5 Days Kanas Horseback Riding in Xinjiang Altay
Tour Overview
This five-day tour takes you to the stunning Kanas Lake in China’s Xinjiang region, known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the lake and its surroundings, including the Altay Mountains, on horseback and enjoy traditional Kazakh food. Experience the unique nomadic culture of the Kazakh people and enjoy the peacefulness of the countryside. This Kanas Horseback Riding tour is perfect for nature and adventure lovers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Highlights of this tour:
1. Ride through meadows and birch forests to Kanas Lake for an experience of a wonderland.2. Embark on a horseback ride adventure to Black Lake to enjoy the crystal water reflecting the surrounding peaks, blue sky, and clouds.
3. Visit a Kazakh family and get an insight into their nomadic culture.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Kanas Arrival - Kanas LakeHot Pot Welcome Dinner
Upon your arrival at Kanas Airport, the local driver will meet you and escort you to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy a steaming hot pot welcome dinner at the chalet.
Accommodation: Kanas
- Day 2: Kanas Lake ExplorationKanas Lake, Altay Mountains
Wake up early and enjoy the fresh air. Feast your eyes on the sight - the mist of Kanas Lake rises slowly over the villages, creating a mesmerizing wonderland.
The Mist of Kanas Lake After breakfast, let's ride to Kanas Lake. The lake and its surrounding snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and birch forests have made it known as the "Switzerland of the East" and a "paradise for photographers". Then climb up the Altay Mountains. Along the way, our view is gradually expanded to accommodate more wonderful natural scenery, including glaciers, lakes, forests, pastures, and rivers. Return to the hotel after the tour.
Accommodation: Kanas
A Ride to Kanas Lake - Day 3: Horseback Ride to Black LakeKazakh Summer Ranch, Black Lake, Visit A Kazakh Family
In the morning, take a guided tour of the Kazakh summer ranch in the hinterland of Altay. Today we are going on a horseback ride adventure to Black Lake, high up in the mountains among grasslands and snowy peaks. The crystal water reflecting the surrounding mountains, peaks, blue sky, and clouds is stunningly beautiful.
Kazakh Summer Ranch On the way to Black Lake, we will visit a Kazakh family and enjoy traditional food for lunch. Chat with them and get an insight into their nomadic culture.
Accommodation: Kanas
- Day 4: Ride on the Bank of Kanas Lake20-km Riding
Today, embark on a new horseback journey to a place off the beaten track. Follow the pace of the horse along the Kanas riverside to capture the endless rolling hills covered in dark green.
Kanas Riverside After about 20 kilometers of riding, we will stop for lunch at the home of a Kazakh herder. After a short break, continue our adventure, enjoying the scenery while experiencing the nomadic culture. Late afternoon, return to the hotel.
Accommodation: Kanas
- Day 5: Kanas Departure
There are no activities scheduled for today. Leave for Kanas Airport at 08:30 am, and arrive in about an hour. This is the perfect end of your horse adventure.
Accommodation: N/A
Warm Note: Whether you have riding experience or not, the first day of the tour will be spent on adapting to horses. Then, as you gain experience and skills, you will be able to walk or run according to your personality.
