In-Depth Ili Valley Grassland Loop
In and out of Yining, connecting Sayram Lake, Zhaosu, Kalajun, Kurdening, and Nalati
A closed loop starting and ending in Yining without backtracking: first visit Sayram Lake and the Huocheng lavender fields, then cross the mountains via the Yizhao Highway to Zhaosu, and continue through Tekes and Qiongkushitai to Kurdening and Nalati. The pace is more relaxed than the North Xinjiang Grand Loop, with daily drives mostly under 3 hours. Perfect for those who want to spend more nights on the grasslands, omitting Kanas.
The Yizhao Highway is open from early June to early October; lavender blooms from mid-June to early July.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Yining & Explore Old Streets
Yining（Liuxing Street, Yining、Hanren Street Bazaar）
It takes about 30 minutes from the airport to the city center. After picking up your car, explore the Liuxing (Six-Star) Street and Hanren Street areas on foot or by taxi.
Stay: Liuxing Street
Day 2 · Huocheng Flower Fields to Sayram Lake
Sayram Lake（Huocheng Lavender Fields、Guozigou Bridge、Sayram Lake）
Drive about 1 hour from Yining to Huocheng, then cross the Guozigou Bridge to enter the lake area from the South Gate. Total distance is about 170 km.
Book accommodations around the lake well in advance during peak season. Fill up your gas tank before entering the scenic area.
Stay: Lakeside Camps and Guesthouses
Day 3 · Loop the Lake & Return to Yining Valley
Sayram Lake（Kelerongzhu Springs、Songshutou Viewpoint） → Yining（Huiyuan Ancient City & Ili General's Mansion、Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area）
Loop the west bank of the lake in the morning. Drive down the mountain and return to Yining via the Huiyuan Ancient City. Total distance is about 170 km, taking around 3 hours.
Stay: Kazanqi
Day 4 · Cross Mountains via Yizhao Highway to Zhaosu
Tekes & Zhaosu (Kalajun)（Zhaosu Horses & Rapeseed Fields、Shengyou Temple）
Drive from Yining via S237 across the Wusun Mountains to Zhaosu. Total distance is about 180 km, taking around 3.5 hours on winding mountain roads.
The Yizhao Highway is closed at night and open during the day. Check road announcements before departing.
Stay: Zhaosu County Town
Day 5 · Shatuo Glacier & Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River
Tekes & Zhaosu (Kalajun)（Xiata Scenic Area (Xiata Ancient Trail)、Zhaosu Wetland Park & Heavenly Horses Bathing）
Drive about 1.5 hours from Zhaosu to Shatuo. Take the shuttle bus inside the scenic area. Return via the Wetland Park. Total distance is about 180 km.
The schedule for the 'Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River' show is not fixed; check the showtimes in advance.
Stay: Zhaosu County Town
Day 6 · Bagua City to Kalajun
Tekes & Zhaosu (Kalajun)（Tekes Bagua City、Kalajun Grassland）
Drive about 1.5 hours from Zhaosu to Tekes (Bagua City). In the afternoon, drive about 1 hour to Kalajun and take the shuttle bus inside the scenic area.
Stay: Kalajun Scenic Area Yurts
Day 7 · Kuokesu to Qiongkushitai
Tekes & Zhaosu (Kalajun)（Kuokesu Grand Canyon、Qiongkushitai Village）
Explore the Kuokesu Grand Canyon in the morning. In the afternoon, drive along the mountain road to Qiongkushitai Village. Total driving time is about 3 hours.
Mobile signal and supplies are limited in the village. Book your wooden cabin in advance.
Stay: Qiongkushitai Village
Day 8 · Out of the Mountains to Kurdening
Gongliu（Kurdening Scenic Area）
Drive from Qiongkushitai via Tekes and Gongliu to Kurdening. Total distance is about 220 km, taking around 4 hours.
Stay: Kuerdening Town
Day 9 · East to Nalati Air Grassland
Drive from Kurdening via Xinyuan to Nalati (about 3 hours). Take the shuttle bus to the Air Grassland in the afternoon.
Stay: Nalati Town
Day 10 · West along the Valley back to Yining
Nalati（Shaerbulak Wine Culture Town） → Yining
Drive west from Nalati along G218, passing through Xiaoerbulake to Yining Airport. Total distance is about 250 km, taking around 4 hours.
Book a flight departing in the evening or later to allow enough time to return your rental car.