North Xinjiang Group Tour Scenery and Culture of Western North Xinjiang 11 Day In Depth Exploration High Quality Service Group Type Recommended Price of Recommended Route
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and quotation.
Explore the Western Route of Northern Xinjiang:11-Day In-Depth Cultural and Scenic Tour, Unlocking Multiple Ways to Explore the Secret Realms of the Western Regions
🌄 [Route Highlights:Explore Hidden Gems Away from the Crowds]
The Western Route of Northern Xinjiang is a ‘golden corridor’ where Xinjiang’s geography and culture intertwine. Here, you’ll find both the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Altai Mountains and the vast Gobi Desert of the Junggar Basin; ancient cities and villages inhabited by various ethnic groups for generations, as well as millennium-old imprints left by the ancient Silk Road. In 2026, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency launches the ’11-Day In-Depth Tour of the Western Route of Northern Xinjiang,’ featuring ‘small group travel, light outdoor activities, and in-depth experiences.’ The itinerary covers classic destinations such as Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and Baihaba, as well as hidden gems like the Xiata Ancient Path, the back mountain of Qiongkushitai, and the Tuolehaite Grassland, which 90% of tourists have yet to explore. The average daily driving time is limited to 4 hours, leaving more time for scenic and cultural experiences.
📅 [Simple Itinerary:11 Days to Explore the Essence of the Western Route of Northern Xinjiang]
Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi – First Impressions of the Western Regions
Arrive in Urumqi, where Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency provides a complimentary 24-hour airport pickup service and checks you into a four-star hotel in the city center.
In the afternoon, enjoy free time. We recommend visiting the International Bazaar to taste grilled stuffed buns and hand-grabbed rice, and experience the blend of commerce and culture among various ethnic groups.
Dinner will be a special noodle dish arranged by the travel agency, during which the tour guide will explain itinerary precautions and the climatic characteristics of Northern Xinjiang.
Day 2:Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan → Fuyun
In the morning, visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan and take a shuttle bus to the top of Mayashan Mountain for a panoramic view of the ‘snow-capped mountains and azure waters’ combination of Bogda Peak and Heavenly Lake.
Enjoy a lunch of Fukang-style large platter chicken, then drive to Fuyun in the afternoon, admiring the Gobi Desert scenery of the Junggar Basin along the way.
Explore the Western Route of Northern Xinjiang: 11-Day In-Depth Cultural and Scenic Tour, Unlocking Multiple Ways to Explore the Secret Realms of the Western Regions. Spend the night in Fuyun County, where the tour guide will organize a pre-trip briefing and distribute detailed itinerary manuals and emergency supplies.
Day 3:Fuyun → Koktokay → Burqin
Spend the whole day exploring Koktokay National Geopark, hiking to Pit No. 3 to learn about the historical contributions of the ‘meritorious mine.’
In the afternoon, traverse the Irtysh River Canyon and arrive in Burqin, a Russian-style town, where you’ll stay in a characteristic wooden cabin hotel.
For dinner, we recommend the Burqin Night Market, where the tour guide will lead the group to taste dogfish barbecue and avoid overpriced traps.
Day 4:Burqin → Kanas – Secret Realms of the Three Bays
Depart early in the morning and enter the Kanas Scenic Area via Jiadengyu, visiting Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay, and hiking the wooden boardwalk for a close-up view of the lake.
In the afternoon, ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake, while the tour guide explains the legend of the ‘lake monster’ and the culture of the Tuwa people.
Spend the night in a characteristic wooden cabin within the scenic area, experiencing Tuwa folk customs and tasting local hot pot.
Day 5:Kanas → Baihaba – Border Village
After obtaining a travel permit, head to Baihaba, a village on the China-Kazakhstan border, to visit the monument marking the ‘No. 1 Village in the Northwest’ and take photos of Tuwa wooden cabins.
🌄[Route Highlights: Explore Hidden Gems Away from the Crowds] In the afternoon, enjoy free time to ride horses through the birch forest or ascend Hadeng Observation Deck to capture the sunset.
Spend the night in Baihaba, where the tour guide will organize a bonfire party for interaction with local residents.
Day 6:Baihaba → Hemu Village – Morning Mist and Starry Sky
Capture the morning mist of Hemu Village at dawn, feeling the tranquility of this ‘private reserve’ amidst wisps of cooking smoke.
In the afternoon, hike or ride horses to Meili Peak to visit nomadic families and experience traditional tasks like milking cows and churning butter.
Spend the night in a Hemu wooden cabin, where the tour guide will provide astrophotography guidance for capturing photos of the Milky Way against the backdrop of wooden cabins.
Day 7:Hemu → Urho Ghost City – Yardang Spectacle
Drive to Urho Ghost City and take a sightseeing mini-train through the Yardang landform group to photograph the magnificent scenery of ‘wind-eroded castles.’
Enjoy free time in the afternoon to experience camel riding or desert off-roading, while the tour guide explains the formation of the Ghost City and interesting facts about film and television shoots.
Spend the night in Kuitun and enjoy a dinner of Xinjiang-style roast whole lamb.
Day 8:Kuitun → Sayram Lake – Tears of the Atlantic
Spend the whole day touring around Sayram Lake, with stops including Songshu Head, Jinhua Zihui, and Kele Yongzhu. The tour guide will lead the search for traces of ‘blue ice’ and swans.
The Western Route of Northern Xinjiang is a ‘golden corridor’ where Xinjiang’s geography and culture intertwine. Here, you’ll find both the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Altai Mountains and the vast Gobi Desert of the Junggar Basin; ancient cities and villages inhabited by various ethnic groups for generations, as well as millennium-old imprints left by the ancient Silk Road. In 2026, Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency launches the ’11-Day In-Depth Tour of the Western Route of Northern Xinjiang,’ featuring ‘small group travel, light outdoor activities, and in-depth experiences.’ The itinerary covers classic destinations such as Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, and Baihaba, as well as hidden gems like the Xiata Ancient Path, the back mountain of Qiongkushitai, and the Tuolehaite Grassland, which 90% of tourists have yet to explore. The average daily driving time is limited to 4 hours, leaving more time for scenic and cultural experiences. In the afternoon, take a sailboat to tour the lake up close and photograph the sunset at Dianjiang Platform.
Spend the night in a lakeside homestay and enjoy a feast of high white trout.
Day 9:Sayram Lake → Yining – Six-Star Street and Kazanqi
Drive to Yining City to visit Six-Star Street and experience the blend of architectural styles among various ethnic groups.
In the afternoon, tour the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area, taking a horse-drawn carriage through the blue streets and tasting handmade ice cream and pastries from various ethnic groups.
Spend the night in downtown Yining, where the tour guide will organize a pre-trip sharing session to introduce highlights of the southern Xinjiang itinerary.
Day 10:Yining → Xiata Ancient Path – Dialogue Between Snow-Capped Mountains and Grasslands
Head to Zhaosu County and enter the Xiata Ancient Path Scenic Area to hike or ride horses through forests and grasslands for a close-up view of Muzart Snow Mountain.
In the afternoon, visit Zhaosu Wetland Park to photograph the spectacular scene of ‘heavenly horses bathing in the river.’
Spend the night in Tekes Bagua City, where the tour guide will explain the layout principles and history of Bagua City.
Day 11:Tekes → Return to Urumqi
📅[Simple Itinerary: 11 Days to Explore the Essence of the Western Route of Northern Xinjiang]Enjoy free time in the morning to stroll through Tekes Li Street or purchase souvenirs.
In the afternoon, take a tourist bus back to Urumqi, summarizing the itinerary along the way. The tour guide will assist with return trip arrangements.
Upon arrival in Urumqi, you will be escorted to the airport or station based on your flight schedule, concluding the 11-day in-depth tour.
💰 [Price Information:Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Costs]
The reference price range for the 11-Day In-Depth Tour of the Western Route of Northern Xinjiang in 2026 is 7,980 to 9,580 yuan per person (6,580 yuan per child, excluding bed and ticket fees). Specific costs include:
Accommodation:10 nights in four-star hotels + characteristic homestays (including wooden cabins within scenic areas and lakeside homestays)
Transportation:Full-service regular tourist buses (20% empty seat rate) + scenic area shuttle buses
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets and shuttle buses for Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, Koktokay, Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, etc.
Meals:10 breakfasts + 15 main meals (including special dishes like local hot pot, roast whole lamb, and high white trout feast)
Services:High-quality tour guide accompaniment throughout the trip + 24-hour online travel consultant + high-value travel accident insurance
The cost does not include round-trip transportation to Urumqi, personal expenses, and some optional experience projects (such as horse riding and camel riding). Prices may fluctuate based on departure dates and are subject to contract confirmation.
Day 1: Gathering in Urumqi – First Impressions of the Western Regions📞 [Registration Method:Professional Service Starts with Consultation]
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing to learn about specific departure dates, available seats, and preferential policies. The travel agency provides online contract signing services, supports electronic contracts, and strives for transparent rights and interests.
📝 [Cost and Service Information:Details Determine the Experience]
The included items in the cost have been listed in detail. No shopping stops will be arranged during the itinerary, and tour guides are not allowed to recommend self-funded projects (except for optional experience projects).
For solo travelers, we will do our best to coordinate room-sharing. Supplementary fees may apply under special circumstances, subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, road conditions, or other factors. Both parties can reasonably optimize the order of scenic spots or activity content after mutual agreement.
The travel agency provides a 24-hour emergency response service, equipped with common medications, cold-weather supplies, and vehicle rescue equipment, striving to ensure a smooth journey.
✨ [Why Choose This Route?]
In-Depth Cultural Experience:Visit Tuwa villages, border areas, and ancient Silk Road cities to listen to stories of various ethnic groups told by the tour guide.
Explore Hidden Gems:Discover lesser-known spots like the Xiata Ancient Path and the back mountain of Qiongkushitai to avoid crowds and enjoy the beauty of nature alone.
Light Outdoor Experiences:Hiking, horse riding, astrophotography, and sailboat lake tours cater to the exploration needs of different age groups.
Comfortable Guarantees:Small group travel with high empty seat rates in vehicles, prioritizing accommodation within or near core scenic areas to minimize travel time.
The Western Route of Northern Xinjiang is a double feast of nature and culture. In 2026, join Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to spend 11 days unlocking multiple ways to explore the secret realms of the Western Regions, capturing scenic views with every shutter click and measuring history with every footprint.
Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and quotation.
