Yurt stay in Narat Prairie

Question

Hi all,

I am planning to travel to Narat Prairie in April to see the apricot blossoms and interested in staying at a yurt. Since it's a peak time there, I'm afraid I might not find a place to stay when I travel there. Where and how can I reserve?

Answer

Narat Prairie, located near Yining in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang, is famous for its vast grasslands and apricot blossoms in April. Staying in a traditional yurt (ger) is a unique way to experience local Kazakh culture and the stunning scenery, but since April is peak blossom season, accommodations can fill up quickly.

Where to Stay:

Local Yurt Camps: Several small family-run yurt camps are scattered throughout Narat Prairie. These yurts often include basic amenities such as a bed, shared bathroom, and sometimes simple meals. Popular camps near the main scenic areas are preferred by tourists, so early booking is essential.
Hotels in Yining: Some visitors choose to stay in Yining city and take a day trip to Narat Prairie. This is a backup option if yurts are fully booked.
Eco-Lodges or Guesthouses: A few eco-friendly lodges near the prairie also offer yurt-style accommodations with slightly more comfort and private facilities.

How to Reserve:

Online Travel Platforms: Use Chinese travel booking platforms such as Ctrip (携程), Qunar (去哪儿), or Mafengwo (马蜂窝) to search for yurt stays. Search terms like “那拉提草原蒙古包” (Narat Prairie Mongolian yurt) can help narrow down results.
WeChat Booking: Many yurt camps accept reservations via WeChat. Once you find the camp’s official WeChat account or contact, you can inquire about availability, send a deposit, and confirm your stay.
Hotel Aggregators or Airbnb: A limited number of yurts are listed on international platforms like Airbnb. These usually come with more detailed descriptions and photos but can be more expensive.
Contact Through Local Tour Agencies: Local travel agencies in Yining often help reserve yurts for visitors and can also arrange transport to and from Narat Prairie.

Tips for Staying:

Book as early as possible — ideally at least 1–2 months before April.
Confirm whether meals are included; some camps provide traditional Kazakh breakfasts and dinners, while others do not.
Prepare for cold nights — April can still be chilly on the prairie, so bring warm clothing and blankets if not provided.
Arrange transportation in advance, either through the yurt camp or a private car, as public transport within the prairie is limited.

By planning ahead and booking either online or through WeChat and local agencies, you can secure a yurt stay and enjoy the apricot blossoms at Narat Prairie comfortably.

Yurt stay in Narat Prairie

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