Naraty Grassland
Located in Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, Naraty Grassland is a national 5A-level scenic area known as the "Sky Grassland." Featuring snow-capped mountains, spruce forests, alpine meadows, deep valleys, and crystal-clear streams, it is one of Xinjiang's most spectacular natural destinations.
With a long history as a traditional pasture for local Kazakh herders, Naraty offers not only breathtaking landscapes but also a chance to experience the unique nomadic culture and lifestyle of the region.
Today, it has become a popular destination for sightseeing, outdoor activities, photography, and cultural experiences.
Recommended Tour Itinerary:
10 Days North Xinjiang Photography Tour
16 Days Grand Xinjiang Group Tour: Kashgar, Kanas, Naraty
Best Time to Visit Naraty Grassland
Naraty Grassland is a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique landscape and travel experience. Generally, June to August is considered the best time to visit Naraty, when the grasslands are at their most vibrant and beautiful.
🌞 June to August (15–25°C) — Peak Season & Best Scenic Choice
June to August is the most popular time to visit Narati Grassland. During this period, the grasslands turn into a vibrant green landscape with colorful wildflowers, while snow-capped mountains, spruce forests, and grazing livestock create a stunning alpine scene. The comfortable temperatures make it ideal for hiking, horseback riding, photography, and enjoying the pastoral scenery.
Minor downside: It is the busiest season, especially during weekends and public holidays.
🍂 September to October (5–20°C) — Best Season for Photography
September to October offers a different charm with golden autumn scenery. The grasslands and forests gradually turn into warm autumn colors, creating beautiful views for photography. With fewer visitors and clearer skies, it is a great time for travelers who prefer a quieter experience.
Minor downside: Temperatures become cooler, especially in the morning and evening, so warm clothing is recommended.
🌼 Spring & ❄️ Winter (Spring: 5–15°C | Winter: -25℃ ~ -5℃) — Fewer Crowds, Unique Scenery
Spring and winter offer a peaceful and less crowded side of Narati Grassland. In spring, the grassland comes alive with fresh greenery and blooming wildflowers. In winter, the grassland transforms into a quiet snow-covered wonderland, offering a completely different atmosphere.
Minor downside: Some outdoor activities may be limited due to weather conditions.
How to Get to Naraty Grassland
Naraty Grassland is located in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture and is an important stop on many Xinjiang travel routes. Travelers can reach Naraty Grassland by flight, car or bus.
By Flight
Travelers can fly to Naraty Airport, which is the closest airport to the scenic area. The airport is about 30 minutes by car from Narati Grassland.
By Car
Driving is the most flexible way to visit Naraty Grassland, especially for travelers exploring Xinjiang by road.
From Yining: It takes about 3 hours by car via the G218 highway, making it the most common route for Ili Valley tours.
From Urumqi: The journey takes around 8 hours by car. Many travelers combine the trip with the scenic Duku Highway or a Xinjiang road trip.
By Bus
Visitors can take a bus from Yining to Naraty Town, with the journey taking around 3 hours.
What to Explore in Naraty Grassland
Due to its vast area, visitors usually explore Naraty by scenic shuttle buses. The main sightseeing areas include Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland, Snow Lotus Valley, and Panlong Valley, each offering a unique landscape and travel experience.
Sky Grassland & Snow Lotus Valley — The Must-See Highlights
The Sky Grassland, also known as the Summer Pasture, is the most iconic area of Narati Grassland. Located at an altitude of around 2,200 meters, it gets its name from its high elevation and the feeling of being surrounded by the sky. The vast alpine meadows, snow-capped mountains, spruce forests, and flowing streams create the classic scenery of the "Sky Grassland."
In summer, the ice and snow melt away, revealing endless green meadows decorated with colorful wildflowers. From the highland viewpoints, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and distant villages, creating a unique experience that is different from many other grasslands in China.
After visiting Sky Grassland, travelers can continue to Snow Lotus Valley, a high-altitude area known for its alpine scenery and snow-covered peaks. Named after the snow lotus flower, the valley offers closer views of the Tianshan Mountains. From June to September, alpine flowers bloom across the valley, making it especially popular among photography lovers.
Best for: first-time visitors, panoramic views, photography, and alpine scenery.
River Valley Grassland — Relaxing Pastoral Scenery
Located in the valley area, the River Valley Grassland is famous for its combination of grasslands, rivers, and forests. The route follows the Gongnaisi River, where visitors can enjoy views of winding streams, green pastures, snow-capped peaks, and traditional grazing areas.
Compared with the higher-altitude Sky Grassland, this area offers a gentler landscape and a more relaxing atmosphere. It is also a great place to experience the traditional lifestyle of local Kazakh herders, with cattle and sheep grazing freely across the grassland.
Best for: families, leisure travelers, nature walks, and cultural experiences.
Panlong Valley — A Scenic Route for Road Trips & Photography
Panlong Valley is one of the newer sightseeing routes in Narati, taking visitors deep into the Tianshan forests and mountain landscapes. The route winds through dense spruce forests, open grasslands, and mountain roads, offering spectacular views along the way.
The famous winding mountain roads, alpine pastures, and snow mountains create one of the most impressive landscapes in Narati. Looking from the valley, visitors can see the contrast between the grasslands in the foreground and snow-covered peaks in the distance. It is especially popular among self-driving travelers, photographers, and travelers looking for a more immersive experience.
Best for: road trips, photography, forest scenery, and panoramic viewpoints.
Things to Do in Naraty Grassland
Beyond enjoying the stunning scenery, Naraty Grassland offers a variety of outdoor activities and cultural experiences that allow visitors to experience the beauty of the Tianshan Mountains and the traditional lifestyle of the Kazakh people.
Horseback Riding — Experience the Grassland Like a Local
Horseback riding is one of the most popular ways to explore Naraty Grassland. Following traditional Kazakh pastoral routes, visitors can ride across vast meadows, pass by streams, and enjoy close views of mountains, forests, and grazing herds. It is a great way to experience the connection between local herders and the grassland.
Hiking — Discover Alpine Meadows and Forest Landscapes
For nature lovers, hiking offers a chance to explore the quieter side of Naraty. Walking through alpine meadows, spruce forests, and mountain valleys, visitors can enjoy fresh air, colorful wildflowers, and panoramic views of the Tianshan Mountains.
Photography — Capture the "Sky Grassland" Scenery
Naraty is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The combination of snow-capped mountains, green meadows, wildflowers, forests, rivers, and grazing livestock creates stunning landscapes throughout the year. Summer is perfect for colorful grassland views, while autumn offers golden scenery and clearer mountain views.
Stay in a Kazakh Yurt — Experience Nomadic Culture
Staying overnight in a traditional Kazakh yurt is one of the best ways to experience local culture. Visitors can enjoy the unique round-shaped accommodation, taste traditional food, listen to folk music, and learn about the nomadic lifestyle of Kazakh herders.
Experience Kazakh Culture and Local Lifestyle
Naraty is not only a natural destination but also a place to experience the traditions of the Kazakh people. Visitors can enjoy local performances, try traditional cuisine, and learn about the customs and daily life of the local communities living on the grassland.
Naraty Grassland Travel Tips
Prepare for Changing Weather
The weather in Naraty can change quickly due to its high-altitude environment. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can feel cool, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket or windproof outer layer. If visiting in spring or autumn, warmer clothing is necessary.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Naraty Grassland covers a large area with walking trails, wooden paths, and uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to explore viewpoints, meadows, or scenic trails.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
The sunlight can be strong at higher altitudes, even when temperatures feel comfortable. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself while spending time outdoors.
Plan Enough Time for Your Visit
Naraty is a large scenic area with several sightseeing routes. Allow at least half a day to a full day to enjoy the main highlights. Travelers who want to explore Sky Grassland, Snow Lotus Valley, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley in depth should consider spending two days.
Respect Local Culture and Nature
Naraty is home to local Kazakh communities and traditional grazing areas. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs, avoid disturbing livestock, and help protect the natural grassland environment.
Located in Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, Naraty Grassland is a national 5A-level scenic area known as the "Sky Grassland." Featuring snow-capped mountains, spruce forests, alpine meadows, deep valleys, and crystal-clear streams, it is one of Xinjiang's most spectacular natural destinations.
With a long history as a traditional pasture for local Kazakh herders, Naraty offers not only breathtaking landscapes but also a chance to experience the unique nomadic culture and lifestyle of the region.
Today, it has become a popular destination for sightseeing, outdoor activities, photography, and cultural experiences.
Recommended Tour Itinerary:
10 Days North Xinjiang Photography Tour
16 Days Grand Xinjiang Group Tour: Kashgar, Kanas, Naraty
Best Time to Visit Naraty Grassland
Naraty Grassland is a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique landscape and travel experience. Generally, June to August is considered the best time to visit Naraty, when the grasslands are at their most vibrant and beautiful.
🌞 June to August (15–25°C) — Peak Season & Best Scenic Choice
June to August is the most popular time to visit Naraty Grassland. During this period, the grasslands turn into a vibrant green landscape with colorful wildflowers, while snow-capped mountains, spruce forests, and grazing livestock create a stunning alpine scene. The comfortable temperatures make it ideal for hiking, horseback riding, photography, and enjoying the pastoral scenery.
Minor downside: It is the busiest season, especially during weekends and public holidays.
🍂 September to October (5–20°C) — Best Season for Photography
September to October offers a different charm with golden autumn scenery. The grasslands and forests gradually turn into warm autumn colors, creating beautiful views for photography. With fewer visitors and clearer skies, it is a great time for travelers who prefer a quieter experience.
Minor downside: Temperatures become cooler, especially in the morning and evening, so warm clothing is recommended.
🌼 Spring & ❄️ Winter (Spring: 5–15°C | Winter: -25℃ ~ -5℃) — Fewer Crowds, Unique Scenery
Spring and winter offer a peaceful and less crowded side of Naraty Grassland. In spring, the grassland comes alive with fresh greenery and blooming wildflowers. In winter, the grassland transforms into a quiet snow-covered wonderland, offering a completely different atmosphere.
Minor downside: Some outdoor activities may be limited due to weather conditions.
How to Get to Naraty Grassland
Naraty Grassland is located in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture and is an important stop on many Xinjiang travel routes. Travelers can reach Naraty Grassland by flight, car or bus.
By Flight
Travelers can fly to Naraty Airport, which is the closest airport to the scenic area. The airport is about 30 minutes by car from Naraty Grassland.
By Car
Driving is the most flexible way to visit Naraty Grassland, especially for travelers exploring Xinjiang by road.
From Yining: It takes about 3 hours by car via the G218 highway, making it the most common route for Ili Valley tours.
From Urumqi: The journey takes around 8 hours by car. Many travelers combine the trip with the scenic Duku Highway or a Xinjiang road trip.
By Bus
Visitors can take a bus from Yining to Narati Town, with the journey taking around 3 hours.
What to Explore in Naraty Grassland
Due to its vast area, visitors usually explore Naraty by scenic shuttle buses. The main sightseeing areas include Sky Grassland, River Valley Grassland, Snow Lotus Valley, and Panlong Valley, each offering a unique landscape and travel experience.
Sky Grassland & Snow Lotus Valley — The Must-See Highlights
The Sky Grassland, also known as the Summer Pasture, is the most iconic area of Naraty Grassland. Located at an altitude of around 2,200 meters, it gets its name from its high elevation and the feeling of being surrounded by the sky. The vast alpine meadows, snow-capped mountains, spruce forests, and flowing streams create the classic scenery of the "Sky Grassland."
In summer, the ice and snow melt away, revealing endless green meadows decorated with colorful wildflowers. From the highland viewpoints, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and distant villages, creating a unique experience that is different from many other grasslands in China.
After visiting Sky Grassland, travelers can continue to Snow Lotus Valley, a high-altitude area known for its alpine scenery and snow-covered peaks. Named after the snow lotus flower, the valley offers closer views of the Tianshan Mountains. From June to September, alpine flowers bloom across the valley, making it especially popular among photography lovers.
Best for: first-time visitors, panoramic views, photography, and alpine scenery.
River Valley Grassland — Relaxing Pastoral Scenery
Located in the valley area, the River Valley Grassland is famous for its combination of grasslands, rivers, and forests. The route follows the Gongnaisi River, where visitors can enjoy views of winding streams, green pastures, snow-capped peaks, and traditional grazing areas.
Compared with the higher-altitude Sky Grassland, this area offers a gentler landscape and a more relaxing atmosphere. It is also a great place to experience the traditional lifestyle of local Kazakh herders, with cattle and sheep grazing freely across the grassland.
Best for: families, leisure travelers, nature walks, and cultural experiences.
Panlong Valley — A Scenic Route for Road Trips & Photography
Panlong Valley is one of the newer sightseeing routes in Naraty, taking visitors deep into the Tianshan forests and mountain landscapes. The route winds through dense spruce forests, open grasslands, and mountain roads, offering spectacular views along the way.
The famous winding mountain roads, alpine pastures, and snow mountains create one of the most impressive landscapes in Naraty. Looking from the valley, visitors can see the contrast between the grasslands in the foreground and snow-covered peaks in the distance. It is especially popular among self-driving travelers, photographers, and travelers looking for a more immersive experience.
Best for: road trips, photography, forest scenery, and panoramic viewpoints.
Things to Do in Naraty Grassland
Beyond enjoying the stunning scenery, Naraty Grassland offers a variety of outdoor activities and cultural experiences that allow visitors to experience the beauty of the Tianshan Mountains and the traditional lifestyle of the Kazakh people.
Horseback Riding — Experience the Grassland Like a Local
Horseback riding is one of the most popular ways to explore Naraty Grassland. Following traditional Kazakh pastoral routes, visitors can ride across vast meadows, pass by streams, and enjoy close views of mountains, forests, and grazing herds. It is a great way to experience the connection between local herders and the grassland.
Hiking — Discover Alpine Meadows and Forest Landscapes
For nature lovers, hiking offers a chance to explore the quieter side of Naraty. Walking through alpine meadows, spruce forests, and mountain valleys, visitors can enjoy fresh air, colorful wildflowers, and panoramic views of the Tianshan Mountains.
Photography — Capture the "Sky Grassland" Scenery
Naraty is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The combination of snow-capped mountains, green meadows, wildflowers, forests, rivers, and grazing livestock creates stunning landscapes throughout the year. Summer is perfect for colorful grassland views, while autumn offers golden scenery and clearer mountain views.
Stay in a Kazakh Yurt — Experience Nomadic Culture
Staying overnight in a traditional Kazakh yurt is one of the best ways to experience local culture. Visitors can enjoy the unique round-shaped accommodation, taste traditional food, listen to folk music, and learn about the nomadic lifestyle of Kazakh herders.
Experience Kazakh Culture and Local Lifestyle
Naraty is not only a natural destination but also a place to experience the traditions of the Kazakh people. Visitors can enjoy local performances, try traditional cuisine, and learn about the customs and daily life of the local communities living on the grassland.
Naraty Grassland Travel Tips
Prepare for Changing Weather
The weather in Naraty can change quickly due to its high-altitude environment. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can feel cool, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket or windproof outer layer. If visiting in spring or autumn, warmer clothing is necessary.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Naraty Grassland covers a large area with walking trails, wooden paths, and uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to explore viewpoints, meadows, or scenic trails.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
The sunlight can be strong at higher altitudes, even when temperatures feel comfortable. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself while spending time outdoors.
Plan Enough Time for Your Visit
Naraty is a large scenic area with several sightseeing routes. Allow at least half a day to a full day to enjoy the main highlights. Travelers who want to explore Sky Grassland, Snow Lotus Valley, River Valley Grassland, and Panlong Valley in depth should consider spending two days.
Respect Local Culture and Nature
Naraty is home to local Kazakh communities and traditional grazing areas. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs, avoid disturbing livestock, and help protect the natural grassland environment.
