Ili Nature & Outdoor Adventure

Ili Nature & Outdoor Exploration Tour

Grasslands · Canyons · Lakes, a Hiker's and Photographer's Paradise

4 Days 3 NightsIli1,200 – 1,680 USD

4Days

3Nights

1Destinations

1,200From

NatureHikingPhotographyLandscapes

Overview

Trip Overview

Ili boasts the finest natural scenery of the Tianshan, from the multi-dimensional grasslands of Kalajun to the deep blue of Sayram Lake and the steep Guozigou Valley — a dream for hikers and photographers. This 4-day journey goes deep into Ili's landscapes, measuring grasslands on foot and capturing light with your lens.

Highlights

Trip Highlights

✓Hike the Kalajun Grassland and admire the colorful flower seas and multi-dimensional grassland
✓Hike or cycle around Sayram Lake and capture the reflections of snow-capped mountains
✓Cross the Guozigou Canyon and capture the rugged scenery of the Tianshan Mountains
✓Hike the Nalati Sky Grassland and enjoy panoramic views of the river valley
✓Guided by a professional photography leader, with recommendations for the best shooting spots
✓Stay in a characteristic grassland homestay and stargaze at night

Day-by-day

Day-by-day Itinerary

1DAYIli

Day 1 Arrive in Yining, head to Sayram Lake

BreakfastNot included · Please arrange on your own

MorningArrive in Yining, meet at the station and drive to Sayram Lake (about 2.5 hours).

LunchIncluded · Restaurant in Sayram Lake Scenic Area · Included

AfternoonUpon arrival, hike or cycle around the lake, photograph the lake and mountain scenery, and visit the Genghis Khan Reviewing Stand.

DinnerIncluded · Lakeside restaurant · Included

EveningStay at a hotel by Sayram Lake, enjoy the sunset, and have dinner.

TransportTour bus / business vanStayHotel by Sayram Lake

2DAYIli

Day 2 Guozigou and Nalati Grassland

BreakfastIncluded · In the hotel · Included

MorningAfter breakfast, head to Guozigou Canyon to photograph the bridge and canyon scenery.

LunchIncluded · Restaurant en route · Included

AfternoonDrive to Nalati Grassland (about 3 hours). Upon arrival, visit the river valley grassland and take photos freely.

DinnerIncluded · Restaurant in Nalati Town · Included

EveningStay at a hotel in Nalati Town and enjoy dinner.

TransportTour bus / shuttle busStay4-star hotel in Nalati Town

3DAYIli

Day 3 Hike the Nalati Sky Grassland

BreakfastIncluded · In the hotel · Included

MorningAfter breakfast, enter the Nalati Sky Grassland and begin a half-day hike (about 3 hours), overlooking the river valley.

LunchIncluded · Grassland picnic · Included

AfternoonContinue hiking or take photos freely, visit Kazakh herders, and experience grassland life.

DinnerIncluded · Restaurant in Nalati Town · Included

EveningReturn to Nalati Town, stay at the hotel, and organize photos.

TransportTour bus / shuttle busStay4-star hotel in Nalati Town

4DAYIli

Day 4: Kalajun Grassland, Return Trip

BreakfastIncluded · In the hotel · Included

MorningAfter breakfast, head to Kalajun Grassland (approx. 2 hours), visit East and West Kalajun, and hike through the flower fields.

LunchIncluded · Kalajun Scenic Area Restaurant · Included

AfternoonContinue taking photos at Kalajun, then return to Yining city area.

DinnerNot included · Please arrange on your own

EveningTransfer to the station according to return time, ending the nature journey.

TransportTour bus / shuttle busStayNone

Hotels

Hotel Reference

Destination	Hotel	Rating	Room type	Nights
Yili	Sayram Lake Lakeside Hotel	4-star	Standard Twin Room	1 night
Yili	Nalati Town 4-star Hotel	4-star	Standard Twin Room	2 nights

Activities

Recommended Activities

Sayram Lake

An alpine lake with clear water, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

Guozigou Valley

A Tianshan canyon famous for wild fruits and magnificent scenery.

Nalati Grassland

One of the world's four great grasslands, featuring both sky grassland and river valley grassland.

Kalajun Grassland

A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site with a three-dimensional grassland landscape.

Add-ons

Add-on Services

Item	Destination	Details	Currency	Fee	Remark
Professional Photography Guide	Yili	Full-trip photography leader service	CNY	Price negotiable	Reservation required
Sayram Lake Cycling	Yili	Bicycle rental for 2 hours	CNY	Price negotiable	Open depending on weather

Included / Not included

Pricing

Included

Air-conditioned tour bus throughout
Hotel accommodation as listed in the itinerary (including breakfast)
Meals as listed in the itinerary (6 main meals)
Chinese-speaking guide and photography leader service
First entrance tickets to attractions (Sayram Lake, Nalati, Kalajun)
Travel agency liability insurance

Not Included

Major transportation to and from Yili
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Personal expenses and gratuities
Optional paid activities such as horseback riding and cycling
Additional expenses arising from force majeure
Travel accident insurance

Notes

Good to Know

This itinerary involves hiking; a certain level of physical fitness is recommended.
Security checks in Xinjiang are strict; please carry your ID at all times.
The order of the itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, but the number of attractions will not be reduced.

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