8-Day Ili, Kalajun, Nalati & Sayram Lake Group Tour
Overview
Explore the Ili region over eight days, linking Sayram Lake and Yining with Kalajun, Qiongkushitai and Nalati before returning to Urumqi. The route focuses on grassland and village landscapes, with a full Nalati day before the return journey.
Your Route Map
Route and pace
Duration: 8 days. Route: Urumqi – Ili – Sayram Lake – Kalajun – Qiongkushitai – Nalati.
Grassland appearance and mountain-road access vary through the season. Confirm the scenic-area routes, shuttle tickets and any optional riding activities before booking. The return from Ili is a substantial travel section; the last day’s departure must follow the transport arrangement named in the final programme.
Confirm your group departure
Request the dated programme for your party before booking. It should identify the meeting arrangements, guiding language, accommodation where applicable, included admissions and meals, and any optional activities. The day-by-day itinerary below shows the planned sequence; the written confirmation sets out the services and conditions for your departure.
Explore the destinations
Daily Itinerary
Arrive in Urumqi and meet the transfer included in your booking. Settle into the hotel and review the group's pickup arrangements before the long journey toward Ili. Keep the remainder of the day flexible; an independent local walk can fit an early arrival, but no fixed sightseeing is assumed after a delayed flight or train.
Leave Urumqi for Sayram Lake, treating the intercity journey as a substantial part of the day. Use the available visiting window for a selected lakeshore section and mountain views before continuing to Yining. Wind and road conditions can shorten the lake stop; allow time for the onward drive and hotel check-in instead of assuming a complete lake circuit.
Travel from Yining toward Kalajun and enter the grassland area on the route arranged for the group. Use the operating scenic transport and selected walking sections to experience the open slopes and changing mountain views. The final entry zone, tickets and overnight base should be stated in the dated itinerary, as visiting every part of the scenic area is not assumed.
Continue the Kalajun and Qiongkushitai section with the day's road connection built into the sightseeing time. In Qiongkushitai, focus on the village setting and a manageable valley walk rather than adding a long trek after the transfer. Ask before photographing residents or entering private spaces, and use only paths and areas open to visitors.
Leave Qiongkushitai for Nalati, allowing for the slower road out of the village and the onward journey through Ili. This is mainly a transfer day; any short stop should fit the route and preserve time for check-in. Keep the substantial grassland visit for tomorrow rather than relying on reaching the scenic-area entrance late in the afternoon.
Devote the main part of the day to Nalati Grassland, following the scenic transport circuit and walking stops included in the group plan. Take time to compare the valley and higher open landscapes accessible on that route. Horse riding and additional scenic circuits are separate choices unless explicitly included, and should not displace the group's agreed return time.
Begin the return journey from the Ili section to Urumqi with the transport arrangement and pickup time confirmed in advance. Protect time for rest stops, meals and the hotel arrival rather than adding another distant attraction. The exact road or other transport connection is fixed in the final itinerary; this day provides a buffer before tomorrow's departure.
Check out in Urumqi and take the airport or station transfer specified in your booking. The pickup depends on the departure terminal, traffic and the group's arrangements. Keep luggage ready and leave the final hours free of timed sightseeing so the long Ili journey finishes with a practical onward connection.
