XinjiangKanasHemu
Northern Xinjiang 7-Day Altay, Hemu & Kanas Nature Journey
A seven-day northern Xinjiang route built around alpine lakes, forested valleys, Tuvan village landscapes, Kanas hiking and the dramatic desert geology of Urho and Dushanzi.
7 days 6 nights
Route Highlights
- Heavenly Lake of Tianshan combines clear alpine water, conifer forest and mountain views in one of Xinjiang’s classic highland landscapes.
- Hemu offers a distinctive mix of wooden houses, birch forest, pasture and Tuvan village culture, with especially atmospheric views in the early morning.
- Walk the Three Bays of Kanas—Fairy Bay, Moon Bay and Wolong Bay—for the most recognizable scenery in the Kanas area.
- Urho Ghost City presents a striking field of wind-eroded yardang formations across the open Gobi.
- Dushanzi Grand Canyon adds a final contrast of cliffs, ravines and expansive desert-edge geology.
Itinerary
- 1
D1 Urumqi | 24-hour airport pick-up and an introduction to the city
- 2
D2 Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan → Altay
- 3
D3 Altay → Ahe Scenic Highway → Hemu Village
- 4
D4 Hemu morning mist → hiking through the Three Bays of Kanas
- 5
D5 Kanas → Burqin → Urho Ghost City → Karamay
- 6
D6 Karamay → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Urumqi
- 7
D7 Urumqi | private airport transfer according to flight time
Inclusions
- Six nights in comfortable star-standard hotels, including one night in a characteristic wooden cabin in Hemu Village.
- Private vehicle throughout with an experienced driver who also provides local travel assistance; no shared-vehicle arrangement.
- First-entry admission and listed in-scenic-area shuttle transport for all attractions in the itinerary.
- 7×15-hour multilingual one-to-one online concierge support for itinerary, visa-document and on-trip questions.
- Inbound China travel accident insurance.
- Complimentary assistance with the formal travel documents required for a China visa application.
Exclusions
- Domestic or international flights to and from Urumqi and related airline costs.
- Lunches and dinners; the local guide can recommend regional restaurants according to your preferences.
- A dedicated full-time English-, Japanese- or other foreign-language guide, and optional scenic-area experiences not listed as included.
- Personal purchases and any optional activities not specifically listed as included.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
- Cancel 7 days or more before departure: full refund with no cancellation charge.
- Cancel 3–6 days before departure: 20% service charge.
- Cancel 1–2 days before departure: 40% cancellation charge for non-recoverable reservations.
- Cancel on the departure date: 60% cancellation charge for committed hotel, vehicle and other reservations.
- If extreme weather, natural disasters, attraction closures, traffic controls, policy changes or other force-majeure events prevent the trip from operating, services not yet incurred will be refunded in full; costs already incurred will be settled at actual cost.
Xinjiang Inbound Travel Notes
1. Documents and Entry Requirements
- Keep your documents with you: Please carry your passport and valid Chinese visa throughout the trip, as they may be required for hotel check-in, scenic area entry, or inspections along the route.
- Border-area registration: Some scenic areas, border regions, or key transit areas in Xinjiang may require simple identity registration. Your guide will assist with the process throughout the trip. Travelers only need to present their documents when required and do not need to handle complicated procedures on their own.
2. Climate and What to Wear
- Dress for temperature changes: Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night, and mornings and evenings can be cool in mountain and lakeside areas. In any season, we recommend bringing a windproof jacket and comfortable walking or hiking shoes.
- Sun protection is essential: Xinjiang has long sunshine hours and strong UV exposure. Please prepare sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and other sun-protection items.
3. Itinerary and Transportation
- Prepare supplies for long drives: Distances between scenic areas in Xinjiang can be long. We recommend preparing drinking water and light snacks for the road.
- Flexible private travel: The trip is arranged with a private vehicle, with no shared-group restrictions. Stop times can be adjusted according to your pace, and photo stops at lesser-known places can be arranged nearby when safe and permitted.
- Scenic area transportation: Grasslands, ancient trails, valleys, and lake areas often require transfer by official scenic shuttle buses. Your guide will assist with tickets, transfers, and route coordination, and will accompany you in key scenic areas such as Hemu and Kanas.
4. Local Customs, Food, and Environmental Etiquette
- Respect local customs: Xinjiang is home to many ethnic groups, and some areas have predominantly Muslim communities. When visiting halal restaurants, local homes, or residential communities, please respect local dietary customs, religious beliefs, and ways of life. Avoid bringing or consuming pork or alcohol in inappropriate settings.
- Food adjustments: Local cuisine is based mainly on beef, lamb, noodles, and dairy products, often with a stronger flavor profile. If you have vegetarian preferences, dietary restrictions, allergies, or children’s meal needs, please inform your guide in advance so suitable meals can be recommended.
- Protect the local environment: Please do not step on herders’ grasslands, damage crops, or disturb livestock. Respect local nomadic lifestyles and help protect Xinjiang’s natural and cultural environment.
5. Health and Safety
- Altitude comfort: Most travel areas in Xinjiang are at moderate elevations and usually do not cause serious altitude sickness. In mountain or higher-altitude areas, some travelers may feel mild shortness of breath, so we recommend slowing down and resting when needed.
- Dry climate care: Xinjiang has a dry climate. Please drink water regularly and consider bringing moisturizer and lip balm.
- Safety during sightseeing: Complimentary inbound travel accident insurance is included. During hiking, sightseeing, and photography, please follow scenic area safety rules, watch your footing, and avoid dangerous slopes, water areas, or closed zones.
6. Photography Etiquette
- Ask before taking photos: Before photographing local residents, homes, religious sites, or livestock, please ask politely or signal for permission, and respect local privacy and customs.
- Protect natural scenery: Please do not step on vegetation, litter, or damage the natural landscape inside scenic areas. Help protect Xinjiang’s original natural environment.
7. On-trip Support
- Dedicated concierge support: During the trip, we provide 7×15-hour multilingual concierge support. You may contact us for itinerary, transportation, dining, accommodation, or other travel-related questions.
- Language support: If international travelers encounter communication difficulties, the concierge and guide will assist throughout the journey to ensure smooth communication and a supported travel experience.