Altay 4 Day Private Car Tour Exploring Local Markets and Old Streets for Western Region Snacks Real Time Price Inquiry and Recommended Route Prices
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
⭐【4-Day In-Depth Experience with Custom Vehicle in Altay:Exploring Old Streets and Nature, Unlocking the Charm of Northern Xinjiang】⭐
Summer in Altay brings gentle breezes along the Irtysh River, morning mists over Kanas Lake, and the aroma of grilled fish wafting through the night market in Burqin. To avoid the crowds and truly experience the local charm of this northern Xinjiang town, a 4-day custom vehicle tour offers a flexible and comfortable option. This article will outline an in-depth itinerary that combines the latest 2026 scenic area policies, transportation information, and local food recommendations for a ‘eat-as-you-go’ adventure.
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Duet of Old Streets and Nature
The allure of Altay lies not only in its magnificent landscapes but also in the vibrant local life found on its streets and alleys. This journey focuses on ‘culinary exploration,’ connecting the natural beauty of Kanas and Hemu with the street food delights of Burqin and Altay City, offering a dual feast for the eyes and taste buds.
【Core Experiences】
Kanas Lake:Take the shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay), and ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of the lake’s changing colors.
Hemu Village:Ride a horse through the birch forest at dawn, savor hand-grabbed meat in front of a Tuwa wooden house at dusk, and gaze at the Milky Way at night.
Burqin Old Street:Stroll along the Sino-Russian Old Wharf风情 Street (Fengqing Street), admire century-old Russian-style buildings, and explore the night market for cold-water fish, grilled buns, and kvass.
Altay City:Visit the local favorite ‘Northern Xinjiang Grilled Lamb Leg’ restaurant and enjoy the tranquility of the urban oasis at Hualin Park.
II. Simple Itinerary: A 4-Day Leisurely Journey with Balance
【Day 1:Altay City → Burqin (2.5-hour drive)】
⭐【4-Day In-Depth Experience with Custom Vehicle in Altay: Exploring Old Streets and Nature, Unlocking the Charm of Northern Xinjiang】⭐Morning:Arrive at Altay Xuedu Airport and take a custom vehicle to Burqin County. Stop at ‘Grassland Stone City’ in Jimunai County along the way to admire the granite landscape running parallel to the Irtysh River.
Afternoon:Upon arrival in Burqin, head straight to the Sino-Russian Old Wharf风情 Street, visit the Russian architectural complex, and enjoy Burqin grilled dogfish (a specialty of the Irtysh River), grilled buns, and sour plum juice at the ‘Riverbank Night Market.’
Evening:Check into a comfortable hotel in Burqin and recharge for the next day’s adventures.
【Day 2:Burqin → Kanas (3-hour drive) → Hemu (1.5-hour drive)】
Morning:After breakfast, head to Kanas Scenic Area and take the shuttle bus to explore the Three Bays. For a less crowded experience, consider hiking in reverse (Wolong Bay → Fairy Bay).
Noon:Have a simple meal in Kanas Village, trying naren (hand-rolled noodles with horse meat) or wild mushroom soup noodles.
Afternoon:Ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake, then drive to Hemu Village and check into a Tuwa wooden house.
Evening:Enjoy hand-grabbed meat and baursak (fried dough among various ethnic groups) in front of the wooden house. In the evening, join a bonfire party (weather permitting).
【Day 3:Full-Day In-Depth Tour of Hemu】
Morning:Ride a horse at 6 a.m. to Haden Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of Hemu Village shrouded in morning mist. Return to experience local life by milking cows and making cheese.
Noon:Indulge in a local hot pot (beef bone broth with taro, pig trotters, and crispy meat) inside the wooden house, paired with baursak and milk tea.
Summer in Altay brings gentle breezes along the Irtysh River, morning mists over Kanas Lake, and the aroma of grilled fish wafting through the night market in Burqin. To avoid the crowds and truly experience the local charm of this northern Xinjiang town, a 4-day custom vehicle tour offers a flexible and comfortable option. This article will outline an in-depth itinerary that combines the latest 2026 scenic area policies, transportation information, and local food recommendations for a ‘eat-as-you-go’ adventure.Afternoon:Hike to Dameili Peak for a panoramic view of the river valley, or visit Hemu Ice and Snow Park for snow football (grassland activities in summer).
Evening:Free time. We recommend stargazing from the wooden house’s balcony or attending a traditional Tuwa song and dance performance (advance reservation required).
【Day 4:Hemu → Altay City (5-hour drive) → Departure】
Morning:After breakfast, drive back to Altay City. If time allows, stop at ‘Koktokay National Geological Park’ to visit the No. 3 Mine and Zhongshan Canyon.
Noon:Upon arrival in Altay City, visit the ‘Northern Xinjiang Grilled Lamb Leg’ restaurant to savor slow-roasted lamb leg (roasted for 3 hours over charcoal) with onions and nang bread.
Afternoon:Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule and conclude your journey.
III. Pricing Information: Transparent Quotes, Flexible Options
Custom vehicle fees vary based on vehicle type, season, and services included. Below are the 2026 reference ranges (subject to contract):
Vehicle Options:
7-Seater Business Vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8):1200-1600 RMB/day
Comfortable SUV (4 people):800-1200 RMB/day
Fees Include:Vehicle usage, driver service, fuel, tolls, and basic travel insurance.
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Duet of Old Streets and NatureFees Exclude:Driver’s accommodation and meals (negotiable), scenic area tickets, shuttle buses, dining, and personal expenses.
Ticket References (2026 real-time policies):
Kanas Scenic Area:160 RMB/person for admission, 70 RMB/person for shuttle bus (real-name reservation required).
Hemu Village:50 RMB/person for admission, 52 RMB/person for shuttle bus (eco-friendly capacity limit, reservation required).
Koktokay National Geological Park:126 RMB/person (includes shuttle bus), open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Colorful Beach:45 RMB/person (includes shuttle bus), open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
IV. Registration: Professional Customization, Hassle-Free Travel
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide one-on-one service based on your needs, including vehicle selection, itinerary optimization, and cost calculation.
V. Pricing and Service Information
Services Included:
Provision of licensed tourism vehicles with drivers holding dual certificates (driver’s license + professional qualification certificate), familiar with road conditions and scenic area policies in northern and southern Xinjiang.
The charm of Altay lies not only in its magnificent landscapes but also in the vibrant local life found on its streets and alleys. This journey focuses on ‘culinary exploration,’ connecting the natural beauty of Kanas and Hemu with the street food delights of Burqin and Altay City, offering a dual feast for the eyes and taste buds. In case of unforeseen circumstances such as weather or road conditions, both parties may agree to reasonable changes in the itinerary or accommodation.
For solo travelers, we will do our best to arrange shared rooms. Special cases require separate negotiation.
Cost Reminders:
Custom vehicle fees may fluctuate based on peak and off-peak seasons. The actual cost is subject to consultation and contract signing.
Fees for scenic area tickets, shuttle buses, accommodation, and dining are the responsibility of the traveler. We recommend making reservations in advance through appropriate channels.
VI. Local Food Map: From Night Markets to Old Restaurants, Savoring Altay
Burqin Night Market:
Burqin Grilled Dogfish:Tender meat with few bones, served with chili sauce and nang bread.
Grilled Buns:Crispy exterior with a filling of lamb and onions, 3 RMB each.
Kvass:Honey-fermented beverage with hops added in the Burqin version, 5 RMB per cup.
Kanas/Hemu:
【Core Experiences】Naren:Hand-rolled noodles with horse meat, a staple for entertaining guests among various ethnic groups.
Wild Mushroom Soup Noodles:Ferula mushrooms cooked with noodles, delicious and warming.
Baursak:Fried dough served with milk tea and jam.
Altay City:
Northern Xinjiang Grilled Lamb Leg:Selected Altay big-tail lamb, slow-roasted for 3 hours over charcoal, priced by weight (approximately 120 RMB per jin).
Hand-Grabbed Rice:Steamed rice with lamb, carrots, and onions, glossy and aromatic, 25 RMB per serving.
Camel Milk:Nutritious, with an opportunity to experience yogurt cheese making, 15 RMB per cup.
VII. Practical Tips: Making Your Journey More Relaxed
Transportation:The distance from Altay City to Kanas is approximately 300 kilometers, with a 5-6 hour drive. We recommend a four-wheel-drive SUV or business vehicle.
Clothing:Large temperature variations between day and night in May require a windproof jacket. Mosquito repellent with 30% DEET is recommended for summer.
Signal:No signal on the 100-kilometer mountain road from Jiadengyu to Hemu. Download offline maps in advance.
Reservations:Kanas and Hemu scenic areas require advance reservations 1-3 days in advance through official WeChat accounts for entry time slots.
The beauty of Altay lies in the changing colors of Kanas Lake, the wispy smoke rising from Hemu Village, and the bite of grilled fish and sip of kvass in the Burqin night market. Choose a 4-day custom vehicle tour and let a professional driver guide you through grasslands and forests, deep into old streets and villages, to experience the purity and authenticity of northern Xinjiang amidst nature and local life.
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

