2026 Altay Private Car Rental 11 Day Itinerary Connecting Three Core Scenic Areas for a Comprehensive Tour Highly Recommended Route with Pricing Information
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quote.
11-Day In-Depth Tour of Altay:A custom vehicle tour covering Kanas, Hemu, and Koktokay across the entire region.
Detailed introduction to the route or destination
Located in northern Xinjiang, the Altay region is renowned for its interwoven landscapes of ‘snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes, and grasslands.’ In summer 2026, all core attractions in the area will be fully open, with three must-visit landmarks:
Kanas Lake: Known as the ‘backyard garden’ by various ethnic groups, the lake changes color with the seasons, appearing emerald green in June. The three bays along the lakeshore (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay) are shrouded in morning mist, making it a paradise for photographers. The scenic area operates on a real-name reservation system; tickets must be purchased in advance through the ‘Kanas Smart Tourism’ mini-program. Admission is 160 RMB per person, with an additional 70 RMB per person for the shuttle bus.
Hemu Village:A primitive village inhabited by the Tuwa people, with wooden houses scattered among birch forests. Morning smoke and starry skies create a poetic scene. In 2026, an environmental protection and visitor limit policy will be in place, requiring valid identification and reservation vouchers for entry. Admission is 50 RMB per person, with an additional 52 RMB per person for the shuttle bus.
Koktokay National Geopark:Famous for Zhongshan, the Irtysh Grand Canyon, and Mine No. 3, it offers both natural beauty and geological educational value. The park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Admission is 126 RMB per person (including shuttle bus).
Additionally, explore lesser-known hidden gems along the way:
Colorful Beach:Where yardang landforms meet the Irtysh River, the scenery is vibrant at sunset. Admission is 45 RMB per person.
Chonghur Town Reservoir Viewing Platform:Newly opened boardwalks at the end of 2025 offer views of the river valley. Vehicles with more than 7 seats are permitted to stop briefly.
Ahe Highway:A newly emerging scenic route in 2026, connecting the grasslands and forests of Altay, ideal for rest stops and photos.
Sample Itinerary (11-Day All-Region Tour)
The following itinerary is designed based on actual road conditions and scenic area policies in June 2026, with daily driving times limited to 3-5 hours to balance in-depth exploration and comfort:
11-Day In-Depth Tour of Altay: A custom vehicle tour covering Kanas, Hemu, and Koktokay across the entire regionDay 1:Gather in Urumqi
Morning:Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and check into a downtown hotel.
Afternoon:Visit the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum to learn about the history of the Western Regions and the cultures of various ethnic groups.
Evening:Pre-trip briefing to confirm details for the next day.
Day 2:Urumqi → Koktokay (approx. 500 km, 6 hours)
Morning:Head north along National Highway G216, passing through the Gurbantunggut Desert to observe desert vegetation.
Afternoon:Tour Koktokay Geopark, focusing on Zhongshan, Eagle Peak, and Mine No. 3.
Accommodation:Characteristic homestay in Koktokay Town.
Day 3:Koktokay → Kanas (approx. 320 km, 5 hours)
Morning:Cross the Junggar Basin, enjoying views of the transition zone between the Gobi Desert and grasslands.
Afternoon:Arrive at Jiadengyu and transfer to a shuttle bus to enter the Kanas Scenic Area, visiting Fairy Bay and Moon Bay.
Accommodation:Wooden cabin homestay in Kanas Village.
Day 4:In-Depth Kanas Tour
Detailed introduction to the route or destinationMorning:Climb Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake and hike the boardwalk from Wolong Bay to Fairy Bay.
Afternoon:Take a boat tour of the lake (subject to availability) and visit the Tuwa Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Center.
Accommodation:Same as above.
Day 5:Kanas → Hemu Village (approx. 70 km, 1.5 hours)
Morning:Head to Hemu Village, stopping at the Chonghur Viewing Platform to photograph the river valley scenery.
Afternoon:Climb the Hadeng Platform for a panoramic view of the village and experience horseback riding through the birch forest.
Accommodation:Characteristic wooden cabin in Hemu Village.
Day 6:Full Day in Hemu Village
Morning:Photograph the morning mist in Hemu and participate in making traditional Tuwa dairy products.
Afternoon:Hike to Dameilifeng Grassland (4 km round trip) and return to the village for free activities in the evening.
Accommodation:Same as above.
Day 7:Hemu Village → Colorful Beach → Burqin (approx. 180 km, 3 hours)
Morning:Leave Hemu and travel along the Ahe Highway to photograph the grassland scenery.
Located in northern Xinjiang, the Altay region is renowned for its interwoven landscapes of ‘snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes, and grasslands.’ In summer 2026, all core attractions in the area will be fully open, with three must-visit landmarks:Afternoon:Tour Colorful Beach to capture the landforms and light at sunset.
Accommodation:Hotel in Burqin County.
Day 8:Burqin → Devil City → Karamay (approx. 350 km, 4.5 hours)
Morning:Visit Urho Devil City and take a mini-train through the wind-eroded landforms.
Afternoon:Tour the Karamay Oil Field Exhibition Hall to learn about the history of oil extraction.
Accommodation:Hotel in downtown Karamay.
Day 9:Karamay → Sayram Lake (approx. 450 km, 5.5 hours)
Morning:Travel through the western Junggar Basin, observing Gobi tamarisk.
Afternoon:Tour around Sayram Lake, with key stops at Jiangjiangtai and Songshutou Viewing Platforms.
Accommodation:Lakeside resort hotel.
Day 10:Sayram Lake → Yining (approx. 150 km, 2 hours)
Morning:Re-enter Sayram Lake to photograph the morning light, then head to Yining City.
Afternoon:Visit the Kazanqi Folk Village to experience traditional handicrafts of various ethnic groups.
Kanas Lake: Known as the ‘backyard garden’ by various ethnic groups, the lake changes color with the seasons, appearing emerald green in June. The three bays along the lakeshore (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay) are shrouded in morning mist, making it a paradise for photographers. The scenic area operates on a real-name reservation system; tickets must be purchased in advance through the ‘Kanas Smart Tourism’ mini-program. Admission is 160 RMB per person, with an additional 70 RMB per person for the shuttle bus.Accommodation:Hotel in downtown Yining.
Day 11:Yining → Urumqi (return)
Morning:Free activities based on flight time; recommended to purchase dried lavender from Yili (late June is the end of the flowering season).
Afternoon:Fly back to Urumqi to conclude the trip.
Pricing Information
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency offers a variety of compliant operational vehicles, with fees based on vehicle type and number of days (including driver service, basic insurance, fuel, and tolls):
7-seat business vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8):Approx. 1,400-1,800 RMB/day
14-seat minibus:Approx. 2,000-2,500 RMB/day
22-seat coach:Approx. 3,500-4,200 RMB/day
Note:
Prices may fluctuate based on peak and off-peak seasons; specific pricing confirmed upon consulting customer service.
Fees do not include scenic area admission, shuttle bus tickets, accommodation, meals, or other personal expenses.
Single travelers will be matched for shared rooms whenever possible; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Hemu Village: A primitive village inhabited by the Tuwa people, with wooden houses scattered among birch forests. Morning smoke and starry skies create a poetic scene. In 2026, an environmental protection and visitor limit policy will be in place, requiring valid identification and reservation vouchers for entry. Admission is 50 RMB per person, with an additional 52 RMB per person for the shuttle bus.How to Register
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for vehicle availability and itinerary details.
Fee Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions:Vehicle rental, driver service, basic insurance, fuel, and tolls.
Exclusions:Scenic area admission, shuttle bus tickets, accommodation, meals, and personal expenses.
Service Guarantees:All vehicles hold road transport certificates, and drivers possess valid passenger transport qualifications, familiar with Altay road conditions and emergency procedures.
Change Policy:In case of uncontrollable factors such as weather, road conditions, or scenic area visitor limits, the itinerary may be reasonably adjusted by mutual agreement.
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
Itinerary Highlights Summary
Flexible and Free:Avoid the fixed pace of group tours; stop at lesser-known viewpoints anytime.
In-Depth Experiences:Includes hiking the three bays of Kanas, Tuwa intangible cultural heritage handicrafts in Hemu Village, and a Sayram Lake circuit tour.
Professional Support:Compliant vehicles and local drivers handle complex road conditions and emergencies.
Hassle-Free:The travel agency coordinates ticket reservations, accommodation bookings, and other details.
The vastness of Altay requires exploration on foot; the poetry of northern Xinjiang deserves an 11-day immersion. Choose compliant custom vehicle services and let a professional team unlock the hidden beauty of this land for you.
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quote.
