2026 Altay Private Car Rental 4 Day Spring Summer Lake Circling Self Drive Tour with Mountain Wildflowers and Clear Streams, High Cost Effective Itinerary Recommended Recommended Route Price

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation

A tapestry of stars and moon in Northern Xinjiang:2026 Altay 4-Day Customized Vehicle Deep Exploration Tour
I. Itinerary Highlights: Unlock the Secret Realms of Spring and Summer in Altay
The spring and summer in Altay are like a palette overturned by the Creator—the snow on the Altai Mountains has not yet completely melted, yet the foothills are already carpeted with globeflowers and wild peonies; the tributaries of the Irtysh River wind through the morning mist, reflecting the smoke from the wooden houses of the Tuvans; the blue waves of Kanas Lake ripple under the sunlight, and the morning mist at Fairy Bay gently caresses the river surface like a veil. This 4-day customized vehicle itinerary avoids the hustle and bustle of conventional tour groups, delving into lesser-known secret realms such as the Grassland Stone City and the Tolehat Pasture. Combining the flexibility of self-driving with the professional guidance of local drivers, it allows travelers to immerse themselves in the beauty of Altay’s spring and summer over four days.
II. Simple Itinerary: Daily Key Arrangements
Day 1:Altay City – Grassland Stone City – Jimunai County
Morning: Depart from Altay City and drive southwest along National Highway G216 to reach the Grassland Stone City Scenic Area. This area is densely populated with Bronze Age rock art, with over 200 rock carvings etched onto black basalt, depicting scenes of hunting, herding, and sacrifices, some dating back 3,000 years. The scenic area features professional interpretation points where visitors can follow guides to learn about the historical stories behind the rock art.
Noon:Dine at a herdsman’s homestay near the scenic area. Recommended dishes include “dried meat stewed with potatoes” and “hand-grabbed mutton with onions.” The dried meat is marinated two years in advance, resulting in a firm and chewy texture; the hand-grabbed mutton, made from lamb of the year, is paired with raw onions to cut through the richness and is a signature dish for hosting guests locally.
Afternoon: Head to Saruleng Village in Jimunai County to explore the local life on the grasslands. The village is surrounded by vast spring pastures, and May-June is the season for livestock translocation. Visitors can observe locals herding sheep across streams up close. If lucky, they may be invited by locals of various ethnic groups into yurts for tea, sampling freshly brewed butter tea and baursak (fried dough).

A tapestry of stars and moon in Northern Xinjiang: 2026 Altay 4-Day Customized Vehicle Deep Exploration TourEvening:Check into a hotel in Jimunai County. It is recommended to choose a boutique hotel with hot spring access to relieve the day’s fatigue.
Day 2:Jimunai County – Tolehat Pasture – Hemu Village
Morning:Depart from Jimunai County and drive north along County Road X868, traversing the Tolehat Grassland. This is the prototype of the “summer pasture” described by Li Juan, author of My Altay. In June, the grassland is ablaze with purple and yellow wildflowers, with herds of cattle and sheep grazing by the streams. As the road is unpaved with gravel in some sections, a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle is required, and it is advisable to have a local driver.
Noon:Dine at a local herdsman’s home on the grassland. Recommended dishes include “milk skin mixed with nang” and “tarma (yogurt balls).” Milk skin is the fatty layer that forms when milk is boiled, spread thickly on nang for a fragrant treat; tarma, made from fermented milk, has a sweet and sour taste and is a daily snack for locals.
Afternoon: Arrive in Hemu Village and check into a wooden cabin homestay in the Old Village area. The Old Village is a 15-minute walk from the Haden Viewing Platform, making it easy to capture morning mist and sunrise photos. If time permits, hike to the west side of Beautiful Peak, where wild peonies are in full bloom and few tourists visit, ideal for portrait and landscape photography.
Evening:Participate in a bonfire party in the village and dance the traditional “Black Walking Horse” dance with the Tuvans, experiencing the cultural fusion of various ethnic groups.
Day 3:Hemu Village – Kanas Scenic Area – Jadenyk
Morning:Rise early to photograph the morning mist at the Haden Viewing Platform. It is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the interplay of wooden cabins and morning mist. Afterward, hike along the Hemu River to Hemu Bridge, where the clear stream flows beneath, flanked by birch forests and wildflowers.

I. Itinerary Highlights: Unlock the Secret Realms of Spring and Summer in AltayNoon:Dine in Hemu Village. Recommended dishes include “local hot pot” and “sea buckthorn juice.” The local hot pot uses cold-resistant mutton and naturally grown mushrooms as the base, with a milky-white and delicious broth; sea buckthorn juice, made from locally grown sea buckthorn, is sweet and sour, aiding digestion and serving as an excellent palate cleanser.
Afternoon:Head to the Kanas Scenic Area, focusing on visiting Fairy Bay and Moon Bay. The morning mist at Fairy Bay is thickest before 10 a.m., with the lake surface mirroring the snow-capped mountains and forests; the “S”-shaped river bend at Moon Bay shimmers blue-green in the sunlight. It is recommended to walk from the viewing platform to the riverbank to feel the coolness of the water up close.
Evening:Check into a hotel in Jadenyk, the transfer hub for the Kanas Scenic Area, offering numerous dining and accommodation options. It is recommended to choose a hotel close to the scenic area entrance for convenient entry the next day.
Day 4:Jadenyk – Ahe Highway – Altay City
Morning: Depart from Jadenyk and drive south along the Ahe Highway. Dubbed the “most beautiful self-drive highway in Northern Xinjiang,” the approximately 209-kilometer route passes through flower viewing spots such as Xiaodonggou Forest Park, Wuxilike Wetland, and Yeka Gorge. In June, globeflowers and adonis are in full bloom, carpeting the hillsides along the highway with colorful wildflowers, ideal for stopping for photos.
Noon: Dine at a herdsman’s homestay midway along the Ahe Highway. Recommended dishes include “stewed pancakes (hurdak)” and “camel milk tofu.” The stewed pancakes are made with mutton, potatoes, and carrots, topped with hand-pulled noodles that absorb the broth, resulting in a soft and delicious texture; camel milk tofu, similar in texture to cheese, is eaten with black honey and is a local summer specialty dessert.
Afternoon:Arrive in Altay City to conclude the itinerary. If time permits, visit the Altay Chinese Herbal Medicine Museum to learn about the naturally growing vegetation and herbal medicine specimens of the Altai Mountains. The museum also offers free consultations with traditional Chinese medicine masters.
III. Pricing Information: Transparent Reference, Contract Prevails

The spring and summer in Altay are like a palette overturned by the Creator—the snow on the Altai Mountains has not yet completely melted, yet the foothills are already carpeted with globeflowers and wild peonies; the tributaries of the Irtysh River wind through the morning mist, reflecting the smoke from the wooden houses of the Tuvans; the blue waves of Kanas Lake ripple under the sunlight, and the morning mist at Fairy Bay gently caresses the river surface like a veil. This 4-day customized vehicle itinerary avoids the hustle and bustle of conventional tour groups, delving into lesser-known secret realms such as the Grassland Stone City and the Tolehat Pasture. Combining the flexibility of self-driving with the professional guidance of local drivers, it allows travelers to immerse themselves in the beauty of Altay’s spring and summer over four days.Customized Vehicle Fees
Seven-seater business vehicle (including driver):Approximately 1,200-1,600 yuan/day (off-peak season), potentially rising to 1,800 yuan/day during peak season (July-August);
Nine-seater minibus:Approximately 1,600-2,200 yuan/day;
Fees include vehicle usage, driver service, and basic insurance, excluding fuel, tolls, and driver’s accommodation and meals (negotiable to include in the total price).
Scenic Area Tickets
Grassland Stone City:Ticket + shuttle bus approximately 120 yuan/person;
Kanas Scenic Area:Ticket + shuttle bus approximately 230 yuan/person (including Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, Wulong Bay, etc.);
Hemu Village:Ticket + shuttle bus approximately 102 yuan/person;

II. Simple Itinerary: Daily Key ArrangementsThe above prices are reference prices for 2026 and are subject to the scenic area’s daily public notices. Discounts for children, seniors, and other eligible groups require valid identification.
Dining and Accommodation
Dining:Approximately 50-100 yuan per person per meal, varying based on restaurant tier and dish selection;
Accommodation:Hotels in Jimunai County approximately 300-500 yuan/night, wooden cabin homestays in Hemu Village approximately 500-800 yuan/night, hotels in Jadenyk approximately 400-600 yuan/night, hotels in Altay City approximately 300-500 yuan/night;
The above prices are market reference prices for 2026, with actual fees subject to fluctuations based on season, room type, booking time, etc. It is advisable to book in advance for discounts.
IV. Registration Method: Professional Service, Effortless Travel
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for specific itinerary details and pricing. The following information is required for registration:Travel dates and duration, group size, departure and destination points, general itinerary arrangements, and any special requests regarding vehicle tier or driver services. The travel agency will customize the itinerary based on travelers’ needs and provide a detailed fee breakdown and contract.
V. Fee and Service Explanations: Clear and Transparent, Rights Guaranteed

Day 1: Altay City – Grassland Stone City – Jimunai CountyFees Include:Customized vehicle fees, first entrance tickets to scenic areas, accommodation fees (default double occupancy; single travelers will be coordinated for room sharing, with special cases requiring separate negotiation), basic dining (some itineraries include specialty meals), professional driver services, and basic travel insurance.
Fees Exclude:Personal expenses (e.g., shopping, entertainment), optional self-funded activities outside the itinerary, and additional fees due to force majeure (e.g., traffic delays or scenic area closures due to weather).
Service Explanations: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency provides 24-hour customer support. Any issues during the itinerary can be resolved by contacting customer service at any time. All drivers hold valid licenses and professional qualifications, familiar with road conditions and scenic spots in the Altay region. Vehicles undergo regular maintenance and are equipped with first aid kits and basic repair tools. The travel agency will make reasonable adjustments to the itinerary based on weather and road conditions to ensure the best traveler experience.
The specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing. After both parties sign the contract, the travel agency will provide services as agreed, and travelers are required to pay fees as stipulated in the contract.
VI. Pre-Trip Tips: Details Determine the Experience
Equipment Checklist:Altay experiences significant temperature variations between day and night in spring and summer. Bring a windbreaker, light down jacket, sunscreen (SPF50+), lip balm, wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses; for hiking, wear waterproof, non-slip mid-top hiking boots, avoiding mesh running shoes or sandals; photography enthusiasts are advised to bring a wide-angle lens (for panoramic flower field shots), a 100mm macro lens (for flower close-ups), and a tripod (for use in homestays; prohibited in scenic areas).
Transportation Tips:The Ahe Highway has no gas stations along the route; refuel in Altay City or Burqin before departure. Mountainous areas have unstable signals, so download offline maps from Gaode or Baidu in advance. For customized vehicles, choose licensed operational vehicles; local drivers are familiar with shortcuts on stone roads, but avoid undeveloped routes in non-off-road vehicles.
Cultural Respect: When photographing local yurts or livestock, smile and gesture first. Offering a bottle of beverage or fruit will likely result in a friendly invitation for tea inside the yurt. Do not step on the threshold when entering a yurt, and avoid touching household items casually. During the bonfire party, follow the Tuvans’ lead in dancing and avoid acting independently.
The spring and summer in Altay are love letters to nature, with every petal and wisp of morning mist telling the story of this land. Choose a 4-day customized vehicle deep tour to let professional drivers and local guides lead you away from the crowds, encountering an authentic and pure Altay beside mountain streams and among grassland flower fields.

Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation