2026Tour of Southern Xinjiang by Altay Special Train Prices 15 Day Itinerary Including Hemu Village and Kanas Lake Costs and Recommended Routes
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send the itinerary and quotation.
Explore the Mysteries of Northern Xinjiang:2026 Southern Great River Altay Tourism Train In-Depth Experience Guide
🌄 [Route Highlights:A 15-Day Tapestry of Nature and Culture]
The Southern Great River Altay Tourism Train is designed with the core concept of ‘panoramic slow travel,’ connecting the most representative natural landscapes and cultural heritage sites of various ethnic groups in northern Xinjiang. The itinerary covers three core areas of the Altay region:
Kanas Lake Ecological Zone:Explore the lakes and mountains of the ‘Oriental Switzerland,’ hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay), and ascend Guanyu Platform to overlook the morning mist on the lake and the reflection of snow-capped mountains.
Hemu Village Secret Realm:Stay in a Tuvan wooden house, capture the morning mist with cooking smoke wafting in the early morning, and experience in-depth activities such as horseback riding through the birch forest and visiting local families.
Geological Wonder Zone:Traverse the Tian Shan Grand Canyon and Koktokay National Geological Park to decipher the formation codes of Xinjiang’s ‘Geological Museum.’
The train operates in a ‘daytime touring, nighttime traveling’ mode, allowing for in-depth exploration of attractions during the day and resting on the train at night while heading to the next destination, maximizing time utilization and reducing fatigue from long-distance travel. The entire train is equipped with large observation windows, constant temperature air conditioning, and bathrooms. Some cars feature additional washrooms and lounge areas, with soft furnishings incorporating traditional patterns of various ethnic groups to create a ‘moving five-star hotel’ experience.
🗓 ️[Simple Itinerary:15-Day Immersive Exploration of Northern Xinjiang]
Day 1-2:Gathering in Urumqi · Initial Cultural Exploration
Explore the Mysteries of Northern Xinjiang: 2026 Southern Great River Altay Tourism Train In-Depth Experience GuideUpon arrival in Urumqi, check into a hotel. For leisure activities, we recommend visiting the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar to taste specialties such as roasted stuffed buns and hand-grabbed rice.
The next day, head to Tian Shan Tianchi, take a cable car to overlook the panoramic view of Bogda Peak and Tianchi, and embark on the special train in the evening.
Day 3-5:Kanas Lake · Three Bays Secret Realm
Upon arrival in Beitun by special train, transfer to a scenic area bus and check into a wooden house within the Kanas scenic area.
In-depth exploration of the Three Bays:Capture the morning mist at Fairy Bay in the early morning, hike the wooden walkway from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay, and ascend 1,068 steps of Guanyu Platform to overlook the panoramic view.
Experience local life:Participate in activities such as milking cows and making dairy products, and in the evening, take the special train to Hemu Village.
Day 6-8:Hemu Village · Tuvan Culture
Capture the morning mist in Hemu in the early morning, stroll through the birch forest and Hemu Bridge, and ride a horse to the Meilifeng Pasture in the afternoon.
Visit a Tuvan family:Learn to make traditional dairy products, listen to the performance of the Chuwuer (a type of grass flute), and participate in a bonfire party.
Free activity day:You can choose to hike to the Hadeng Platform for a panoramic view or take humanistic documentary photos within the village.
🌄[Route Highlights: A 15-Day Tapestry of Nature and Culture]Day 9-11:Geological Wonders · Nature Classroom
The special train heads to Koktokay to visit the Irtysh Grand Canyon and Mine Pit No. 3 to learn about Xinjiang’s mining history.
Traverse the Tian Shan Grand Canyon, hike among the reddish-brown mountains, and feel the awe of the ‘One-Line Sky.’
Upon arrival in Kuqa, visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves to interpret the treasures of Buddhist art in the Western Regions.
Day 12-14:Duku Highway · Pastoral Song of the Grasslands
Travel by car through the northern section of the Duku Highway, admiring the three-dimensional画卷 (meaning ‘picture scroll’ or ‘landscape’) of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons along the way.
Arrive at Nalati Grassland, experience horseback riding, archery, and other grassland activities, and stay in yurts of people from various ethnic groups.
Head to Bayinbuluk Grassland to photograph the sunset spectacle of the ‘Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns’ of the Kaidu River.
Day 15:Return to Urumqi · Successful Conclusion
The Southern Great River Altay Tourism Train is designed with the core concept of ‘panoramic slow travel,’ connecting the most representative natural landscapes and cultural heritage sites of various ethnic groups in northern Xinjiang. The itinerary covers three core areas of the Altay region:The special train returns to Urumqi, where you will be transferred to the airport according to your flight schedule, concluding the itinerary.
💰 [Price Description:Transparent System and Value-Added Services]
The prices for the 2026 special train are divided into three tiers (all subject to the contract):
Upper bunk in a four-person compartment:19,999 yuan/person
Lower bunk in a two-person compartment:45,999 yuan/person
Value-added third person (over 6 years old):23,999 yuan/person
Fees include:
✓ Special train seats, land transportation, 14 nights of accommodation (including wooden houses/yurts within the scenic area)
✓ 16 dinners and 14 breakfasts (including special meals such as Tuvan hot pot and roast whole lamb)
✓ First admission tickets to attractions and shuttle bus fees
Kanas Lake Ecological Zone: Explore the lakes and mountains of the ‘Oriental Switzerland,’ hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay), and ascend Guanyu Platform to overlook the morning mist on the lake and the reflection of snow-capped mountains.✓ Professional tour guide and onboard medical services
✓ Travel accident insurance and高原 (meaning ‘plateau’) emergency support supplies
Child price (under 6 years old):6,999 yuan/person (no bed, including meals and admission tickets)
📞 [Registration Method:Professional Service Guarantee]
You can register through the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for information on departure dates, available seats, and room type selection. Staff will provide:
Response to inquiries within 48 hours and a complete itinerary plan within 72 hours
Assistance with handling permits (if needed), health declarations, and other procedures
Flexible itinerary changes according to tourist needs (such as adding optional items like a tour around Sayram Lake)
📝 [Fee and Service Description:Details Determine the Experience]
Hemu Village Secret Realm: Stay in a Tuvan wooden house, capture the morning mist with cooking smoke wafting in the early morning, and experience in-depth activities such as horseback riding through the birch forest and visiting local families.Single registration:The travel agency will do its best to coordinate room sharing. In special cases, a single room supplement needs to be negotiated.
Fee fluctuations:Prices may change with departure dates and are subject to the signed contract.
Service standards:No shopping stops are arranged throughout the entire journey, with a commitment to ‘what you see is what you pay,’ with no hidden fees.
Emergency support:The special train is equipped with oxygen cylinders and first aid kits, and tour guides have received plateau first aid training.
Policy adaptation:In case of extreme weather or temporary closure of scenic spots, both parties will negotiate to change the itinerary.
✨ [Travel Tips:Make the Itinerary Even Better]
❶ Equipment list:Windbreaker, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable hiking shoes are recommended. The nighttime temperature in Hemu Village may drop below 5°C, so bring a light down jacket.
❷ Photography suggestions:For photographing the morning mist at Kanas, arrive early to secure a spot. The excellent spot for morning mist in Hemu Village is on the western side of the walkway on the Hadeng Platform.
❸ Cultural respect:When visiting families of various ethnic groups, avoid wearing revealing clothing and do not take close-up photos of people without permission.
❹ Transportation connections:The special train provides transfer services from Urumqi Airport/Station to the hotel. It is recommended to choose a morning arrival flight for timely rest and adjustment.
The grandeur of northern Xinjiang lies in the dialogue between snow-capped mountains and grasslands and the dance between forests and lakes. In 2026, take the Southern Great River Altay Tourism Train to unlock the soul of this land at a slow pace, making every frame of scenery a cherished memory.
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send the itinerary and quotation.
