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! —— 🛬【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 —— ⛺【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. —— 🍩【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! —— 🚌【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). —— 🧡【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). —— 💰 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.