A road through the Tianshan

The Duku Highway connects Dushanzi and Kuqa over approximately 561 km. Mountains, valleys, grassland and canyons change along the road. It opens seasonally; confirm the sections and vehicle rules before departure.

Route overview

Choose the northern or southern section first, then connect it with Ili, Sayram Lake or Kuqa. Confirm each section’s access for international travellers rather than assuming a full crossing.

Northern section: Dushanzi, Qiaolma and Tangbula

Approach the Tianshan from Dushanzi through mountain passes, valleys and designated viewpoints. Qiaolma is a useful junction; Tangbula adds a separate grassland and river-valley chapter.

Allow for the mountain drive and photo stops separately, with time for breaks.

Grassland time: Nalati

Make Nalati the focus for grassland time: Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland and Panlong Valley Road, paired with an approved overnight stay. Confirm vehicle reservations, open roads and accommodation for your dates.

Bayinbuluke is not a default featured stop for international travellers; access to other sections is checked separately.

Southern section: Kuqa and the canyon

Kuqa is the southern gateway, with Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon nearby. Mountain stops such as the Longchi lakes depend on the roads open that day. Kizil Caves and Shaya poplar landscapes are separate experiences, not fixed stops on a full Duku crossing.

Prepare for mountain roads

Carry warm layers, water, snacks and offline maps. Follow signs and local instructions, use permitted viewing stops and adjust the route if roads close.

Plan high-altitude travel around health and acclimatisation. Children can also develop altitude illness. Seek medical advice before travel if you have a heart or lung condition. Stop ascending if symptoms develop; worsening symptoms require descent and medical help.

Opening and vehicle requirements

Opening dates, daily access and closures depend on weather, maintenance and traffic management. Check the intended sections and exact vehicle before booking and again before departure; access is not guaranteed for every vehicle.

A scenic road day, followed by a grassland stay

The Duku chapter is part of the holiday, not simply a transfer to finish quickly. Let the mountain views and permitted photo stops shape the day, then leave space to enjoy the grassland at the other end.

Choose the route, then plan the day

On the nine-day Ili RV loop, the first mountain-road day travels from Urumqi via Dushanzi Grand Canyon and Qiaolma to Tangbula. The itinerary lists approximately seven to eight hours of road travel, a separate canyon visit of around two hours, and grassland time on arrival. Nalati follows the next day.

The 10-day Ili, Hemu and Kanas journey instead continues to Nalati on its Duku day. Its evening is planned around RV camping inside the scenic area. These are different daily sequences, so choose the itinerary that fits the places and pace you want.

The example timings are approximate and make this a long travel day. Road opening, traffic, stops and the chosen vehicle can change the plan. Our team will confirm the road chapter and any alternative around your dates and available time.

Choosing the season

Summer suits grassland and mountain-road travel, while autumn brings different colours and light. The opening window changes annually; snow, rain or rockfall may alter plans. Keep this road chapter flexible and agree an alternative.

Supplies, signal and driving

Refuel and stock supplies in the departure town. Mobile coverage is limited on parts of the mountain route; offline maps and clear transfer arrangements help.

A foreign driving licence does not replace the Chinese driving permission required. A local driver is an alternative to self-driving.

Common questions

Is it open in October? Check current notices; opening is not guaranteed. Is a 4WD required? Confirm the vehicle for the open roads and weather. Can international travellers go? Check nationality, route sections and permissions individually.

Enjoy the road with a local driver

Our featured RV and private-vehicle journeys include a driver. You can enjoy the views and discuss breaks without taking on the mountain driving yourself. RV touring can be combined with hotels, scenic campsites, rail or flights elsewhere in the trip; check the daily arrangements for the route you choose.

Tell us your available days and the experiences you want most. We will tailor the journey and discuss the driving time, scenic stays and connections with you.