2026 Altay Group Tour Grassland Stone City 6 Day Cost Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Mai Zi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation
Explore the Mysteries of Northern Xinjiang:2026 Altay Grassland Stone City 6-Day In-Depth Travel Guide✨
I. Itinerary Highlights and Destination Details
Located in northern Xinjiang, the Altay region is renowned for its three-dimensional landscape of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and forests. This itinerary focuses on the geological wonder of “Grassland Stone City” and connects three core scenic areas—Kanas, Hemu, and Koktokay—to create an in-depth experience blending nature and culture.
“Grassland Stone City” 🌄
As the core area of the Altay Geopark, Grassland Stone City is famous for its granite boulder clusters. The boulders vary in shape, with some resembling crouching beasts and others standing figures, creating a striking visual contrast against the surrounding grasslands and birch forests. The scenic area features a 3-kilometer circular trail where visitors can admire iconic landmarks like the “Couple Trees” and “Eagle Rock.” In summer, wildflowers blanket the ground, while autumn transforms the landscape with vibrant foliage—offering scenic views year-round.
“Kanas Lake” 🌊
Voted “China’s Most Beautiful Lake” by *Chinese National Geography*, the lake shifts between blue and green hues with changing light. The itinerary includes ascending Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view and hiking the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Crescent Bay, and Crouching Dragon Bay) to immerse in the serenity of this “backyard garden.”
“Hemu Village” 🏡
This Tuvan settlement is famed for its log cabins and morning mist. The itinerary includes a sunrise photography session at Haden Platform, where cooking smoke intertwines with mist as wooden houses awaken in golden sunlight, resembling a fairy-tale world.
“Koktokay” 🏞️
The Irtysh River flows through, creating a landscape of canyons, wetlands, and mining pits. The itinerary covers hiking Zhongshan Canyon and exploring the geological mysteries of Mine No. 3, learning about this “meritorious mine’s” contributions to China’s aerospace industry.
II. Simple Itinerary
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Explore the Mysteries of Northern Xinjiang: 2026 Altay Grassland Stone City 6-Day In-Depth Travel Guide✨Transportation:Arrive in Urumqi by air from various locations; private transfer to hotel
Activities:Freely explore the International Bazaar; taste Xinjiang delicacies like roasted stuffed buns and hand-pulled rice
Accommodation:4-star hotel (breakfast included)
Day 2:Urumqi → Koktokay (~480 km, 6 hours)
Morning:Traverse the Junggar Basin, enjoying Gobi Desert scenery
Afternoon:Tour Koktokay Geopark and hike Zhongshan Canyon
Special Experience:Visit Mine No. 3 to learn about rare metal mining history
Accommodation:Scenic resort hotel (breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
Day 3:Koktokay → Burqin (~320 km, 4.5 hours)
Morning:Visit Colorful Beach Scenic Area to admire the interplay of yardang landforms and the Irtysh River
Afternoon:Arrive in Burqin; recommended free activities: Sino-Russian Cultural Street, Russian Matryoshka Square
Dinner:Cold-water fish feast (featured river delicacies like houndfish and black carp)
Accommodation:River-view hotel (breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
I. Itinerary Highlights and Destination DetailsDay 4:Burqin → Kanas → Hemu (~180 km, 4 hours)
Morning:Enter Kanas Scenic Area by car; tour the Three Bays and take the shuttle to Guanyu Platform
Afternoon:Proceed to Hemu Village and check into a characteristic wooden cabin
Special Experience:Visit a Tuvan family and enjoy a performance of the *chuwuer* (reed flute)
Accommodation:Hemu wooden cabin (breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
Day 5:Hemu → Grassland Stone City → Burqin (~220 km, 5 hours)
Early Morning:Photograph sunrise and morning mist at Haden Platform
Morning:Explore Grassland Stone City with a professional geological guide to interpret rock formations
Afternoon:Return to Burqin; freely purchase local specialties like nuts and black honey
Accommodation:Same as Day 3 (breakfast, lunch, dinner included)
Day 6:Burqin → Urumqi (return)
Morning:Private transfer to airport based on flight schedule; end of itinerary
Thoughtful Services:Luggage storage and flight status inquiry assistance provided
III. Pricing Details (Reference Range)
Located in northern Xinjiang, the Altay region is renowned for its three-dimensional landscape of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and forests. This itinerary focuses on the geological wonder of “Grassland Stone City” and connects three core scenic areas—Kanas, Hemu, and Koktokay—to create an in-depth experience blending nature and culture.Quotations for the 2026 Altay 6-day tour vary by season and accommodation standards:
Budget:3,980–4,680 RMB/person
(Includes 3-star hotels, scenic area shuttles, and basic meals)
Comfort:5,280–6,280 RMB/person
(Upgrades to 4-star hotels, specialty dining, and professional photography guidance)
Luxury:6,880–7,980 RMB/person
(Stays in Hemu Starry Sky Cabins, includes off-road vehicles, and adds experiences like horseback riding/boat tours)
⚠ ⚠️ Important Notes:Prices include transportation, accommodation, tickets, meals, and guide services (excluding round-trip airfare). Final terms depend on actual consultation and contract signing with Zhang Jing, Customer Service Manager at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Availability and pricing may change by departure date.
IV. Registration Method
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency; Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing offers:
7×12-hour online consultation
Customized itinerary services
Electronic contract signing
“Grassland Stone City” 🌄 Emergency Response Mechanism
V. Fee and Service Details
[Included Fees]
Transportation:Licensed tour buses/commercial vehicles throughout (including fuel and tolls)
Accommodation:Hotels specified in itinerary (double standard rooms; solo travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms where possible)
Meals:5 breakfasts and 8 main meals (including 3 specialty meals: cold-water fish feast, Tuvan family banquet, grassland barbecue)
Tickets:First-entry tickets and shuttles for Kanas, Hemu, Grassland Stone City, etc.
Services:Licensed guide, travel insurance, unlimited bottled water
[Optional Upgrades (at own expense)]
Kanas Lake boat tour:120 RMB/person
Horseback riding in Hemu Village:200 RMB/hour
Professional photography follow-shot:800 RMB/day (includes 20 retouched photos)
[Special Notes]
As the core area of the Altay Geopark, Grassland Stone City is famous for its granite boulder clusters. The boulders vary in shape, with some resembling crouching beasts and others standing figures, creating a striking visual contrast against the surrounding grasslands and birch forests. The scenic area features a 3-kilometer circular trail where visitors can admire iconic landmarks like the “Couple Trees” and “Eagle Rock.” In summer, wildflowers blanket the ground, while autumn transforms the landscape with vibrant foliage—offering scenic views year-round. If weather or policies force itinerary changes, routes will be optimized by mutual agreement.
Optional secondary purchases inside scenic areas; no forced consumption.
Specific service standards follow the contract appendix *Itinerary Confirmation Form*.
VI. Pre-Trip Checklist
Documents:Valid ID, permits (required for Baihaba Village; travel agency can assist)
Clothing:Windbreaker, quick-dry shirts, hiking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses
Medications:Motion sickness pills, stomach medicine, band-aids, mosquito repellent
Electronics:Camera, power bank, umbrella (rain/sun protection)
Payment:Cash recommended in some areas; carry a small amount
VII. Travel Tips
Best Seasons:June–August for grassland flowers; September–October for autumn foliage. Book 30 days in advance.
Photography Timing:Hemu sunrise (6:30–7:30 AM), Kanas morning mist (8:00–9:00 AM)
Cultural Respect:Ask permission before photographing locals; avoid sensitive cultural topics.
Eco-Friendly Practices:Drones prohibited in scenic areas; carry trash to recycling points.
This itinerary is filed with the Xinjiang Cultural Tourism Association and designed by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency after on-site inspections, balancing classic attractions with in-depth experiences. Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, photography lover, or family traveler, you’ll find inspiration in this northern Xinjiang gem. Contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing now to start your 2026 Altay adventure!
Contact Manager Mai Zi at 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send itinerary and quotation
