Altay Ice and Snow Tour Charter Custom Winter Xinjiang Travel Routes

Xinjiang tourism customized car rental for comfortable travel, regular fleet with flexible itinerary customization. Consultation hotline landline number: 0991-8866234. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, customized consultation Manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (Copy to add friends for detailed consultation on Xinjiang travel routes and prices).
❄ ️ Going to Altay in winter, many people’s first reaction is ‘cold’, but once you actually go in, you’ll find it’s more like a huge ice and snow paradise:Kanas Lake freezes like a mirror, Hemu Village is covered in white snow, cooking smoke slowly rises in the morning mist, and powder snow falls flake by flake at the ski resort. Compared to joining large groups and rushing, more and more people now choose ‘ice and snow tourism customized car rental + customized routes’ to keep the pace in their own hands.
This article discusses from the perspective of a ‘first-time visitor to Altay who wants to travel easily and deeply’ how to fully experience Altay’s winter using customized car rental.
📍 I. Altay Ice and Snow Tourism Destination Overview
Altay Prefecture is located in northern Xinjiang, with a stable snow season from November to March each year. The local snow is thick and fine, often called a ‘ski enthusiast’s dream destination’. Besides skiing, there are ice and snow landscapes like Kanas, Hemu, and Koktokay, suitable for photography, hiking, and slow travel.
❄ ️ Kanas Scenic Area
In winter, Kanas Lake is mostly frozen. You can walk along the lakeside boardwalk to see ice cracks and reflections of distant snow peaks. The Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay) have strong layering in morning mist and sunlight, making them a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts. The wooden houses and boardwalks in the scenic area look fairy-tale-like in the snow, but some sections have thick snow, requiring anti-slip shoes or crampons for walking.
🏡 Hemu Village
Hemu is considered a representative ‘snow village’ by many, with wooden houses, fences, and birch forests creating clean scenes in the snow. Climb to the Haden Viewing Platform in the morning for a chance to see cooking smoke, wooden houses, and snow-capped mountains in one frame. During the day, you can wander around the village or try snow activities like horse-drawn sleds and snow tubes. Nights are cold, but wooden houses have heating, allowing for sitting around chatting and eating hotpot.
🎿 General’s Mountain Ski Resort
Located near Altay city, it’s convenient and a popular choice for first-time skiers. The resort has a good range of beginner to advanced slopes. During the day, you can practice basic moves, and at night, there are lighted night slopes for photos and atmosphere. Ski equipment rental and lockers are available on-site.
♨ ️ Koktokay Ice and Snow Route

❄️ Going to Altay in winter, many people’s first reaction is ‘cold’, but once you actually go in, you’ll find it’s more like a huge ice and snow paradise: Kanas Lake freezes like a mirror, Hemu Village is covered in white snow, cooking smoke slowly rises in the morning mist, and powder snow falls flake by flake at the ski resort. Compared to joining large groups and rushing, more and more people now choose ‘ice and snow tourism customized car rental + customized routes’ to keep the pace in their own hands.Koktokay is famous for its canyons, mine pits, and winter hot springs. The snow scenery in the Irtysh Grand Canyon is spectacular, and the indoor exhibition hall of Mine Pit No. 3 lets you learn about local industrial history. Some routes include horse-drawn sled experiences, and at night, you can enjoy outdoor hot springs in the town, feeling the ‘ice and fire contrast’ in sub-zero temperatures.
🗺 ️ II. Altay Ice and Snow Customized Car Rental Simple Itinerary Reference
Below is a 6-day reference itinerary for the ‘Altay + Kanas + Hemu’ direction, suitable for first-timers who want to balance skiing and snow scenery. The actual itinerary can be flexibly adjusted based on your time, budget, and interests.
Day 1:Arrive in Altay → Rest in the city
Arrive at Altay Snow Capital Airport or Altay Train Station, and the customized car driver will pick you up and take you to the city hotel.
In the evening, you can briefly explore the city, feel the local night market atmosphere, and discuss itinerary details with the driver in advance.
Day 2:Altay → Kanas Scenic Area
Depart in the morning for Kanas Scenic Area, about a 4-hour drive, with alternating snow scenery of Gobi, river valleys, and forests along the way.
Upon arrival, first go to the visitor center to buy tickets and shuttle bus tickets, then enter the scenic area.
In the afternoon, choose one or two spots among Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay for a slow walk, enjoying the snow scenery and rime.
Stay overnight in a wooden house within Kanas Scenic Area or a hotel near Jadengyu.
Day 3:In-depth Kanas Tour → Head to Hemu

This article discusses from the perspective of a ‘first-time visitor to Altay who wants to travel easily and deeply’ how to fully experience Altay’s winter using customized car rental.If weather permits, get up early to photograph morning mist at Fairy Bay (entry depends on the scenic area’s daily opening conditions).
Then return to the hotel for breakfast, re-enter the scenic area, walk along the lakeside boardwalk, or choose a light hiking route based on interest.
At noon, depart from Kanas for Hemu, about a 1-2 hour drive.
Arrive at Hemu Village in the evening, take a walk to see wooden houses and birch forests, and feel the nighttime tranquility.
Day 4:Full-day Hemu Experience
Get up early to go to Haden Viewing Platform for sunrise and morning mist (access and specific times depend on the scenic area’s daily regulations).
After returning to the village, choose activities like horseback riding, horse-drawn sleds, or snow tubes.
In the afternoon, find a heated café or restaurant in the village to rest, or continue walking on paths outside the village.
In the evening, enjoy local specialty clay pot hotpot and chat with travel companions.
Day 5:Hemu → Altay (optional stop at Koktokay)
If time allows, depart from Hemu towards Koktokay, enjoying snow scenery of river valleys and forests along the way.
Upon arrival at Koktokay Town, if interested, visit the indoor exhibition hall of Mine Pit No. 3 or try activities like horse-drawn sleds.

📍 I. Altay Ice and Snow Tourism Destination Overview Stay overnight in Koktokay Town or return to Altay city for accommodation.
Day 6:Altay → Departure
Based on flight or train times, the driver will arrange drop-off at the airport or train station.
If time permits, explore the city further and buy local handicrafts or food as souvenirs.
💰 III. Altay Ice and Snow Customized Car Rental Price Explanation
Customized car rental prices are affected by various factors, including vehicle type, itinerary days, departure time, and whether driver meals and accommodation are included. Below is a reference range based on public information for the 2025-2026 winter season; specific details should be confirmed through actual consultation and contract.
1. Reference by Vehicle Type

No worries traveling across northern and southern Xinjiang, professional customized car rental for free travel, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency landline hotline: 0991-8866234, exclusive customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233 (WeChat same number can be added).
Economy SUV:About 800-1000 RMB/day, suitable for 2-4 people, some vehicles equipped with snow tires, suitable for better road conditions.
Comfortable Business Van (7-9 seats):About 1000-1200 RMB/day, suitable for families or small groups, spacious with convenient luggage storage.
High-end Off-road Vehicle (e.g., Prado, Tank 300, etc.):About 1200-1500 RMB/day, better four-wheel drive stability, suitable for mountain routes like Kanas and Hemu.
2. Cost Composition Reminder

Altay Prefecture is located in northern Xinjiang, with a stable snow season from November to March each year. The local snow is thick and fine, often called a ‘ski enthusiast’s dream destination’. Besides skiing, there are ice and snow landscapes like Kanas, Hemu, and Koktokay, suitable for photography, hiking, and slow travel.Usually includes:Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, fuel cost, toll fees.
May not include:Driver meals and accommodation (some fleets require tourists to cover, about 200 RMB/day), overtime/extra mileage fees (daily limit of 8-10 hours or 300 km), scenic area tickets, tourist accommodation and meals, etc.
3. Total Itinerary Cost Estimate
Taking the ‘6-day Altay + Kanas + Hemu’ route as an example, if choosing a 7-seat business van, including vehicle, fuel, tolls, and driver service fee, the reference total may range in the thousands of RMB. If adding accommodation, tickets, ski passes, etc., the per-person budget will increase accordingly. Specific prices depend on the chosen vehicle type, itinerary details, and travel dates.
🚗 IV. Vehicle Recommendations and Selection
Based on your group size and luggage, you can choose the following vehicle types (specific vehicles depend on the fleet’s actual availability):
7-seat Business Van:Suitable for 2-6 person groups, spacious with convenient luggage storage, ideal for families or small groups.
13-15 seat Vehicle:Suitable for 8-14 person groups, reasonable seat layout, suitable for friend gatherings or small team-building.
18-19 seat Vehicle:Suitable for 15-18 person groups, spacious interior, suitable for organizations or large family trips.
37-38 seat Vehicle:Suitable for groups of about 30 people, ideal for schools, companies, etc., for collective activities.
55-seat Bus:Suitable for large groups of over 40 people, ideal for conferences, training, or tour groups.
Friendly Reminder:All vehicle prices listed are for reference only; specific prices are subject to customer service quotes!

❄️ Kanas Scenic Area📞 V. Registration Method
If you want to customize an Altay ice and snow tourism customized car rental route, you can contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency through the following methods:
Phone:181-3962-2233
WeChat:181-3962-2233
Customer service will recommend suitable vehicle types and itinerary plans based on your needs, and assist with contract signing and subsequent arrangements.
📝 VI. Fee Explanation and Service Description
1. Fees Included
Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, fuel cost, toll fees.
Driver meals and accommodation (some fleets require tourists to cover, specific details per contract).
Scenic area tickets and shuttle bus fees (some itineraries may require self-payment, specific details per contract).
Travel accident insurance (specific coverage per contract).
2. Fees Not Included

In winter, Kanas Lake is mostly frozen. You can walk along the lakeside boardwalk to see ice cracks and reflections of distant snow peaks. The Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Dragon Bay) have strong layering in morning mist and sunlight, making them a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts. The wooden houses and boardwalks in the scenic area look fairy-tale-like in the snow, but some sections have thick snow, requiring anti-slip shoes or crampons for walking.Tourists’ round-trip transportation to Altay (airfare, train tickets, etc.).
Tourist accommodation, meals, ski passes, horse-drawn sleds, and other optional experience activities.
Personal expenses, specialty meal add-ons, etc.
3. Service Description
Customized car rental services are provided by licensed operating vehicles, with drivers familiar with icy and snowy road conditions, ensuring safe driving.
During the itinerary, reasonable changes can be made by mutual agreement based on weather, road conditions, and scenic area opening status.
Specific service details are subject to actual consultation and contract.
⚠ ️ VII. Winter Travel Tips
1. Dressing Guide: It is recommended to dress in layers: inner quick-dry layer + middle fleece + outer windproof down jacket. Snow boots should be anti-slip and high-top. Gloves, hats, scarves, and other accessories are essential.
2. Electronic Devices: In low temperatures, phone and camera batteries drain quickly. It is recommended to bring a power bank and keep electronic devices warm.
3. Document Preparation: Carry valid documents at all times. Some border areas may require a travel permit (e.g., Baihaba), which can be arranged in advance by consulting the travel agency or local police station.
4. Eco-friendly Travel: Carry your trash with you to protect the pristine snow environment, and do not litter.
Altay’s winter is best enjoyed slowly. Using customized car rental, you can take your time with companions, without rushing or crowding in large groups. Stopping and starting in the snow may create unforgettable memories. If you want to learn more about Altay ice and snow tourism customized car rental, feel free to contact Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency at any time. We will serve you wholeheartedly!
Traveling in Xinjiang? Choose Pathfinder International Travel Agency for customized car rental, worry-free and reliable. Landline: 0991-8866234. Customer service manager Zhang Jing phone: 181-3962-2233.