Altay 9 Day Irtysh Canyon Light Hiking with Guide Explore Frozen Waterfalls and Cliff Caves Real Time Group Fee Quotes Online Booking Supported Recommended Route Price

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation

Explore Altay:9-Day Light Hiking Tour in the Irtysh Canyon, Led by Professional Guides to Unlock the Frozen Secret Realm
🌲 [Route Highlights:A Double Feast of Nature and Culture]
The Irtysh Canyon, located in Fuyun County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, is the core area of the Koktokay UNESCO Global Geopark. Famous for its unique granite landforms, the source scenery of the Irtysh River, and rich flora and fauna, it became a popular choice for hiking enthusiasts in the summer of 2026 with the addition of the new “Exploring Frozen Waterfall Cliff Caves” route.
The canyon is home to 108 granite peaks, including Zhongshan and Luotuo Peak, with honeycomb-like pits and vertical grooves covering the mountain surfaces, earning it the title of a “natural museum” among geology enthusiasts. In summer, the canyon is lush with green, where birch forests and Siberian firs intertwine to provide shade, while the Irtysh River rushes through, creating diverse water features such as hot springs and waterfalls. In 2026, the scenic area specially opened the “Frozen Cliff Cave” hiking trail, allowing visitors, led by professional guides, to trek through primeval forests, explore ice waterfalls and cliff caves formed in winter, and experience the wonder of “four seasons in one day.”
📅 [Simple Itinerary:9-Day, 8-Night In-Depth Exploration]
Day 1:Gather in Altay City · Acclimate to High-Altitude Climate
After arriving at Altay Snow Capital Airport, a private car arranged by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency will take you to a hotel in the city. The afternoon is free for leisure activities. We recommend taking a walk in Hualin Park to acclimate to the altitude (Altay City is approximately 800 meters above sea level).
Day 2:Altay → Koktokay Town · Initial Geological Exploration

Explore Altay: 9-Day Light Hiking Tour in the Irtysh Canyon, Led by Professional Guides to Unlock the Frozen Secret RealmAfter a 3-hour drive, arrive in Koktokay Town and visit the No. 3 Mine (one of the world’s largest rare metal ore veins) to learn about its geological contributions behind China’s “Two Bombs, One Satellite” program. Check into a hot spring hotel in the evening to relieve travel fatigue.
Day 3:Light Hiking in the Irtysh Canyon · Zhongshan and Birch Forest
Hike approximately 8 kilometers throughout the day, exploring Zhongshan (approximately 2,030 meters above sea level), the birch forest, and Wild Grape Gully along wooden walkways. The guide will explain the formation principles of granite landforms and provide tips for photographing the canyon panorama.
Day 4:Exploring Frozen Waterfall Cliff Caves · Led by Professional Guides
Depart early in the morning and hike through primeval forests to the frozen waterfall area. Equipped with crampons and headlamps, the guide will lead visitors into the cliff caves to observe winter relics such as icicles and ice flowers. Lunch will be a simple meal within the scenic area, followed by a return to the hotel for rest in the afternoon.
Day 5:Koktokay → Kanas · Scenic Lakes and Mountains
After a 5-hour drive, arrive at the Kanas Scenic Area and transfer to a shuttle bus to explore the lakeside walkway and Guanyu Platform (offering a panoramic view of Kanas Lake). Stay overnight in a Tuvan wooden house and experience traditional fire pit culture.
Day 6:Hiking the Three Bays of Kanas · Fairy Bay and Moon Bay

🌲[Route Highlights: A Double Feast of Nature and Culture]Hike approximately 12 kilometers throughout the day, starting from Fairy Bay along wooden walkways to Moon Bay and Wolong Bay. The guide will point out excellent photography spots and explain Tuvan legends and vegetation distribution.
Day 7:Kanas → Baihaba Village · Local Flavor
After obtaining a travel permit, head to Baihaba Village to visit the Haden Viewing Platform and Hongbashi Grassland. In the evening, capture the sunset and starry sky of the border village.
Day 8:Baihaba → Hemu Village · Morning Mist and Starry Sky
After a 3-hour drive, arrive in Hemu Village. In the morning, photograph the morning mist from the Haden Platform. The afternoon is free for leisure activities (horseback riding or experiencing Baersak making are recommended). In the evening, participate in a bonfire party (weather permitting).
Day 9:Hemu → Altay Return Trip
Spend the morning on free shopping (recommended purchases include Kazakh embroidery and lavender essential oil). In the afternoon, take a car back to Altay City and be dropped off at the airport/station.
💰 [Price Description:Transparent Pricing Standards]
The reference price range for the 9-day tour in 2026 is 5,800-7,200 yuan per person, with specific prices fluctuating based on the following factors:

The Irtysh Canyon, located in Fuyun County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, is the core area of the Koktokay UNESCO Global Geopark. Famous for its unique granite landforms, the source scenery of the Irtysh River, and rich flora and fauna, it became a popular choice for hiking enthusiasts in the summer of 2026 with the addition of the new “Exploring Frozen Waterfall Cliff Caves” route.Accommodation Standards:Wooden houses within the scenic area (with heating/air conditioning) or chain hotels in the city;
Transportation:Four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles or business vehicles (including fuel and toll fees);
Meal Arrangements:Includes 8 breakfasts + 7 main meals (including special dishes such as stewed lamb and dried meat pilaf);
Ticket Fees:Admission tickets and shuttle bus fees for scenic areas such as Kanas, Hemu, and Koktokay;
Professional Services:Accompanied by certified guides, hiking equipment rental, and travel accident insurance.
⚠ ⚠️ Special Reminder:Prices may vary depending on the tour date and are subject to the contract provided by Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Solo travelers will be coordinated for room-sharing as much as possible, with special circumstances requiring negotiation.
📝 [Registration Method:Convenient Online Registration]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency with the following process:

The canyon is home to 108 granite peaks, including Zhongshan and Luotuo Peak, with honeycomb-like pits and vertical grooves covering the mountain surfaces, earning it the title of a “natural museum” among geology enthusiasts. In summer, the canyon is lush with green, where birch forests and Siberian firs intertwine to provide shade, while the Irtysh River rushes through, creating diverse water features such as hot springs and waterfalls. In 2026, the scenic area specially opened the “Frozen Cliff Cave” hiking trail, allowing visitors, led by professional guides, to trek through primeval forests, explore ice waterfalls and cliff caves formed in winter, and experience the wonder of “four seasons in one day.”Inquiry Requirements:Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing to specify the number of travelers, dates, and special needs (such as child seats or vegetarian requirements);
Confirm Itinerary:The customer service will send a detailed itinerary and cost breakdown, with both parties negotiating changes until satisfaction;
Sign Contract:After paying a 30% deposit, the travel agency will send a paper contract or confirm via electronic version;
Online Group Registration:Complete information submission and pay the remaining balance through the travel agency’s platform.
💡 [Fee and Service Description:Details Ensure Travel Quality]
Fees Include:Transportation, accommodation, meals, admission tickets, guide services, and basic hiking equipment throughout the trip;
Fees Exclude:Personal expenses (such as souvenirs and additional horseback riding) and round-trip long-distance transportation (air tickets/train tickets);
Service Commitments:

📅[Simple Itinerary: 9-Day, 8-Night In-Depth Exploration]All guide teams hold national high-end tour guide certificates and are familiar with Altay’s geography and culture;
Vehicles are disinfected daily and equipped with first aid kits and emergency communication devices;
Daily departure time is no earlier than 8:30 AM, with hiking intensity adjusted dynamically based on the team’s physical condition;
Specific arrangements are subject to actual consultation and contract signing, with reasonable itinerary changes allowed upon mutual agreement.
🌄 [Seasonal Limited Tips:Seize the Optimal Travel Time]
June to August 2026 is the peak tourist season in Altay, with daily temperatures in the canyon ranging from 15-25°C, providing high hiking comfort. However, please note:
Late July to early August is the summer travel peak; we recommend traveling in June or September to avoid crowds;
The canyon has significant temperature differences between day and night, so bring warm clothing such as windbreakers and fleece pants;
The hiking trail involves wading areas; guides will provide waterproof shoe covers, but visitors can also bring their own high-top waterproof hiking shoes.
Altay’s summer is a season where the greenery of the canyon intertwines with the purity of ice waterfalls. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, with its professional guide team and transparent services, helps you unlock the hidden beauty of this land. Whether you are a geology enthusiast, photography达人, or a family with children, you can find your own travel answers here.

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation