【Winter in Northern Xinjiang: 10 Days】Urumqi + Altay + Sayram Lake + Ili + Dushanzi

10 Days in the Winter Wilderness of Northern Xinjiang: Urumqi, Altay, Sayram Lake, Ili, and Dushanzi. A 10-day winter loop of Northern Xinjiang, from the snowy villages of Kanas and Hemu to the blue ice of Sayram Lake, then into Kulde Ning and Nalati in Ili. Ideal for travelers with ample time seeking diverse winter landscapes. The itinerary covers Urumqi, Altay, Kanas, Hemu, and Karamay, spanning 10 days and 9 nights.

Highlights

• Desert Highway: Drive along S21 Desert Highway to cross the Gurbantunggut Desert, passing through Kelameili Desert Park and experience the vastness of the desert snowscape.
• Sunset Cable CarTake the cable car up to General Mountain at sunset, join the summit sunset party and EDM dance, and wait for the blue hour like the orange sea.
• Kanas Three Bays: Visit Kanas Lake, Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay to enjoy snow mushrooms, rime ice, and morning mist in this hidden gem.
• Hemu Travel Photography: Complimentary Heimu Six-Theme Professional Photoshoot, including 9 professionally edited images with costume and styling options. Choose from styles like Snow Tribe Girl, among others.
• Cerulean Ice of Sayram LakeLamu Lake Self-Driving Tour: Visit the landmarks of Jiangtai, Xihai Grassland, Lighthouse, and S-Bend. Witness ice bubbles and blue ice.
• Swan SpringVisit Swan Spring to observe the Mute Swans. Experience the misty morning and rime ice along the Yili River in this ecological sanctuary.
• KurdunDrive into the pristine snow-covered spruce forests of Kuerdening, traverse the serene snowfields, and experience the winter beauty of Tianshan.
• Nalati Hot SpringDrive through the Nalati Valley grasslands, soak in indoor and outdoor hot springs surrounded by snowfields, and experience the contrast of ice and fire.
• Dushanzi CanyonVisit Dushanzi Grand Canyon, admire the gullies carved by wind and snow, and experience the vast wilderness.
• Small Group Car ServicePrivate group tour for 2 to 6 guests. 3+ seat luxury vehicle with leg rests, heated seats, massage, and ventilation.

Trip Overview

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Departure to Urumqi (Pick-up at 24 hours)

Accommodation: Urumqi Ctrip 5-star

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a downtown hotel for check-in by the station staff. The rest of the day is free; please stay safe.

You may visit the International Grand Bazaar Night Market, Hongshan Park, or the Autonomous Region Museum at your own expense.

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 Desert Park — General Mountain (Sunset Cable Car, Sunset Carnival, Cloud-Topping Electronic Music Dance Party, "Orange Sea" Sunset Blue Hour) — Altay

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

Accommodation: Altay Ctrip 4 Diamond

08:00-09:00 The driver arrives at the hotel on schedule, picks up passengers in order, and begins the trip.

09:00-13:30 Head north along S2 1 Desert Highway, visit Kalamaili Desert Park. Lunch is self-arranged at the service area.

13:30-18:30 Travel to Altay. After checking into the hotel, head to General Mountain and take the sunset cable car to the summit.

18:30-20:00 Watch the sunset and blue hour from the mountain peak. Join the sunset party and EDM dance event.

20:00-20:30 Check-in at the hotel; dinner is on your own. Night skiing tickets can be purchased separately at your own expense.

Daily Reminder: Long drive today; please bring snacks, water, and motion sickness medication. : Strong winds and low temperatures at the summit; wear a windproof jacket and hat. : Sunset cable car and party events are subject to park operating hours. : Night skiing requires you to return to your hotel independently; please prioritize safe travel.

Day 3: Altay → Kanas → Kanas Three Bends → Fairy Bay → Moon Bay → Sleeping Dragon Bay → Hemu

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

AccommodationHemu Standard Room with Private Bathroom

08:00-09:00 Enjoy free breakfast at Altay Hotel. After checking your luggage, depart.

09:00-14:00 Take a bus to Kanas Scenic Area, enjoying views of the Altai Mountains snowfields along the way.

14:00-18:00 Visit Kanas Lake and check in at Fairy Bay, Sleeping Dragon Bay, and Moon Bay.

18:00-20:30 Take a ride to Hemu Scenic Area, capturing the snow-covered plains and villages along the way.

20:30-22:00 Check into a homestay in Hemu Scenic Area. After dropping off your luggage, enjoy dinner on your own.

Daily ReminderHeimu accommodation does not include breakfast; please prepare in advance. The route from Altay to Jiadengyu is mountainous; passengers prone to motion sickness should take medication beforehand. Deep snow and slippery roads: do not venture into the forest or cross ice surfaces without authorization.

Day 4 · Hemu – Free time to capture the morning glow at Hemu – Optional trip to Jike普林 Ski Resort (available once open; ski tickets not included) – Karamay

DiningBreakfast, lunch, and dinner are not included.

Accommodation: Karamay Ctrip 4-star

07:00-09:30 You can hike early to哈登 Platform to watch the sunrise, or sleep until you wake up naturally.

09:30-14:00 Free time. Complimentary Heimu Six-Theme Professional Travel Photoshoot, including 9 professionally retouched images with costumes and styling.

You may visit Gikeplun Ski Resort at your own discretion based on its operating status. Please note that lift tickets and equipment fees are not included, and you are responsible for your own safety.

14:00-22:00 After lunch, drive to the oil city of Karamay, transitioning from mountainous terrain back to plains.

22:00-23:00 Arrive at Karamay Hotel for check-in, then have dinner and rest on your own.

Daily ReminderHemu does not include breakfast; please prepare your own meals in advance. The regular operating season for Jike普林 Ski Resort is approximately from late 11 to early 12. Please purchase insurance and ski within your limits.

Day 5 · Karamay — Self-Driving 360° Lake Sayram Loop — Chasing the Wind at Lake Sayram — East Gate

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

AccommodationCtrip 5-Star Rated: East Gate, Sayram Lake

08:00-09:00 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, pack your luggage, check your belongings, and check out.

09:00-15:30 Drive to Sayram Lake via the highway along the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains.

15:30-20:00 Lake Loop Drive: Visit Jiangtai, Xihai Grassland, Kelerongzhu, Lighthouse, and S-Bend. Admire ice bubbles and blue ice.

20:00-21:30 Check in at the East Gate Hotel of Sayram Lake Scenic Area. Dinner is on your own, followed by rest.

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 6: Sayram Lake → Guogou Bridge → Swan Spring (Spot Hooded Swans, View Rime Ice) → Self-drive to Kuerdening (Pristine Forest of Snowy Spruce Trees) → Overnight in Kuerdening/Gongliu

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

Accommodation: Kurdening Town or Gongliu Ctrip 4-Star

08:00-09:00 After breakfast at Sayram Lake Hotel, depart via Guozi Gou Bridge to Swan Spring.

09:00-10:30 Head to Swan Spring to admire the Mute Swans and rime ice. The lake stays unfrozen thanks to underground hot springs.

10:30-12:30 Depart Swan Spring, drive along the Tianshan snowfields toward Kuerdening Scenic Area to begin your self-drive tour.

12:30-17:30 Drive into the Kuerdening Primitive Snowy Spruce Forest. Lunch is on your own.

17:30-19:30 Proceed to Kurdening Town to check in at your hotel, then enjoy dinner and rest on your own.

Daily ReminderKunarding has low temperatures; please bring warm clothing. The scenic area is open only in designated zones—do not drive on unmarked trails or into dense forests. Mobile signal is weak in the mountains; travel in groups and carry offline maps.

Day 7: Kurliding — Self-drive to Nalati River Valley Grassland — Nalati Winter Hot Spring (Indoor & Outdoor Pools) — Nalati

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

Accommodation: Nalati Scenic Area, Ctrip 5-Star

08:00-09:00 Breakfast at Kurdening Hotel, then drive to Nalati Scenic Area.

09:00-12:00 Drive along the mountain road to Nalati Grassland, enjoying views of the Tianshan snowfields along the way.

12:00-13:30 Self-drive tour of the Nalati River Valley Grassland to enjoy the winter grassland covered in thick snow.

13:30-14:30 Enjoy a self-guided lunch and take a short break near Nalati Town.

14:30-18:30 Continue exploring the Nalati scenic area's river valley grasslands and experience the vastness of the snow-covered plains.

18:30-19:30 Head to Nalati Town for a hot spring soak (indoor and outdoor pools available). Please bring your own swimwear, then check into the hotel.

Daily Reminder- For hot spring visits, limit your time based on your physical condition. Avoid soaking after drinking alcohol. - Snow glare is intense; wear snow goggles and apply sunscreen. - Stay within designated trails to avoid risks of avalanches or sinking into the snow.

Day 8: Nalati – Nalati Ski Resort (self-experience, lift tickets not included) – Jing-Yi Expressway – Northern Tianshan Extra-long Tunnel (11.88 km) – Jinghe

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

Accommodation: Jinghe Ctrip 4-Star

08:00-09:00 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, pack your luggage, check your belongings, and check out.

09:00-15:30 You may proceed to Nalati Ski Resort at your own convenience. All skiing fees are for your account.

15:30-20:00 Traverse the 4-kilometer Beitianshan Super Long Tunnel via Jingyi Expressway to enjoy the landscapes on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains.

20:00-21:00 Arrive in Jinghe, check into your hotel, then have dinner and rest on your own.

Daily Reminder: Purchase travel insurance and wear protective gear before skiing. The temperature difference between day and night in Nalati is significant; please bring warm clothing. Respect local Kazakh customs and do not disturb livestock.

Day 9 · Jinghe – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Urumqi

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

Accommodation: Urumqi Near Grand Bazaar Ctrip 4-Star

08:00-09:00 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, pack your luggage, check your belongings, and check out.

09:00-10:30 Left Jinghe and drove to Dushanzi Grand Canyon for a visit.

10:30-13:00 Visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon, admiring the ravines carved by wind and snow and the snow-covered cliffs.

13:00-14:30 Enjoy a self-guided lunch and take a short break near Dushanzi Grand Canyon.

14:30-18:30 Drive back to Urumqi, enjoying the scenic views of the Tianshan Mountains along the way.

18:30-19:30 Arrive in Urumqi, check into your hotel, then enjoy free time.

Daily Reminder: The canyon is windy with significant temperature fluctuations; please dress warmly. Do not climb over railings or approach the cliff edge; stay within designated areas for sightseeing. Some outdoor activities in the canyon may be temporarily suspended due to strong winds or snowfall.

Day 10 · Urumqi — Home Sweet Home (24 hours to station drop-off)

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at your own expense.

Transportation to the airport or train station will be arranged based on your flight or train schedule. Time flies as we conclude our 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 5-star, Nalati 5-star, Sayram Lake East Gate 5-star, Urumqi near Grand Bazaar 4-star, Ku'erdening or Gongliu 4-star, Jinghe 4-star, 3 nights at 4-star, Standard Twin Room in Hemu Scenic Area.
• Tickets: General Mountain Cable Car, Kabahe Winter Pass, Sayram Lake Entry & Self-Drive Tickets, Nalati Entry & Self-Drive Tickets, Kurdening Self-Drive Ticket, Dushanzi Grand Canyon Entry Ticket.
• Driver: Full-service driver with meals and accommodation provided; no tour guide included.
• Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel; breakfast not included in Hemu. Lunch and dinner 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 Disco, and EDM Party.
• Hemu's six themed real-life photo sessions: 9 professionally retouched images including outfits and styling, with your choice of style.

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.
• Gekelin Ski Resort's regular season runs from late 11 to early 12. Lift tickets are not included.
• Bring your own swimwear to Nalati Hot Spring. Avoid soaking after drinking alcohol.
• 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.

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.