2026 Altay Winter 7 Day 4WD Chartered Car Tour Query on Charges for Habahe Rime and Kanas Frozen Lake Surface Off Road Trip Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
Starred✨ 2026 Altay Winter Wonderland:Four-wheel-drive off-road adventure through Kanas’s frozen world, exploring the rime wonderland of Baihaba
(I) Key Highlights of the Itinerary:A Visual Feast of Ice and Rime
Winter in Altay is a snow and ice kingdom in northern Xinjiang. The ice surface of Kanas Lake can reach over 1 meter thick, presenting a blue ice spectacle; Baihaba Village is surrounded by rime, creating a fairy-tale scene of ‘jade trees and crystal branches’; the morning mist and snow mushrooms in Hemu Village form a classic picture. Recent 2026 data shows that this itinerary connects three core scenic areas, using four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles (equipped with snow tires) throughout, with daily driving time controlled within 3 hours, avoiding congested routes of regular tour groups and enjoying exclusive off-the-beaten-path viewpoints.
Three Must-Do Experiences:
❶ Ice Surface Trekking on Kanas Lake:Cross the frozen lake surface under the guidance of a professional guide, observing ice crack textures and bubble ice wonders up close
❷ Rime Photography in Baihaba:Head to the Grand Canyon from 7:00-9:00 AM to capture golden rime amidst the morning mist
❸ Hemu Village Ice and Snow Park:Experience horse-drawn sleds and snow football, participate in a workshop for making traditional Tuva fur skis
(II) 7-Day In-Depth Itinerary Plan (Winter 2026 Edition)
Daily Itinerary Highlights:
▶ Day 1:Altay Snow Capital Airport → General Mountain Ski Resort (2 hours)
Afternoon:Snow off-road vehicle driving training under the guidance of a professional coach
Evening:Check into Yunlu Residence homestay, experience panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ski slope night view
▶ Day 2:Altay → Koktokay (4.5-hour drive)
Morning:Traverse the S232 provincial ice and snow highway, stopping at the Yeka Gorge icefall group along the way
Afternoon:Visit the No. 3 Mine Geological Museum, photograph the sunset over the mine’s frozen lake
Overnight:Fuyun County Hot Spring Hotel, experience snow hot springs
Starred✨ 2026 Altay Winter Wonderland: Four-wheel-drive off-road adventure through Kanas’s frozen world, exploring the rime wonderland of Baihaba▶ Day 3:Koktokay → Kanas (5-hour drive)
Early Morning:Photograph the morning mist over the Irtysh River
En Route:Stop at the Ilimu Lake blue ice observation point
Evening:Check into a wooden cabin in Kanas New Village, savor Tuva-style hot pot
▶ Day 4:In-Depth Kanas Exploration
Morning:Ice surface trek at Fish Watching Pavilion (ice cleats required)
Afternoon:Reverse hike along the Three Bays (Fairy Bay → Crouching Dragon Bay), avoiding peak tour group times
Special Arrangement:Drone aerial photography on the ice surface of Kanas Lake
▶ Day 5:Kanas → Baihaba (2-hour drive)
Early Morning:Obtain border pass (valid identification required in advance)
Morning:Rime photography in the Grand Canyon
Afternoon:Traditional handicraft experience in Baihaba Village (making birch bark paintings)
▶ Day 6:Baihaba → Hemu (3-hour drive)
Morning:Traverse the ice and snow section of the Ahe Highway, stop at the Tolehaite rime observation station
Afternoon:Free activities at Hemu Village Ice and Snow Park
Special Arrangement:Visit a Tuva family, learn to play the Chuwur (grassland flute)
(I) Key Highlights of the Itinerary: A Visual Feast of Ice and Rime▶ Day 7:Hemu → Altay (6-hour drive)
Early Morning:Photograph the panoramic morning mist of Hemu Village
En Route:Stop at Chonghur Town to purchase naturally grown blackcurrant jam
Evening:Return to downtown Altay, conclude the itinerary
(III) Winter 2026 Cost Reference (subject to contract)
Basic Cost Components:
▶ Transportation Costs:
Four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle (including snow tires):1200 yuan/day × 7 days = 8400 yuan/vehicle (4 people per vehicle)
Includes:Vehicle insurance, tolls, fuel, driver service fee
▶ Scenic Area Fees:
Winter all-area ticket:100 yuan/person × 3 days = 300 yuan/person (including Kanas, Hemu, Baihaba)
Shuttle Buses:No shuttle buses in winter; self-drive vehicles require advance reservation
Special Experiences:Kanas ice surface trekking guide fee 200 yuan/person, Tuva family visit 100 yuan/person
▶ Accommodation Costs:
Wooden cabins inside Kanas/Hemu scenic areas:400 yuan/room/night × 4 nights = 1600 yuan/person (based on double occupancy)
Four-star hotel in downtown Altay:300 yuan/room/night × 2 nights = 300 yuan/person
Winter in Altay is a snow and ice kingdom in northern Xinjiang. The ice surface of Kanas Lake can reach over 1 meter thick, presenting a blue ice spectacle; Baihaba Village is surrounded by rime, creating a fairy-tale scene of ‘jade trees and crystal branches’; the morning mist and snow mushrooms in Hemu Village form a classic picture. Recent 2026 data shows that this itinerary connects three core scenic areas, using four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles (equipped with snow tires) throughout, with daily driving time controlled within 3 hours, avoiding congested routes of regular tour groups and enjoying exclusive off-the-beaten-path viewpoints.Fuyun Hot Spring Hotel:500 yuan/room/night × 1 night = 250 yuan/person
▶ Meal Costs:
Includes 6 breakfasts + 12 main meals, approximately 400 yuan per person
Special Meals:Burqin cold-water fish banquet, Tuva-style hot pot
Total Cost Range:
Economy:6800-7500 yuan/person (4 people sharing a vehicle, choosing basic accommodation)
Comfort:8500-9200 yuan/person (4 people sharing a vehicle, upgrading to scenic wooden cabins)
Cost Explanation:Subject to actual consultation and contract signing; may fluctuate by departure date
(IV) Registration Method and Service Guarantees
Registration Process:
① Contact Zhang Jing, customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, for itinerary consultation
② Confirm travel dates and number of people (recommend booking 30 days in advance)
③ Sign an electronic travel contract and pay a deposit
④ Pay the balance 7 days before departure and receive a detailed itinerary manual
Service Standards:
▶ Vehicle Configuration:
Three Must-Do Experiences:Each vehicle equipped with a first aid kit, snow chains, satellite phone
Daily vehicle inspection before departure
▶ Accommodation Guarantees:
Priority arrangement for wooden cabins with en-suite bathrooms inside scenic areas
Single travelers will be coordinated for room sharing; special cases require negotiation
▶ Emergency Plans:
Equipped with高原 (high-altitude) emergency oxygen cylinders
Establish a 24-hour linkage mechanism with the scenic area rescue center
(V) Important Reminders and Policy Explanations
❶ Winter Equipment Recommendations:
Must Bring:-30℃ cold-weather clothing, high-top waterproof snow boots, touchscreen gloves
Recommended Equipment:Ice cleats, snow goggles, portable snow shovel
❷ Scenic Area Policies:
Baihaba Village requires advance border pass (can be handled by the travel agency)
Kanas Lake ice activities require signing a liability waiver
❸ Weather Response:
❶ Kanas Lake ice surface trekking: Cross the frozen lake surface under the guidance of a professional guide, observing ice crack textures and bubble ice wonders up closeIn case of blizzard traffic control, both parties may agree to change the itinerary order
Daily departure time may be flexibly adjusted based on weather conditions
(VI) Authentic Tourist Reviews
▶ Family Travel with Children:
“Took an 8-year-old child on the winter tour. The guide specially prepared children’s snow toys, held the child’s hand throughout the Kanas ice trek, and the wooden cabin’s floor heating was so warm that the child didn’t want to sleep every night” – Ms. Li from Beijing
▶ Photography Enthusiast Feedback:
“The itinerary arrangement was very professional. The guide took us to undeveloped areas for Baihaba rime photography, completely free of crowds, and we captured unforgettable golden rime” – Mr. Wang from Shanghai
▶ Elderly Tourist Experience:
“A 65-year-old traveled without any pressure. Daily driving time was controlled within 3 hours, the driver drove very steadily, accommodations were arranged on the first floor to avoid stairs, and warm patches and ginger tea were provided” – Mr. Chen from Guangzhou
(VII) Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Do I need to drive the four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle myself?
A:A professional driver will drive throughout; tourists can focus on enjoying the scenery
Q:Is Kanas scenic area open in winter?
A:The winter operating period for 2026 is October 16 to April 30 of the following year, during which it is normally open
Q:How to prevent altitude sickness?
A:Altay region’s altitude is between 800-1500 meters; altitude sickness generally does not occur, but it is recommended not to shower on the first day of the itinerary
The 2026 Altay ice and snow season has begun. This land, rated as ‘China’s Most Beautiful Winter’ by Chinese National Geography, is waiting to weave an unforgettable winter fairy tale for you with blue ice, rime, and the songs of the Tuva people. Contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency immediately to start your ice and snow adventure!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
