11-Day Northern Xinjiang Tour: Altay, Hemu, Kanas, Sayram Lake & Nalati

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Duration 11 Days
Route Urumqi → Altay → Hemu → Kanas → Sayram Lake → Nalati
Entry City Urumqi
Exit City Urumqi

Overview

This 11-day journey connects Urumqi, Altay, Hemu, Kanas, Sayram Lake, Nalati in a flexible private format. It is designed for international travellers who want a well-paced Xinjiang tour with clear transfers, essential landmarks and time for local culture.

Route at a glance

Urumqi → Altay → Hemu → Kanas → Sayram Lake → Nalati

Who this tour suits

First-time visitors, couples, families and friends who prefer a practical itinerary with guided sightseeing and balanced daily pacing.

Daily Itinerary

Modern Urumqi skyline and distant Tianshan Mountains in warm sunset light
Modern Urumqi skyline and distant Tianshan Mountains in warm sunset light.

Arrive in Urumqi, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel. Settle in and prepare for the landscapes of northern Xinjiang.

S21 highway crossing the desert toward blue Ulungu Lake in northern Xinjiang
S21 highway crossing the desert toward blue Ulungu Lake in northern Xinjiang.

Travel north on the S21 Desert Highway across broad desert and steppe scenery. Pause at Ulungu Lake before reaching Altay and its lively evening food market.

Ahe Highway winding through autumn forest and the Altai Mountains toward Hemu
Ahe Highway winding through autumn forest and the Altai Mountains toward Hemu.

Follow the scenic Ahe Highway through mountain valleys and changing forest landscapes. Arrive in Hemu Village for wooden houses, river views and a peaceful evening.

Hemu valley, wooden cabins and golden birch woodland at dawn
Hemu valley, wooden cabins and golden birch woodland at dawn.

Watch the morning light over Hemu, then continue toward Kanas. Explore the lake shore and forest viewpoints before staying in the Kanas area.

Wind-eroded yardang landforms at Urho Ghost City during golden hour
Wind-eroded yardang landforms at Urho Ghost City during golden hour.

Leave the Altay Mountains and travel south across open basin landscapes. Walk among the wind-carved formations of Urho Ghost City in the late-afternoon light.

Clear blue water, pale pebbles and snow mountains along the Sayram Lake shore
Clear blue water, pale pebbles and snow mountains along the Sayram Lake shore.

Drive west to Sayram Lake, a high-altitude blue lake framed by grassland and distant mountains. Follow the scenic lakeshore road and enjoy sunset near the water.

Leafy lane with colorful traditional homes and small cafés in Yining
Leafy lane with colorful traditional homes and small cafés in Yining.

Continue around Sayram Lake, then visit seasonal flower fields when conditions allow. Arrive in Yining and stroll through the colorful lanes of the Six-Star Street neighborhood.

High valley view across Nalati grassland, winding river and layered Tianshan peaks
High valley view across Nalati grassland, winding river and layered Tianshan peaks.

Explore Nalati's river-valley grassland and climb into the higher Sky Grassland for expansive Tianshan views. Pause for afternoon tea amid the pastoral scenery.

Duku Highway winding through an alpine valley beside forest, river and snow mountains
Duku Highway winding through an alpine valley beside forest, river and snow mountains.

Cross the northern section of the Duku Highway, weather and road conditions permitting. See alpine valleys, forest slopes and dramatic road scenery before reaching Kuitun.

Layered ravines and braided riverbed in Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Xinjiang
Layered ravines and braided riverbed in Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Xinjiang.

Walk the viewpoints of Dushanzi Grand Canyon and admire its deeply eroded walls. Return to Urumqi and browse the Grand Bazaar area for crafts and local flavors.

Modern Urumqi airport terminal with the Tianshan Mountains at sunrise
Modern Urumqi airport terminal with the Tianshan Mountains at sunrise.

Enjoy free time in Urumqi according to your flight schedule. Transfer to the airport or railway station, bringing the northern Xinjiang journey to a close.

What's Included & Excluded

What is included in this tour

Private or group transport

Air-conditioned vehicle and transfers listed in the confirmed itinerary.

English-speaking service

Professional English-speaking guide service as specified in the quotation.

Accommodation

Selected hotels with breakfast when included in the confirmed proposal.

Sightseeing

Entrance tickets and activities specifically marked as included.
What is Not Included in this tour

International transport

International flights and transport to the tour starting point unless stated otherwise.

Personal expenses

Laundry, minibar, optional activities and other personal purchases.

Insurance and visas

Travel insurance, China visa fees and permit costs unless explicitly included.

Unlisted meals

Meals, drinks and gratuities not shown in the confirmed inclusion list.

Frequently Asked Questions

The format shown in the tour title applies. Private departures can be adjusted, while small-group departures follow the confirmed group schedule.

Private tours can usually be adjusted for pace, hotel level and special interests. Transport and attraction availability are reconfirmed before booking.

Bring a valid passport, comfortable walking shoes and season-appropriate clothing. We will advise on any permits or weather-specific equipment.

Final hotel and meal inclusions depend on the confirmed quotation. Your written proposal will list every included service before payment.

Expect a mix of walking, steps and vehicle access at the places included in this route. The exact level depends on the day-by-day sequence, so share any concerns about mobility, children, older travellers or rest breaks before the itinerary is confirmed.

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