[Light Luxury Edition] Yinxue Twin Lakes 8 Days: Urumqi, Altay, Baihaba, Kanas, Hemu

[Light Luxury] Yinxue Double Lakes 8-Day Tour: Urumqi, Altay, Baihaba, Kanas, and Hemu. Enter Northern Xinjiang via the S21 Desert Highway, connecting the snow villages of Baihaba, Kanas, and Hemu before heading to Sayram Lake to view its blue ice. Ideal for travelers who enjoy staying in snow villages and light travel photography. The itinerary covers Urumqi, Altay, Baihaba, Kanas, and Hemu over a total of 8 days and 7 nights.

Highlights

• Desert Highway: Travel along S20 Desert Highway through the Gurbantunggut Desert, heading north to experience Xinjiang's vast landscapes and sparse population alongside the desert's grandeur.
• 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.
• Baihaba Snow VillageExplore Baihaba Village: capture the snow-covered Sino-Kazakh border and its solitary tree, immersing yourself in the quiet of this ancient village during the blue hour.
• Xuecun AccommodationStay in standard rooms within Bijiaba and Hemu scenic areas to minimize travel time. Enjoy morning views of cooking smoke, rime ice, and snow-covered wooden cabins at dawn.
• Kanas Three BaysExplore Kanas Lake, Moon Bay, Immortal Bay, and Sleeping Dragon Bay. Admire snow mushrooms, rime ice, and the blue river bend.
• Tea over a Warm StoveSip tea by the fire in Hemu, crack sunflower seeds, chat away, and keep the winter chill of Northern Xinjiang at bay while enjoying a slow, relaxing moment.
• Sai Lake Travel PhotographyRing the lake self-drive race at Sayram Lake to view ice bubbles and blue ice, with a light travel photo shoot arranged. Includes 9 professionally retouched photos, with all raw files included free of charge.
• 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.
• Snow CeremonyGeneral Mountain Sunset Cable Car, Summit Sunset Party, and Hemu Bonfire Night (scheduled based on scenic area availability).

Trip Overview

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 · Urumqi Airport Pickup in 24 Hours

Accommodation: Urumqi Near Bazaar Ctrip 4 Stars

After arrival, you will be transferred to a city hotel for check-in by our staff. The rest of the day is free and independent; private transportation is not included.

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

Daily ReminderXinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night. Please adjust your clothing accordingly. There are many checkpoints; please carry your ID card and mobile phone at all times. Urumqi Airport is approximately 30 km from the city center, with a drive time of about 40 minutes.

Day 2: Urumqi → S21 Desert Highway → General Mountain Sunset Cable Car → Sunset Party → Disco Party → Night Skiing at General Mountain (optional, ski pass not included) → Altay

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at own expense.

Accommodation: Altay Ctrip 4 Diamond

08:00-09:00 After breakfast at the hotel, the driver will pick up guests in order according to the scheduled time.

09:00-12:00 Head north along the S21 Desert Highway, crossing the Gurbantunggut Desert.

13:00-18:30 Depart for Altay. After checking into the hotel, head to General Mountain and take the sunset cable car up the mountain.

18:30-20:00 Sunset awaits at the summit—join the sunset party or hit the dance floor. Night skiing is self-organized; ski pass not included.

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

Daily Reminder- The drive today is long; please bring snacks, water, and motion sickness medication. - It's windy and cold at the summit; wear a windproof jacket and a hat. - Sunset gondola rides and sunset parties are subject to park operating hours. - Night skiing requires you to return to your hotel independently; please prioritize road safety.

Day 3: Altay — Rime Snowscapes — Twilight's Lone Tree — Baihaba

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at own expense.

Accommodation: Baihaba Scenic Area Standard Room with Private Bathroom

08:00-09:00 Free breakfast at Altay Hotel. After checking luggage and personal items, depart.

09:00-13:30 Take a bus to Kanas Scenic Area, enjoying views of the Altai Mountains snowfields along the way.

13:30-16:00 Explore Kanas Lake, view snow mushrooms, rime ice, and the blue waters.

16:00-20:00 Head to Baihaba Village to check in at the Lonely Tree and the Blue Snowfield.

20:00-20:30 Check into Baihaba Homestay, drop off your luggage, and have dinner on your own.

Daily Reminder- Breakfast is not included at Baihaba; please prepare accordingly. - The route from Altay to Baihaba is mountainous; motion sickness medication is recommended for those prone to it. - Deep snow and slippery roads: do not enter the forest or cross ice surfaces without authorization.

Day 4: Baihaba · Stunning S-Curve · Kanas Three Bends · Hemu Stove-Boiled Tea · Bonfire Party (subject to opening status) · Hemu

DiningBreakfast, lunch, and dinner are not included.

AccommodationHemu Scenic Area: Standard Room with Private Bathroom

09:00-13:30 Depart after breakfast, visit the Baihaba S-curve checkpoint, then head to the Three Bays of Kanas.

Tour Moon Bay, Fairy Bay, and Sleeping Dragon Bay to enjoy snow-covered river bends, rime ice, and snow-laden forests.

13:30-16:30 Drive to Hemu Scenic Area, enjoying views of snow-covered plains and villages along the way.

16:30-21:30: After check-in, enjoy traditional stove-boiled tea. In the evening, attend a bonfire party (subject to availability).

Daily ReminderBreakfast is not included in Hemu accommodation; please bring your own. The ground in Hemu can be slippery; wear non-slip shoes. Bonfire parties are held based on weather conditions and scenic area arrangements.

Day 5: Hemu — Jike普林 Ski Resort (optional; lift 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 Guests may ski at Jikepulin Ski Resort at their own expense for lift tickets and equipment.

14:00-22:00 After lunch, drive to the oil city of Karamay, 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 Reminder- Accommodation in Hemu does not include breakfast. - Skiing is a high-risk activity; please assess your ability and purchase insurance. - The driving distance for the day is long; please bring your own snacks.

Day 6: Karamay — Self-Drive 360° Around Sayram Lake — Light Photography at Sayram Lake — Sayram Lake

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at own expense.

AccommodationSayram Lake East Gate Standard Room with Private Bathroom

08:00-08:30 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, pack your luggage and check your belongings, then check out.

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 Drive: Enjoy ice bubbles, blue ice, and rime. Includes a light travel photoshoot at Sai Lake with 9 professionally retouched images; all raw files included.

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) · Sunrise Stroll · Cross the Tian Shan Range · Arrive in Urumqi

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at own expense.

Accommodation: Urumqi Near Bazaar Ctrip 4 Stars

08:00-09:00 Check out after hotel breakfast and depart for Sayram Lake.

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 – Warm Home

DiningBreakfast included; lunch and dinner at 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: 4 nights at a Ctrip 4-diamond hotel. Standard rooms with private bathrooms in Baihaba and Hemu scenic areas, and standard rooms with private bathrooms at the East Gate of Sayram Lake.
• Tickets: General Mountain Cable Car, Hemu Tickets & Shuttle Bus, Baihaba Tickets & Shuttle Bus, Kanas Tickets & Shuttle Bus, Sayram Lake Tickets & Self-Drive Pass.
• Driver: Full-service driver with meals and accommodation provided; no tour guide included.
• Meals: Breakfast included at the hotel; breakfast not included in Baihaba and Hemu. Main 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: Stove-boiled Tea Experience
• Se Lake Light Travel Shoot: 9 professionally retouched photos, all raw files included. No styling or wardrobe provided.

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.