Grasslands - Snow Lotus Valley - Overnight in Xinyuan (314KM)
D3: Route A: Xinyuan - Ku'erdening - Qiapuqi Lake - VIP self-drive in Aketas - Overnight in Tekes (241KM)
Route B: Xinyuan - Qiapuqi Lake - VIP self-drive in Qiaxi - Overnight in Tekes (241KM)
D4: Tekes - Xia Ancient Trail - Distant view of Muzart Glacier - Yizhao Road (July-August) - Overnight in Yining (460KM)
D5: Yining - VIP self-drive around Sayram Lake - Lake photography session - Overnight in Yining (284KM)
D6: Yining - Disband
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⛺【Must-Visit Spots】:
🌊 Sayram Lake VIP self-drive: A 90km lakeside loop, venturing into the less-traveled western grasslands for stunning shots of "Sayram Blue" and mountain reflections.
🏔️ Xia Ancient Trail: Trek through forested valleys and gaze at Xinjiang's most treacherous glacier—Muzart—as if stepping into medieval Central Asia.
🌿 Nalati Sky Grasslands + Snow Lotus Valley: Home to Kazakh herders, climb to cloud-kissed meadows and touch glacial remnants in Snow Lotus Valley (snow persists until June).
🌲 Ku'erdening: A UNESCO-listed spruce forest sanctuary with views of Kabanbay Peak.
🍀 Qiaxi: The pinnacle of layered grasslands—drive up to Qiaxi Panorama Platform for sweeping river and forest vistas.
🛣️ Yizhao Road (July-August only): A cliffside "hundred-mile gallery" with mist-shrouded White Stone Peak, rivaling Duku Highway's grandeur.
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🍩【Must-Try Foods】:
🍢 Yining kebabs: Freshly skewered lamb with naan, crispy and juicy—30 RMB fills you up.
🍄 Zhaosu wild mushroom soup: Lamb-bone broth with wild Bachu mushrooms and hand-pulled noodles—unbelievably umami!
🌶️ Tekes secret-spiced chicken: Free-range chicken with onions, numbing but not spicy—even better chilled.
🐟 Sayram Lake cold-water trout: Tender and fresh—try pan-fried or as dumplings (pricey in-scenic but worth it).
🍦 Hidden gems: Yining handmade ice cream (Gulandanm) and kvass (honey-fermented drink) for digestion!
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🚌【Transport Tips】:
🔴 Options: 4-6 person van tours (with VIP self-drive) or private custom groups.
🔴 Perks: Local drivers know mountain roads; includes off-limits VIP routes.
🔴 Key notes:
Yizhao Road allows only ≤7-seat vehicles (40km/h speed limit).
Xia Scenic Area requires shuttle transfers (park personal vehicles at entrance).
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🧡【Pro Tips】:
🔸 Documents: ID + border permit (not needed for Xia but carry ID).
🔸 Clothing: Pack windbreakers even in summer (Sayram/Snow Lotus Valley is windy), plus sunhats, sunglasses, and SPF50+.
🔸 Altitude: Entire route <3000m—no altitude sickness concerns.
🔸 Safety: Avoid night driving on Yizhao Road; don’t off-road on grasslands (heavy fines).
🔸 Crowds: Enter Xia before 9am; circle Sayram counterclockwise (tour groups go clockwise).
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💰 Budget: 6-day van tour + transfers + 4-star lodging + tickets ≈ 5,000-6,500 RMB/pax (excludes flights/meals).
❗ Groups can split costs (~4,800 RMB/pax); solo/couple travelers pay more.