2026 Altay Akekule Sandaohaizi 8 Day Private Car Rental for Alpine Lakes, Grasslands, and Scenic Viewpoints Fleet Quotes Online Registration Recommended Itinerary Price

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation

Explore the Altai Mountains:2026 Altay Akekule Three-Sea 8-Day In-Depth Customized Car Tour Full Guide
✨ [Route Highlights:A Visual Feast of Alpine Lakes and Grassland Pastures]
Akekule Three-Sea is located in the northeastern part of Qinghe County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, at the southern foot of the Altai Mountains watershed and bordering Mongolia. This alpine secret realm at an altitude of 2,690 meters is formed by three lakes: Huahaizi, Zhonghaizi, and Bianhaizi, with a total water area of 35 square kilometers. In summer, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, and distant snow-capped mountains are reflected in the lake, creating the wonder of ‘water and sky sharing the same color.’ As a high-quality key cultural relic protection unit, this place not only boasts the world’s largest secret stone pile ruins but also preserves the living heritage of nomadic cultures from various ethnic groups. In summer, you can see local Kazak herders moving their livestock, with wooden houses and yurts dotting the grasslands, forming a vivid pastoral scene.
The scenic area is connected to core attractions in northern Xinjiang, such as the geological wonders of Koktokay, the scenic Kanas Lake, and the morning mist of Hemu Village, forming a composite route of ‘geological exploration + nature photography + cultural experience.’ In the summer of 2026, the Three-Sea scenic area will implement a free admission policy, combined with the ‘Cool Summer’ public benefit activities in the Altay region, making it a highly cost-effective destination for in-depth travel.
🗺 ️[Simple Itinerary:8-Day Loop Design, Flexibly Adapted to Needs]
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport in the afternoon and be picked up by a private car to the city hotel for check-in.
Recommended Free Activities:Experience handicrafts from various ethnic groups at the International Bazaar or visit the Xinjiang Museum to see the ‘Unique Folk Customs’ mummy exhibition.
Day 2:Urumqi → Fuyun County (about 480 km, 6-hour drive)
Head north along National Highway G216, passing through the Kalamaili Nature Reserve in the Junggar Basin, where you may spot wild horses and gazelles.

Explore the Altai Mountains: 2026 Altay Akekule Three-Sea 8-Day In-Depth Customized Car Tour Full Guide Arrive in Fuyun County in the evening, check into the hotel, and enjoy a special cold-water fish feast.
Day 3:Fuyun → Koktokay → Qinghe County (about 320 km, 5-hour drive)
Visit Koktokay National Geological Park in the morning to explore Pit No. 3 (Meritorious Mine) and the Irtysh Grand Canyon.
In the afternoon, drive to Qinghe County, passing through the Beita Mountain Pasture to observe wind erosion landscapes and grassland ecology.
Day 4:Qinghe County → In-Depth Tour of Three-Sea (round trip about 80 km, 2.5-hour drive)
Transfer to a 4WD off-road vehicle to enter the scenic area and hike or ride horses to visit the three lakes:
Huahaizi:Wildflowers bloom from late June to early July, ideal for photography.
Zhonghaizi:Rare birds inhabit the lake island; bring binoculars for observation.
Bianhaizi:Get close to the giant stone pile ruins and listen to the guide explain the history of the grassland Silk Road.
Stay overnight in Qinghe County, experience home visits with local families from various ethnic groups, and taste kumis and hand-grabbed meat.

✨[Route Highlights: A Visual Feast of Alpine Lakes and Grassland Pastures]Day 5:Qinghe County → Burqin (about 450 km, 7-hour drive)
Head west along Provincial Highway S228, passing through the Golden Coast of Ulungur Lake to photograph the ‘Devil City on the Sea’ Yardang sunset.
Arrive in Burqin County in the evening, stroll through the riverside night market, and shop for gem paintings, black honey, and other specialties.
Day 6:Burqin → Kanas Lake (about 180 km, 3.5-hour drive)
Transfer to a scenic shuttle bus to tour Kanas Lake, ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of the lake, and hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay).
Stay overnight in Jiadengyu or Kanas log cabins to experience Tuvan culture.
Day 7:Kanas → Hemu Village (about 70 km, 2-hour drive)
Photograph the morning mist at Kanas in the early morning, then head to Hemu Village, ‘God’s Own Backyard.’
Ascend the Haden Observation Deck to photograph the village panorama, and enjoy free activities in the afternoon:Horseback riding, hiking through birch forests, or experiencing traditional fur skiing.
Day 8:Hemu → Urumqi (return flight/train optional)

Akekule Three-Sea is located in the northeastern part of Qinghe County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, at the southern foot of the Altai Mountains watershed and bordering Mongolia. This alpine secret realm at an altitude of 2,690 meters is formed by three lakes: Huahaizi, Zhonghaizi, and Bianhaizi, with a total water area of 35 square kilometers. In summer, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, and distant snow-capped mountains are reflected in the lake, creating the wonder of ‘water and sky sharing the same color.’ As a high-quality key cultural relic protection unit, this place not only boasts the world’s largest secret stone pile ruins but also preserves the living heritage of nomadic cultures from various ethnic groups. In summer, you can see local Kazak herders moving their livestock, with wooden houses and yurts dotting the grasslands, forming a vivid pastoral scene.Flexibly arrange your return journey based on your flight/train schedule to conclude the itinerary.
💰 [Price Description:Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees]
Vehicle Type and Average Daily Cost (including driver, fuel, tolls)
5-seat SUV (suitable for 2-3 people):Off-season: 800-900 yuan/day, Peak season: 900-1000 yuan/day
7-seat business van (suitable for 4-6 people):Off-season: 1000-1100 yuan/day, Peak season: 1100-1200 yuan/day
14-seat luxury business van (suitable for 7-10 people):Off-season: 1500-1600 yuan/day, Peak season: 1600-1800 yuan/day
Total 8-Day Cost Reference (based on a 7-seat business van)
Basic customized car fee:Approximately 8800-9600 yuan (fluctuates by season)
Driver’s food and accommodation allowance:Approximately 1200 yuan (settled based on actual days)
Scenic area admission tickets:Free admission to Three-Sea; Kanas + Hemu + Koktokay and other scenic area tickets and shuttle buses cost about 1000 yuan/person (discounts available for ethnic groups, students, seniors, etc. with valid certificates)

The scenic area is connected to core attractions in northern Xinjiang, such as the geological wonders of Koktokay, the scenic Kanas Lake, and the morning mist of Hemu Village, forming a composite route of ‘geological exploration + nature photography + cultural experience.’ In the summer of 2026, the Three-Sea scenic area will implement a free admission policy, combined with the ‘Cool Summer’ public benefit activities in the Altay region, making it a highly cost-effective destination for in-depth travel.Meals and accommodation:Approximately 2000-3000 yuan/person (estimated based on moderate standards)
Important Notice:Costs may vary with market supply and demand and vehicle configuration changes; specifics are subject to the contract signed by both parties.
📝 [Registration Method:Professional Team Ensures a Worry-Free Itinerary]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide the following based on your needs:
Vehicle matching suggestions (select appropriate vehicles based on the number of people, luggage volume, and road conditions)
Itinerary optimization plans (dynamic changes based on weather and scenic area openings)
Detailed cost breakdown (list customized car fees, admission tickets, accommodation, and other expenses separately)
💡 [Cost and Service Description:Transparent Details, Guaranteed Rights]
Costs Include:Vehicle rental fees, driver service fees, fuel costs, tolls, parking fees, and basic food and accommodation allowances for the driver.
Costs Exclude:Round-trip transportation to/from Xinjiang, self-paid items within scenic areas, personal expenses, and additional room charges if single occupancy registration fails (special circumstances require separate negotiation).

🗺️[Simple Itinerary: 8-Day Loop Design, Flexibly Adapted to Needs]Service Standards:Vehicles are disinfected daily; drivers hold health certificates and are on duty; 24-hour emergency contact services are provided throughout the journey; complimentary travel accident insurance (coverage of 500,000 yuan/person) is included.
Special Notes:In case of extreme weather, road closures, or other force majeure factors, both parties may reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement. Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contracting.
📌 [Pre-Trip Recommended Tips]
Documents:Valid identification, driver’s license (if self-driving as a backup), ethnic group discount certificates, and border passes (required in advance for travel to areas like Taxkorgan).
Clothing:Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night; bring a windbreaker, sun hat, and sunglasses in summer; wear non-slip shoes for hiking.
Medications:Medicines for altitude sickness, gastrointestinal issues, motion sickness, and insect repellent.
Equipment:Camera, power bank, and thermos (convenient for hot water refills at scenic areas).
🌄 [Why Choose This Route?]
In-Depth Experience:Avoid the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the alpine lakes at Three-Sea alone, sitting and chatting with local Kazak herders.
Photography-Friendly:Full coverage of the three golden shooting periods: Kanas morning mist, Hemu starry sky, and Three-Sea sunset.
Cultural Fusion:Experience Xinjiang’s diverse charm in one go, from geological wonders to nomadic civilization, from Tuvan log cabins to ethnic cuisines.
In the summer of 2026, let’s measure the grandeur of the Altai Mountains with our wheels and capture the poetry of northern Xinjiang with our lenses. Immediately consult customer service manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to start your exclusive alpine lake journey!

Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation