8 Days Discover Altay region in Xinjiang

Day 2

Urumqi - Heavenly Land 1hr driving - Fuyun 5hrs driving

Visit sites: After breakfast our first stop is Heavenly Lake. In summer, the Heavenly Lake is an ideal cool resort. Boaters on it see the ever-changing silvery mountains soaring into the blue sky, their slopes highlighted with verdant pasture and flamboyant wild flowers. Fishing at dusk has its own special charm. A day in this fairyland promises restoration.Heavenly Lake, a relic of the Quaternary Period Glacier and its surrounding geological relics, offers science lovers exploring opportunities.Tonight we will be arrived at Altay region.

Accommodation: Fuyun DoubleTree Hilton Hotel (5-star hotel)Heavenly Lake

Day 3

Fuyun - Koktokay 1hr driving - Burqin 4hrs driving

Visit sites: This morning, we traveled to Koktokay, home to one of the most beautiful national parks in China. This area is dominated by Kazakhs, where an age-old nomadic culture has emerged that connects the people to the land. The Irtysh River flows through Koktokay, showcasing a stunning display of colors throughout the different seasons. Later in the afternoon, we drove to Burqin and checked into our hotel.

Accommodation: Buguli Minsu Hotel (4-star hotel)

Day 4

Burqin - Kanas 2hrs driving

Visit sites: It takes about 2 hours to drive to Kanas Lake, which is located in Burqin County, Altay Region, approximately 800 kilometers from Urumqi. Kanas is one of the most famous scenic spots in Xinjiang and is recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark. The name "Kanas" means "gorgeous and mysterious" in Mongolian. The Kanas Valley is characterized by its Taiga forest, composed of Siberian larch and Siberian spruce, and it is home to diverse wildlife. The area’s stunning snow capped mountains, lush grasslands, and birch forests have earned it the nicknames "Switzerland of the East" and a "paradise for photographers." Visitors can engage with local ethnic minority families to learn about their natural history, culture, diet, religion, and customs. The Kanas Valley has a significant population of ethnic Tuvans and Kazakhs. While many individuals still practice traditional agricultural and nomadic lifestyles, others work in the growing tourism industry, providing opportunities for activities such as orienteering, hiking, rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, and camping. Tonight, we will attend a concert at our hotel featuring the Marmot Tuva music band.

Accommodation: Hanta(Marmot) Band Music Hotel (2-star hotel)

Day 5

Kanas - Hemu village 1.5hrs driving

Visit sites: After breakfast, we will head directly to the highlights of Kanas. While visiting this scenic area, you can also take a trip to the Guanyu Viewing Platform (Guanyutai), which is 600 meters high. A sightseeing bus is available at the foot of the mountain, but tickets need to be purchased separately. From the platform, you'll have an incredible view of Kanas Lake, the snow-capped peaks, and the three bays: Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay, and Wolong Bay. Additionally, you can enjoy a two-hour cruise on Kanas Lake. The lake’s graceful curves resemble a crescent moon nestled amid the surrounding trees. Take a meditative walk along the shores; Kanas Lake is renowned as one of the most beautiful photography spots in China. The best time for photography is in September, when the lake changes dramatically and the Tuva villages remain undisturbed by crowds. Tonight, we will visit a traditional Tuva historic house and have the opportunity to try some local alcohol.

Accommodation: Hemu Taoyuan Minsu Hotel (4-star hotel)

Day 6

Hemu - Rainbow Beach 3hrs driving - Burqin 20 mins driving

Visit sites: Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the land, with smoke curling up from wooden houses—what a sight! Hemu Village, located near Kanas in the Altay Mountains of Northern Xinjiang, is the northernmost village in Western China. It is known as one of the only three existing Tuva villages in the country, alongside Baihaba Village and Kanas Village, and is the largest among them. The inhabitants are primarily Tuvas, along with some Mongolians and Kazakhs. The Tuvas are believed to be descendants of soldiers who accompanied Genghis Khan on his western expedition. They continue to speak the rare Tuva language and maintain a traditional lifestyle through hunting and nomadic practices, preserving many aspects of their ancient culture. Another fascinating aspect of Hemu Village is its breathtaking scenery—primitive wooden houses surrounded by morning mist, extensive birch forests, and majestic snowy mountains in the distance. The tranquility, picturesque autumn landscapes, and ethereal winter scenes draw numerous visitors who come to explore this "Private Land of God."

Accommodation: Burqin Buguli Hotel (4-star hotel)

Day 7

Burqin - World Ghost City 3hrs driving - Karamay -1.5hrs driving

Visit sites: After breakfast, set out south to Karamay World Ghost City (Chinese: 魔鬼城), a collection of yardang landforms located in the heart of the Junggar Desert in northwestern Xinjiang, China. While it may be difficult to reach, the site offers spectacular and unique views that are unmatched anywhere else in the world. The Ghost Town is situated about an hour north of Karamay, near the smaller city of Wuerhe. This natural phenomenon features rock formations shaped by the intense winds that sweep across the desert, creating eerie sounds that have led locals to refer to it as the Ghost Town.

Accommodation: Karamay Tianqi Meiju Hotel (4-star hotel)