Nalati Grassland (那拉提草原) is the poster child of Xinjiang’s natural beauty. If you’ve seen those photos of endless green meadows, snow-capped mountains in the background, and horses galloping through wildflowers – that’s Nalati.
Located in the Yili River Valley of northern Xinjiang, Nalati is one of the world’s four largest alpine meadows. It’s been a summer pasture for Kazakh nomads for centuries, and it’s easy to see why – the grass is knee-high, the wildflowers bloom from May to August, and the air smells like thyme and snow.
I’ve been to Nalati twice – once in early June when the grass was just turning green, and once in July when the wildflowers were in full bloom. Both times were magical, but July was unforgettable.
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Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|——|———|
| Elevation | 1,800-2,500 meters |
| Best months | June-September |
| Entrance fee | ¥75 (April-October), ¥60 (November-March) |
| Opening hours | 8:30-20:00 (summer), 10:00-18:00 (winter) |
| Nearest city | Yining (Nalati Town is 250 km away) |
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How to Get to Nalati Grassland
Option 1: Fly + Drive (Recommended)
1. Fly to Yining Airport (YIN) – Direct flights from Ürümqi (1.5 hours), Beijing, Shanghai
2. Rent a car or hire a driver in Yining – The drive to Nalati takes about 3.5 hours (250 km)
3. Cost: Car rental ¥200-400/day; driver ¥600-1,000/day
Option 2: Bus from Yining
– Yining Bus Station has buses to Nalati Town (3.5 hours, ¥50)
– From Nalati Town, take a taxi to the grassland entrance (20 minutes, ¥30)
Option 3: Tour Group
Many travel agencies in Ürümqi offer 3-5 day tours to Yili region (including Nalati). Good if you don’t want to drive.
Cost: ¥1,500-3,000 per person (depending on group size and accommodation)
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Best Time to Visit
June: Green Grass and Few Tourists
The grass turns green in late May/early June. The weather is mild (15-25°C), and there are fewer tourists than in July-August. Some wildflowers start blooming in late June.
July-August: Wildflower Season (Peak)
Best time to visit. The grassland is covered in wildflowers – red, yellow, purple, white. The weather is warm (20-30°C during the day, 10-15°C at night). This is also when the Kazakh nomads are most active.
Downside: More tourists, especially on weekends and Chinese holidays.
September: Golden Grass and Fewer Tourists
The grass turns golden in early September. The light is beautiful for photography, and the tourist crowds thin out. Weather is cooler (10-20°C).
October-April: Closed or Not Recommended
The grassland is partially closed in winter. Snow can block roads, and it’s extremely cold (-10 to -30°C).
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Top Things to Do
1. Hike the Grassland (Free)
There are several hiking trails in Nalati. The most popular is the Valley Trail (5 km, 2-3 hours) that winds through the meadow with mountain views.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best time: Early morning or late afternoon (avoid midday sun)
What to bring: Water, sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes
2. Horse Riding (¥80-150/hour)
Horse riding is the best way to experience the grassland like a nomad. You can ride for 1 hour or full day.
Tips:
– Negotiate the price before mounting
– Ask for a guide if you’re not an experienced rider
– Wear long pants to avoid chafing
3. Visit a Kazakh Yurt (¥50-100)
Many Kazakh families open their yurts to visitors in summer. You can:
– Drink milk tea and eat homemade cheese
– Watch (or help with) herding sheep
– Sleep in a yurt (see “Where to Stay” below)
How to arrange: Ask at the entrance or book through your hotel
4. Photography at Sunrise/Sunset
The light at sunrise and sunset is magical. The best spots are:
– Valley viewpoint (accessible by car)
– Mountain ridge (1-hour hike from the valley)
– Riverbank (follow the river east for 2 km)
Pro tip: Bring a tripod and arrive 30 minutes before sunrise/sunset.
5. Stargazing (Free)
Nalati has almost no light pollution. On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye.
Best spots: Any open area away from lights
Best time: New moon (check lunar calendar)
What to bring: Warm jacket, flashlight, blanket
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Where to Stay
Inside the Grassland (Unique Experience)
Kazakh Yurt Stay – Sleep in a traditional yurt with a nomad family.
– Price: ¥100-200/person (includes dinner and breakfast)
– Facilities: Basic (no shower, squat toilet)
– Book: Through hotel in Nalati Town or on-site
Grassland Hotel – Basic hotel inside the scenic area.
– Price: ¥300-600/night
– Facilities: Simple but clean, hot water, Wi-Fi
– Book: Ctrip or at the entrance
In Nalati Town (More Options)
Nalati Town Hotels – Several mid-range hotels in town (20 minutes from grassland).
– Price: ¥200-500/night
– Facilities: Modern amenities, restaurants
– Book: Ctrip, Booking.com
Yurt Camp – Glamping option near the town.
– Price: ¥400-800/night
– Facilities: Comfortable beds, private bathroom, restaurant
– Book: Online or through travel agencies
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What to Eat
Food options inside the grassland are limited. Most visitors bring their own food or eat at the hotel restaurant.
Inside the Grassland
– Hotel restaurant: Chinese and Uyghur dishes, ¥50-100 per person
– Kazakh yurt meal: Milk tea, cheese, bread, mutton – ¥50-80 per person
– Snacks: Bring your own energy bars, nuts, fruit
In Nalati Town
– Uyghur restaurants: Laghman, mutton skewers, naan – ¥30-60 per person
– Chinese restaurants: Stir-fry, noodles – ¥40-80 per person
– Supermarket: Buy snacks, water, fruit
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Practical Tips
What to Pack
– Layers – Temperature swings 15-20°C between day and night
– Sunscreen (SPF 50+) – UV is intense at 2,000m elevation
– Insect repellent – Mosquitoes and horseflies are active in summer
– Hiking shoes – The grass can be slippery after rain
– Water bottle – At least 1L per person per day
Money
– Entrance fee: ¥75 (April-October)
– Shuttle bus: ¥40 (optional but recommended – the grassland is huge)
– Horse riding: ¥80-150/hour
– Yurt stay: ¥100-200/person
Payment: Cash is recommended (ATMs are in Nalati Town, not at the grassland)
Safety
– Altitude: 1,800-2,500m – altitude sickness is rare but possible
– Sun exposure: The UV is intense – wear sunscreen and a hat
– Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer – bring a rain jacket
– Animals: The horses and sheep are friendly, but don’t approach dogs
Photography
– Drone: Allowed but need permit (apply at entrance, ¥500)
– People: Ask before photographing nomads or their children
– Livestock: Horses and sheep make great subjects, but don’t get too close
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Sample Itinerary: 1 Day at Nalati
Morning (8:00-12:00)
– Arrive at the grassland entrance
– Take shuttle bus to the valley
– Hike the Valley Trail (2-3 hours)
Afternoon (12:00-18:00)
– Lunch at hotel restaurant or picnic
– Horse riding (2 hours)
– Visit a Kazakh yurt (1-2 hours)
Evening (18:00-21:00)
– Sunset photography at the valley viewpoint
– Dinner at hotel or in Nalati Town
– Stargazing (if staying overnight)
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Nearby Attractions
1. Bayanbulak Grassland (150 km, 3 hours)
Even larger than Nalati, famous for the Swan Lake and nine-dragon waterfall.
2. Yining City (250 km, 3.5 hours)
The gateway to Yili region. Visit the Yining Old City and Ili River Bridge.
3. Sayram Lake (200 km, 4 hours)
Stunning alpine lake. Perfect combination with Nalati (see our Sayram Lake guide).
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Final Thoughts
Nalati Grassland is one of those places that makes you want to quit your job and become a nomad. The combination of endless green meadows, snow-capped mountains, and the freedom of open space is intoxicating.
Come in July for the wildflowers, bring a good camera, and don’t rush. Spend at least one night to see the stars and experience the nomad life.
More Xinjiang travel guides:
– Sayram Lake Travel Guide
– What to Pack for Xinjiang Travel
– Best Time to Visit Xinjiang