Altay Charter Visit Local Markets Taste Altay Specialty Cuisine 9 Day Joyful Itinerary Real Time Charter Price Updates Recommended Routes and Prices
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Explore Altay:Nine-Day Customized Vehicle Tour: Discover the Authentic Flavors of Northern Xinjiang
[Route and Destination Highlights]
Altay, a land embraced by the Altai Mountains, is renowned for its breathtaking landscape of snow-capped peaks, grasslands, lakes, and forests. In 2026, with convenient transportation and a wealth of experiences, it has become a top choice for in-depth travelers. This nine-day itinerary focuses on “customized vehicle travel,” connecting natural wonders like Kanas, Hemu, and Koktokay with cultural scenes such as the Burqin Night Market and ethnic bazaars, allowing travelers to appreciate stunning scenery while experiencing the local charm of northern Xinjiang.
1. Kanas: A Symphony of Lakes, Mountains, and Geological Wonders
Kanas Lake is the centerpiece of the itinerary. In 2026, the scenic area implements a timed reservation system with a daily limit of 28,000 visitors. Reservations must be made in advance through the “Kanas Scenic Area” official account. The lake area features the “Three Bays” (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay) and Guanyu Platform as iconic spots:
Guanyu Platform:1,068 steps lead to the mountaintop at an elevation of 2,030 meters. Arrive before 8:30 AM for a panoramic view of morning mist and clouds over the lake. Afternoons are prone to fog, so early arrival is recommended.
Three Bays Hiking:We recommend hiking in reverse (Wolong Bay → Fairy Bay) to avoid peak tourist hours (9-11 AM). Stroll along wooden walkways and enjoy the tranquility of forests and streams.
Geological Exploration:The west bank hiking trail spans approximately 12 kilometers, showcasing glacial U-shaped valleys and wild peony meadows. With only one-tenth the visitor density of the east bank, it’s ideal for photography enthusiasts.
2. Hemu Village: A Fairy-Tale World of Morning Mist and Wooden Houses
Hemu Village is known as “God’s backyard.” As of 2026, there are about 120 registered guesthouses in the scenic area, but fewer than 40% offer private bathrooms and electric heating. Itinerary suggestions:
Accommodation Options:Stay in traditional Tuvan wooden houses in the old village. Despite simple facilities, you’ll experience an authentic lifestyle. At 6 AM, join your host on horseback to the summer pasture and watch the dynamic beauty of morning mist receding from the village edges.
Explore Altay: Nine-Day Customized Vehicle Tour: Discover the Authentic Flavors of Northern XinjiangPhotography Tips:The best spot at Sunrise Viewing Platform is not on the top floor but beside a birch stump at the third fence on the east side of Haden Platform, where you can capture wooden houses framed by snow-capped mountains.
Drone Restrictions:Register at the village police station. Flight altitude is limited to 120 meters, with a 5-minute process.
3. Koktokay: A Dual Melody of Mines and Canyons
Koktokay National Geopark is famous for its mines and canyons. In 2026, the scenic area designates new non-hiking zones, and tours of the core mine require a dedicated electric shuttle bus:
Mine No. 3:The mine tour route extends to 800 meters, with a constant internal temperature of 8°C (46°F). Bring a fleece jacket even in summer. Outside the mine, 86 types of rare mineral specimens are displayed—a paradise for geology enthusiasts.
Zhongshan Canyon:The one-way hiking trail is about 7 kilometers long. When afternoon sunlight slants across the granite cliffs, their textures become clearly visible—perfect for casual hikers.
4. Burqin and Ethnic Bazaars: A Culinary Journey Through Northern Xinjiang
Burqin County serves as a transit hub on the itinerary. It offers numerous cost-effective hotels and a concentration of Altay’s culinary delights:
Burqin Night Market:Grilled fish is a must-try. Recommendations include Qiaoertai (dogfish) and Suoluofish, paired with Wusu Beer. Average spending is about 50 RMB per person. With numerous grilled fish stalls, each offering unique seasonings, compare a few before choosing.
Ethnic Bazaars: At bazaars in Altay City or Qinghe County, sample local specialties like baursak (fried dough cakes), stir-fried milk curds, wild mushroom soup with rice, and more. Stir-fried milk curds—a hidden menu item at farmhouse restaurants in Habahe County—combine sour-sweet dried milk with green peppers and beef/lamb for an exceptional rice dish.
[Simple Itinerary]
Day 1:Arrive in Altay and acclimate to the environment
[Route and Destination Highlights]Morning:Arrive at Altay Xuedu Airport and transfer to a downtown hotel via customized vehicle.
Afternoon:Visit Hualin Park to experience early summer in northern Xinjiang.
Evening:Dine at a downtown restaurant on narin (hand-rolled noodles with horse meat) and kavas (honey-fermented beverage).
Day 2:Altay → Koktokay
Morning:Travel to Koktokay National Geopark and visit Mine No. 3 and the Geological Museum.
Afternoon:Hike Zhongshan Canyon to admire granite landscapes.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Fuyun County and enjoy a cold-water fish banquet.
Day 3:Koktokay → Kanas
Morning:Drive to Kanas Scenic Area, enjoying views of the Irtysh River along the way.
Afternoon:Tour Kanas Lake and ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view.
Evening:Stay at a Jiadenyu guesthouse and experience local life.
Day 4:In-Depth Kanas Exploration
Altay, a land embraced by the Altai Mountains, is renowned for its breathtaking landscape of snow-capped peaks, grasslands, lakes, and forests. In 2026, with convenient transportation and a wealth of experiences, it has become a top choice for in-depth travelers. This nine-day itinerary focuses on “customized vehicle travel,” connecting natural wonders like Kanas, Hemu, and Koktokay with cultural scenes such as the Burqin Night Market and ethnic bazaars, allowing travelers to appreciate stunning scenery while experiencing the local charm of northern Xinjiang.Morning:Hike the west bank trail of Kanas Lake to view glacial U-shaped valleys and wild peony meadows.
Afternoon:Tour the Three Bays, recommending a reverse hike (Wolong Bay → Fairy Bay).
Evening:Return to Jiadenyu guesthouse for rest.
Day 5:Kanas → Hemu
Morning:Drive to Hemu Village, enjoying grassland views along the way.
Afternoon:Check into a Tuvan wooden house in Hemu’s old village. Enjoy free time or explore the summer pasture on horseback.
Evening:Dine on hand-grabbed meat and baursak in the wooden house.
Day 6:In-Depth Hemu Exploration
Morning:Rise early to photograph Hemu’s morning mist and capture village panoramas.
Afternoon:Hike Dameilifeng Peak for views of the river valley.
Evening:Return to the wooden house for rest and participate in traditional ethnic entertainment activities.
1. Kanas: A Symphony of Lakes, Mountains, and Geological WondersDay 7:Hemu → Burqin
Morning:Drive to Burqin County, visiting the五彩滩 (Colorful Beach) along the way (optimal at sunset).
Afternoon:Check into a Burqin hotel. Enjoy free time or stroll the riverside night market.
Evening:Sample Burqin grilled fish and kavas at the night market.
Day 8:Burqin → Altay City
Morning:Drive back to Altay City, with optional stops at scenic spots along the way.
Afternoon:Tour Altay City attractions, such as General Mountain Ski Resort (grass skiing available in summer).
Evening:Dine on ethnic specialties at a downtown restaurant.
Day 9:Departure
Morning:Transfer to the airport or train station based on your flight or train schedule.
[Customized Vehicle Pricing]
Prices for customized vehicles in Altay in 2026 vary by season, vehicle type, and itinerary duration. Below are reference ranges (based on a 7-seat business vehicle):
Kanas Lake is the centerpiece of the itinerary. In 2026, the scenic area implements a timed reservation system with a daily limit of 28,000 visitors. Reservations must be made in advance through the “Kanas Scenic Area” official account. The lake area features the “Three Bays” (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay) and Guanyu Platform as iconic spots:Low Season (November–March):1,000–1,200 RMB/day
Shoulder Season (May–June, September–October):1,200–1,300 RMB/day
Peak Season (July–August, National Day holiday):1,400–1,600 RMB/day
Prices include vehicle usage, driver service, fuel, and tolls. Exclusions: driver accommodations (negotiable), overtime/extra kilometer fees, parking, and scenic area tickets. Final pricing is subject to consultation and contract with Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and may fluctuate based on market supply and demand.
[Registration and Fee Details]
Register for this itinerary through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Fees include customized vehicle costs, accommodation (varies by standard), some meals, and scenic area tickets (as per itinerary). Final costs are subject to consultation and contract, with reasonable itinerary adjustments possible through mutual agreement. Solo travelers will be assisted with room-sharing; special cases require separate negotiation.
[Service Details]
Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency provides professional drivers and vehicles to ensure itinerary adherence and comfort.
Scenic area opening hours and ticket policies may change due to weather or regulations; refer to official announcements.
During customized vehicle service, drivers will assist with scenic area entry, accommodation check-in, and other procedures.
Travelers must prepare personal items such as windbreakers, sunscreen, and insect repellent to adapt to northern Xinjiang’s variable climate.
[Contact Information]
For inquiries or further itinerary details, contact Zhang Jing, Customer Service Manager at Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. We look forward to exploring Altay’s stunning landscapes and unique culture with you!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
