From Kanas Lake to Tuvan Villages: A 10-Day Winter Journey in Northern

From Kanas Lake to Tuvan Villages: A 10-Day Winter Journey in Northern Xinjiang

$2,699.00

Person 1 2 3 4 5 6 6+ people

Overview

This is a deep winter journey designed for genuine travelers. Over 10 days, we go beyond chasing scenic spots to fully immerse ourselves in every moment of Northern Xinjiang's winter. We spend three nights in Hemu Village, absorbing the daily rhythm of 'God's Private Land' from sunrise to starlight. We explore the World Geopark of Koktokay, walking along the frozen Irtysh River. Ample flexible time is built in to adapt to the unpredictable snowy world, ensuring a relaxed and unhurried journey. Traveling in a small group by 4WD vehicle, paired with carefully selected warm winter accommodations, ensures comfort and warmth as you explore the ultimate beauty.

Tour Highlights

Three-Night Immersive Experience in Hemu Village: Ample time to await the perfect morning mist, dusk, and starry skies. Choose freely from horse riding, skiing, snowmobiling, or simply relaxing in your log cabin, deeply experiencing the pace of life in a Tuvan village.
Exclusive Visit to the World-Class Geological Wonder of Koktokay: In winter, Koktokay is rarely visited, resembling an ink-wash scroll. We take you deep into the canyon to admire the snow-covered Zhongshan Mountain and the frozen Irtysh River, feeling the tranquility of the world.
Private Lakeside Feast and Fun on Kanas Lake: Experience a horse-drawn sled on the ice of Kanas Lake, try "throwing water to become ice," and enjoy a warm private hot pot meal in a lakeside log cabin, perfectly combining winter fun with gourmet food.
In-Depth Cultural Exchange and Music Session with a Tuvan Family: Gather around the stove in a Tuvan home, listen to the haunting sound of the ancient "Su'er" instrument, savor milk tea, and engage in meaningful conversation with your hosts for a cultural exchange that goes beyond sightseeing.
Wild Snow Park Fun and Professional Snowmobile Adventure: Play freely in knee-deep powder snow within a safe, professional area, and experience the thrill of driving a snowmobile through the snowy forest.
Winter Sunset at the Urho Ghost Town Yadan Landforms: Enjoy a private, magnificent and desolate sunset amidst the Yadan mounds dusted with snow, capturing the magical moment where light and shadow intertwine with the snowy landscape.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrive in Urumqi - First Taste of Western Regions Culture

Arrive in Urumqi, where a private transfer will take you to a 5-star hotel. After relaxing, you are free to explore the vibrant International Grand Bazaar. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Xinjiang flavors.

Day 2 | Urumqi - Urho Ghost Town (approx. 5-hour drive)

Drive to Urho. In the afternoon, enter the Urho Ghost Town specifically for sunset. The ghost town feels more vast and mysterious in winter; wait for a stunning sunset and sense the atmosphere of the vast land. Overnight in a high-quality hotel in Urho.

Day 3 | Urho - Fairy-Tale Border Town Burqin - Chonghuer (approx. 4-hour drive)

Travel to the fairy-tale border town of Burqin, enjoying the rime ice scenery along the Irtysh River. In the afternoon, arrive in Chonghuer Town to experience the local bazaar. Check into a characteristic guesthouse for the night, preparing for the journey into the Altay Mountains.

Day 4 | Chonghuer - Hemu Village (approx. 3-hour drive)

Depart early in the morning, with snowy forest views along the way. Arrive at Hemu Village around noon, nestled under thick snow. Check into the best available characteristic log cabin. Spend the afternoon freely exploring this winter fairy tale world. In the evening, you can walk to Hemu Bridge to enjoy the sunset glow bathing the snowy wooden houses.

Day 5 | Hemu Village Full-Day In-Depth Free Exploration

This is a completely free day. You can choose to:
- At dawn, ride a horse or take a horse-drawn sled up to Haden Platform for a private viewing of Hemu's classic morning mist and sunrise panorama.
- In the morning, visit a Tuvan family to learn how to make milk tea, or try snow activities like snow tubing.
- In the afternoon, stroll through the village for photography, or relax in the warm cabin with coffee and a book, enjoying slow travel.
- In the evening, join our arranged Stargazing Session to observe the cosmos with a professional telescope under pristine, dark skies.

Day 6 | Hemu - Kanas Lake - Return to Hemu (Day Trip)

After breakfast, travel to the mysterious Kanas Lake. The lake surface is frozen like a mirror in winter. You can play on the ice, experience the fun of a horse-drawn sled, and enjoy a warm lunch at a lakeside cabin. Return to Hemu Village in the afternoon for another peaceful night.

Day 7 | Hemu - Wild Snow Park - Burqin (approx. 4-hour drive)

Bid farewell to Hemu and head to the Wild Snow Park. Play freely in the safe powder snow area, with the option to experience the thrill of a snowmobile (at your own expense). After this excitement, return to Burqin County to check in and enjoy a delicious cold-water fish feast.

Day 8 | Burqin - Koktokay (approx. 5-hour drive)

Journey to another highlight of the trip—Koktokay National Geopark. The drive offers vast snowy plains and pastoral scenery. Upon arrival in the afternoon, begin exploring this canyon secret realm known as the "Natural Mineral Museum." Overnight in a boutique hotel in Koktokay Town.

Day 9 | Koktokay In-Depth Exploration - Return to Urumqi (By Train/Flight)

In the morning, re-enter the Koktokay Scenic Area for a deeper exploration. Hike to appreciate the snow-covered Shenzhong Mountain and walk along the frozen Irtysh River, experiencing ultimate serenity and grandeur. In the afternoon, take a comfortable train or flight back to Urumqi. Check into a hotel near the airport in preparation for your departure the next day.

Day 10 | Departure from Urumqi

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule, concluding your memorable winter journey in Northern Xinjiang.

What's Included

Hotels are included in the itinerary.
China's domestic flights/trains are specified in the itinerary.
Entrance fees.
Meals are detailed in the itinerary.
Private transfers.
Private English-speaking guide and driver.
Service charges and taxes.

Notes

The itinerary outlined above can be customized to align with your personal interests and preferences. Please feel free to share your thoughts with us, and we will gladly make the necessary adjustments.
Pricing is subject to change based on the itinerary, activities, travel season, number of participants, and hotel selection. We provide accommodations across all levels for our tours, including renowned 5-star hotel chains and well-located 4-star hotels at various destinations.

Service Standards

Each tour is strictly limited in guest numbers to ensure privacy and a highly customized itinerary. A senior Dedicated Travel Consultant will accompany you throughout the journey, providing expert guidance and facilitating a deeper immersion into the local culture.

Each accommodation is meticulously selected to reflect the unique character of its location. Options include boutique design hotels with distinctive views, authentic local residences offering genuine hospitality, and characteristic heritage hotels steeped in regional history.

To enrich your journey, we provide a Curated Travel Resource Library, containing detailed maps, cultural background readings, and introductions to the natural environment, transforming your travel into an ongoing cultural exploration.

Upon completion of the itinerary, you will receive a uniquely crafted "Cultural Keepsake Box." This carefully prepared gift contains symbolic local products, serving as a cherished memento of your journey.

This is more than just a trip; it is an immersive exploration of local culture. Through interactions with intangible cultural heritage inheritors, participation in traditional handicraft workshops, and experiences of local festivals and activities, we enable you to truly step into the lives of local people and feel the pulse of their culture.

Country/Region