Quick Answer: A classic Xinjiang itinerary covers 10-14 days: Urumqi (1 day) → Turpan (2 days) → Kashgar (2-3 days) → Tashkurgan/Karakul Lake (2 days) → Kanas Lake or Nalati Grassland (2-3 days). Shorter 7-day trips should focus on either the Southern or Northern route.
独库公路 Highway → Nalati/Bayanbulak → Ili → Sayram Lake → Urumqi.">Best for: first-time visitors wanting both culture and nature. Route: Urumqi → Turpan → Kuqa → Duku Highway → Nalati/Bayanbulak → Ili → Sayram Lake → Urumqi.
伊犁薰衣草 fields (June). Day 8: Sayram Lake — the 'Atlantic's last tear' — a pristine alpine lake. Day 9: Return drive to Urumqi via the G30 expressway. Day 10: Buffer day for shopping or a missed highlight, depart.">Days 1–2: Urumqi and Turpan as above. Day 3: Fly to Kuqa, visit the Old City and Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves. Day 4: Enter the Duku Highway south — Tianshan Mysterious Canyon, drive through alpine passes. Day 5: Bayanbulak sunset and swan reserve. Day 6: Nalati Grassland full day. Day 7: Drive to Ili Valley — explore Guozigou Bridge and lavender fields (June). Day 8: Sayram Lake — the 'Atlantic's last tear' — a pristine alpine lake. Day 9: Return drive to Urumqi via the G30 expressway. Day 10: Buffer day for shopping or a missed highlight, depart.
14天深度环游
喀什 (3 days), Karakoram Highway day trip, and Tashkurgan.">Best for: the comprehensive Xinjiang experience, including the far west. Adds Kashgar (3 days), Karakoram Highway day trip, and Tashkurgan.
最佳时间 in Ili. July and August have the warmest weather but also the largest crowds.">September offers the best combination of pleasant weather and autumn colors. June is ideal for lavender season in Ili. July and August have the warmest weather but also the largest crowds.