Kanas Lake in Northern Xinjiang with stunning autumn foliage and mountain backdrop

10 Days Northern Xinjiang Private Tour

First Glance at Northern Xinjiang

A 10-day journey through alpine lakes, endless grasslands, and ancient desert cities — where Kazakh hospitality meets the raw beauty of the Silk Road.

Download Full Itinerary (PDF) Explore the Journey

A Land of Contrasts and Color

Northern Xinjiang is China's best-kept secret — a vast frontier where snow-capped peaks reflect in mirror-like alpine lakes, Kazakh herders tend their flocks on endless meadows, and ancient wind-sculpted deserts whisper tales of the Silk Road.

Over 10 carefully curated days, you will journey from the cosmopolitan gateway of Urumqi to the legendary Kanas Lake, through the fairy-tale villages of Hemu and Baihaba, and across the surreal landscapes of the Ghost City.

"Every turn of the road reveals a new masterpiece of nature."

This is not a rushed bus tour. It is a slow, immersive experience designed for travelers who want to feel the grasslands beneath their feet, share tea with local families, and return home with stories that last a lifetime.

Xinjiang grassland with Kazakh yurts, grazing horses and Tianshan mountains

6 Destinations

Urumqi, Kanas, Hemu, Baihaba, Burqin, Wuerhe & more

9 Nights

Handpicked hotels and authentic guesthouse stays

Private Guide

Bilingual expert with you every step of the way

Your 10-Day Journey

Click a day below to jump to its details, or scroll through the complete adventure.

Arrival in Urumqi

Your City — Urumqi

Welcome to the Heart of Asia

Your journey begins in Urumqi, the vibrant capital of Xinjiang and the most inland major city on Earth. Upon arrival at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, your private guide and driver will greet you with a warm welcome.

After settling into your hotel, enjoy a leisurely evening to acclimatize. We recommend a stroll through the International Grand Bazaar — a kaleidoscope of Uyghur crafts, spices, and local delicacies.

Private airport pickup included
Welcome briefing with your guide
Evening at leisure to explore the bazaar

Urumqi city skyline with mountains in the background

Arrival Day Dinner on your own

Urumqi to Burqin

Urumqi — Burqin

Across the Vast Northern Plains

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive northward through the Gurbantunggut Desert — China's second-largest desert. The landscape transforms from urban sprawl to endless golden dunes and hardy desert vegetation.

En route, visit the Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, where you may spot wild horses, Mongolian gazelles, and other rare wildlife roaming freely across the steppe.

Scenic desert highway experience
Wildlife spotting opportunities
Sunset arrival in Burqin

Ghost City wind-eroded landforms in Xinjiang at sunset

~680 km drive Breakfast included

Burqin to Kanas Lake

Burqin — Kanas Lake

The Legendary Kanas

Today you enter the Kanas National Nature Reserve — a UNESCO-listed biosphere of pristine alpine forests, glacial lakes, and snow-capped peaks. The drive itself is spectacular, winding through river valleys and past traditional Kazakh settlements.

Upon arrival at Kanas Lake, take your first walk along the lakeshore. The water shifts from emerald to turquoise to deep sapphire depending on the light — a phenomenon locals attribute to a mythical lake monster.

Entry to Kanas National Nature Reserve
First lakeshore walk and photo stops
Overnight in lakeside lodge

~250 km drive Breakfast included

Full Day at Kanas Lake

Kanas Lake

Exploring the Pearl of the Altai

Rise early for a sunrise viewpoint hike to the Fish Watching Pavilion — the panoramic vista of Kanas Lake at dawn is nothing short of spiritual. Watch the morning mist lift from the water as the first rays paint the peaks gold.

After breakfast, cruise on the lake by boat to experience its changing colors up close. In the afternoon, hike through the Three Bays area — Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay — each offering unique reflections and forest backdrops.

Sunrise at Fish Watching Pavilion
Lake cruise with commentary
Three Bays hiking trail

Kanas Lake morning mist and mountain reflections

Full day exploration Breakfast included

Kanas to Hemu Village

Kanas — Hemu

China's Most Beautiful Village

A short but stunning drive brings you to Hemu Village, often called "the most beautiful village in China." This ancient Tuva settlement sits in a valley surrounded by forested hills, with traditional wooden houses and smoking chimneys creating a fairy-tale atmosphere.

Walk the village paths, visit a local Tuva family, and learn about their unique culture — a blend of Mongolian, Turkic, and shamanic traditions. In the evening, climb to the viewpoint for a golden sunset over the village and surrounding meadows.

Scenic drive through alpine valleys
Tuva family home visit
Sunset viewpoint hike

Hemu village with traditional wooden houses and mountain meadows

~60 km drive Breakfast included

Hemu to Baihaba

Hemu — Baihaba

The Borderland Village

Continue deeper into the Altai Mountains to Baihaba, a tranquil village perched on the border with Kazakhstan. The journey takes you through some of the most pristine forest and river scenery in all of China.

Baihaba is quieter and less visited than Hemu, offering an authentic glimpse into frontier life. Walk to the border marker, explore the birch forests, and enjoy the profound silence of this remote mountain outpost.

Scenic mountain drive
Border marker visit
Birch forest walks

Baihaba village birch forest and mountain border scenery

~50 km drive Breakfast included

Baihaba to Burqin

Baihaba — Burqin

The Colorful Beach at Sunset

Begin your return journey south, but not without one last natural wonder. Arrive at the Wucai Tan (Five-Color Beach) near Burqin in time for sunset — a riverside geological formation where layered sedimentary rock creates a palette of red, green, purple, and gold.

The contrast between the colorful cliffs, the emerald Irtysh River, and the distant wind turbines creates one of Xinjiang's most photogenic scenes. Stay for the golden hour before returning to Burqin for the night.

Scenic mountain exit drive
Five-Color Beach sunset visit
Riverside photography opportunities

Five Color Beach colorful cliffs at sunset by the river

~180 km drive Breakfast included

Burqin to Wuerhe (Ghost City)

Burqin — Wuerhe

Where the Wind Sculpts Stone

Today's destination is the World Ghost City (Wuerhe Wind City) — a vast yardang landform area where millennia of wind erosion have carved sandstone into towers, castles, and fantastical shapes. Local legend says the howling wind carries the voices of ancient spirits.

Explore the park by shuttle and on foot, letting your imagination run wild as you identify the "Lion Gate," "Monk Temple," and other named formations. The late-afternoon light casts dramatic shadows across the alien landscape.

Ghost City scenic area entry
Shuttle tour + walking trails
Sunset photography session

~260 km drive Breakfast included

Wuerhe to Urumqi

Wuerhe — Urumqi

Return to Civilization

The long but comfortable drive back to Urumqi offers time to reflect on the journey. Your guide will share more stories of Xinjiang's Silk Road history, ethnic diversity, and modern development.

Upon arrival in Urumqi, visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum if time permits — home to the famous "Loulan Beauty" mummy and an extraordinary collection of Silk Road artifacts. Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring authentic Uyghur cuisine.

Scenic return drive
Xinjiang Regional Museum visit
Farewell Uyghur dinner

~380 km drive Breakfast + Farewell Dinner

Departure from Urumqi

Urumqi — Your City

Until We Meet Again

After breakfast, enjoy some final free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a peaceful morning walk. Your guide and driver will transfer you to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport for your onward flight.

Leave with a heart full of memories, a camera full of extraordinary images, and a deep appreciation for one of China's most remarkable regions. We hope to welcome you back to Xinjiang soon.

Private airport transfer included
Assistance with check-in
Complimentary travel gift

Departure Day Breakfast included

What's Included

Everything you need for a seamless journey — and full transparency on what isn't covered.

Included

Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver throughout
English-speaking local guide for all sightseeing
9 nights accommodation (4-star hotels + boutique lodges)
Daily breakfast at hotels
All entrance fees to scenic areas and parks
Lake cruise at Kanas (Day 4)
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Travel insurance within Xinjiang
24/7 on-call support from our operations team

Not Included

International and domestic flights to/from Urumqi
Lunches and dinners (except farewell dinner on Day 9)
Personal expenses and optional activities
Tips for guide and driver (recommended: CNY 100–150/day total)
Single room supplement (available on request)
Visa fees and travel documents

Flexible & Customizable: This itinerary serves as a foundation. We can adjust pacing, add extra nights, upgrade accommodations, or combine this tour with Southern Xinjiang or other destinations. Just let us know your preferences.

Pricing

Transparent per-person pricing based on your group size. No hidden fees.

Solo Traveler

$3,280 / person

Private guide & vehicle

Dedicated private guide
Private vehicle throughout
Single room accommodation
Maximum flexibility

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2 Travelers

$2,180 / person

Best value for couples

Private guide & vehicle
Standard double room
All entrance fees included
Ideal for couples or friends

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3–5 Travelers

$1,880 / person

Perfect for families

Private guide & vehicle
Flexible room arrangements
Family-friendly pacing
Group discounts apply

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Start Your Northern Xinjiang Adventure

Ready to explore? Send us a quick inquiry and one of our 200+ bilingual travel consultants will craft a personalized quote within 24 hours. No obligation, no pressure — just expert advice.

+86 991-1234-5678

travel@chinamadeyours.com

Response within 24 hours

Request a Free Quote

Want the Full Details?

Download the complete PDF itinerary with day-by-day schedules, hotel names, driving distances, and packing recommendations.

Download Itinerary PDF

A Land of Contrasts and Color

"Every turn of the road reveals a new masterpiece of nature."

Start Your Northern Xinjiang Adventure

Ready to explore? Send us a quick inquiry and one of our 200+ bilingual travel consultants will craft a personalized quote within 24 hours. No obligation, no pressure — just expert advice.

+86 991-1234-5678

travel@chinamadeyours.com

Response within 24 hours