Nalati Travel Guide

Nalati Grassland is located in Xinyuan County and is the most developed grassland scenic area in the Ili Valley. It is divided into Sky Grassland and Valley Grassland routes. It is also a key node on the Northern Xinjiang loop: to the west it connects to Kalajun and Yining, and to the south it crosses the mountains to connect with Bayinbuluke and the Duku Highway.

How to choose between the two routes

• Sky Grassland: The shuttle bus climbs the mountains, featuring alpine meadows and spruce on snowy ridges, with wide distant views. This is what most people imagine when they think of "Nalati."
• Valley Grassland: A combination of forest and rivers, with gentle terrain, suitable for hiking and horseback riding with elders and children.
• If you have enough time, do both routes: Sky Grassland in the morning and Valley Grassland in the afternoon; a full day works perfectly.

Pastoral Experiences

Kazakh villages around the scenic area offer experiences like visiting yurts, milking mares, making traditional bread, and horseback riding. Make sure to choose pastoral points licensed by the scenic area and agree on prices before riding. Watching the Milky Way outside a yurt at night in summer is an extra reward for staying on the grassland.

Best Time to Visit

Mid-June to early July: the grass is the greenest and flowers are at their densest; Late August: the grasslands turn yellow, marking the haying season; Mid-September: golden grass with white birch trees is peak photography season. In winter, the scenic area offers ice and snow activities, but grassland routes are basically closed.

Notes

The grasslands have large temperature differences between day and night, so bring a thick jacket for overnight stays in yurts; Always wear a helmet when horseback riding and follow the instructions of the rider; During peak season, shuttle buses can queue up, so visiting the scenic area before 9 a.m. is best.