9-Day Ili Winter Tour: Sayram Lake & Nalati

Themes China Self-Drive & Overland Tours

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Duration 9 Days

Route Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Yining → Zhaosu → Kurdening → Xinyuan → Nalati → Yining → Urumqi → Tianshan Tianchi → Urumqi

Entry City Urumqi

Exit City Urumqi

Overview

This 9-day private Ili winter tour follows Xinjiang’s blue-ice season from Urumqi to Sayram Lake, the wetlands of Zhaosu, the spruce valleys of Kurdening and snowy Nalati. Local culture, scenic drives and a rail return from Yining create a balanced winter journey.

Route at a glance

Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Yining → Zhaosu → Kurdening → Xinyuan → Nalati → Yining → Urumqi → Tianshan Tianchi → Urumqi

Who this tour suits

Photographers, couples and nature travellers who want frozen lakes, snow-covered valleys, wildlife and local Ili winter culture.

Daily Itinerary

Urumqi winter skyline backed by snow-covered Tianshan Mountains.

Arrive in Urumqi and meet your private driver for the hotel transfer. The rest of the day is free to acclimatise and prepare for the winter road journey.

Winter road from Urumqi approaching frozen Sayram Lake at sunset.

Drive west across northern Xinjiang to Sayram Lake. Reach the lakeshore in time for sunset over the frozen blue surface and snow-covered mountain rim.

Colourful secular houses along Yining Liuxing Street in winter.

Return to Sayram Lake for morning blue-ice photography, then cross the Guozigou valley and continue to Yining. Enjoy a relaxed walk through the colourful secular streets of the Liuxing neighbourhood.

Swans and winding open water in the snow-covered Zhaosu wetland.

Travel from Yining to Swan Spring, where wintering swans gather in the open water, then continue across snowy steppe to the wetlands and river landscapes of Zhaosu.

Snowy spruce forest and mountain trail in Kurdening valley.

Drive through Ili's winter valleys to Kurdening, known for spruce forests, snow-covered slopes and quiet mountain trails. Continue to Xinyuan for the night.

Traditional Kazakh yurt and horses near Nalati in winter.

Explore the snowy Nalati valley grasslands and visit a local Kazakh family. Learn about traditional naan making, leather craft and everyday winter life in the region.

Modern train travelling through snowy Ili valley from Yining to Urumqi.

Return from Nalati to Yining and board the confirmed train to Urumqi. Your private team will coordinate station transfers and final ticket details.

Frozen Tianshan Tianchi surrounded by spruce forest and snowy peaks.

Take a winter day trip to frozen Tianshan Tianchi, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and spruce forest. Return to Urumqi for a walk through the lively market district, focusing on food and local crafts.

Passenger airplane on a snowy Urumqi runway at dawn.

Transfer to Urumqi Airport or railway station for your onward journey according to the confirmed schedule.

What's Included & Excluded

What is included in this tour

Private or group transport

Air-conditioned vehicle and transfers listed in the confirmed itinerary.

English-speaking service

Professional English-speaking guide service as specified in the quotation.

Accommodation

Selected hotels with breakfast when included in the confirmed proposal.

Sightseeing

Entrance tickets and activities specifically marked as included.

What is Not Included in this tour

International transport

International flights and transport to the tour starting point unless stated otherwise.

Personal expenses

Laundry, minibar, optional activities and other personal purchases.

Insurance and visas

Travel insurance, China visa fees and permit costs unless explicitly included.

Unlisted meals

Meals, drinks and gratuities not shown in the confirmed inclusion list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The road journey and sightseeing are privately arranged. The Yining–Urumqi train segment is ticketed according to the confirmed schedule.

Private tours can usually be adjusted for pace, hotel level and special interests. Transport and attraction availability are reconfirmed before booking.

Bring a valid passport, comfortable walking shoes and season-appropriate clothing. We will advise on any permits or weather-specific equipment.

Final hotel and meal inclusions depend on the confirmed quotation. Your written proposal will list every included service before payment.

Expect a mix of walking, steps and vehicle access at the places included in this route. The exact level depends on the day-by-day sequence, so share any concerns about mobility, children, older travellers or rest breaks before the itinerary is confirmed.

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9-Day Ili Winter Tour: Sayram Lake, Zhaosu and Nalati