2026KanasMultiDayLoopRouteCarpoolingDetailedQuotationFreeClaimRegistration RecommendedRouteCostPrice
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
Explore Kanas:2026 Multi-Day Loop Carpooling In-Depth Travel Guide
🌲 Kanas:An Ecological Wonderland in Northern Xinjiang
Kanas Lake, located in the northern part of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, is China’s deepest glacial moraine dammed lake and the core area of the northern Xinjiang ecosystem. It is renowned for its three wonders: the ‘Legend of the Lake Monster,’ the ‘Color-Changing Lake,’ and the ‘Primeval Forest.’ In 2026, the scenic area will continue to upgrade its ecological protection measures, allowing visitors to experience up close the natural tapestry woven by alpine lakes, spruce meadows, and glacial relics.
The scenic area is divided into three core zones:
Kanas Lake:With an elevation of 1,374 meters above sea level, the lake appears blue-green in summer, turns dark green in autumn, and remains frozen for five months in winter. Surrounding the lake are attractions such as Guanyu Platform, Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. To reach Guanyu Platform, visitors need to take a shuttle bus or hike to the summit.
Hemu Village:Rated as one of ‘China’s Most Beautiful Villages’ by Chinese National Geography, Hemu Village retains its traditional Tuvan wooden house complex in 2026. In autumn, the birch forests and morning mists create a picturesque scene reminiscent of an oil painting.
Baihaba Village:Known as the ‘No.1 Village in the Northwest’ on the China-Kazakhstan border, a permit is required to visit (which can be obtained free of charge at the Kanas Scenic Area Transfer Center). In 2026, a new Border Culture Exhibition Hall will showcase the history of border defense by various ethnic groups.
🚗 2026 Kanas Loop Carpooling Itinerary Details
Currently, carpooling for the Kanas loop mainly uses 5-7 seat business vehicles, adopting a ‘small group free travel’ model. Daily departure times vary by season, with the following new schedules for 2026:
[5-Day Classic Loop]
Day 1:Urumqi – Burqin (approximately 680 kilometers, 8-hour drive)
Explore Kanas: 2026 Multi-Day Loop Carpooling In-Depth Travel GuideHighlights:Travel west along the Junggar Basin, passing by the Karamay百里油田 (Baili Oil Field) and the Urho Devil City (a new night light show will be added in 2026, open until 22:00)
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in Burqin County (breakfast included)
Day 2:Burqin – Kanas (approximately 180 kilometers, 3.5-hour drive)
Highlights:Traverse the Jiadengyu National Forest Park, transfer to a scenic area shuttle bus to enter the Kanas Lake area, and visit Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay
Accommodation:Wooden cabin inside the Kanas Scenic Area (dinner included)
Day 3:Kanas – Hemu (approximately 60 kilometers, 1.5-hour drive)
Highlights:Ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of the lake, then head to Hemu Village in the afternoon to experience traditional Tuvan life. A new stargazing spot will be added in 2026.
Accommodation:Characteristic wooden cabin in Hemu Village (breakfast included)
Day 4:Hemu – Baihaba (approximately 50 kilometers, 1-hour drive)
Highlights:Obtain a permit before heading to Baihaba Village to visit the China-Kazakhstan border scenery and Border Viewpoint No. 5. A new border hiking trail will be added in 2026.
Accommodation:Wooden cabin in Baihaba Village (dinner included)
🌲 Kanas: An Ecological Wonderland in Northern XinjiangDay 5:Baihaba – Urumqi (return trip approximately 900 kilometers, 10-hour drive)
Highlights:Return along National Highway 216, have lunch in Beitun City, and arrive in Urumqi in the evening
[3-Day Essence Loop]
Day 1:Urumqi – Kanas (direct flight + ground transportation)
Highlights:A new direct flight from Urumqi to Kanas will be added in 2026 (1 flight per day, 1.5-hour flight time). Upon arrival, directly tour the Kanas Lake area.
Accommodation:Wooden cabin inside the Kanas Scenic Area
Day 2:Kanas – Hemu
Highlights:Spend the whole day exploring Hemu Village in depth. A new horseback riding project will be added in 2026 (reservation required in advance).
Accommodation:Wooden cabin in Hemu Village
Day 3:Hemu – Urumqi
Highlights:Return after capturing morning mists. Choose between a direct flight or ground transportation.
Kanas Lake, located in the northern part of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, is China’s deepest glacial moraine dammed lake and the core area of the northern Xinjiang ecosystem. It is renowned for its three wonders: the ‘Legend of the Lake Monster,’ the ‘Color-Changing Lake,’ and the ‘Primeval Forest.’ In 2026, the scenic area will continue to upgrade its ecological protection measures, allowing visitors to experience up close the natural tapestry woven by alpine lakes, spruce meadows, and glacial relics.💰 2026 Price Description (Reference Range)
The cost of carpooling for the Kanas loop is affected by season, vehicle type, and accommodation standards. Reference prices for 2026 are as follows:
5-Day Loop:2,800-3,500 yuan per person (including transportation, accommodation, and first entrance tickets to scenic areas)
3-Day Loop:2,200-2,800 yuan per person (including transportation, accommodation, and first entrance tickets to scenic areas)
Fees Include:
Carpooling fees (5-7 seat business vehicle)
Shuttle bus tickets inside the scenic area
4 nights of accommodation (1 night in Burqin + 3 nights inside the scenic area)
Travel accident insurance
Fees Do Not Include:
Meals (unless specified)
Round-trip shuttle bus tickets for Guanyu Platform (20 yuan per person)
Permit processing fee (free)
Personal expenses and self-funded projects
Prices may fluctuate based on the schedule. For specifics, consult and sign a contract with Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency.
📝 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency by providing the following information:
Name and valid ID number (for insurance purchase and scenic area real-name registration)
Contact information (phone/email)
Travel dates and number of people
Special needs (e.g., dietary restrictions)
📋 Fee Description and Service Description
Kanas Lake: With an elevation of 1,374 meters above sea level, the lake appears blue-green in summer, turns dark green in autumn, and remains frozen for five months in winter. Surrounding the lake are attractions such as Guanyu Platform, Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay. To reach Guanyu Platform, visitors need to take a shuttle bus or hike to the summit.Transportation Services:Carpooling vehicles are new within 5 years, each equipped with a first aid kit, car charger, and mineral water
Accommodation Arrangements:Four-star hotel in Burqin County, characteristic wooden cabins inside the scenic area (floor heating system upgraded in 2026)
Tour Guide Services:Each group is accompanied by a certified tour guide providing bilingual (Chinese-English) explanations
Cancellation and Refund Policy:Subject to the contract signed by both parties
Single Registration:Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency will make every effort to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
📌 2026 Travel Tips
Document Preparation:In addition to valid identification, a permit is required to visit Baihaba Village (which can be obtained free of charge at the Kanas Scenic Area Transfer Center).
Clothing Recommendations:The Kanas region has large temperature variations between day and night. In 2026, bring a windbreaker in summer and a down jacket in autumn.
Photography Equipment:It is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens (for lake scenery) and a telephoto lens (for photographing wildlife)
Policy Changes:Reasonable itinerary changes can be made by mutual agreement. In case of extreme weather or road closures, an alternative route will be activated.
Kanas offers unique charm in each season: snowmelt forms waterfall groups in spring, wildflowers blanket the grasslands in summer, autumn foliage resembles a painter’s palette, and winter transforms the landscape into a fairy tale world. In 2026, the scenic area will add an ecological science corridor and night stargazing projects, providing both photography enthusiasts and nature explorers with unforgettable travel memories.
For detailed quotation sheets or custom itineraries, consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Let our professional team plan a comfortable in-depth tour of northern Xinjiang for you!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation

