Kanas Charter a Car Slow Down to Immerse in Mountain Lake Scenery 11 Day Self Drive Holiday Itinerary Comprehensive Cost Breakdown Recommended Route Pricing
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and quotation.
Exploring Kanas:An 11-Day Immersive Self-Drive Journey Through Mountains, Forests, and Lakes
Kanas:Northern Xinjiang’s “Pure Land on Earth”
Kanas, a hidden gem nestled deep within the Altay Mountains, is renowned for its emerald-like lakes, cascading coniferous forests, winding rivers, and Tuvan villages. By 2026, with the continuous improvement of tourism infrastructure in northern Xinjiang, Kanas will offer a flexible travel model combining “self-driving + customized transportation,” allowing visitors to freely control their pace and deeply experience the primal tranquility of this land.
The Kanas Scenic Area encompasses three core regions: Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Baihaba Village, each offering distinct seasonal scenery:Blossoming mountains in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snow-covered landscapes in winter. In 2026, the scenic area will implement a “timed reservation system,” requiring visitors to book entry in advance through designated channels, with daily visitor limits to protect the ecosystem. Self-driving vehicles must be parked at the Jiadenyu parking lot, with transfers to the core areas via scenic shuttle buses or customized transportation provided by certified local drivers, ensuring professionalism and convenience.
Simple Itinerary:11-Day In-Depth Exploration
Days 1-2:Gather in Urumqi and acclimate to the high-altitude climate
Arrive in Urumqi from across the country and check into a downtown hotel (recommended near the International Bazaar for convenient shopping). The next day, visit the Xinjiang Museum to learn about ethnic cultures or enjoy panoramic city views from Red Hill Park. In the evening, head to the International Bazaar to savor local specialties like roasted stuffed buns and hand-pulled rice, building energy for the journey ahead.
Day 3:Urumqi to Burqin (approx. 500 km, 6 hours)
Exploring Kanas: An 11-Day Immersive Self-Drive Journey Through Mountains, Forests, and LakesTravel north along National Highway G216 through the Junggar Basin, passing gobi landscapes and wind farms. Upon arrival in Burqin, check into a hotel by the Irtysh River. In the evening, visit the Sino-Russian Old Pier Street for a cold-water fish feast (recommended dishes: huchen and five-banded dace).
Day 4:Burqin to Kanas Lake (approx. 150 km, 3 hours)
Depart early and enter the Kanas Scenic Area via Provincial Highway S232. The customized transportation driver will assist with entry procedures and provide geological and ecological insights about the Altay Mountains along the way. Check into Jiadenyu or Kanas New Village upon arrival. In the afternoon, hike the lakeside boardwalk or take a boat tour to Lake Heart Island.
Days 5-6:In-Depth Exploration of Kanas Lake
Day 5:Rise early for Guanyu Platform to overlook the panoramic view of Kanas Lake and spot the legendary “lake monster” amid morning mists. In the afternoon, hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay), with viewing platforms at each bend for photo opportunities.
Day 6:Visit Tuvan villages and participate in intangible cultural heritage experiences (such as throat singing performances and fur ski making). Return to Jiadenyu in the evening.
Day 7:Kanas to Hemu Village (approx. 70 km, 2 hours)
Travel by customized transportation to Hemu Village, passing through primeval forests. Check into a wooden cabin guesthouse upon arrival. In the afternoon, ride horses to Beautiful Peak for panoramic views of the Hemu River Valley or stroll through the village to interact with locals.
Kanas: Northern Xinjiang’s “Pure Land on Earth”Days 8-9:Slow Life in Hemu Village
Day 8:Ascend Haden Platform at dawn to capture the iconic scene of Hemu Village shrouded in morning mist and cooking smoke. In the afternoon, engage in hiking or photography, or simply relax in front of your cabin, savoring the passage of time.
Day 9:Travel to Baihaba Village (advance permit required) to explore the “No. 1 Village in the Northwest” on the China-Kazakhstan border. Visit Border Landscape No. 5 and experience the border trade market.
Day 10:Hemu to Burqin to Urumqi (return journey)
Depart Hemu early and return to Urumqi via Burqin. Stop at the Karamay Devil City along the way (additional time required) or proceed directly to Urumqi to conclude the itinerary.
Day 11:Free time in Urumqi and departure
Depending on your flight schedule, visit nearby attractions like Heavenly Lake or shop for local specialties (such as dried fruits and handicrafts) before departing.
Pricing Details:Reference Information for 2026
Kanas, a hidden gem nestled deep within the Altay Mountains, is renowned for its emerald-like lakes, cascading coniferous forests, winding rivers, and Tuvan villages. By 2026, with the continuous improvement of tourism infrastructure in northern Xinjiang, Kanas will offer a flexible travel model combining “self-driving + customized transportation,” allowing visitors to freely control their pace and deeply experience the primal tranquility of this land.Transportation Costs
Self-drive vehicle rental (including insurance):Approximately 800-1,200 RMB/day (SUV or business vehicle, subject to model).
Customized transportation services in the scenic area:Approximately 600-800 RMB/day (including driver, fuel, and tolls, limited to 8 hours).
Accommodation Costs
Four-star hotel in Urumqi:Approximately 400-600 RMB/night.
Characteristic guesthouses in Kanas/Hemu:Approximately 500-1,000 RMB/night (30% increase during peak season).
Tickets and Shuttle Buses
Kanas Scenic Area combo ticket (including shuttle bus):Approximately 280 RMB/person (valid for 3 days).
The Kanas Scenic Area encompasses three core regions: Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Baihaba Village, each offering distinct seasonal scenery: blossoming mountains in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snow-covered landscapes in winter. In 2026, the scenic area will implement a “timed reservation system,” requiring visitors to book entry in advance through designated channels, with daily visitor limits to protect the ecosystem. Self-driving vehicles must be parked at the Jiadenyu parking lot, with transfers to the core areas via scenic shuttle buses or customized transportation provided by certified local drivers, ensuring professionalism and convenience.Ticket to Hemu Village:Approximately 60 RMB/person.
Ticket to Baihaba Village:Approximately 30 RMB/person (permit required).
Dining and Miscellaneous
Daily dining:Approximately 150-200 RMB/person (including special meals).
Other experiences:Horseback riding: approximately 150 RMB/hour; boat tours: approximately 120 RMB/person.
Total Budget Estimate:For two travelers: approximately 18,000-25,000 RMB (including transportation, accommodation, tickets, and dining; subject to actual consultation and booking).
Registration and Payment Details
Register through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency for one-stop services including itinerary customization, vehicle scheduling, and accommodation reservations. Fees include transportation, accommodation, tickets, and guide services, excluding personal expenses and additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances. Subject to actual consultation and booking.
Simple Itinerary: 11-Day In-Depth ExplorationService Details
Vehicles and Drivers:Provide compliant vehicles and experienced local drivers to ensure a smooth journey.
Accommodation Arrangements:Recommend hotels or guesthouses of varying standards based on needs, prioritizing high-quality resources within the scenic area.
Itinerary Changes:In case of weather or policy changes, both parties may agree to reasonable adjustments to the itinerary.
Solo Registration:We will do our best to arrange shared accommodations; special cases require separate negotiation.
Travel Tips
Seasonal Selection:Autumn 2026 (late September to mid-October) is the prime travel season for Kanas, but accommodations must be booked in advance.
Essential Items:Pack windbreakers, sunscreen, and common medications due to significant temperature variations between day and night in mountainous areas.
Permit Requirements:A permit is required to visit Baihaba Village and can be obtained in Burqin or the Kanas Scenic Area with valid identification.
Contact Zhang Jing, Customer Service Manager at Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency, for more itinerary details and real-time quotations. Kanas’ 11-day journey is not just a feast for the eyes but a profound dialogue with nature and oneself. Slow down and let your soul wander freely in this “Pure Land on Earth.”
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and quotation.
