2026 Altay Private Car Rental 5 Seater Economic SUV for Off the Beaten Path Loop Tour to Grassland Stone City, Latest Quotes with One Click Online Booking Recommended Itinerary Pricing
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quote
Exploring the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang:2026 Guide to In-Depth Travel on a Customized Off-the-Beaten-Path Circuit of the Altay Grassland Stone City with Car Rental
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Geological Wonder Tour in Northern Xinjiang Away from the Crowds
The Altay region is renowned for attractions like Kanas and Hemu. However, in the summer of 2026, a lesser-known circuit connecting the Grassland Stone City, Sawuer Mountain Pasture, and Tuwa Villages is emerging as a new choice for in-depth travelers. This route avoids conventional tour group itineraries, focusing on geological wonders combined with the pastoral culture of various ethnic groups, suitable for tourists seeking both natural and cultural experiences.
The Grassland Stone City Scenic Area, located in Tuosite Township, Jimunai County, is famous for its pictographic stone groups formed by volcanic lava landforms. It was named a “National Geopark” in 2026. The 8-kilometer loop within the scenic area features over 30 pictographic stone landscapes, including the “Chinese Dragon,” “Santa Claus,” and “Unique Folklore,” complemented by June blooms of globeflowers and primroses, creating a unique landscape of “stones among flowers and flowers among stones.” The scenic area limits daily visitors to 3,000 and requires real-name reservations through the “Yuanxing Network” mini-program.
The Sawuer Mountain Pasture is an important summer pasture in northern Xinjiang. From mid-June to early July each year, local people from various ethnic groups migrate here from spring and autumn pastures. Tourists can book half-day migration experiences with local families, following sheep herds across streams and savoring traditional dishes like dried meat stewed with potatoes and milk curds in their yurts.
As a village on the China-Kazakhstan border, Baihabha Village preserves Tuwa wooden houses and cheese workshops. In 2026, a permit is required in advance from Habahe County, with a daily limit of 800 visitors. The hidden menu item “dried beef stewed with potatoes” at the village’s “Naren” eatery requires a 2-hour advance reservation.
II. Simple Itinerary: 5-Day Flexible Schedule with Stop-and-Shoot Opportunities
Day 1:Altay City — Grassland Stone City (Approx. 4-hour drive)
Morning:Depart from Altay City, traverse Sawuer Mountain along National Highway G219, capturing transition zone scenery between the Gobi Desert and grasslands along the way.
Exploring the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang: 2026 Guide to In-Depth Travel on a Customized Off-the-Beaten-Path Circuit of the Altay Grassland Stone City with Car RentalAfternoon:Arrive at the Grassland Stone City Scenic Area, explore pictographic stone groups, focusing on shooting the “Tongtian Cave Site” and “One-Line Sky” landscapes.
Evening:Check into Pangu Rural Lodgings beside the scenic area, experience ancient human culture-themed homestays, and savor Sawuer yellow-braised meat.
Day 2:Grassland Stone City — Sawuer Mountain Pasture (Approx. 1.5-hour drive)
Morning:Participate in the local migration experience, follow sheep herds across streams, and learn to make milk curds.
Afternoon:Ride horses to explore the “Summer Pasture Trail,” ending at a roofless yurt rest area for a picnic surrounded by pine forests and streams.
Evening:Return to Jimunai County Town, check into the Jimunai Glacier International Hotel.
Day 3:Jimunai County — Baihabha Village (Approx. 5-hour drive)
Morning:Traverse the Gobi Desert highway, stopping at Agonggaiti Grassland for horseback riding (approx. 1 hour).
Afternoon:Arrive at Baihabha Village, obtain permits, then tour the China-Kazakhstan Border Grand Canyon and capture border scenery.
I. Itinerary Highlights: A Geological Wonder Tour in Northern Xinjiang Away from the CrowdsEvening:Check into a Tuwa wooden house homestay and sample hidden menu items at the “Naren” eatery.
Day 4:Baihabha Village — Hemu Village (Approx. 3-hour drive)
Morning:Head to Hemu Village, avoiding the main observation deck road to explore the confluence of birch forests and streams beside Hongbashi Village.
Afternoon:Experience traditional Tuwa wood-fired cooking in Hemu Village, capturing morning mists and starry skies.
Evening:Check into a Hemu Village wooden cabin, use the homestay-provided star pointer to photograph the Milky Way.
Day 5:Hemu Village — Altay City (Approx. 4-hour drive)
Morning:Traverse the Altai Mountains, stopping at Ulungur Lake to experience jet skiing or beach strolls.
Afternoon:Return to Altay City, transfer to the airport based on flight schedules.
III. Pricing Details: Transparent Fees with No Hidden Costs
Customized Car Rental Fees (5-Seater Economy SUV)
The Altay region is renowned for attractions like Kanas and Hemu. However, in the summer of 2026, a lesser-known circuit connecting the Grassland Stone City, Sawuer Mountain Pasture, and Tuwa Villages is emerging as a new choice for in-depth travelers. This route avoids conventional tour group itineraries, focusing on geological wonders combined with the pastoral culture of various ethnic groups, suitable for tourists seeking both natural and cultural experiences.Included in Itinerary Fees (including driver’s salary, fuel, tolls):1,200 RMB/day (2026 reference price, subject to change based on travel dates).
Vehicle Specifications:Recommended models: Honda CR-V or Nissan X-Trail, equipped with child seat interfaces, in-car charging, and hot water.
Scenic Area Tickets and Experience Fees
Grassland Stone City Scenic Area (admission + vehicle):Adults: 45 RMB, Students aged 6-18: 26 RMB, Seniors aged 65+: 7 RMB for shuttle bus.
Sawuer Mountain Pasture Migration Experience:200 RMB/person (includes lunch and guide services).
Baihabha Village Permit:Free (requires original valid ID).
Hemu Village Horseback Riding:100 RMB/hour (negotiable to 80 RMB during off-peak seasons).
Accommodation Reference Prices
Pangu Rural Lodgings, Grassland Stone City:Standard room: 400 RMB/night (includes breakfast).
The Grassland Stone City Scenic Area, located in Tuosite Township, Jimunai County, is famous for its pictographic stone groups formed by volcanic lava landforms. It was named a “National Geopark” in 2026. The 8-kilometer loop within the scenic area features over 30 pictographic stone landscapes, including the “Chinese Dragon,” “Santa Claus,” and “Unique Folklore,” complemented by June blooms of globeflowers and primroses, creating a unique landscape of “stones among flowers and flowers among stones.” The scenic area limits daily visitors to 3,000 and requires real-name reservations through the “Yuanxing Network” mini-program.Jimunai Glacier International Hotel:Standard room: 500 RMB/night.
Tuwa Wooden House, Baihabha Village:Standard room: 600 RMB/night (book 1 month in advance during peak seasons).
Hemu Village Wooden Cabin:Standard room: 800 RMB/night (includes starry sky photography guidance).
Prices above are subject to contract confirmation or same-day verification and may fluctuate based on travel dates. The signed contract between both parties shall prevail.
IV. Registration Method: One-Click Connection to Professional Team
Register through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing provides one-on-one itinerary customization services. After registration, receive the “Altay Travel Handbook,” including weather updates, clothing suggestions, restaurant recommendations, and emergency contacts.
V. Fee Inclusions and Service Descriptions
Inclusions:5-seater economy SUV customized car rental fees, driver service fees, first admission tickets to scenic areas, 4 nights of accommodation (standard rooms), meals included in the itinerary (including 3 special meals).
Exclusions:Round-trip major transportation, personal expenses, optional activities outside the itinerary (e.g., Kanas boat tours, Hemu Village afternoon tea).
The Sawuer Mountain Pasture is an important summer pasture in northern Xinjiang. From mid-June to early July each year, local people from various ethnic groups migrate here from spring and autumn pastures. Tourists can book half-day migration experiences with local families, following sheep herds across streams and savoring traditional dishes like dried meat stewed with potatoes and milk curds in their yurts.Service Descriptions:
Flexible Itinerary Changes:In case of severe weather or temporary scenic area closures, both parties may agree to substitute with Koktokay Geopark or General Mountain Forest Park.
Child-Friendly Services:Each vehicle is equipped with child seats, motion sickness medication, and wet wipes. Child-friendly activities (e.g., treasure hunts in Grassland Stone City) are arranged during the itinerary.
Photography Guidance:Professional photographer follow-shoot services are available in Hemu Village and Grassland Stone City (additional fees apply).
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
VI. Travel Tips: Details Enhance Experience
Transportation Tips:Some road sections in Altay feature sharp turns and narrow lanes; drivers with at least 5 years of experience are recommended. In 2026, Jiadengyu to Kanas Transfer Center implements timed reservations; confirm availability in advance via the “Kanas Scenic Area” official account.
Dining Precautions:Restaurants near scenic areas may have “dual-price menus.” Choose establishments with clear pricing, such as “Ama’s Kitchen” in Hemu Village or “Riverside Night Market” in Burqin County (select stalls cautiously).
Clothing Guide:Altay has large temperature variations between day and night. In June, bring a windbreaker and thin down jacket. UV levels are extremely high; pack sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Cultural Etiquette:Obtain consent before photographing local livestock or yurt interiors. Avoid openly discussing total livestock numbers (a local taboo).
This off-the-beaten-path circuit integrates geological wonders, pastoral culture, and border charm, ideal for travelers seeking in-depth experiences. Through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency’s professional services, you can avoid crowds and enjoy an unforgettable summer journey in northern Xinjiang.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quote
