Altay Group Tour to Keketuohai Route How to Register + Price Recommended Route Cost and Price
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Exploring the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang:Comprehensive Guide to the In-Depth Group Tour of Koktokay in Altay
[Itinerary Highlights:A Double Feast of Geological Wonders and Cultural Experiences]
The Altay region is renowned as the ‘Land of Gold and Silver Waters,’ and Koktokay National Geopark is the essence of this land. Not only does it boast high-quality granite landscapes—with massive rock formations like Zhongshan and Luotuofeng rising abruptly from the ground, and the Irtysh River winding through the canyon, creating a spectacle of ‘one river, two banks, and a different view at every step’—but it is also a testament to the industrial development of New China due to the mining history of Pit No. 3. In 2026, the scenic area will introduce new attractions through ecological restoration projects, including the Ilimu Lake Wetland Birdwatching Area and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Project in Talat Folk Village, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural scenery while delving into the traditional handicrafts of various ethnic groups and the wooden house construction techniques of the Tuvans.
[Simple Itinerary:7-Day, 6-Night Immersive Exploration]
Based on field reconnaissance and tourist feedback from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, the classic itinerary for 2026 is as follows:
Day 1:Gathering in Altay · First Glimpse of Northern Xinjiang
Afternoon:Arrive at Altay Airport, transfer by private car to a downtown hotel (with floor heating), and enjoy free time. Recommended activities include a stroll in Hualin Park or fishing by the Kelan River.
Dinner:Savor lightly stewed Altay big-tail mutton, paired with handmade milk curds and baursaks.
Day 2:Geological Exploration of Koktokay
Morning:Drive for 4.5 hours to Koktokay, visit the Irtysh Grand Canyon, and hike the Zhongshan Trail (3 km one way).
Exploring the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang: Comprehensive Guide to the In-Depth Group Tour of Koktokay in AltayAfternoon:Visit the Pit No. 3 Geological Museum to learn about the history of the ‘Meritorious Mine’ and experience exploring the mine tunnels (helmets required).
Accommodation:Stay in a characteristic wooden house in Koktokay Town, where you can observe the Milky Way at night.
Day 3:In-Depth Wetland and Folk Culture Experience
Morning:Birdwatch at Ilimu Lake Wetland (binoculars provided), recording migratory birds such as egrets and ruddy shelducks.
Afternoon:Learn embroidery and dombra playing from various ethnic groups in Talat Folk Village, and participate in the ‘Aytis’ singing duel activity.
Dinner:Experience a ‘Naren’ hand-grabbed meat feast, paired with kumis.
Day 4:Burqin Colorful Beach · Light and Shadow Magic
Morning:Take a 3-hour ride to Burqin, visit the Colorful Beach Yardang landform, with the best time for photography being one hour before sunset (when the rocks display red, yellow, green, and purple hues).
Afternoon:Enjoy free time at the riverside night market, recommended for grilled cold-water fish and kvass beverage.
Accommodation:Stay at a hotel by the Burqin River, a 5-minute walk from the night market.
[Itinerary Highlights: A Double Feast of Geological Wonders and Cultural Experiences]Day 5:Kanas Lake · Secret Realms of the Three Bays
Morning:Enter the Kanas Scenic Area, take the shuttle bus to visit Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Fairy Bay, and hike the 1,068 steps to Guanyu Platform.
Afternoon:Stroll along the lakeside wooden boardwalk and participate in the interactive Tuvan ‘Khoomei’ performance.
Accommodation:Stay in an ecological wooden house in Jiadengyu, equipped with bathroom and electric heating.
Day 6:Hemu Village · Morning Mist and Starry Sky
Morning:Head to Hemu Village, ascend the Haden Viewing Platform to capture the morning mist (a tripod is recommended).
Afternoon:Ride horses in the birch forest or participate in the traditional Tuvan game ‘Qiaoerbo.’
Dinner:Enjoy ‘dried meat pilaf’ in a wooden house, gather around the fire to listen to Tuvan elders tell the legend of the ‘Kanas Lake Monster.’
Day 7:Return Journey · Cultural Finale
Morning:Freely shop for specialties such as Burqin black honey and gemstone paintings.
The Altay region is renowned as the ‘Land of Gold and Silver Waters,’ and Koktokay National Geopark is the essence of this land. Not only does it boast high-quality granite landscapes—with massive rock formations like Zhongshan and Luotuofeng rising abruptly from the ground, and the Irtysh River winding through the canyon, creating a spectacle of ‘one river, two banks, and a different view at every step’—but it is also a testament to the industrial development of New China due to the mining history of Pit No. 3. In 2026, the scenic area will introduce new attractions through ecological restoration projects, including the Ilimu Lake Wetland Birdwatching Area and the Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Project in Talat Folk Village, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural scenery while delving into the traditional handicrafts of various ethnic groups and the wooden house construction techniques of the Tuvans.Afternoon:Transfer to the airport according to flight schedule and conclude the itinerary.
[Price Description:Transparent Itemized Pricing]
In 2026, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency offers two types of packages, both including the first admission ticket to scenic areas, shuttle bus, accommodation, meals, and guide services:
Economy Package:Starting at 3,980 RMB per person
Accommodation:Three-star hotel in downtown Altay + economic wooden house in scenic area (shared bathroom)
Meals:Team meals (8 dishes, 1 soup) + 1 special feast
Transportation:15-seat tourist minibus (with snow tires)
Standard Package:Starting at 5,280 RMB per person
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in Altay + characteristic wooden house in scenic area (with bathroom)
Meals:Upgraded team meals (including lightly stewed mutton, naren, etc.) + 2 special feasts
[Simple Itinerary: 7-Day, 6-Night Immersive Exploration]Transportation:9-seat business vehicle (with onboard WiFi)
Note:
Prices may fluctuate depending on the departure date; bookings are required 30 days in advance during the peak season from June to August;
The price does not include round-trip major transportation (airfare/train tickets) and personal expenses;
The actual price and itinerary are subject to the consultation and contract signed.
[Registration Method:One-Stop Service Process]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency with the following process:
Phone Consultation:Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing to obtain information on recent departure dates and available seats;
Requirement Confirmation:Customize the itinerary based on the number of people, budget, and interests (such as photography, family, hiking);
Contract and Payment:Online contract signing is supported, with a 30% deposit required and the remaining balance to be paid 7 days before departure;
Based on field reconnaissance and tourist feedback from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, the classic itinerary for 2026 is as follows:Pre-Trip Preparation:The customer service provides the ‘Northern Xinjiang Travel Manual,’ including a clothing checklist, medication suggestions, and an offline map package.
[Fee and Service Description:Details for Worry-Free Travel]
Accommodation:All mountain wooden houses have passed fire and hygiene inspections and are equipped with 24-hour hot water and electric heating;
Transportation:Vehicles are disinfected daily, and drivers must pass special training on northern Xinjiang road conditions;
Meals:Team meal ingredients are traceable, and restaurants must be notified 3 days in advance;
Guides:Certified bilingual guides familiar with geological knowledge and various ethnic cultures;
Insurance:Complimentary travel accident insurance of 500,000 RMB per person, covering high-risk activities.
[Special Reminders]
Scenic Area Policies:Kanas, Hemu, and Baihaba require real-name reservations 7 days in advance through the ‘Altay Smart Tourism’ mini-program; a border pass is required on-site for Baihaba;
Seasonal Suitability:June to August is the flowering season on the grasslands, September to October is the golden period for autumn scenery, and December to February is the skiing season (the vertical drop at Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort is 405 meters);
Equipment Suggestions:The temperature difference between day and night in the mountains is significant, so bring a windbreaker, quick-drying clothes, and high-top hiking shoes; network coverage is limited, so it is recommended to download offline maps.
From the majesty of Zhongshan to the tranquility of Hemu Village, from the vicissitudes of Pit No. 3 to the splendor of Colorful Beach, the Altay Koktokay route offers a ‘geological + cultural’ dual experience that fulfills all imaginations of northern Xinjiang. With ten years of operational experience in northern Xinjiang, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency helps you avoid the pitfalls of ‘rushed tourism,’ allowing every minute to be immersed in the scenery and culture. Act now and embark on your in-depth journey to northern Xinjiang!
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
