Ili 8-Day Loop | Step into a Real-Life National Geographic Adventure

【Introduction】: Follow this 8-day itinerary to capture the blue of Sayram Lake, the wilderness of Xiaota, and the grandeur of Nalati... all in one unforgettable journey 🌿 🛬【Itinerary】: 🔹Day 1: Urumqi → Sayram Lake Head straight to Sayram Lake upon arrival! Known as the "last tear of the Atlantic," the lake's blue waters look like they've been filtered. Stop anywhere along the lakeside road for stunning photos 🌊 Stay overnight by the lake to experience its tranquil night. 🔹Day 2: Sayram Lake → Huocheng County Spend the day exploring Sayram Lake, then head to Guozigou Bridge in the afternoon to witness this "miracle of engineering." The sunset over the bridge is breathtaking! In the evening, visit the Lavender Garden of Princess Jieyou, where the purple flower fields resemble a replica of Provence 💜 Stay in Huocheng and immerse yourself in the fragrant surroundings. 🔹Day 3: Huocheng County → Xiaota Travel along the Yizhao Highway! Snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and forests alternate along the way, making you wish you could hit "pause" on the scenery. At Xiaota, soak in the Tianma Bath River and watch horses frolic in the stream 🐎 Stay near Xiaota to prepare for an early start to the ancient trail tomorrow. 🔹Day 4: Xiaota Ancient Trail → Tekesi Start early to explore the Xiaota Ancient Trail! Ride horses through forests and streams, with the endpoint being snow-capped glaciers that feel like a scene from "Game of Thrones" 🏔️ In the afternoon, visit Tekesi's Bagua City, a maze-like town you can explore without a map. The night view is stunning 🌙 🔹Day 5: Tekesi → Xinyuan County Drive through Qiaxi Grassland! The "Little Switzerland" scenery, with its spruce forests and streams, is picture-perfect—every shot looks like a Windows desktop background 🍃 Stay in Xinyuan to rest and recharge for Nalati. 🔹Day 6: Xinyuan County → Nalati Spend the entire day at Nalati Grassland! The aerial grassland offers views of cattle and sheep wandering among the clouds, while the valley grassland features the soothing sounds of streams. Horseback riding here is exhilarating! Stay in Nalati Town and enjoy a hearty Kazakh dinner 🥘 🔹Day 7: Nalati → Urumqi Drive along the northern section of the Duku Highway! Traverse snow-capped mountains and forests, with highlights like the snow tunnel at Hashilegen Daban. End the day by visiting the Qiaerma Martyrs' Cemetery to pay tribute to heroes 🪖 Return to Urumqi in the evening, completing this stunning loop. 🔹Day 8: Urumqi Departure Sleep in, then explore the city’s Grand Bazaar. Pick up some dried fruits and cultural souvenirs as perfect gifts to wrap up your trip! 💡Comprehensive Tips ✅ Ili's weather is unpredictable—be sure to pack a windbreaker and lightweight down jacket, along with a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen! ✅ Certain sections of the Duku Highway have time restrictions—check road conditions in advance. ✅ For horseback riding in Xiaota, opt for the 1-hour+ route to access wilder and more scenic areas. ✅ Staying in Nalati Town makes it easier to enter the scenic area early the next day. Must-try local dishes include horse meat noodles and baked buns!