Xinjiang Charter Tour 2026 Altay Winter Skiing and Kanas Snow Scenery Cost Guide Recommended Routes Prices

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation

Frozen Adventure: In-Depth Winter Tour in Altay:A Complete Guide to Skiing, Snowscapes, and Custom Vehicle Rentals
❄ ️【Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations】
The Altay region, located in northern Xinjiang, has an average winter temperature ranging from -15°C to -5°C, making it one of China’s rare high-quality natural snow areas. Here, you can find not only the General Mountain Ski Resort, known as the “birthplace of human skiing,” but also Hemu Village, rated as one of “China’s six most beautiful ancient towns and villages” by Chinese National Geography, as well as the breathtaking blue ice phenomenon at Kanas Lake in winter. In winter 2026, all major scenic spots in Altay will remain open as usual, with activities such as ice and snow sightseeing, snow hiking, and folk culture experiences running smoothly, making it a popular destination for winter tourism.
Main Attractions and Experiences:
General Mountain Ski Resort:It boasts 33 ski runs of beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, with a total length of 31 kilometers and a maximum vertical drop of 460 meters, suitable for ski enthusiasts of all levels. Night skiing is available until 10 PM with full lighting, offering a unique experience.
Kanas Lake:In winter, the lake surface freezes with ice thickness exceeding 1 meter, allowing for ice hiking and blue ice photography. The blue ice along the lakeshore appears transparent blue in the sunlight, resembling ice sculptures.
Hemu Village:Known as “China’s Snow Village,” it features birch forests covered in thick snow and wooden houses with wisps of smoke from cooking fires, creating an atmospheric setting for morning sunrise and starry sky photography. The village offers snow equipment rentals and folk culture exhibits, allowing visitors to experience ice and snow activities such as horse-drawn sleighs and snow tubing.
Baihaba Village:Located nearby, it is a border management area requiring a permit. The winter border snowscape is serene and mysterious, making it a paradise for photographers.
Colorful Beach:Covered in snow in winter, the red and yellow rock formations contrast sharply with the white snow, especially breathtaking at sunset.
📅 【Simple Itinerary Arrangement】

Frozen Adventure: In-Depth Winter Tour in Altay: A Complete Guide to Skiing, Snowscapes, and Custom Vehicle RentalsThe following is a reference itinerary for a common 6-day ice and snow loop, which can be adjusted based on weather, road conditions, and personal interests through consultation:
Day 1:Arrive in Altay and acclimate to the environment
Morning:Arrive in Altay City, check into a downtown hotel, and acclimate to the low temperatures.
Afternoon:Free activities. We recommend visiting the Xinjiang Museum or the International Bazaar to learn about local culture.
Evening:Taste Xinjiang specialties such as hand-grabbed meat, baked stuffed buns, and salted milk tea.
Day 2:Altay – General Mountain Ski Resort – Burqin
Morning:Head to the General Mountain Ski Resort to experience the joy of skiing. Beginners can hire a coach for instruction, with a lesson costing around 200 yuan.
Afternoon:Continue skiing or experience other ice and snow activities such as snowmobiling.
Evening:Travel to Burqin County, check into a hotel, and taste local specialties such as Burqin cold-water fish.
Day 3:Burqin – Hemu Village
Morning:Take a bus to Hemu Village, enjoying the snowy plain scenery along the way.

❄️【Detailed Introduction to Routes or Destinations】Afternoon:Arrive in Hemu Village, check into a characteristic wooden cabin, and experience the warmth of a heated wall or floor heating. Freely explore Hemu Snow Village, stroll through the snowy birch forest, and photograph the rime.
Evening:Photograph the cooking smoke and sunset, feeling the tranquility and beauty of Hemu.
Day 4:In-Depth Tour of Hemu Village
Early Morning:Photograph the morning mist and sunrise in Hemu, requiring an early rise to secure a good spot.
Morning:Ride a horse to the Haden Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of Hemu Village.
Afternoon:Visit Tuwa wooden houses to learn about local culture and life wisdom. Participate in traditional Tuwa activities such as playing the Chuwuer (a local musical instrument).
Evening:Free activities. You can photograph the starry sky and Milky Way.
Day 5:Hemu Village – Kanas Lake
Morning:Take a bus to Kanas Lake, enjoying the snowy scenery along the way.
Afternoon:Arrive at Kanas Lake and experience ice hiking and blue ice photography. It is recommended to photograph the blue ice from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM when the light angle is optimal.
Evening:Check into accommodation within the Kanas scenic area or at Jadenyu, tasting local cuisine.

The Altay region, located in northern Xinjiang, has an average winter temperature ranging from -15°C to -5°C, making it one of China’s rare high-quality natural snow areas. Here, you can find not only the General Mountain Ski Resort, known as the “birthplace of human skiing,” but also Hemu Village, rated as one of “China’s six most beautiful ancient towns and villages” by Chinese National Geography, as well as the breathtaking blue ice phenomenon at Kanas Lake in winter. In winter 2026, all major scenic spots in Altay will remain open as usual, with activities such as ice and snow sightseeing, snow hiking, and folk culture experiences running smoothly, making it a popular destination for winter tourism.Day 6:Kanas Lake – Return Journey
Morning:Flexibly arrange the itinerary based on your flight or train schedule. You can revisit Kanas Lake or travel to Baihaba Village to experience the border snowscape.
Afternoon:Take a bus back to Altay City, concluding your pleasant ice and snow journey.
💰 【Price Description】
The cost of custom vehicle rentals for winter tourism in Altay is influenced by various factors such as season, vehicle type, number of days, and mileage. The following are daily rental reference prices including driver services (covering vehicle usage fees, fuel costs, tolls, parking fees, driver’s salary, and operational insurance):
Vehicle Types and Prices:
5-Seater Comfortable SUV (suitable for 2-3 people):Approximately 800-1200 yuan per day, averaging around 300-500 yuan per person per day.
7-Seater Business Vehicle (suitable for 4-8 people):Approximately 1000-1500 yuan per day, with specific prices affected by vehicle condition, itinerary, and peak/off-peak seasons.
12-19 Seater Medium-Sized Bus (suitable for groups of 8-15 people):Approximately 1200-1800 yuan per day, with lower cost per person when shared.
25-Seater or Larger Luxury Bus (suitable for large groups):Approximately 2500-3500 yuan per day, equipped with large-capacity luggage compartments and comfortable seating.

Main Attractions and Experiences:Inclusions and Exclusions:
Inclusions:Vehicle usage fees, driver’s service fees, fuel costs, tolls, parking fees, and basic travel insurance.
Exclusions:Driver’s accommodation and meals (negotiable subsidies), meal costs not indicated in the itinerary, personal expenses, and scenic spot admission tickets.
Special Tips:
For winter custom vehicle rentals, it is recommended to choose a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle equipped with snow tires and anti-skid chains for safer driving.
Custom vehicle rental costs may fluctuate based on market supply and demand. The specific price shall be based on the contract signed with the travel agency.
【Registration Method】
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to embark on your winter ice and snow journey in Altay. Consult with Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency for more itinerary details and quotation information.
【Price Description and Service Description】
Price Description:
All cost details will be listed in writing after the itinerary is confirmed, subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties.

General Mountain Ski Resort: It boasts 33 ski runs of beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, with a total length of 31 kilometers and a maximum vertical drop of 460 meters, suitable for ski enthusiasts of all levels. Night skiing is available until 10 PM with full lighting, offering a unique experience. Accommodation standards, meal arrangements, ticket bookings, etc., involved in the itinerary will be confirmed in advance according to actual needs, with transparent costs and no hidden charges.
For solo registrants, our agency will make every effort to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Service Description:
Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency offers a variety of正规 (regular/licensed) tourism operation vehicle types for selection. All vehicles hold legal operational qualifications, and non-operational private cars are strictly prohibited from accepting orders.
Drivers are familiar with the winter road conditions in northern Xinjiang, possess experience in driving on icy and snowy roads, and can provide basic itinerary suggestions (not replacing professional tour guide services).
In case of itinerary changes due to irresistible factors such as weather, traffic, or scenic spot policies, both parties can negotiate to make reasonable changes to the itinerary, with related costs handled in accordance with tourism laws.
📝 【Warm Tips】
The winter temperature in Altay is low. Please take necessary warmth measures and bring enough cold-weather clothing and high-calorie snacks.
Apple phones consume battery quickly in low-temperature environments. It is recommended to attach a warm baby to the back of the phone; bring two extra camera batteries and keep them warm in a close-fitting pocket.
Winter admission tickets and accommodation in Hemu and Kanas need to be reserved in advance, with no tickets sold on-site. It is recommended to make reservations in advance through the “Kanas Scenic Area” official account or other正规 (regular/licensed) channels.
Before customizing a vehicle rental, please confirm the vehicle type, driver’s qualifications, and cost details, and sign a formal tourism contract to protect your rights and interests.
Altay’s winter is a journey about purity and tranquility. Starting from Urumqi, choose a compliant and comfortable regular operational vehicle, and let a professional driver take you through the snowy plains, deep into the morning mist of Hemu and the icy lake of Kanas. You control the pace of the itinerary and define the scenery. For more details on custom winter 2026 ice and snow tours in Altay, please contact Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to register as soon as possible!

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation