Epic 9-Day 8-Night Adventure Across Northern & Southern Xinjiang
2–6 Guest Premium Small Group
Check off All Iconic Landscapes of Northern Xinjiang in One Single Trip
If you want to experience the most magnificent scenery of Northern Xinjiang within your limited vacation time, this 9-day 8-night Encounter Altay itinerary is your perfect match. Breaking conventional travel routes, we perfectly combine the icy purity of Northern Xinjiang with the floral romance of Ili in Southern Xinjiang. Follow our well-planned clockwise loop route and embrace the textbook-level stunning landscapes of Western China.
Why Choose Our 9-Day Encounter Altay Tour
Full Coverage of Classic Landscapes
In this journey, you will visit all top-tier natural landmarks of Northern Xinjiang in one go: deserts, alpine lakes, primeval forests, alpine grasslands, Yardang landforms and snow-capped mountains. It caters perfectly to every landscape lover.
Full Access to Internet-Famous Scenic Highways
This tour exclusively includes two legendary highways. The Ahe Highway takes you deep into the hidden land of the Altai Mountains; the Duku Highway brings you an extreme crossing that lets you experience four seasons in one day.
Ultimate Immersive Experiences
We arrange a rich array of in-depth interactive activities: desert camel riding, horse riding on alpine grasslands, desert afternoon tea, and home visits to Kazakh nomadic families. No superficial sightseeing — only authentic cultural immersion.
Private 2–6 Person Small Group
A small group means a flexible schedule and exclusive private service. Our professional driver-guide will accompany you throughout the trip, solving all travel worries for you.
Tour Highlights — More Than Just Sightseeing
1. Travel & Shoot the Western Regions — See the World from a Bird’s-Eye View
We offer complimentary professional drone aerial photography at two exclusive shooting spots. When you drive across the desert or linger by the lakeside, the drone soars high to capture grand panoramic views that cannot be seen from the ground. This is not just a trip, but a tailor-made travel blockbuster for you.
2. Classic Romance of Sayram Lake
Known as The Last Tear of the Atlantic, Sayram Lake needs no extra introduction for its breathtaking beauty. We arrange a self-driving loop tour around Sayram Lake, allowing you to travel at your own pace. At iconic internet-famous spots, you can stroll along the lakeside and enjoy professional travel photography service, with 9 color-graded retouched photos to freeze your most beautiful moments by the blue lake.
3. In-Depth Cultural Immersion
- Desert Camel Riding: Ride a camel beside the desert highway just like at Mingsha Mountain, and feel the ancient romance of Silk Road caravans.
- Kazakh Family Visit: Near Qiaxi Grassland, we will visit a local Kazakh nomadic family, taste authentic milk tea and listen to the melody of the Dombra musical instrument, diving deep into nomadic culture.
- Purple Flower Sea & Wild Grass Picking on the Grassland: Qiaxi Grassland is covered in purple flower blossoms every June. You can also experience the local fun activity of picking wild green onions on the grassland.
9-Day 8-Night Detailed Itinerary
D1: Arrival in Urumqi | Free Leisure Time
Upon arrival in Urumqi, Xinjiang’s capital, enjoy private airport pickup and check into a 4-diamond hotel. You are recommended to explore the International Grand Bazaar or Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum in your spare time to experience the city’s diverse multicultural charm.
D2: Urumqi – Desert Highway – Altay
Drive along the spectacular desert highway today, admiring the vast scenery of intertwined Gobi deserts and sand dunes. Arrive in Altay and check into a comfortable hotel.
(Driving time: approx. 5 hours)
D3: Altay – Ahe Highway – Hemu Village
Traverse the Ahe Highway, hailed as the Northern Border Gallery. This hidden scenic route leads you to Hemu Village, a fairyland on earth. Stay in a characteristic wooden chalet, with snow-capped mountains and birch forests right outside your window.
(Driving time: approx. 4.5 hours)
D4: Hemu Morning Mist – Kanas Lake – Burqin
Early morning is the most enchanting time in Hemu, with ethereal morning mist shrouding the village like a fairyland. Head to the mysterious Kanas Lake and explore the stunning scenery of its three iconic bays: Fairy Bay, Moon Bay and Wolong Bay. Overnight in Burqin, the fairy-tale frontier town.
(Driving time: approx. 5 hours)
D5: Burqin – Urho Ghost City – Kuytun
Visit Urho World Ghost City, home to unique Yardang landforms carved by millions of years of wind erosion, with the wind whistling among strange stone pillars. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea at a desert camp in the evening, then proceed to Kuytun for accommodation.
(Driving time: approx. 5.5 hours)
D6: Kuytun – Sayram Lake Loop – Guozigou Bridge – Qingshuihe
Depart for Sayram Lake and embark on a romantic self-driving lakeside loop tour for a peaceful leisure experience. Pass over the magnificent Guozigou Bridge and settle in Qingshuihe Town for the night.
(Driving time: approx. 6.5 hours)
D7: Qingshuihe – Lavender Fields (June Only) – Qiaxi Landscape Grassland – Gongliu
Groups departing in June will encounter dreamlike purple lavender seas. Venture deep into Qiaxi Grassland, where picturesque scenery makes it a perfect spot for hiking and photography.
(Driving time: approx. 5 hours)
D8: Gongliu – Narat Grassland
Head to Narat Grassland, one of the world’s four major alpine river valley grasslands. Experience horse riding on the grassland or try the fun local activity of wild onion picking, and embrace the vast vitality of the sky grassland.
(Driving time: approx. 2.5 hours)
D9: Narat – Duku Highway – Urumqi Departure
Today marks the highlight of the journey. Traverse the Duku Highway, one of China’s most beautiful mountain roads, with snow-capped mountains, primeval forests and grand canyons unfolding along the route. Finally return to Urumqi to wrap up this unforgettable journey.
(Driving time: approx. 6.5 hours)
Tips: For guests departing on the same day, please book your flight after 22:00.
In 2026, follow the journey of Encounter Altay, traverse mountains and rivers, and meet the most stunning face of Xinjiang. Spots are limited — reserve your place now!
