Altay Charter Self drive Exploration of Baihaba Border Village Experience Border Scenery 9 Day In depth Journey Detailed Travel Expenses Statistics Recommended Route Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
Explore the Mysterious Land of Northern Xinjiang:9-Day Customized Borderland Adventure in Altay by Car 🚗✨
[Key Highlights of the Itinerary]
The Altay region in northern Xinjiang, sheltered by the Altai Mountains, combines pristine forests, alpine lakes, and border villages. In summer 2026, it becomes a hotspot for photographers and nature explorers. This itinerary centers around Baihaba Village, connecting classic spots like Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Colorful Beach. Along the way, experience the canyon scenery of the Ahe Highway (if open) and the unique cultural vibes of the China-Kazakhstan border.
I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destinations
[Baihaba Village]
Rated as one of “China’s Eight Most Beautiful Small Towns” by National Geographic, this village lies on the China-Kazakhstan border. Wooden houses are neatly arranged, surrounded by birch forests. Morning smoke and border stones create a classic scene. In 2026, a border pass is required (specific requirements to be notified before travel), with a daily limit of 2,000 visitors. Early booking is recommended.
[Kanas Lake]
Xinjiang’s “Pearl,” Kanas Lake, is famous for its color-changing waters. In 2026, a new night tour of the Fish-Viewing Platform is available (separate booking required). The Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Crouching Dragon Bay) hiking trail spans about 7 km, with multiple photo spots along the way.
[Hemu Village]
Known as “God’s Backyard,” Hemu Village completed wooden cabin renovations in 2026, with some rooms featuring floor heating and panoramic windows. For sunrise views from Haden Platform, arrive 1 hour early. Autumn golden meadows and morning fog create prime photography conditions.
[Ahe Highway]
This scenic route, opened in 2025, connects Altay City and Hemu Village, spanning about 180 km. Stop at viewpoints like Tolehaite Grassland and Wuxilike Wetland. In 2026, odd-even license plate restrictions apply (subject to traffic authority notices).
[Colorful Beach]
A yardang landform area on the north bank of the Irtysh River, featuring a new sunset light show in 2026 (7:30-8:30 PM daily). Multiple viewpoints are available, with “Danxia Eye” as a top photography spot.
Explore the Mysterious Land of Northern Xinjiang: 9-Day Customized Borderland Adventure in Altay by Car 🚗✨II. Simple Itinerary
[Day 1] Altay Airport Pickup → Zhongshan Geopark → Mine Pit No. 3 → Overnight in Koktokay Town
Driving Distance:Approx. 280 km / 4.5 hours
Highlights:Visit the “Sacred Geological Pit” (Mine Pit No. 3) and explore a 136-meter underground mine tunnel.
[Day 2] Koktokay → Jadenyu → Kanas Lake → Overnight in Kanas Village
Driving Distance:Approx. 180 km / 3 hours
Activities:Take a shuttle bus to tour Kanas Lake and ascend the Fish-Viewing Platform for a panoramic view.
[Day 3] Hike the Three Bays of Kanas → Baihaba Village → Overnight in a Wooden Cabin
Driving Distance:Approx. 50 km / 1.5 hours
Tips:Obtain a border pass at the Kanas Transfer Center with original valid ID.
[Day 4] In-Depth Tour of Baihaba Village → China-Kazakhstan Grand Canyon → Overnight in Hemu Village
Driving Distance:Approx. 90 km / 2.5 hours
Experiences:Visit the Village History Museum and hike the China-Kazakhstan border (with a guide).
[Day 5] Sunrise in Hemu Village → Self-Drive on Ahe Highway → Overnight in Burqin
Driving Distance:Approx. 180 km / 4 hours (including stops)
[Key Highlights of the Itinerary]Highlights:Capture canyon panoramas from the Chonghuer Town Reservoir Viewpoint.
[Day 6] Burqin → Colorful Beach Sunset → Overnight in Beitun City
Driving Distance:Approx. 120 km / 2 hours
Activities:Attend the scenic area’s light show and savor a cold-water fish feast.
[Day 7] Beitun → Ulungur Lake → Fukang Golden Coast → Overnight in Altay City
Driving Distance:Approx. 220 km / 3 hours
Experiences:Enjoy water activities like jet skiing and beach volleyball.
[Day 8] Altay City Tour → Xiaodonggou Forest Park → Overnight in Altay City
Driving Distance:40 km round trip
Activities:Hike in the forest and experience home visits with local families.
[Day 9] Airport Drop-Off and Departure
III. Pricing Details (Reference for 2026)
[Customized Vehicle Costs]
7-Seater Business Vehicle (Buick GL8/Trumpchi M8):
Low Season (November-April):1,000-1,200 RMB/day
The Altay region in northern Xinjiang, sheltered by the Altai Mountains, combines pristine forests, alpine lakes, and border villages. In summer 2026, it becomes a hotspot for photographers and nature explorers. This itinerary centers around Baihaba Village, connecting classic spots like Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Colorful Beach. Along the way, experience the canyon scenery of the Ahe Highway (if open) and the unique cultural vibes of the China-Kazakhstan border.Shoulder Season (May/September-October):1,400-1,600 RMB/day
Peak Season (June-August):1,800-2,200 RMB/day
12-19 Seater Minibus:
Shoulder Season:2,200-2,600 RMB/day
Peak Season:2,800-3,200 RMB/day
Cost Includes:Vehicle usage, fuel, tolls, and driver service fees
Cost Excludes:Visitor admission tickets, meals, accommodation, and driver’s meal allowance (typically 200 RMB/day)
[Admission Ticket Reference]
Baihaba Village:50 RMB admission + 52 RMB shuttle bus
Kanas Lake:160 RMB admission + 70 RMB shuttle bus
Hemu Village:50 RMB admission + 52 RMB shuttle bus
Colorful Beach:45 RMB/person
Ulungur Lake:30 RMB/person
[Special Notes]
Seniors aged 65+ and students with valid IDs enjoy half-price admission.
I. Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destinations Scenic area policies may change; refer to daily announcements for details.
IV. How to Book
Book through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for details. Early booking (30 days in advance) is recommended, as peak season availability is limited and subject to contract signing.
V. Pricing and Service Details
[Cost Includes]
Transportation:Customized vehicle service (including basic insurance)
Accommodation:8 nights in comfortable hotels/特色民宿 (with breakfast)
Guide:Experienced local driver and guide
Services:24-hour emergency support
[Cost Excludes]
Main meal costs (AA system, approx. 80-120 RMB/person/day)
In-scenic area entertainment (e.g., Kanas boat tours, Hemu horseback riding)
Personal expenses and additional costs due to force majeure
[Service Guarantees]
Signed national tourism contract with itinerary filing for verification
[Baihaba Village] Daily vehicle disinfection, equipped with first aid kits and epidemic prevention supplies
Drivers have 5+ years of mountain driving experience
[Important Notes]
Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night; bring windproof and warm clothing.
Signal coverage is weak in some areas; download offline maps in advance.
Respect ethnic customs; photography is prohibited in cultural venues.
[Special Agreements]
In case of extreme weather or policy changes, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted by mutual consent.
Single travelers will be matched for shared rooms where possible; additional fees may apply in special cases.
Specific services are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
(Prices and availability are subject to contract confirmation and may vary by departure date; the signed contract prevails.)
[Itinerary Optimization Suggestions]
Photography enthusiasts may add an early morning visit to Hemu Village on Day 6 to capture morning fog.
Families may choose to add skiing at Altay Ski Resort on Day 8 (dry ski slope in summer).
For in-depth exploration, extend Day 4 in Baihaba Village to participate in Tuwa intangible cultural heritage crafts.
This summer, let’s traverse the Altai Mountains’ forests and snowfields, seek poetry in the morning fog of border villages, and capture every breathtaking frame of northern Xinjiang with our lenses. Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency looks forward to embarking on this mysterious journey with you!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation.

