Kanas 5 Day Private Car Tour on Ahe Highway with In Depth Slow Travel and Visits to Dozens of Hidden Viewing Platform Detailed Cost Breakdown for Private Car Rental Recommended Route Price
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation
Star-rated Travel Recommendation:5-Day Customized Kanas Travel by Car: A Deep Slow Drive Along the Ahe Highway – Exploring Hidden Viewpoints and Natural Poetry in Northern Xinjiang
🌲 Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination
Ahe Highway:The “Thousand-Li Gallery” of Northern Xinjiang
The Ahe Highway stretches 209.45 kilometers from Altay City to Hemu Village, connecting seven landforms: canyons, forests, rivers, wetlands, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and stone forests. It is known as the “core of Northern Xinjiang’s eco-tourism route.” After resuming summer traffic in May 2026, it will allow passage for passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM daily, featuring 31 scenic viewpoints along the way, each poetically named—
“Cuiwei”:The silhouette of the Altai Mountains at dusk resembles a green ink painting, embodying the poetic imagery of Mao Zedong’s line, ‘The imperial sons descend with the wind to Cuiwei.’
“Cangming”:Not a sea, yet surpassing one, its deep ripples whisper tales of time, evoking Li Bai’s grandeur: ‘The Yellow River’s waters come from the sky.’
“Shuying”:Morning sunlight filters through branches, casting dappled gold. Lin Bu’s verse, ‘Sparse shadows slant across shallow water,’ comes alive without plum blossoms, yet a subtle fragrance lingers.
“Xiefang”:Wildflowers on the grassland gather a summer’s worth of fragrance, awaiting travelers to capture a wisp for their memories.
“Wuhai”:The world resembles blank rice paper, with distant mountains and trees fading into light ink outlines, as if stepping into the empty space of an ink painting.
“Xixun”:Shepherds drive sheep home, smoke curls around wooden cabins, and the sunset tints clouds like honey—Yu Xiuhua’s ‘most tender moment’ is frozen here.
“Tanyou”:Hidden surprises await deep in the forest, perhaps a soaring eagle or a mirror-still river reflecting the sky’s ‘azure expanse.’
Star-rated Travel Recommendation: 5-Day Customized Kanas Travel by Car: A Deep Slow Drive Along the Ahe Highway – Exploring Hidden Viewpoints and Natural Poetry in Northern XinjiangHemu Village:A Fairy-Tale Realm of the Tuvas
Hemu Village, known as a ‘hidden gem of the Tuvas,’ features wooden cabins built along river valleys, with snow-covered or grassy roofs, birch forests, and the Hemu River creating an oil-painting-like scene. Climb the Haden Platform at dawn to capture the village shrouded in morning mist; ride horses across the Meilifeng Grassland or hike lightly along the riverbank in the afternoon; gaze at the Milky Way at night, far from light pollution. The village preserves traditional Tuva lifestyles, allowing visits to century-old wooden houses and experiences in making kumis (fermented mare’s milk).
Kanas Lake:A Year-Round Poem of Deep-Water Mysteries
Kanas Lake, one of China’s deepest lakes, draws water from the glacial melt of Kuitun Peak, changing colors with the seasons: blue ice melt in spring, turquoise waves in summer, autumn foliage reflecting on the surface, and a mirror-like ice cover in winter. Surrounding the lake are ancient cirques, glacial horns, and other geological relics. Hike to Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view or take a boat tour to feel the gentle waves up close.
🚗 Simple Itinerary
Day 1:Gather in Altay – First Glimpse of Northern Xinjiang
Arrive in Altay City in the afternoon and visit the Altay Regional Museum to learn about local history and culture.
Head to Luotuofeng Park in the evening for a panoramic view of the city and sunset over the Kelan River.
Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Altay City to acclimate to the high-altitude climate.
Day 2:Traverse the Ahe Highway – Arrive in Hemu
Depart at 9:30 AM by customized vehicle along the Ahe Highway, stopping at Yeka Gorge and Wuxilike Viewpoint to photograph scenes like ‘Cuiwei’ and ‘Cangming.’
Arrive in Hemu Village in the afternoon and check into a characteristic wooden cabin homestay.
🌲 Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or DestinationAfternoon free time:Stroll across Hemu Bridge or rent horses to explore the grassland.
Dinner recommendation: Local hot pot, approximately 80 RMB per person.
Day 3:Deep Experience in Hemu – Morning Mist and Starry Sky
Climb the Haden Platform at 6:00 AM to photograph morning mist; return to the homestay for breakfast at 8:30 AM.
Morning free time:Visit a Tuva family and experience traditional archery.
Take a shuttle bus to the vicinity of Jike Pulin Ski Resort in the afternoon and hike to a viewpoint overlooking the river valley.
Join a bonfire party at night; stargazers can bring tripods to photograph the Milky Way.
Day 4:Kanas Lake – One Lake, Three Bays
Depart at 8:00 AM by customized vehicle to Kanas Scenic Area, approximately a 1.5-hour drive.
Enter the scenic area for a second time in the morning, take a boat tour to closely contact the lake water, and hike the boardwalks at Xian Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay (approximately 2 kilometers).
Visit the Kanas Folk Museum in the afternoon to learn about the customs of various ethnic groups.
Return to Jiadengyu in the evening and freely purchase local specialties like nuts and dairy products.
Ahe Highway: The “Thousand-Li Gallery” of Northern XinjiangDay 5:Return Journey – Pastoral Scenery
Depart at 8:00 AM by customized vehicle back to Altay City, stopping at Chonghu’er Town to photograph pastoral scenery along the way.
Arrive at Altay Airport/Railway Station in the afternoon to conclude the itinerary.
💰 Pricing Details
Customized Vehicle Fees (including reference prices for specified items in the itinerary)
Vehicle Options:
5-Seat Comfortable SUV (e.g., Honda CR-V):1,200-1,500 RMB/day (off-peak season), with a 30%-50% increase during peak season.
7-Seat Business Vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8):1,500-2,000 RMB/day (off-peak season), with a 30%-50% increase during peak season.
Fees Include:Vehicle usage, driver’s labor, fuel, tolls, parking, basic insurance (compulsory traffic insurance + commercial insurance, third-party liability ≥ 2 million RMB, seat insurance ≥ 500,000 RMB/seat).
Fees Exclude:Driver’s food and accommodation subsidies (recommended at 200 RMB/day, borne by tourists), scenic area entrance tickets, personal expenses, and self-funded items outside the itinerary.
Scenic Area Entrance Ticket Reference (subject to scenic area announcements)
The Ahe Highway stretches 209.45 kilometers from Altay City to Hemu Village, connecting seven landforms: canyons, forests, rivers, wetlands, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and stone forests. It is known as the “core of Northern Xinjiang’s eco-tourism route.” After resuming summer traffic in May 2026, it will allow passage for passenger vehicles with 7 seats or fewer from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM daily, featuring 31 scenic viewpoints along the way, each poetically named—Kanas Single Entry Ticket + Shuttle Bus:230 RMB/person
Hemu Entrance Ticket + Shuttle Bus:102 RMB/person
Guanyu Platform Ticket:Additional purchase required; price subject to scenic area announcements.
Total Budget Reference (for a group of 4)
Customized Vehicle Fees (5 days):Approximately 7,500-10,000 RMB for a 7-seat business vehicle (off-peak season), approximately 9,750-13,000 RMB during peak season.
Entrance Ticket Fees:Approximately 1,328 RMB/person (totaling 5,312 RMB for 4 people).
Accommodation Fees:Comfortable hotels or characteristic homestays cost approximately 350-900 RMB/night (totaling 1,400-3,600 RMB/person for 4 nights, totaling 5,600-14,400 RMB for 4 people).
Dining Fees:Team meal standard approximately 70-80 RMB/person/day (totaling 350-400 RMB/person for 5 days, totaling 1,400-1,600 RMB for 4 people).
Average Total Budget per Person:Approximately 3,900-6,100 RMB (off-peak season), subject to the contract signed.
📝 Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for details. Registration requires providing the traveler’s name, valid ID number, and contact information. Pay a deposit and sign an electronic contract.
📋 Fee Explanation and Service Description
“Cuiwei”: The silhouette of the Altai Mountains at dusk resembles a green ink painting, embodying the poetic imagery of Mao Zedong’s line, ‘The imperial sons descend with the wind to Cuiwei.’Fees Include:Customized vehicle fees, driver services, basic insurance, and first entrance tickets to scenic areas within the itinerary (subject to the contract).
Fees Exclude:Round-trip transportation, personal expenses, self-funded items outside the itinerary, and driver’s food and accommodation subsidies (recommended at 200 RMB/day).
Service Standards:
Vehicles:Legitimate tourism operation qualifications, with one experienced local driver per vehicle.
Accommodation:Comfortable hotels or characteristic homestays are arranged by default. Single travelers will be coordinated for room-sharing as much as possible; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
Itinerary Changes:Reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made by mutual agreement (in case of weather, road conditions, or policy changes).
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
✨ Special Tips
Some sections of the Ahe Highway have no cell phone signal; it is recommended to download offline maps in advance.
To photograph morning mist in Hemu, arrive at the viewpoint before 6:00 AM; for sunrise at Kanas Lake, choose Guanyu Platform.
When visiting a Tuva family, obtain the host’s permission before photographing indoor scenes.
In June, Hemu has large temperature differences between day and night; bring a fleece jacket and light down jacket; wear non-slip shoes and carry ice cleats for hiking.
The grandeur of Northern Xinjiang lies not only in its landscapes but also in every pause and discovery during the journey. Choose the customized slow travel by car offered by Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, allowing our professional team to handle transportation complexities so you can focus on feeling the poetry and distance of the Ahe Highway.
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send itinerary and quotation

