Imagine a road that climbs snow-capped peaks, crosses desert valleys, winds through alpine forests, and cuts through deep canyons — all within a single day. Welcome to the Duku Highway, one of China’s most spectacular and dramatic road trips, and perhaps one of Asia’s best-kept travel secrets.

From Desert to Glacier: A Journey of Contrasts

The Duku Highway (short for Dushanzi–Kuqa Highway) spans approximately 561 kilometers (348 miles), stretching from the oil town of Dushanzi in northern Xinjiang to Kuqa, a historic oasis city on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert.

Along this road, you’ll pass through four seasons in a day: golden deserts, lush meadows, snowy mountain passes, and red rock gorges. Key highlights include:

• Tianshan Mountains – With towering peaks and icy glaciers, the road crosses the high-altitude Bayinbulak Grassland and Tiemen Pass, often shrouded in clouds and mystery.

• Dushanzi Grand Canyon – A Martian landscape of dramatic cliffs and deep-cut ravines.

• Heiyu Valley – Known as the “Black Jade Valley,” where colorful rock layers tell stories of geological time.

• Nalati Grasslands – Rolling green hills perfect for horseback riding and picnics in summer.

This isn’t just a road trip — it’s a visual symphony.

The Road of Heroes

Built in the 1970s by Chinese soldiers, the Duku Highway was a military and engineering miracle, cutting directly through the rugged heart of the Tianshan range. Thousands of lives were affected during its construction, and the road remains a testament to perseverance and courage.

Even today, the road is only open between June and October due to heavy snowfall and landslides. Driving it is both an adventure and a privilege — an experience not easily replicated elsewhere.

A Photographer’s Paradise

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a smartphone traveler, the Duku Highway offers endless opportunities to capture:

• Wild horses galloping across open plains

• Nomadic yurts glowing in the golden hour

• Stars scattered across the clearest night skies in China

• Waterfalls, wildflowers, and endless winding roads

Every kilometer feels like a new country.

Experience It With Locals

Driving the Duku Highway can be challenging — narrow mountain passes, sudden weather changes, and long distances between fuel stations. That’s why Journey West offers local-guided tours with 4x4 vehicles, carefully planned rest stops, and the flexibility to stop and soak in the views where others can’t.

Whether you want to camp under the stars, stay in charming mountain guesthouses, or enjoy the comfort of a private tour, we make your Duku adventure safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.

What to Eat Along the Way

Even in the remotest stops, Xinjiang never disappoints when it comes to food:

• Roast lamb skewers (Kebabs) over open fire

• Hand-pulled noodles (Lagman) with rich tomato and pepper sauce

• Fresh yogurt and naan bread from nomadic communities

• Seasonal fruits like wild apples, apricots, and melons

Eating here is as much a journey as the road itself.

Why Duku Should Be on Your Bucket List

If you're craving the freedom of the open road, the thrill of the unknown, and the raw beauty of untamed landscapes, Duku Highway is your dream destination.

It’s not about getting from A to B — it’s about the stories between the curves, the silence between the mountains, and the memories made along the way.

Journey West – Let the road lead to something unforgettable.