2026 Altay Private 13 Day Independent Chartered Car Tour with Three Seas, Koktokay, and Khaba Loop Route Stop Anywhere Rental Price Inquiry Recommended Itinerary Cost

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation

Icon prefix:⭐【2026 Altay Private 13-Day Custom Vehicle Tour: Sandaohaizi · Koktokay · Baihaba Loop In-Depth Exploration】⭐
If you yearn for a journey far from the hustle, deep into nature’s heart, Altay’s 13-day custom vehicle loop will fulfill all your imaginations of Northern Xinjiang. From snow-capped mountains and grasslands to canyons and lakes, from border villages to hidden lakes, this route connects the most exquisite natural and cultural landscapes of the Altay region, allowing stops for photos and flexible pace adjustments throughout. Detailed guide below:
I. Detailed Route or Destination Introduction
【Sandaohaizi (Three Lakes)】
Located northeast of Qinghe County, Sandaohaizi is a lesser-known secret realm in Altay. It consists of three alpine lakes connected in series, with lake colors changing with the seasons—turquoise like a mirror in summer and golden reflections in autumn. Surrounded by primeval forests and grasslands, with occasional local yurts dotting the landscape. Due to its remoteness, a 4WD off-road vehicle is required to traverse gravel roads to reach it, suitable for travelers seeking in-depth experiences.
【Koktokay National Geopark】
Famous for its “geological wonders,” core attractions include Zhongshan (Bell Mountain), the Irtysh Grand Canyon, and Mine Pit No. 3. Zhongshan is named for its granite formations resembling a giant bell, with the Irtysh River flowing through the canyon, creating a profound gorge. Mine Pit No. 3, once a “meritorious mine” repaying Soviet debts, now allows visits to the mine tunnels and geological museum. In 2026, admission with shuttle bus is 126 RMB/person, open from 9:00-19:00.
【Baihaba Village】
Known as the “No. 1 Village in the Northwest,” located in … (requires advance permit, obtainable on-site at Burqin or Kanas scenic area). The village features log cabins and golden birch forests, with classic scenes of wooden house smoke amid morning fog in autumn. To protect the ecology, daily village entry will be limited starting in 2026; advance reservations are recommended.
【Kanas Lake】

Icon prefix: ⭐【2026 Altay Private 13-Day Custom Vehicle Tour: Sandaohaizi · Koktokay · Baihaba Loop In-Depth Exploration】⭐Famous for its “lake monster” legend and morning mists over three bays. Within the scenic area, take shuttle buses to visit Moon Bay, Wolong Bay, and Fairy Bay, and ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic lake view. In 2026, admission is 160 RMB/person, shuttle bus 70 RMB/person, open from 8:00-20:00.
【Hemu Village】
A village surrounded by birch forests and snow-capped mountains, with morning fog, starry skies, and wooden houses creating a photographer’s paradise. Hike to Haden Viewing Platform for sunrise shots or ride horses deep into the grasslands. In 2026, admission is 50 RMB/person, shuttle bus 52 RMB/person.
【Colorful Beach】
Yadan landforms contrast with the Irtysh River; at sunset, rocks display red, yellow, purple, and other hues, ideal for evening photography. Admission is 45 RMB/person, open year-round.
II. Simple Itinerary Reference (13-Day Loop)
Day 1:Urumqi → Koktokay (approx. 6-hour drive)
Upon arrival, visit Zhongshan and the Irtysh Grand Canyon; overnight in Koktokay Town.
Day 2:Koktokay → Sandaohaizi (approx. 4-hour gravel road)
Traverse primeval forests to reach Sandaohaizi; hike or ride horses to explore the lakes; overnight in nearby local yurts (advance contact required).
Day 3:Sandaohaizi → Fuyun County (approx. 3 hours)
2026 Altay Private 13-Day Custom Vehicle Tour: Sandaohaizi Koktokay Baihaba Loop Stop-and-Go Rental Price Inquiry _ Recommended Route Cost Photo 2
If you yearn for a journey far from the hustle, deep into nature’s heart, Altay’s 13-day custom vehicle loop will fulfill all your imaginations of Northern Xinjiang. From snow-capped mountains and grasslands to canyons and lakes, from border villages to hidden lakes, this route connects the most exquisite natural and cultural landscapes of the Altay region, allowing stops for photos and flexible pace adjustments throughout. Detailed guide below:Return to Fuyun for rest; visit Mine Pit No. 3 Geological Museum.
Day 4:Fuyun → Burqin (approx. 5 hours)
Pass through Beitun City; arrive in Burqin by evening to sample grilled fish and other local specialties.
Day 5:Burqin → Kanas (approx. 4 hours)
Transfer to shuttle buses to enter the scenic area; visit the three bays; overnight in Jiadengyu or Kanas Village.
Day 6:In-Depth Kanas Exploration
Ascend Guanyu Platform, take a boat tour (subject to availability), and head to Hemu Village in the evening.
Day 7:Full Day in Hemu Village
Photograph morning fog and birch forests, experience Tuwa culture; overnight in a wooden cabin.
Day 8:Hemu → Baihaba (approx. 2 hours, permit required)
Tour the border village; return to Kanas or Burqin by evening.
2026 Altay Private 13-Day Custom Vehicle Tour: Sandaohaizi Koktokay Baihaba Loop Stop-and-Go Rental Price Inquiry _ Recommended Route Cost Photo 3
I. Detailed Route or Destination IntroductionDay 9:Burqin → Colorful Beach → Urho Devil City (approx. 5 hours)
Photograph Colorful Beach at sunset; overnight in Urho Town.
Day 10:Urho → Sayram Lake (approx. 6 hours)
Traverse the Gurbantunggut Desert to reach “the last tear of the Atlantic”—Sayram Lake (add this stop if time permits).
Day 11:Sayram Lake → Kuitun (approx. 4 hours)
Tour around the lake before heading to Kuitun; overnight in the city.
Day 12:Kuitun → Urumqi (approx. 3 hours)
Return to Urumqi; end of itinerary (or adjust airport transfer time based on flight schedule).
Day 13:Buffer Day (flexible changes)
If weather or road conditions change, reserve 1 day for itinerary adjustments, such as adding a Kanas hike or Hemu starry sky photography.
2026 Altay Private 13-Day Custom Vehicle Tour: Sandaohaizi Koktokay Baihaba Loop Stop-and-Go Rental Price Inquiry _ Recommended Route Cost Photo 4
【Sandaohaizi (Three Lakes)】III. Pricing Explanation
【Vehicle Types and Fee Reference (2026)】
7-Seater Business Vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8):1,000-1,500 RMB/day (seasonal fluctuations)
9-Seater Off-Road Vehicle (suitable for unpaved roads like Sandaohaizi):1,200-1,800 RMB/day
Fees typically include:Vehicle rental, fuel, tolls, driver service fees.
Excludes:Driver’s accommodation subsidy (approx. 150-200 RMB/day, borne by tourists), admission tickets, accommodation, meals, and personal expenses like in-scenic area shuttle buses.
Note:Prices may fluctuate based on travel dates and route changes; the contract terms shall prevail.
IV. Registration Method
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency; provide group size, dates, and preferred attractions. Customer service will customize the itinerary and provide a quotation.
V. Fee Explanation and Service Description
Services include:Licensed tourism vehicles, certified local drivers, basic travel accident insurance, fuel/toll fees within the itinerary.
2026 Altay Private 13-Day Custom Vehicle Tour: Sandaohaizi Koktokay Baihaba Loop Stop-and-Go Rental Price Inquiry _ Recommended Route Cost Photo 5
Located northeast of Qinghe County, Sandaohaizi is a lesser-known secret realm in Altay. It consists of three alpine lakes connected in series, with lake colors changing with the seasons—turquoise like a mirror in summer and golden reflections in autumn. Surrounded by primeval forests and grasslands, with occasional local yurts dotting the landscape. Due to its remoteness, a 4WD off-road vehicle is required to traverse gravel roads to reach it, suitable for travelers seeking in-depth experiences.Excludes:First admission tickets and internal transportation for each scenic area, personal expenses, and additional costs due to force majeure.
Special Reminder:
If uncontrollable factors like sudden weather changes, road closures, or temporary scenic area shutdowns occur during the itinerary, both parties may negotiate reasonable route or schedule adjustments.
For solo travelers, our agency will try to arrange shared rooms; special cases require separate negotiation.
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
VI. Practical Information
Season Selection:June-August offers pleasant weather; late September-early October features stunning autumn colors; some high-altitude roads may close in winter.
Clothing Preparation:Altay has large temperature differences between day and night; even in summer, bring windproof and warm outerwear; hiking shoes are recommended for areas like Sandaohaizi.
Environmental Requirements:Littering is strictly prohibited in scenic areas; drone flights are banned in some zones; please follow signage instructions.
Permits:A valid ID is required in advance to visit Baihaba; obtain on-site at the Burqin County Public Security or Kanas Scenic Area Service Center (free).
Consultation Contact:For details, consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
The beauty of Altay lies in its vastness and tranquility. Choose a custom vehicle tour to let experienced drivers and flexible itineraries take you deep into this land, avoiding crowds and experiencing Northern Xinjiang’s snow-capped mountains, lakes, and morning mists at your own pace. A little more communication before departure ensures greater ease on the road.