Route overview
Xinjiang’s most scenic mountain road — snow peaks, alpine lakes, forests and grasslands in a single day. Open only in the warm season.
Highlights
- One road, four seasons — desert edge to 3,000 m passes
- Sayram Lake, the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang
- Qiongkushitai grassland and ancient villages
- Kuqa Grand Canyon at the southern end
Suggested itinerary
- Day 1Dushanzi → Qia'erma (Tianshan passes begin)
- Day 2Qia'erma → Nalati grassland (stay in a yurt)
- Day 3Nalati → Bayanbulak (swan lake wetlands)
- Day 4Bayanbulak → Kuqa (Tie'ermaidan pass, Grand Canyon)
- Day 5Kuqa → Kucha old town & rest day
Costs to expect
Daily cost for two people is roughly 500–900 CNY including fuel, tolls, food and lodging. Most of the road has no fuel stations — fill up in Dushanzi, Nalati and Bayanbulak towns.
Driving tips
- The road opens for the season between roughly June and October — confirm current opening dates before planning
- Speed limits and no-overtaking zones are strictly enforced on mountain sections
- Night driving is not advised; passes can close in sudden snow
- Combine with Sayram Lake: Dushanzi → Sayram → Yining → Nalati for a fuller loop
