11 Days Northern Xinjiang In-depth Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Urumqi Arrival

   Welcome to our in-dpeth North Xinjiang trip for 11 days! Upon your arrival in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, your private driver will meet you and then escort you to the downtown hotel.

   The rest of the time is yours at leisure. Urumqi is known for its bustling markets, so you are recommended to take a look at the Erdaoqiao International Grand Bazaar. Here you can have a unique cultural experience, with its diverse range of products and authentic local foods.

   Accommodation: in Urumqi

2. Day 2: Heavenly Lake Tour, Urumqi to Beitun Tour by Overnight Train
   Enjoy Snow Peaks and Spruce Trees with an Optional Boat Ride

   After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive for 1.5 hours to Tianchi. Heavenly Lake, formerly known as "Yaochi", has multiple titles such as national 5A level tourist attraction and world natural heritage. The lake has an elevation of 1,910 meters and an area of 4.9 square kilometers.

   It is surrounded by mountains, with snow peaks reflecting and spruce trees surrounding it. In addition to the natural scenery, the tour guide will explain myths and legends such as the Queen Mother of the West to you. ‌If interested, you can enjoy an optional boat ride on the lake (at your own expense).

   

   In the afternoon, return to Urumqi and head to the Urumqi Railway Station to board the train to Beitun (11-12 hours). You will spend the night on the train.

   Accommodation: on the train

3. Day 3: Beitun to Hemu Tour
   Take Pictures of Wooden Houses and Birch Forest

   Upon arrival in Beitun in the morning, your tour guide will take you to a local restaurant for breakfast. Then, you will be transferred for 3.5 hours to Hemu Village, the 'Number One Village in China'.

   In addition to the pristine scenery, this is the main settlement of the Tuva people, and your private tour guide will explain some of their unique ways of life to you.
   

   The village is surrounded by mountains on all sides, with dense white birch forests and rivers flowing through it. The pointed wooden houses are arranged in a staggered manner, full of primitive charm. Climb onto the observation deck to overlook the entire village, or take a stroll along the Hemu River. The scenery varies in different seasons in Hemu Village, especially in autumn when it is dyed golden, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. ‌

   Accommodation: in Hemu

   

4. Day 4: Hemu to Kanas Tour
   Appreciate Beautiful Lake Views and the Mystery of Water Monster

   Today your north Xinjiang tour continues to another paradise for photographers - Kanas Nature Reserve, only 1 hour drive away from Hemu. Dubbed the "Fairyland on Earth" and the "Garden of Gods", it combines rivers, lakes, forests, snow mountains, and grasslands.

   

   Stroll along the shore of Kanas Lake and enjoy the crystal-clear and turquoise water. Walk up the Fish-watching Platform to get a panoramic view of the lake. If you are interested, take a boat ride on Kanas Lake and explore the mystery of the "lake monster". Afterward, head to Jiadengyu for check-in.

   Accommodation: in Jiadengyu

5. Day 5: Kanas to Burqin Tour
   Marvel at the Magnificent the Yardang Landform

   After breakfast, today you will be transferred to Wucaitan, Five-Colored Beach, located along the Irtysh River in Burqin County. The north bank of Wucaitan is a colorful Yardang landform, while the south bank is a lush forest. The best viewing time is at sunset when the colorful beach is even more magnificent and colorful.

   After the visit, continue driving to the urban area of Burqin and check in at a local comfortable hotel. In the evening, explore the county at your own pace - walking through Burqin Market to enjoy the local snacks and culture.

   Accommodation: in Burqin

   

6. Day 6: Burqin to Karamay Tour
   See the Lifelike Wind-eroded Rock Formations

   Today's trip in Xinjiang will take you on a journey to the vast Gurbantunggut Desert (rated as one of the five most beautiful deserts in China by National Geographic). Through the golden sand, we will arrive at the Urho Ghost City.

   This is a typical Yardang landform scenic area, with various shapes such as castles, giant beasts, and pavilions. Strolling among them, tourists feel as if they are in a natural sculpture hall. You can choose to take a small train or walk around to enjoy various lifelike wind-eroded rock formations.

   

   Afterward, continue your tour to Dushanzi Grand Canyon, a national 4A-level attraction. The canyon is deep, with towering cliffs on both sides, and the folds of the valley are as spectacular as carvings. Follow your private guide along the trails to enjoy the scenery of the canyon and feel the magnificence of nature. Here you can also experience some popular programs including glass bridge and rope bridge (optional, at your own expense).

   Accommodation: in Karamay

7. Day 7: Karamay to Yining Tour
   Stroll Around the Lake and Observe Rare Birds Up Close

   Today, your driver will take you to Yining. On the way, we will stop at the amazing Sayram Lake, the 'last tear of the Atlantic'. It is the highest and largest high-altitude cold water lake in Xinjiang.

   

   The lake is clear and blue, surrounded by mountains. In spring and summer, you can see the magnificent lakeside flower sea; while in autumn and winter, it presents a beautiful scenery of golden and silver. Stroll around the lake, experience the nomadic style, observe rare birds up close...

   Later, drive to Guozigou Bridge, with a length of 700 meters. Be amazed by this feat and appreciate the panoramic views around it.

   After the sightseeing, continue driving to Yining for the night.

   Accommodation: in Yining

8. Day 8: Yining to Tekes Tour
   Witness Verdant Meadows, Grazing Livestock, Rolling Hills

   In the morning, take a 2-hour car ride from Yining to Tekes, with a stop at the picturesque Kalajun Grassland. At the altitude between 1305 and 3957 meters, the grassland is 89 kilometers long and 32 kilometers wide, with a total area of 2,848 square kilometers. With cool climate and fertile soil, hundreds of kinds of high-quality pasture grasses grow in Kalajun grassland.

   

   Here you can see breathtaking views of verdant meadows, grazing livestock and rolling hills. Just relax, breathe in the fresh air, and take a leisurely walk. During the months from June to September, the grassland is particularly beautiful, as it is adorned with colorful wildflowers. Overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Tekes.

   Accommodation: in Tekes

9. Day 9: Tekes to Nalaty Tour
   Experience the Lifestyle of Kazakh People and Ili Prairie

   After breakfast, drive for 3 hours to visit the beautiful Nalati Sky Grassland in the morning! Also named Ili Prairie, which means "the place witnesses the sunrise firstly" by National Geographic, Naraty Grassland impresses visitors with good quality grass, colorful wildflowers in summer, snowy mountains, and blue sky as a background for the lovey animals wandering there. That's a good place for people to approach and interact with nature.

   Also, you have a chance to experience the lifestyle of the Kazakh people and perhaps even try some traditional Kazakh cuisine.

   Accommodation: in Nalaty

   

10. Day 10: Nalaty to Yining Tour
    Taste the Exotic Flavors of Uyghur Folk Customs

    In the morning, your Northern Xinjiang trip takes you back to Yining to visit Kazanqi Folk Custom Street, known as the "Morocco of the East" as it is famous for its unique Tiffany blue color. This is a great place to feel Uyghur folk customs. There are lively bazaars and quiet alleys & lanes, which are good for taking photos and tasting local food.

    Later, pay a visit to the Accordion Museum, which houses over 800 precious accordion pieces. Your tour guide will share the history of some of important musical instrument.

    Accommodation: in Yining or Xinyuan

    

11. Day 11: Yining Departure

    Enjoy your leisure time in the morning. Your driver will then escort you to the airport for your onward flight home or to your next destination, marking the end of your 11-day in-dpeth North Xinjiang adventure.

    Accommodation: N/A