10-Day Odyssey from Heavenly Lake to Kanas in Xinjiang | Travel Routes

About Your Trip

Depart on a 10-day scenic loop of Xinjiang Northern Treasures- an adventure full of alpine lakes, vast grasslands and the famous edge-of-the-world beauty of this region that has made it the best kept secret in China. It starts in Urumqi, the city at the crossroad of the ancient Silk Road, when the lights of the modern city are soon replaced by the beauty of the mountains and star-adorned evenings. This custom-made circuit touches on the awesome spectacle of Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), the untouched beauties of Altay and Hemu, fantasy-like charm of Kanas, and even the multi-colored beach of Five-Color Beach. Take in supernatural beauty of rock formations wind sculpted in Karamay Devil City, sink into a state of utter rejuvenation in the deep blue aisles of Sairim Lake, and enter into a state of emerald green rustling in the grains of Nalati and Tangbula Grasslands.To the adventurous traveler, each second is an invitation: whether one searches the view in the morning on the lookout of Hemu, wanders through the lavender skies in Ili, there is always a call to do more and see why Xinjiang is a bucket-lister heaven. And are you prepared to experience an epic that is a fusion of nature, culture and the real adventure? Let’s go!

Tour Highlights

Walk on crystalline shores and forests of Heavenly Lake of Tianshan

See the rugged Altay county and drive along the Ahe Highway

Experience rural village existence in picturesque Hemu Grassland

Stroll along peaceful bays in Kanas National Park scenic region

See the drama of Five Color Beach’s dramatic rainbow scenery

Discover magical rock formations in Devil City, Karamay

Relax by the sapphire waters of breathtaking Sairim Lake

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Urumqi

After the flight, arrive at Urumqi International Airport and your Xinjiang odyssey starts. Meeting at the airport, drive to your hotel in the city center (it takes approximately 1 hour). Unwind and enjoy free time to acclimatize, visit local cafes, or str

Day 2

Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Aletai

Follow breakfast to an early start of a day at Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake). Be amazed by the unadulterated alpine lake, surrounded by pine woods and the snow-capped mountains. Take a tour around such symbolic attractions as West Xiao Tianchi and see

Day 3

Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Grassland

Leave Hemu, driving on the fabled Ahe Highway. Drive through ever-shifting scenery before arriving at Hemu Grassland. Enter the scenic area and switch to a local bus for the final journey to Hemu village, renowned for its wooden cottages and surreal scene

Day 4

Hemu Viewing Deck – Kanas National Park – Jiadengyu

Rise early to witness the famed sunrise mists of Hemu from the viewing platform—a spectacle of sunbeams and morning mist. Having breakfasted again in the village, enjoy some more leisure time before transferring on shuttle and coach to Kanas National Park

Day 5

Kanas – Five Color Beach – Karamay – Urho

An early morning return visit to the park’s most scenic locations is feasible prior to departure from the park. Head south to Five Color Beach in Burqin County, where layered riverbed sandstone from ancient riverbeds produces a painter’s palette of color.

Day 6

Urho – Karamay Devil City – Barluke Mountain – Xiaobaiyang Outpost – Alataw Pass

Breakfast is preceded by a ride on shuttle train to Karamay’s notorious Devil City (Wind City), where one stands in awe of otherworldly wind-sculpted rock formations. Travel onward by means of the G219 Border Road, making stops at Barluke Mountain and sym

Day 7

Alataw Pass – Sairim Lake – Guozigou – Lavender Farm – Ili

Head to sapphire Sairim Lake for a lakeshore walk and picture taking. Then take a ride along the mountain road and over the picturesque Guozigou Bridge, soaking in sweeping views. If visiting June/July, stroll perfumed rows in famous lavender farm. Arrive

Day 8

Yining – Nalati Grassland – Tangbula Grassland – Xinyuan

After breakfast, venture into the deepest Kazakh grasslands at Nalati, where lush meadows and nomad herding culture prevail. Ride on further to Tangbula, mythical “Hundred-Mile Gallery,” with green fields and wildflowers rolling off into the distance. Sea

Day 9

Xinyuan – Duku Highway – Anjihai Grand Canyon – Urumqi

A memorable ride along historic Duku Highway awaits, renowned for its hairpin curves, rainbow-hued cliffs, and mountain amphitheater. Stop off at noteworthy spots like Juelma and breathtaking Anjihai Grand Canyon with time for forest treks and photo shoot

Day 10

Urumqi Departure

After breakfast, your stay comes to an end. Spend free time or do some last-minute shopping for local specialties and souvenirs. Transfers are organized to Urumqi airport or railway station, depending on departure. Farewell to Xinjiang’s mythical landscap