10 Days North Xinjiang Holiday to Kanas and Yining

Step off the flight in Altay, we will welcome you at the airport arrivals hall, then we will take you to your hotel, a journey for about 20 minutes.

Altay is a city located in far northern Xinjiang, which is closer to Mongolia than to Urumqi, with the Kazakh people forming the largest segment of minority population. The rest of today is on your own to relax, feel free to to get some ideas about where to go, how to go, and what to do from your driver.

Today is the day, the start of your Xinjiang adventure. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, we'll drive about 4 hours to Hemu, a peaceful Tuva village nestled in a quiet valley in Kanas. The village is charmingly dotted with traditional Tuva wooden huts and livestock grazing in pens.

Hemu village is one of only three remaining Tuva villages and is both the largest and most remote. For this reason, many refer to the Tuvans as a "primitive tribe wandering in the depths of Xinjiang." During your time here, you'll have the opportunity to take part in several unique activities: you can explore the village on horseback or even ride in a horse-drawn plow, a rare sight in modern cities. For a truly breathtaking view, you can also take a hot air balloon ride to see the village from above. During winter, the temperature often drops to around -20°C. Don't miss the chance to pour a cup of water into the air and watch as it instantly freezes—it's a phenomenon you won't forget!

Optional Activities (expense not covered): horse/horse drawn plow/hot air balloon riding, splashing water to make ice (be cautious)...

In the morning, your driver will pick you up and take you on a scenic 2-hour drive along the winding roads to Kanas Nature Reserve, renowned as China's only European-like ecological site. The reserve has earned the title of the "Pure Land of the World" for its pristine natural beauty. En route, we will stop to visit the breathtaking Kanas Lake.

Upon arrival, we will take you deeper into the reserve, where you can fully immerse yourself in its stunning landscapes. Our first stop will be the Fish Watching Pavilion, where you'll be treated to panoramic views of the enchanting Kanas Valley. You may reach the pavilion by riding a horse. Later in the afternoon, we'll return to Jiadengyu District to check in to your hotel. After a day of exploration, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant to unwind and reflect on your adventures.

Optional Activities (expense not covered): horse/horse drawn plow/hot air balloon riding, splashing water to make ice (be cautious)...

Another day dawns in the breathtaking Kanas Nature Reserve. After a hearty breakfast, spend your morning wandering through the park and capturing its unparalleled beauty with your camera. When you feel ready to get moving, put on warmer layers for a hike that follows the river past Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Immortal Bay. If you prefer a more traditional experience, join a horseback riding excursion through the stunning landscape of the three Bays.

Today is about deep immersion in the scenery of the Kanas Nature Reserve. The goal is to slow down, notice the fine details, and engage all your senses. Mindfully observe the vibrant natural world around you, perhaps by simply sitting quietly and letting the environment come to you. You'll be fascinated by the lake's ever-changing colors; depending on the season, weather, and time, it can be crystal blue, dark green, or even gray.

In the afternoon, we'll head to the town of Burqin. This will be a short trip as Burqin is only 124 km away from Kanas. Make sure to seize the chance to try some delicious local Kazakh food before we call it a night.

Awake early to enjoy the spectacular sunrise in this lovely county, home to a predominantly Kazakh population. Following breakfast, we will leave for the vast Gurbantunggut Desert to explore the Urho Ghost City. Please be prepared for a substantial journey as our drive there will take approximately five hours. The Urho Ghost City features one of China's most famous "yardang" landforms—dramatic wind-eroded rock formations that strong, howling winds have sculpted over millennia. These naturally carved shapes are so evocative you might imagine they resemble pagodas, ancient temples, or various animals.

Following breakfast, we will drive 1 hour to the breathtaking Anjihai Grand Canyon, widely known among enthusiasts as a true photographer's paradise. Carved by the Anjihai River, which originates in the Tianshan Mountains, this spectacular canyon features a magnificent, umbrella-shaped alluvial fan near Tungut. Formed over millennia of scouring and erosion, it is a true geographical wonder on the range's northern slope.

In the afternoon, we depart for Yining. A stunning sight awaits us on the way: Sayram Lake, poetically known as "the last drop of tears from the Atlantic." We'll stop to stroll along the shore, enjoying the blooming wildflowers and the beautiful surrounding grasslands.

Optional Activities (expense not covered): skating, skiing, ice-boating, ice sculpture, swan feeding ...

Begin your day with a buffet at your hotel. After that, we will drive 4-5 hours to Nalati Grassland to immerse ourselves in its exotic scenery.

Also known as Gongnaisi grassland, which means "white yang slope" in Turkic, Nalati is one of the world's four major grasslands and has served as a famous pasture since ancient times. This sub-alpine meadow sits on the northern slope of Nalati Mountain, a unique landscape developed on Tertiary paleo-flood deposits. The spectacular combination of beautiful grassland scenery and rich local Kazakh folk customs consistently ranks it among the Top 10 tourist resorts in Xinjiang. Take a moment here to breathe the crisp, fresh air, soak in the vast beauty of the landscape, and let the peaceful surroundings fill you with a sense of wonder and tranquility.

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Nalati Grassland, where vast alpine meadows stretch endlessly beneath majestic, snow-capped peaks. Begin your day by truly savoring the crisp mountain air and the serene, expansive beauty of the landscape.

Later, we will drive to Kurdening Valley, a hidden gem renowned for its dense spruce forests, crystal-clear rivers, and tranquil atmosphere. The drive takes 3 hours. Upon arrival, you can check in at your hotel and relax for the evening, fully immersed in this pristine natural setting.

Warming up your stomach by having a breakfast at your hotel, then soak up the crisp mountain air and spend a relaxing morning at your own pace in the Kurdening Valley, enveloped by lush greenery and peaceful natural scenery.

Afterward, we will travel for about three hours to Yining, a charming city renowned for its vibrant mix of cultures and pleasant atmosphere.

Upon arrival in Yining, we'll take a leisurely walk along Liuxing Street. Here, tree-lined avenues, fascinating Eurasian-style buildings, and local shops create a unique, vibrant yet laid-back vibe.

In the afternoon, we will escort you to the airport and assist with your check-in. We wish you all the best on your onward journey and will miss you!