8 Days Experience Fall Foliage in the Altay Region

Day 2

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

Visit sites: After breakfast, our first stop is Heavenly Lake. In the summer, 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 wildflowers. Fishing at dusk has its 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 opportunities. Later, we will start our journey and arrive in the Altay region at night.

Accommodation: Fuyun Ji Hotel (3-star hotel)

Day 3

Fuyun - Koktokay 1hr driving - Burqin 4hrs driving

Visit sites: Koktokay is a township with significant historical ties to both China and the Soviet Union, primarily due to its location near the world’s largest mineral deposit of rare metals, known as Pit No. 3. In the morning, we will travel to Koktokay, which is home to one of the most beautiful national parks in China. This area is predominantly inhabited by Kazakhs, who have a rich nomadic culture deeply connected to the land. The Irtysh River flows through Koktokay, showcasing a vibrant array of colors throughout the seasons. In the late afternoon, we will drive to Burqin and check into our hotel.

Accommodation: Burqin Wenshan guesthouse (4-star hotel)

Day 4

Burqin - Kanas 2hrs driving

Visit sites: It takes 2 hours to drive to Kanas. Kanas Lake is located in Burqin County of the Altay Region, about 800 kilometers away from Urumqi. It is one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Xinjiang and a world geological park recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In Mongolian, Kanas means gorgeous and mysterious. The Taiga forest, made up of Siberian larch and Siberian spruce in the Kanas Valley, is home to abundant wildlife. Its surrounding snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and birch forests have made it known as the "Switzerland of the East" and a "paradise for photographers". When exploring the area, visitors can visit ethnic minority families to learn about the natural history, culture, diet, religion, and customs of the region. The Kanas Valley is home to a large population of ethnic Tuvas and Kazakhs. While most of these people have maintained their traditional agricultural and nomadic lifestyles, many have also started working in the developing tourism industry and have established facilities for orienteering, hiking, rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, and camping. If you're interested in experiencing local culture, tonight we will go to a local concert where the Marmot Tuva music band will perform at our hotel.

Accommodation: Hanta (Marmot) Band Music Hotel

Day 5

Kanas - Hemu village 1.5hrs driving

Visit sites: After breakfast, we will head to the highlights of Kanas. While visiting the scenic spot, you can also board the Guanyu Viewing Platform (Guanyutai) with a relative height of 600 meters (there is a sightseeing bus at the foot of the mountain, which needs to be purchased separately). From there, you can get a stunning view of Kanas Lake, the snow-capped peaks, and three Bays (Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay, and Wolong Bay). Additionally, you can take a two-hour cruise ship ride. The elegant curve of Kanas Lake resembles a crescent moon nestled amidst the trees. Take a peaceful stroll around the lake, as Kanas Lake is one of the most beautiful photography spots in China, especially in September when the changing colors of the lake and the Tuva villages provide a serene and undisturbed setting.

Accommodation: Mountain & Sea Premium Homestay (4-star hotel)

Day 6

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

Visit sites: Rise early to watch the sunrise over the land, with smoke curling up from wooden houses. Hemu Village is located close to Kanas, deep in the Altay Mountains of Northern Xinjiang, and is the northernmost village in Western China. It is one of the three existing Tuva villages in China, along with Baihaba Village and Kanas Village, and the largest among them. The inhabitants are mainly Tuvas of Mongolian and Kazakh descent. The Tuvas are said to be descendants of soldiers who followed Genghis Khan on his Western expedition. They still use the rare Tuva language and make a living through traditional hunting and a nomadic lifestyle, preserving many old and authentic cultures. Hemu Village is also known for its fairyland scenery, with small wooden houses surrounded by morning mist, extensive birch forests, and grand snowy mountains in the distance. The serenity, picturesque autumn scenery, and enchanting winter landscape attract numerous visitors to witness and explore this 'Private Land of God.'"Western expedition. Now they still use the rare Tuva language and make a living by traditional hunting and a nomadic lifestyle. Many old and authentic cultures are thus well-preserved here. Another fascination of Hemu Village is its fairyland scenery - primitive small wooden houses with morning mist and surrounding extensive birch forests and grandiose snowy mountains afar. The serenity, oil painting-like autumn scenery, and ethereal watercolor painting winter landscape attract numerous visitors to witness and explore this "Private Land of God".

Accommodation: Burqin Wenshan guesthouse (4-star hotel)

Day 7

Burqin - Karamay 3hrs driving

Visit sites: After breakfast, head south to visit the Karamay World Ghost Town (Chinese: 魔鬼城). This unique attraction features yardang landforms located in the heart of the Junggar Desert in northwestern China’s Xinjiang region. Although reaching it can be challenging, the views are spectacular and truly one-of-a-kind. The site is situated about an hour north of Karamay, near the smaller city of Wuerhe. It is a natural wonder formed by intense winds that sweep across the desert, producing eerie sounds that have given it the nickname "Ghost Town".

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

Day 8

Karamay - Urumqi 3hrs driving - Departure

Fly back home, and the trip ends.

Our guide and driver will take you to the airport. (We also offer customized travel plans according to your preference).