Tour Map

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Overview

Embark on a 6-day trekking adventure through the stunning landscapes of Xinjiang. Begin with an easy trek near the Toghulasu Scenic Area, followed by challenging ascents and river crossings as you explore Mayituobai, Dakertas, and Kuerte Lengsu. Traverse lush valleys, expansive grasslands, and high mountain passes, culminating in a breathtaking panoramic view of Sayram Lake and Guozigou from a 2760-meter pass. Each day offers a mix of adventure and tranquility, with nights spent camping under the stars. 

Highlights

  • Toghulasu Scenic Area, 40 km from Yining, is "the grassland closest to the city". Pristine and tranquil, it features Kazakh herders and opened in 2010, ideal for relieving depression and calming the mind. 

  • A low-risk trekking crosses Ili River Valley, Toghulasu Grassland, and Sayram Lake. Valleys, waterfalls, and meadows reveal snow-capped peaks, lakes, and forests.  

  • Meet Kazakh herders in yurts. Sayram Lake, beneath the Tianshan Mountains, shines with blue waters, surrounded by peaks and wildflowers.  

  • Toghulasu is a trekking paradise—grasslands, forests, mountains, and rivers. Its untouched beauty and calm make it a must-visit in Ili.

Itinerary

Day 1Yining Arrival

Welcome to Yining, the pearl of the Ili River Valley and a vibrant city in Xinjiang, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique local traditions. All team members will individually travel to the designated hotel for assembly. In the afternoon, we will check equipment, hold a pre-trip meeting, and enjoy a welcome dinner. The rest of the day is for you to rest up for an amazing trekking adventure ahead.

Transport: Car
Accommodation: Overnight in Yining
Meals: Dinner

Day 2Gentle Start with Scenic Trek to Toghulasu

The first day of trekking is great. You'll embark on your journey by vehicle from Yining to the vicinity of the Toghulasu Scenic Area, where your trekking adventure begins. The route for today is relatively easy, with a trekking time of approximately 4-5 hours, covering about 11 kilometers. Along the way, you'll have the thrilling experience of crossing a river once. Your campsite for the night is on a serene, flat grassland, offering a peaceful retreat after your first day of trekking.

Transport: Trekking
Accommodation: Overnight in Toghulasu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3Challenging Climb and Descent

After a hearty breakfast, you'll set off on a challenging ascent of about 600 meters. You'll follow the eastern horse trail, reaching the highest point before descending into the valley. The trail will take you through several forks and turning points, with a river crossing midway. Upon reaching Mayituobai, you'll set up camp for the night.

Today's trek will take 7-8 hours, covering approximately 16 kilometers. While you'll have mobile phone signal during the day, be prepared for a weak signal at the campsite.

Transport: Trekking
Accommodation: Overnight in Mayituobai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4Rolling Terrain and River Crossings

Today's trek involves three ascents and descents, each within 50 meters, making it more challenging than the previous day. You'll cross the river three times before reaching Kertas. The final river crossing will lead you to a spacious, five-star grassland campsite, where you'll set up camp for the night.

Trekking time today is about 7-8 hours, covering approximately 13 kilometers. You'll have mobile phone signal in the morning, but it may weaken as the day progresses.

Transport: Trekking
Accommodation: Overnight in Kertas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5Conquering One River After Another

Challenge continues after breakfast, you'll ascend a ridge and descend into a valley where two rivers converge. You'll cross the river flowing from the northeast and then proceed upstream along the north bank of the other river to Kuerte Lengsu Camp. Before reaching the campsite, you'll cross two more rivers: one flowing from the south and the other from the northwest. The campsite is spacious and the route offers a moderate level of difficulty.

Today's trek will take 7-8 hours, covering about 14 kilometers. Be prepared for no mobile phone signal throughout the journey.

Transport: Trekking
Accommodation: Overnight in Kuerte Lengsu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6Yining Departure

The final day in magnificent mountains and rivers awaits you. After breakfast, you'll begin a steep ascent to cross the 2760-meter Mountain Pass. After reaching an altitude of about 2330 meters, you'll descend 100 meters into a small river valley. The trail will take you along the valley, and as you approach the Mountain Pass, be cautious of deep snow on the shaded side, especially in early May. Once you reach the Mountain Pass, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Sayram Lake and Guozigou. From here, a simple gravel road will lead you to the endpoint.

You'll take a vehicle from Guozigou back to Yining, where a celebratory dinner awaits. This marks the end of your incredible journey, and you'll disband after dinner.

Today's trek covers about 16 kilometers, offering a fitting conclusion to your adventure.

Transport: Car
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Choose Your Travel Date and Get Free Enquiry

Month Arrival Date Departure Date Price Book The Tour
May May.08,2025 May.13,2025 from 880 Free Enquiry
May.22,2025 May.27,2025 from 880 Free Enquiry

Includes

  • Private transportation through out the itinerary. Xinjiang China will arrange for all travelers to be met on arrival and seen off on departure based on your flight info.

    4pax- 7seats. 6pax- 12seats. 8pax- 18seats. 12pax-33seats

  • 4star hotel include breakfast, service charge and government tax. Located in the downtown.

  • All entrance fees(shuttle bus) sightseeing; excursions and activities as per the itinerary.

  • Private friendly and professional English-Speaking guides.

  • Visa support letter for you to apply Chinese visa easily.

  • Travel and health insurance when travel with us.

  • 8, A 24/7 helpline while you are traveling.

Excludes

  • International and domestic flights not indicated.

  • Food, Lunch or dinner not specified.

  • Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers.

  • Personal expenses and the other tours or activities not mentioned.

Trip Notes

  • We always offer friendly and supportive discount for seniors and Families with little kids.

  • You are able to visit Xinjiang during Ramadan. All the restaurants are open.

  • Complimentary 2 bottles of water each person on daily use.

  • You will need Travel permit to Taxkorgan and Bayinbuluk.


Transportation

Comfortable Vehicles with good aircondition, Friendly and professional Drivers.

2pax- 5seats. 4pax - 7seats. 6pax - 12seats. 9pax- 17seats. 12-15pax - 33seats.


Accommodation

All the hotels we selected are 4 star well-located in the city center with good and proper breakfast for our clients. 3star hotel in some remote towns where 4stars are not avilable. NO SMOKING rooms will be booked for you.


Guides

Our guides are very friendly, knowledgeable, helpful. And our group tours will be escorted from Xinjiang China Travel.


Climate and Altitude

Generally speaking End March—End Oct are the best time to visit Xinjiang. From mid April to mid of August is the best time to explore the vast grassland in Yili River valley which borders with Kazakhstan.Mid may to Mid Oct is the best time to explore north Xinjiang of Kanas Nature park. End March to Mid June, Sept and Oct are the perfect season to South Xinjiang for its pleasant weather and sweet fruits.  No need to worry about high altitude along the Xinjiang. We will prepare Oxygen bags if required. We offer beneficial Cancellation Policy to our customers.

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880 USD