Discover the untouched beauty of northern Xinjiang — from the mystical turquoise waters of Kanas Lake to the timeless wooden villages of Hemu, across boundless grasslands and beneath the majestic Altay Mountains.
Altay is a land where time moves slowly — where Kazakh herders still follow ancient seasonal migrations, where Siberian larch forests blaze with autumn gold, and where Kanas Lake holds the mystery of a "water monster" in its turquoise depths.
This 7-day itinerary takes you deep into one of China's last great wilderness frontiers. You'll wander through Hemu Village, often called the "Photographer's Paradise," cruise the emerald waters of Kanas Lake, sleep in traditional yurts under a canopy of stars, and traverse the legendary Gurbantunggut Desert.
With a private vehicle, experienced local guide, and hand-picked accommodations, every day unfolds at your own pace — whether you're chasing sunrise over misty valleys or sharing milk tea with a Kazakh family in their summer pasture.
Mystical turquoise waters surrounded by pristine taiga forest and snow-capped peaks
Ancient Tuva wooden village nestled in a valley of golden birch forests
Comfortable 4WD with experienced driver-guide throughout the journey
Hand-pulled lamb, milk tea, and Kazakh hospitality around the dinner table
Golden hour shoots at China's most photogenic mountain villages
Authentic Kazakh yurt accommodation on the open grasslands
Seven unforgettable days through the Altay wilderness — carefully paced to let you absorb every landscape, every encounter, every moment.
Welcome to Xinjiang! Your guide will meet you at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a leisurely evening exploring the bustling International Grand Bazaar — a vibrant introduction to Uyghur culture, crafts, and cuisine.
Embark on an epic overland journey north through the Gurbantunggut Desert — China's second-largest desert. Watch the landscape transform from arid sand dunes to rolling steppe and finally to forested foothills. Stop at the Ghost City of Wuerhe, a mesmerizing yardang landform sculpted by millennia of wind.
Enter the legendary Kanas Nature Reserve — a UNESCO-listed biosphere where Siberian larch, spruce, and red pine cloak the mountainsides. Take a boat cruise on Kanas Lake, whose waters shift from turquoise to emerald depending on the light. Hike to the Fish Viewing Pavilion for panoramic views, and keep your eyes peeled for the legendary "Kanas Lake Monster."
Travel to Hemu Village — a place so photogenic it's been called "God's Private Garden." This ancient settlement of the Tuva people is a cluster of traditional log cabins surrounded by birch and spruce forests. Walk the wooden plank paths, visit a local Tuva family to learn about their unique culture, and climb to the viewing platform for one of China's most iconic sunrise panoramas.
Rise before dawn for the legendary Hemu sunrise — watch as the first rays of light paint the village, river, and distant peaks in shades of gold and rose. After breakfast, ride horseback across the open grasslands to a Kazakh summer pasture. Tonight, you'll sleep in a traditional yurt, sharing stories around the fire, sipping milk tea, and gazing at a sky ablaze with stars.
Bid farewell to your yurt hosts and journey back toward Burqin. Along the way, visit the Colorful Beach (Wucaitan) — a stunning riverside landscape where wind-eroded sandstone formations display vivid bands of red, yellow, green, and purple. The contrast between the blue Irtysh River and the fiery cliffs creates one of Xinjiang's most dramatic natural palettes.
After breakfast, begin the scenic return drive to Urumqi. The landscape unfolds in reverse — from forested hills to golden steppe to desert — giving you a final chance to absorb the vastness of northern Xinjiang. Upon arrival in Urumqi, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, carrying memories of turquoise lakes, golden villages, and star-filled grassland nights.
Everything you need for a seamless journey through the Altay wilderness.
Note: This itinerary is designed as a private tour and can be customized to your preferences — add extra days, adjust the pace, or combine with other Xinjiang destinations. Contact our travel consultants for a personalized quote.
Let our travel consultants craft your perfect Xinjiang adventure. Get a personalized quote, adjust the itinerary to your pace, and embark on a journey you'll never forget.