12-Day Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Villages, Lakes, Grasslands & Deserts

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Duration 12 Days
Route Urumqi → Fuyun → Burqin → Kanas → Hemu → Kuitun → Yining → Nalati → Jinghe → Sayram Lake → Urumqi
Entry City Urumqi
Exit City Urumqi

Overview

This 12-day journey connects Urumqi, Fuyun, Burqin, Kanas, Hemu, Kuitun, Yining, Nalati, Jinghe, Sayram Lake in a sociable small-group format. It is designed for international travellers who want a well-paced Xinjiang tour with clear transfers, essential landmarks and time for local culture.

Route at a glance

Urumqi → Fuyun → Burqin → Kanas → Hemu → Kuitun → Yining → Nalati → Jinghe → Sayram Lake

Who this tour suits

First-time visitors, couples, families and friends who prefer a practical itinerary with guided sightseeing and balanced daily pacing.

Daily Itinerary

Arrival in Urumqi, Day 1 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts
Arrival in Urumqi, Day 1 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts.

Arrive in Urumqi by flight or train, escort to the hotel in Urumqi downtown; explore the city on your own.

Urumqi to Fuyun via Heavenly Lake, Day 2 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts
Urumqi to Fuyun via Heavenly Lake, Day 2 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts. Photo by rheins, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Explore the serene Heavenly Lake of Tianshan. Enjoy the sweeping views before continuing to Fuyun.

Fuyun to Burqin via Keketuohai and Five-Colored Beach, Day 3 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts
Fuyun to Burqin via Keketuohai and Five-Colored Beach, Day 3 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts. Photo by neverdance, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Head to Keketuohai, a geological wonderland, before visiting the colorful Five-Colored Beach in Burqin.

Burqin to Jiadengyu and Kanas Lake, Day 4 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts
Burqin to Jiadengyu and Kanas Lake, Day 4 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts. Photo by Gpwitteveen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Explore the dramatic Kanas Scenic Area. Visit the Three Bays and Guanyu Pavilion.

Hemu Village and Return to Burqin, Day 5 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts
Hemu Village and Return to Burqin, Day 5 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts. Photo by lwtt93 from Shanghai, China, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Visit Hemu Village, known for its rustic wooden houses and dramatic natural beauty. Return to Burqin for the evening.

Burqin to Kuitun via Urho Ghost Town, Day 6 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts
Burqin to Kuitun via Urho Ghost Town, Day 6 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts. Photo by 罗布泊, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Venture to the Ghost City of the World, a unique geological formation with eerie, wind-carved landscapes.

Kuitun to Yining via Sayram Lake, Day 7 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts
Kuitun to Yining via Sayram Lake, Day 7 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts. Photo by Tomskyhaha, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Drive to Yining, with scenic views of Sayram Lake along the way.

Yining to Nalati Grassland, Day 8 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts
Yining to Nalati Grassland, Day 8 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts. Photo by Benjamin W., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Travel to the dramatic Nalati Grassland, known for its vast meadows and sweeping mountain views.

Nalati Grassland to Jinghe via Yining, Day 9 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts
Nalati Grassland to Jinghe via Yining, Day 9 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts. Photo by Tomskyhaha, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Continue your journey to Jinghe, taking in the beautiful landscapes along the way.

Jinghe to Urumqi via Kuitun and Dushanzi, Day 10 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts
Jinghe to Urumqi via Kuitun and Dushanzi, Day 10 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts.

Head to Shihezi, known for its agricultural significance, before making your way back to Urumqi via Dushanzi.

Urumqi City Tour, Day 11 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts
Urumqi City Tour, Day 11 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts.

Explore Urumqi's vibrant city life. Visit local markets, museums, and cultural sites to immerse yourself in the region's rich history and culture.

Urumqi Departure, Day 12 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts
Urumqi Departure, Day 12 of 12-Day notable Northern Xinjiang Group Tour: Idyllic Villages, Lakes, Grasslands, Deserts.

Conclude your Xinjiang tour with a transfer to the airport or train station.

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

The format shown in the tour title applies. Private departures can be adjusted, while small-group departures follow the confirmed group 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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