China · Rural Experiences

10-Day Northern Xinjiang Scenic Adventure Tour with Kanas and Nalati

10 Days Round trip from 中国新疆维吾尔自治区乌鲁木齐市 Easy pace
Panoramic Tour of Northern Xinjiang
Panoramic Tour of Northern Xinjiang
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Discover the fairy-tale landscapes of Hemu Village, Kanas Lake, and Rainbow Beach
  • 02 Explore the breathtaking grasslands and snow-capped mountains of Nalati Sky Prairie
  • 03 Experience scenic drives along the S21 Desert Highway and legendary Duku Highway
  • 04 Enjoy ethnic costume photography, BBQ afternoon tea, and panoramic glacier views

Discover the breathtaking beauty of northern Xinjiang on this 10-day adventure through deserts, alpine lakes, grasslands, glaciers, and ancient trails. Explore Hemu Village, Kanas Lake, Rainbow Beach, Sayram Lake, Nalati Sky Prairie, and the legendary Duku Highway. Experience ethnic culture, stunning travel photography, scenic self-drive routes, colourful flower fields, and panoramic mountain landscapes. Stay in traditional log cabins, visit historic temples, admire dramatic geological formations, and journey through some of China's most spectacular natural scenery on this immersive Xinjiang expedition.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of northern Xinjiang on this 10-day adventure through deserts, alpine lakes, grasslands, glaciers, and ancient trails.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Premium
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Urumqi, Yining, Kuytun, Altay
Languages Cantonese, English, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Urumqi

  • Arrive in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, known as the city farthest from the ocean and famous for its singing, dancing, fruits, gold, jade, and gemstones.
  • Meet the local staff at the airport according to your flight schedule.
  • Transfer to the 5-star deluxe hotel and complete the check-in process.
  • Rest at the hotel after arrival and prepare for the upcoming Xinjiang adventure.
  • Travellers arriving early may explore the night scenery of Urumqi together with fellow travellers.
2
Day 02

S21 Desert Highway, Desert Park and Ulungur Lake to Altay

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before driving along the S21 Desert Highway.
  • Admire the spectacular scenery of the S21 Desert Highway, featuring typical Yardang landforms shaped by tens of thousands of years of wind erosion.
  • Arrive at Karamay Desert Park and explore the scenic desert landscapes. If the park is closed, an alternative attraction will be arranged.
  • Have lunch at a nearby restaurant.
  • Enjoy optional leisure activities at Karamay Desert Park, including desert surfing vehicles and high-altitude ziplining.
  • Pass by Ulungur Lake, also known as Buluntohai, Great Sea, or Fuhai, while the neighbouring Jili Lake is referred to as the Small Sea.
  • Learn about Ulungur Lake, located in Fuhai County of Altay Prefecture, which is the second largest fishing base in Xinjiang after Bosten Lake.
  • Appreciate the lake's unique natural scenery and rich biological resources that make it a popular tourist destination.
  • Continue to Altay and check into the hotel upon arrival.
3
Day 03

Ahe Highway to Hemu Village and Haden Observation Deck

  • Enjoy breakfast before travelling along the scenic Ahe Highway towards Hemu Scenic Area.
  • Travel via the highway route if traffic control restrictions apply on the Ahe Highway.
  • Visit Hemu Village, famous for its original wooden houses, peaceful countryside scenery, and rich ethnic culture.
  • Enjoy free time to explore the village at your own pace.
  • Walk through the village paths lined with traditional wooden cabins and admire the tranquil natural surroundings.
  • Experience the calm atmosphere where forests, rivers, and grasslands create a harmonious landscape.
  • Choose optional horse riding or hiking activities to further explore the surrounding scenery.
  • Learn about the unique Tuva culture while wandering through the village.
  • Observe grazing cattle and sheep scattered across the open grasslands.
  • Walk slowly along the riverside wooden pathways while listening to the gentle sound of flowing water.
  • Visit Hemu Bridge and Haden Observation Deck for panoramic views and travel photography opportunities.
  • Stay overnight in traditional log cabin accommodation in Hemu.
4
Day 04

Kanas Lake, Three Bays and Rainbow Beach to Burqin

  • Take the shuttle bus into the Kanas Scenic Area located within the Altai Mountains.
  • Admire endless forests, giant rocks, and magical landscapes resembling a fairy-tale world.
  • Discover Kanas Lake, famous for mysterious lake monster legends and its shimmering blue waters.
  • Enjoy free time and arrange your own activities around Kanas Lake.
  • Explore the lakeside wooden walkways surrounded by emerald forests and scenic viewpoints.
  • Walk from the small bridge near old Hemu Village towards the main lake while appreciating the untouched beauty along the riverside.
  • Experience a relaxing hike through the famous Three Bays, including Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay.
  • Admire the crystal-clear waters, peaceful forests, and refreshing natural atmosphere throughout the hiking route.
  • Enjoy lunch at your own expense during the visit.
  • Head to Rainbow Beach in the afternoon to witness the colourful sunset scenery.
  • Continue to Burqin and check into the hotel.
  • Explore the fairy-tale-like town of Burqin and photograph its famous internet celebrity bridge.
5
Day 05

World Devil City and Karamay Oilfield to Kuitun or Dushanzi

  • Enjoy breakfast before travelling to the famous World Devil City geological park.
  • Enter the scenic area by shuttle bus after ticket inspection.
  • Follow the audio guide and admire rock formations shaped like eagles, mythical dogs gazing at the moon, and even the Titanic.
  • Experience the spectacular desert scenery and mysterious atmosphere of northern Xinjiang.
  • Continue the scenic drive towards Kuitun or Dushanzi.
  • Observe the magnificent Karamay Hundred Mile Oilfield stretching across the landscape.
  • Watch towering drilling rigs and nodding donkey pumps operating across the vast plains.
  • Admire the golden sunlight reflecting against the oilfields and blue sky, creating dramatic scenery.
  • Arrive in Kuitun or Dushanzi and check into the hotel.
6
Day 06

Sayram Lake, Guozigou and Six-Star Street to Yining

  • Depart from the hotel and travel to the spectacular Sayram Lake.
  • Enjoy lunch independently by the lakeside.
  • Visit Sayram Lake Scenic Area, known as the final tear of the Atlantic due to the last reach of warm Atlantic air currents.
  • Admire the sapphire-blue lake surrounded by the mountains of the western Tianshan range.
  • Witness the frozen lake scenery and the famous ice push phenomenon during spring, when massive ice blocks pile along the shore.
  • Walk beside the frozen lakeside and experience glacier-like scenery.
  • Photograph the glowing turquoise ice formations along the water's edge.
  • Stop at the Guozigou Bridge viewpoint for photographs without entering the bridge.
  • Visit the famous Six-Star Street in Yining for approximately two hours.
  • Explore colourful streets, European-style buildings, and unique local residential architecture.
  • Wander through charming lanes filled with blue-painted walls and doors.
  • Experience the simple and relaxed lifestyle of local residents.
  • Learn about the inspiration behind the popular song Apple Fragrance, which reflects the scenery and memories of Ili.
  • Stay overnight at the hotel in Yining.
7
Day 07

Shata Ancient Trail, Muzart Glacier View and Tekes Bagua City

  • Enjoy breakfast before taking the shuttle bus into Shata Ancient Trail National Forest Park.
  • Explore the scenic area featuring natural canyons, ancient trails, hot springs, and Wusun ancient tombs.
  • Learn about the historic importance of the route during the Han Dynasty, Qing Dynasty, and Republic of China period.
  • Admire the dense forests, towering ancient trees, and untouched wilderness often described as a hidden paradise.
  • View the distant Muzart Glacier and surrounding mountain scenery.
  • Continue by shuttle bus to the vast rapeseed flower fields of Zhaosu.
  • Admire endless golden rapeseed and sunflower fields set against snow-covered mountains.
  • Visit Tekes Bagua City, the world's largest and most complete Bagua-style city layout inspired by ancient Chinese philosophy.
  • Learn about the city's radial street design centred around the Tai Chi altar and eight main streets.
  • Explore Lijie Street, one of the main streets in Tekes blending Kazakh and Uyghur cultures.
  • Experience local food, traditional architecture, and vibrant cultural atmosphere.
  • Spend the evening exploring Tekes independently.
8
Day 08

Nalati Sky Prairie with Ethnic Costume Photography and BBQ

  • Enjoy breakfast before departing for Nalati.
  • Enter Nalati Sky Prairie around noon and explore one of the world's four great alpine grasslands.
  • Admire the beautiful Tianshan mountain scenery, snow-capped peaks, pine forests, and endless green grasslands.
  • Experience the authentic Kazakh lifestyle through Ili horses and dombra music.
  • Ride the shuttle bus across the vast prairie landscapes.
  • From May to July, admire colourful wildflowers blooming throughout the grasslands.
  • Walk through the open grasslands and capture stunning travel photographs.
  • Head to the homestay in the afternoon for a special ethnic costume travel photography session.
  • Enjoy afternoon tea and a BBQ experience surrounded by scenic prairie landscapes.
  • Check into the hotel or homestay in Nalati Town and have dinner.
9
Day 09

Tangbula Gallery, Duku Highway and Baluntai Yellow Temple

  • Enjoy breakfast before departing from Nalati.
  • Travel through Gongnaisi Daban and continue towards Baluntai.
  • Pass through the scenic Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery and the northern section of the famous Duku Highway.
  • Stop near Baluntai for lunch.
  • Visit Baluntai Yellow Temple located in Old Baluntai Valley at an altitude of 1,450 metres.
  • Learn about the history of the grand Lamaist Buddhist monastery known as the Little Potala Palace.
  • Discover the temple's significance to the Gelug school and Mongol Buddhist followers.
  • Admire the temple complex consisting of 27 temples extending across 2.5 kilometres.
  • Continue the journey towards Urumqi by bus.
  • Pass through the Tianshan Victory Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel.
  • Arrive in Urumqi in the evening and check into the hotel.
10
Day 10

Departure from Urumqi

  • Enjoy free time before your scheduled departure.
  • Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
  • Conclude the unforgettable Xinjiang journey filled with spectacular landscapes, cultural experiences, and scenic adventures.
  • Depart with wonderful memories and the desire to discover more of Xinjiang in the future.
Hemu Village, Kanas Lake, Nalati Sky Prairie, Duku Highway

Where this trip takes you

Hemu Village, Kanas Lake, Nalati Sky Prairie, Duku Highway

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from 中国新疆维吾尔自治区乌鲁木齐市 4 cities · 10 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • 体验穿越天山胜利隧道，天山山脉最长的隧道

  • 参观库车大南市，欣赏传统南锣制作，同时欣赏民歌和舞蹈表演

  • 体验英吉沙陶瓷村的传统陶艺工艺

  • 拜访塔吉克家庭，享受当地特色美食、鹰舞表演和帕米尔高原民俗文化

  • 在喀什老城区享受室内旅行摄影，配备一套民族服饰和9张经过编辑的照片

  • 沿着塔克拉玛干沙漠公路旅行，欣赏壮丽的沙漠风光

  • 无人机驾驶辅助和两段15秒的航拍视频

  • 享受塔里木河上的船游，四周环绕沙漠绿洲风光

  • 免费提供氧气瓶，方便穿越塔什库尔干县和帕米尔高原

  • 精心挑选的住宿，包括四钻酒店、民宿、原木小屋住宿和舒适舱酒店

  • 乌鲁木齐24小时机场和火车站接送服务

  • 乘坐7座商务面包车，配备航空风格座椅

  • 全套门票及风景换乘巴士

  • 参观塔塔秘密境界、基孜尔千佛洞、温宿大峡谷、塔昆云覆盖草原、约特干古城、英吉沙刀村、慕印惠火山口、白沙湖、喀拉库尔湖、昆杰拉布山口和穆孜塔格冰川公园

  • Throughout the trip: 1 night in a 5-diamond hotel, 1 night in a 4-diamond hotel, 1 night in a wooden cabin, 1 night in a characteristic homestay, and 4 nights in comfortable accommodation.

What's Not Included

  • 整个巡演期间的午餐和晚餐
  • 娱乐活动与购物开支
  • 个人开支和费用未在包含项中提及
  • 如果酒店未提供免费早餐，未占用床位的儿童将收取早餐费
  • 外国游客进入罗布民村
  • 外国旅客在科尔拉的个人观光费用

What to bring

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Know before you go

  • 请携带你的身份证以及任何可获得折扣资格的文件，如军官身份证、残疾证明、老年人证或学生证。
  • 在预订时或出发前，请告知销售员或司机导游您的资格文件。
  • 您将在出发前一天晚上10点前接到取件电话或留言。
  • 请保持手机可访问，如果晚上10点前未收到取车通知，请联系旅行代表。
  • 未使用的住宿和门票费用若提前离开将退还。
  • 出于安全考虑，避免在风景优美的区域触摸猫狗。
  • 在参加骑马等活动前，请仔细评估自己的身体状况。
  • 使用官方授权的骑马队以确保个人安全。
  • 此行程不建议孕妇、哺乳儿童或75岁以上旅客参加。
  • 70至75岁的旅客必须签署责任豁免协议，并与家人同行。

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
中国新疆维吾尔自治区乌鲁木齐市
Tour start
中国新疆维吾尔自治区乌鲁木齐市
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 days finish where they began, in 中国新疆维吾尔自治区乌鲁木齐市.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,650.00 — $3,150.00
Double Sharing $2,650.00

When

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