Ili Grassland Loop: How to Arrange a Visit to Nalati, Kalajun, and Zhaosu

Yili has multiple grasslands, each with its own character: Nalati is vast and well-developed, Kalajun features dramatic rolling terrain, and Zhaosu is famous for its canola flowers and Heavenly Horses. Plan your route based on bloom seasons and your fitness level for a more efficient trip than simply checking off destinations one by one.

Route skeleton

Start in Yining, head to Sayram Lake, then return to Yining for a rest. Next, travel east to Nalati and Kalajun, then south to Zhaosu before returning via either Zhaosu or Yining.

• Days 1–2: Circles Sayram Lake, returns to Yining
• Days 3–4: Nalati Grassland, stay at Nalati Town
• Day 5: Kalajun Grassland, hiking or shuttle bus
• Days 6–7: Zhaosu Canola Fields & Grasslands, Return to Yining

How to choose among the three grasslands

Nalati has well-developed facilities and convenient transportation, making it ideal for families. Kalajun features multi-layered grasslands and canyon landscapes with more demanding hiking trails. Zhaosu offers expansive views, with its July rapeseed flower fields and horse activities as key highlights.

If time is limited, choose just two: Nalati and Sayram Lake make the most effortless combination.

Seasons and Bloom Period

Late May to late June: wildflowers and lavender. Mid-June to July: the grasslands are at their greenest. July: rapeseed flowers in Zhaosu. August: deeper grass tones. September: grass begins to turn yellow. Flowering times vary by weather; please confirm before departure.

Lavender is concentrated in the Huocheng area, with a short blooming season. See details below.When does the lavender in Ili bloom?。

Road Conditions & Accommodation

Road conditions across Ili Prefecture are generally good, though mountain routes feature many curves. Nalati Town and Xinyuan County offer a wide range of accommodation options; while conditions in Zhaosu County are more basic, they remain sufficient. Book early during peak season.

When customizing nodes by flowering period, you canSubmit RequestAdjusted in order by the consultant according to the blooming season of that year.

Enter/exit from Yining or round-trip via Urumqi?

Flying into or out of Yining saves the long drive from Urumqi to Ili, making it ideal for 5–6 day trips. Round-trip flights from Urumqi are better suited for 10+ day loops that include Sayram Lake and other northern Xinjiang destinations. Flight and ground transport costs differ significantly between the two options.

If using Yining as your entry and exit point, schedule Sayram Lake for either the first or last day to ensure a smooth route. When departing from and returning to Urumqi, use the Duku Highway or Guozigou Gorge as a transition segment to avoid rushing on the same day you enter an attraction.

Guozigou Bridge and Sayram Lake lie in the same direction. Schedule stops at the viewing platform separately from lakeside visits to avoid retracing your steps. If the Duku Highway is open, use it as a transition route back to Urumqi, but verify road status and weather conditions in advance. The loop doesn't need to be closed; prioritize routes with the best road conditions.

Flower season in Ili varies by 7–10 days annually. Check local bloom reports before departure to finalize your itinerary. Lavender, rapeseed, and apricot blossoms peak at different times—plan your route based on bloom schedules rather than geography alone. Weather in the grasslands is unpredictable; reserve indoor activities for rainy afternoons.

See the itinerary for circling Sayram Lake.Circumference Tour Guide for Sayram Lake; Ili routes can be referencedIli Itineraries。

Related reading

• How to Get to Sayram Lake: Scenic Loop Routes & Best Time to Visit
• Nalati Grassland Travel Guide: Sky Grassland and River Valley Grassland
• When do Lavender Fields in Ili Bloom: Flowering Season & Routes
• View routes to Ili

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does the Ili Ring Road trip take?

Six to eight days is ideal to cover Sayram Lake, Nalati, Kalajun, and Zhaosu. Four to five days suffice if you only visit Sayram Lake and Nalati.

Which grassland in Ili is the most worth visiting?

For facilities and transportation, choose Nalati. For panoramic views and hiking, select Kalajun. For flower seas and the Heavenly Horse culture, go to Zhaosu. If time is limited, the Nalati plus Sayram Lake combination offers the most effortless experience.

All destinations mentioned are within Xinjiang. Before departing, please verify your itinerary based on current road conditions, opening hours, and reservation requirements for the season.

Supplementary Note: Compiled by the itinerary consultant of Xinjiang International China Travel Service (Xinjiang Guolv). Please note that travel information for Ili and Xinjiang is subject to seasonal changes and road conditions. For customized itinerary pacing and vehicle arrangements, please consult a local travel agent online.