Luxury Edition: 2-Lake Winter Journey 8 Days – Urumqi, Altay, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake

[Light Luxury] 2-Lake Winter Journey 8 Days: Urumqi, Altay, Kanas, Hemu, and Sayram Lake. Travel the S21 Desert Highway across Northern Xinjiang, connecting Kanas, Hemu Snow Village, and Sayram Lake's blue ice. Includes snowmobiles, UTV rides, and professional travel photography. Ideal for travelers who prefer small-group, leisurely tours and stunning winter landscapes. Itinerary covers Urumqi, Altay, Kanas, Hemu, and Karamay, lasting 8 days and 7 nights.

Highlights

• Desert Highway: Drive S21 Desert Highway across the Gurbantunggut Desert. Visit Karamay Sand Dune Park along the way and experience the vastness of the northern Xinjiang desert snowlands.
• Sunset Cable CarTake the cable car up Mount Cheng to the summit, overlooking the full view of Altay City. Watch the sunset and wait for the ski resort lights to turn on.
• Xuecun AccommodationStay in standard rooms inside Kanas and Hemu scenic areas to minimize travel time. Enjoy morning walks through wooden cabins with rising smoke and frost-covered landscapes.
• Kanas Winter SceneryExplore Kanas Lake, Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Sleeping Dragon Bay. Marvel at the ink-wash scenery where snow mushrooms, rime ice, and the blue river bend intertwine.
• Slow Travel in Hemu: Wander freely in Hemu Village, admiring the birch forests covered in rime ice and snow-laden wooden cabins. You may wake up early to visit the viewing platform for sunrise.
• Snow ProjectExperience the Kanas snowmobile and Sayram Lake UTV according to the tour schedule, feeling the thrill of speed across the snowy plains and icy blue lakes.
• Cerulean Ice of Sayram LakeVisited Sayram Lake twice, drove around the lake and strolled at Moon Bay to see ice bubbles, blue ice, and sunlight illuminating the golden mountain peaks.
• Small Group TravelPrivate group for 2 to 6 guests in a 7-seater, 1+1 first-class vehicle. Fits 28-inch suitcases. No single supplement when sharing a room.
• Snowy Travel Photography: Complimentary Hemu Light Photography Tour, including 6 professionally edited photos with all raw files included. Makeup and styling are not provided. Capture the magic of the snow village.
• Warm & Cozy ConfigurationIncludes thermos flasks, hand warmers, and snow boots. Drivers are experienced in winter road conditions, and vehicles are equipped with snow tires and chains.

Trip Overview

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 · Departure to Urumqi (Airport Pickup)

Accommodation: Urumqi Ctrip 4-star

Upon arrival in Urumqi, you will be met by your driver and transferred to a city hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore.

You may visit the International Grand Bazaar Night Market, Hongshan Park, or the Regional Museum at your own expense and transportation.

Daily ReminderXinjiang has significant temperature differences between day and night; please dress accordingly. There are many checkpoints, so carry your ID card and mobile phone with you. Xinjiang is about two hours behind mainland China in time; please adjust your schedule as soon as possible.

Day 2: Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → Kelameili Sand Dune Park → General Hill (Sunset Cable Car, Sunset Party, Disco Party) → Night Skiing at General Hill (Optional; additional fees apply) → Altay

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

Accommodation: Altay Ctrip 4 Diamond

08:00-09:00 The driver picked you up at the hotel as scheduled and then departed from Urumqi heading north.

09:00-12:00 Travel S2 Desert Highway across the Gurbantunggut Desert to experience Xinjiang's vast, sparsely populated landscapes. Visit Kelameili Sand Dune Park en route.

13:00-18:30 Travel to Altay. After checking into the hotel and resting, head to General Hill. Take the sunset cable car to the summit.

18:30-20:00 Wait for the sunset at the mountain top, enjoying the ski resort lights and evening glow. Night skiing is optional and at your own expense.

20:00-20:30 Return to Altay city center hotel for check-in, then rest.

Daily Reminder: The day's journey is long; please bring snacks, water, and motion sickness medication. Strong winds and low temperatures at the summit—bring a windproof jacket and hat. Sunset cable car and sunset party activities are subject to park operating hours. Early winter ice is thin; do not play on the water surface.

Day 3: Altay – Dreamy Kanas Lake – Snowmobiles (Arrival Group Schedule for 11 Month 20) – Three Bays of Kanas – Kanas

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

AccommodationKanas Standard Room with Private Bathroom

08:00-09:00 Breakfast at Altay Hotel, check luggage, then depart.

09:00-13:30 Travel to Kanas Scenic Area, enjoying the vast snowy plains of the Altai Mountains along the way.

13:30-19:00 Tour Kanas Lake and the Three Bends to see snow mushrooms, rime ice, and a blue frozen lake; enjoy snowmobiling based on your tour dates.

19:00-20:00 Check into a homestay in the Kanas Scenic Area, drop off your luggage, and have dinner on your own.

Daily ReminderThe route from Altay to Kanas is mountainous; passengers prone to motion sickness should take medication in advance. Accommodation at the scenic area is limited; please prepare accordingly and dress warmly. Snow depth and slippery roads make it unsafe to cross forests, river valleys, or ice surfaces on your own. The ice on Kanas Lake is thin; exercise caution to avoid slipping while touring.

Day 4: Kanas → Hemu Bonfire Party (subject to scenic area availability) → Hemu

DiningBreakfast, lunch, and dinner are not included.

AccommodationHemu Standard Room with Private Bathroom

09:00-10:00 After breakfast, pack your bags and enjoy the morning mist by the Shennong Bay river.

10:00-15:00 Drive to Hemu Scenic Area, enjoying views of snow-covered mountains, villages, and forests along the way.

15:00-20:00 Visit Hemu Village to see wooden houses with snow-capped roofs, frost-covered birch forests, and the Hemu River, while experiencing the village's tranquility.

20:00-21:30 Free to explore after check-in. Evening bonfire party in Hemu, subject to park opening hours.

Daily Reminder: The ground in Hemu can be slippery; please wear non-slip shoes. Temperatures in the mountains vary significantly between day and night, so dress appropriately. Bonfire parties are held based on weather conditions and park schedules. Homestay room types and courtyards may vary across properties.

Day 5 · Hemu – Hemu Dawn (optional, at your own expense) – Hemu Light Photography Session (complimentary) – Karamay

DiningBreakfast, lunch, and dinner are not included.

Accommodation: Karamay Ctrip 4-star

07:00-09:30 You may optionally wake up early to hike to the viewpoint for sunrise, or sleep in.

09:30-13:00 Hurun Light Photography Tour, includes 6 retouched photos. Makeup and styling not included.

13:00-22:00 Drive to Karamay after lunch, transitioning from mountainous terrain back to plains.

22:00-22:30 Arrive at Karamay Hotel for check-in, then have dinner and rest on your own.

Daily ReminderHemu accommodation does not include breakfast; please bring your own. Travel time is long, so pack snacks and water. During free time, please stay alert for personal safety and protect your belongings.

Day 6: Karamay → Self-Drive 360° Circumnavigation of Sayram Lake → UTV Snow Vehicle (11–20 Group Departure) → Sayram Lake

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

Accommodation: Ciliamu Lake Scenic Area East Gate Ctrip 4 Diamond

08:00-08:30 Check out after breakfast and verify your belongings.

08:30-15:00 Drive to Sayram Lake along the highway at the northern foot of Tianshan Mountains, where you can see snow-capped peaks in the distance.

15:00-20:30 Lake loop self-drive tour to see ice bubbles, blue ice, and rime; experience UTV snow vehicles based on your group schedule.

20:30-21:30 Check into a hotel near the East Gate of Sayram Lake Scenic Area, then have dinner and rest on your own.

Daily Reminder- Strong winds at the lake; stay safe and warm while taking photos. - Ice bubbles and ice push features are weather-dependent and not guaranteed. - The road on Sayram Lake is slippery in winter; please walk carefully.

Day 7: Sayram Lake · Second Visit to Sayram Lake · Tour of Tianshan Mountain Range · Urumqi

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

Accommodation: Urumqi Ctrip 4-star

09:00-09:30 Sleep in, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, pack up, check out, and depart.

09:30-11:00 Binhai Sayram Lake: Drive along the lake to Moon Bay for a stroll. No full loop around the lake.

11:00-19:00 Drive back to Urumqi, enjoying the scenery along the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains and having a casual meal on your own.

19:00-19:30 Arrive at Urumqi hotel for check-in. Dinner is on your own, followed by free time.

Daily ReminderThe drive today is long; please bring snacks and water. Morning temperatures in the lake area are low; add layers before sunrise. We do not recommend booking flights or trains for return on the day of your group's departure.

Day 8 · Urumqi to Departure (Airport Transfer)

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

We'll arrange your airport transfer based on the flight schedule. The happy time has passed quickly, concluding this Xinjiang journey.

Please check out before 14:00. Additional charges for late checkout are your responsibility. Please inspect your belongings before departure.

Daily ReminderCheck your luggage and documents before checkout to avoid leaving anything behind.

Included Fees

• Transportation: 7 seats in 1 + 1 first-class vehicles, ensuring one seat per passenger. Airport pickup and drop-off do not specify the vehicle type.
• Accommodation: Urumqi, Altay, Karamay, and Sayram Lake (Ctrip 4-star rated); standard twin rooms with private bathrooms in the Kanas and Hemu scenic areas.
• Tickets: General Mountain Cable Car, Hemu Entry Ticket & Shuttle Bus, Kanas Entry Ticket & Self-Drive Pass, Sayram Lake Entry Ticket & Self-Drive Pass.
• Driver: Round-trip service from Urumqi with driver accommodation and meals included; no tour guide commentary.
• Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel; no breakfast in Kanas and Hemu. All other meals are on your own.
• Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance and travel accident insurance.
• Children: Child rate covers transportation only. Tickets, shuttle buses, accommodation, and breakfast are not included.

Not included in the price

• No meals included throughout the tour.
• Cost of entertainment activities within the scenic area.
• Additional costs due to force majeure events such as traffic delays, weather conditions, or flight cancellations.
• In-room laundry, telephone charges, beverages, tobacco, and alcohol.

Gift Items

• General Mountain Cable Car, Sunset Rave & EDM Party. Subject to scenic area opening schedule.
• Hemu Light Photography Travel Shoot: 15 raw images included, 6 professionally retouched. Makeup and wardrobe not included.
• Kanas Snowmobile, Group Departure Schedule for 11 Month 20, Subject to Opening Status.
• Sayram Lake UTV Snow Vehicle, group tours arriving on 11/20 (subject to weather conditions).

Booking Terms

• Each passenger is limited to one 28-inch suitcase and 1 backpack(s) per person due to limited trunk space.
• Actual vehicle model is subject to daily schedule. For carpooling, seats are rotated daily among passengers.
• Group from 2 to 6 people. Minimum 2 to depart, maximum 6. No screening of group members' information.
• Single bookings can be paired for shared rooms; a single room supplement is required if pairing is not desired. Children must either pay the room difference or register as adults.
• This tour does not include a guide. The driver will handle pickup, connections, and safe driving but will not provide detailed commentary.
• Pregnant women, infants under 3, and seniors aged 75 and above are not accepted for group tours. Participants aged 70 to 74 must provide a health certificate and be accompanied by a relative under 60.
• Leaving the tour midway forfeits your remaining itinerary. Refunds are limited to unused fees; transportation costs are non-refundable.
• We recommend not booking return flights or train tickets for the day of your group departure.
• Winter snowfall may lead to mountain closures or traffic restrictions. Travel agencies may adjust the itinerary sequence or activate alternative plans.
• If access to Kanas or Hemu is restricted due to mountain closures, we will refund the difference in ticket and accommodation fees that have not yet been incurred.
• Hotels in the itinerary feature standard double rooms. Requests for king-size beds are subject to availability and must be approved.
• Accommodation in the scenic area is limited; same-room or same-courtyard allocation within the same tour group cannot be guaranteed.

The itinerary is subject to change; the final confirmation sent before departure will prevail. For adjustments to duration, group size, or pace, please contact your consultant to customize a tailored plan.