2026 9 Day Hiking in Altay Forest with Comfortable Car Rental for Middle aged and Elderly Slow Travel 2026 Online Inquiry for Rental Price Recommended Route Cost
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.
Explore the Secret Realm of Northern Xinjiang:2026 Altay 9-Day Customized Forest Hiking Tour with Vehicle for Middle-aged and Elderly (Leisurely Pace Version)
I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination: Step into the Forests and Lakes of Altay
The Altay region, located in northern Xinjiang, is renowned for its magnificent natural scenery and unique cultures of various ethnic groups. With an average summer temperature of 15-28℃ and moderate day-night temperature differences, the forest coverage exceeds 30%, making it a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. This itinerary is specially designed for middle-aged and elderly groups, featuring low-intensity hiking routes at altitudes of 1000-2000 meters, covering three core scenic areas: Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Koktokay, combining natural landscapes with cultural experiences.
[Kanas Lake]
Kanas Lake, hailed as a ‘picturesque wonder on earth,’ displays a gradient of blue and green hues that change with the seasons. The hiking trail extends along the wooden boardwalk on the east side of the lake, passing by attractions such as the Turuk Rock Paintings, Fairy Bay, and Moon Bay. In 2026, the scenic area will implement a timed reservation system with a daily limit of 8,000 visitors. Tickets must be purchased in advance through cultural tourism platforms using real-name registration. The lake area features observation platforms such as the Fish-Viewing Pavilion and Three Bays Trail, equipped with barrier-free access and rest seats for the convenience of middle-aged and elderly visitors.
[Hemu Village]
This century-old village inhabited by the Tuvans features wooden houses scattered among birch forests. In the morning, cooking smoke intertwines with morning mist, forming an iconic landscape of the ‘most beautiful village in China.’ The hiking trail starts from Hemu Bridge, traversing meadows along horse trails to the Hadeng Observation Deck, covering approximately 5 kilometers with an elevation gain of 200 meters, and includes multiple rest stops along the way. The village preserves traditional lifestyles, allowing visitors to experience folk activities such as milking cows and making cheese.
[Koktokay National Geopark]
Famous for the Irtysh River Grand Canyon, Zhongshan Mountain, and Mine Pit No. 3. In 2026, the scenic area will introduce sightseeing mini-trains connecting attractions such as Zhongshan Mountain and Waterfall Valley, reducing walking distances. The geological museum displays rare mineral specimens with professional guides available. The temperature in the canyon is 5-8℃ lower than in the city during summer, so a windbreaker is recommended.
II. Simple Itinerary: 9-Day Immersive Nature Exploration
[Days 1-2:Gathering in Urumqi]
Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and take a dedicated airport transfer to a downtown hotel (approximately 40-minute drive).
In the afternoon, visit the Xinjiang Museum, focusing on the ‘Niya Site’ special exhibition to learn about the history of the Western Regions.
For dinner, savor local specialties such as pilaf and baked stuffed buns to acclimate to Xinjiang cuisine.
Explore the Secret Realm of Northern Xinjiang: 2026 Altay 9-Day Customized Forest Hiking Tour with Vehicle for Middle-aged and Elderly (Leisurely Pace Version)[Day 3:Urumqi → Koktokay]
Depart at 7:30 AM and travel 520 kilometers along National Highway G216 (approximately 7-hour drive), with lunch in Fuyun County along the way.
In the afternoon, tour Koktokay Geopark, taking a sightseeing bus to Zhongshan Mountain and hiking 1 kilometer to Waterfall Valley.
Overnight at a hotel within the scenic area and enjoy a dinner featuring cold-water fish from Fuyun.
[Day 4:Koktokay → Burqin]
Visit Mine Pit No. 3 in the morning, wearing equipment to enter the mine tunnel and learn about the history of mineral extraction.
In the afternoon, drive 320 kilometers to Burqin County, passing by the Koksuuri Wetlands where you can stop to photograph wild ducks on the lake.
In the evening, tour the Rainbow Beach and capture the contrasting colors of the Yardang landform and the Irtysh River at sunset.
[Day 5:Burqin → Kanas]
Depart at 8:00 AM and travel 180 kilometers along Provincial Highway S232 (approximately 4-hour drive), passing through the transitional zone between the Gobi Desert and forests.
Arrive at the Jiadenyu Transfer Center in the afternoon and take a scenic area bus into the Kanas Lake area.
Hike 2 kilometers to the Turuk Rock Paintings and take a leisurely stroll along the wooden boardwalk by the lake in the evening.
[Day 6:In-depth Tour of Kanas]
Take a shuttle bus to the Fish-Viewing Pavilion in the early morning for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake.
In the afternoon, hike the Three Bays Trail (Fairy Bay → Moon Bay → Crouching Dragon Bay), covering approximately 7 kilometers with an accompanying guide.
I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination: Step into the Forests and Lakes of Altay. Overnight in Kanas Old Village and experience a Tuvan bonfire party.
[Day 7:Kanas → Hemu Village]
Depart at 7:30 AM and travel 100 kilometers to Hemu Village, transferring to a scenic area shuttle bus.
In the afternoon, hike to the Hadeng Observation Deck to capture a panoramic view of the village and photograph the flowing water and wooden houses at Hemu Bridge in the evening.
Participate in folk activities in the village (milking cows, making cheese).
[Day 8:Free Day in Hemu Village]
Full day at leisure with options to:
– Take a light hike to Meili Peak Meadow (6 kilometers round trip, escorted by a horse team)
– Engage in photography within the village, capturing natural landscapes such as morning mist and starry skies
– Experience horse-drawn sleigh rides (changed to summer meadow sightseeing as a winter-limited activity)
[Day 9:Hemu Village → Return to Urumqi]
Depart at 9:00 AM and travel 780 kilometers back, with lunch in Karamay City along the way.
Arrive in Urumqi in the evening and transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
III. Pricing Information: Transparent Fee Structure
The Altay region, located in northern Xinjiang, is renowned for its magnificent natural scenery and unique cultures of various ethnic groups. With an average summer temperature of 15-28℃ and moderate day-night temperature differences, the forest coverage exceeds 30%, making it a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. This itinerary is specially designed for middle-aged and elderly groups, featuring low-intensity hiking routes at altitudes of 1000-2000 meters, covering three core scenic areas: Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Koktokay, combining natural landscapes with cultural experiences.[Customized Vehicle Fees (9-Day Reference)]
7-seater business vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8):12,000-15,000 yuan per vehicle
15-seater medium-sized bus:18,000-22,000 yuan per vehicle
Fees Include:Vehicle usage fee, fuel cost, toll fees, driver service fee, first admission tickets to scenic areas
Fees Exclude:Shuttle bus tickets, accommodation, meals, personal expenses
[Scenic Area Admission Tickets (2026 Reference)]
Kanas Lake:160 yuan per person (including shuttle bus)
Hemu Village:50 yuan per person (including shuttle bus)
Koktokay:126 yuan per person (including sightseeing bus)
Rainbow Beach:45 yuan per person
Students and seniors aged 65 and above with valid IDs enjoy a 50% discount.
[Special Notes]
Prices may fluctuate seasonally; specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
Customized vehicles must be booked 30 days in advance; availability is subject to customer service confirmation.
Groups of 10 or more enjoy a 5% discount.
[Kanas Lake]IV. Registration Method: Professional Service Guarantees
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which provides the following services:
Vehicle Selection:Recommend 7-seater, 15-seater, or 37-seater vehicles based on group size, all equipped with first aid kits, charging ports, and in-car refrigerators.
Driver Qualifications:Certified drivers with over 5 years of driving experience in northern Xinjiang, familiar with the needs of middle-aged and elderly travelers.
Contract Signing:Clarify itinerary details, cost breakdowns, and liability for breach of contract to protect the rights of both parties.
V. Fee Inclusions and Service Descriptions
[Fees Include]
Transportation:Fully licensed tourist transport vehicles (including insurance) throughout the journey
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to attractions included in the itinerary
Accommodation:8 nights in comfortable hotels (including breakfast)
Services:Professional driver and guide services
[Fees Exclude]
Shuttle bus tickets, cable cars, and other secondary consumption
Main meals (local specialty restaurants recommended; expenses vary based on personal preference)
Kanas Lake, hailed as a ‘picturesque wonder on earth,’ displays a gradient of blue and green hues that change with the seasons. The hiking trail extends along the wooden boardwalk on the east side of the lake, passing by attractions such as the Turuk Rock Paintings, Fairy Bay, and Moon Bay. In 2026, the scenic area will implement a timed reservation system with a daily limit of 8,000 visitors. Tickets must be purchased in advance through cultural tourism platforms using real-name registration. The lake area features observation platforms such as the Fish-Viewing Pavilion and Three Bays Trail, equipped with barrier-free access and rest seats for the convenience of middle-aged and elderly visitors.Personal travel insurance (recommended to purchase independently)
[Service Commitments]
Single registrants will be coordinated for room-sharing as much as possible; special cases require separate negotiation.
Itinerary adjustments can be made based on weather and road conditions through mutual consultation.
24-hour emergency contact services available.
VI. Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist
Documents:Valid IDs, discount IDs (student ID/senior citizen ID)
Clothing:Windbreaker, quick-dry clothes and pants, comfortable hiking shoes, sun hat
Medications:Gastrointestinal medicine, cold medicine, motion sickness patches, band-aids
Others:Power bank (20,000mAh or above), sunscreen, foldable rain poncho
VII. Precautions
Private vehicles are prohibited inside the Kanas scenic area; unified shuttle bus transfers are required.
Outside vehicles are prohibited in Hemu Village after 7:00 PM; please arrange your time accordingly.
Xinjiang is 2 hours behind mainland China in terms of time zone; meal times are adjusted accordingly.
Respect local customs and traditions; do not casually photograph people in close-up.
Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency for more itinerary details and preferential information. Let’s explore the forests, lakes, and humanities of northern Xinjiang in comfort and experience the cool summer of Altay!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation.
