2026 10 Day In Depth Self Drive Tour Around Altay Lakes Car Rental Quotes for Scenic Spots Along Ulungur Lake and Akekule Lake Recommended Itinerary Pricing

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

Icon prefix:🌄【2026 Altay 10-Day In-Depth Customized Car Tour Around Lakes: Exploring the Secret Realms of Ulungur Lake and Akekule Lake】
Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination
The Altay region, located in northern Xinjiang and centered around the Altai Mountains, features a diverse landscape of alpine lakes, virgin forests, grassland wetlands, and more. In the summer of 2026, two major lakes here—Ulungur Lake and Akekule Lake—have become popular destinations for in-depth travelers.
Ulungur Lake: Xinjiang’s second-largest freshwater lake, with a surface area of 1,035 square kilometers, divided into two parts: the Big Sea and the Small Sea. In summer, the lake’s surface ripples with waves, and the surrounding wetlands serve as habitats for migratory birds, where over 20 species such as egrets and grey cranes can be observed. The lakeside features cycling paths and viewing platforms, suitable for hiking or cycling around the lake.
Akekule Lake: Nestled in the heart of the Altai Mountains, known as the “White Lake” due to its milky white appearance caused by mineral-rich waters. Surrounded by cedars and spruces, the alpine meadows at an altitude of 2,500 meters are carpeted with wildflowers in summer, making it a paradise for photography and hiking enthusiasts. Access to the lake area requires transferring to a shuttle bus, with a daily limit of 1,800 visitors, so advance reservations are required.
Core Scenic Spots Connection:The itinerary covers two scenic highways: S21 Desert Highway and Ahe Highway, offering opportunities to capture the unique sights of Yardang landforms, desert poplars, and snow-capped mountains alongside grasslands. Passing by classic northern Xinjiang attractions such as Koktokay National Geological Park and Hemu Village, it provides a balanced experience of nature and culture.
Simple Itinerary (10 Days, 9 Nights)
The following itinerary is designed based on actual operations in July 2026. Specific stops can be adjusted based on weather, road conditions, and tourist needs through consultation:
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport from various locations and take the airport shuttle bus (20 RMB/person, operating until 22:00) to a downtown hotel.

Icon prefix: 🌄【2026 Altay 10-Day In-Depth Customized Car Tour Around Lakes: Exploring the Secret Realms of Ulungur Lake and Akekule Lake】Hold a pre-trip briefing in the afternoon to confirm vehicle type, route, and emergency contact information.
Day 2:Urumqi → Ulungur Lake (approximately 6-hour drive)
Traverse the Gurbantunggut Desert along the S21 Desert Highway, with stops at desert viewing platforms for photography.
Upon arrival at Ulungur Lake, take a boat tour of the Big Sea and experience stargazing at the lakeside camping base in the evening.
Day 3:Ulungur Lake → Akekule Lake (approximately 5-hour drive)
Travel along the Ahe Highway, with stops at snow-capped mountain passes and alpine meadow photography spots.
In the afternoon, transfer to a shuttle bus to enter the core area of Akekule Lake and hike to a high viewing point for a panoramic view of the lake.
Day 4:In-Depth Tour of Akekule Lake
Spend the day hiking around the lake and exploring the surrounding cedar forests and wildflower meadows.
Participate in a local family visit to experience folk activities such as milking cows and making dairy products.

Detailed Introduction to the Route or DestinationDay 5:Akekule Lake → Hemu Village (approximately 4-hour drive)
Pass by Kanas Lake for a brief stop to photograph the Three Bays (Fairy Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay).
Arrive at Hemu Village in the evening, check into a Tuva wooden house, and enjoy local hot pot and baked nang for dinner.
Day 6:Hemu Village → Burqin (approximately 3-hour drive)
Capture the morning mist in Hemu early in the day, then head to the五彩滩 (Colorful Beach) scenic area to view the Yardang landforms alongside the Irtysh River.
Arrive in Burqin in the evening, take a night tour of the Sino-Russian Old Wharf风情街 (Style Street), and taste grilled dogfish and kvass.
Day 7:Burqin → Devil City → Karamay (approximately 5-hour drive)
Tour Urho Devil City in the morning and take a mini train through the wind-eroded landforms.
Arrive in Karamay in the afternoon and visit Heiyoushan Geological Park to learn about the history of oil extraction.
Day 8:Karamay → Sayram Lake (approximately 6-hour drive)

The Altay region, located in northern Xinjiang and centered around the Altai Mountains, features a diverse landscape of alpine lakes, virgin forests, grassland wetlands, and more. In the summer of 2026, two major lakes here—Ulungur Lake and Akekule Lake—have become popular destinations for in-depth travelers.Traverse the Junggar Basin and enjoy the Gobi Desert scenery along the way.
Arrive at Sayram Lake in the evening, drive around the lake to Xihai Grassland, and photograph the sunset.
Day 9:Sayram Lake → Urumqi (approximately 7-hour drive)
Capture the morning mist on the lake early in the day, then return via the Lianhuo Expressway.
Stop at Kuitun Grand Canyon along the way to photograph the canyon landforms.
Day 10:Departure from Urumqi
See off to the airport according to flight schedules and conclude the itinerary.
Price Description (Reference Range for 2026)
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency provides compliant operational vehicles ranging from 7 to 55 seats. Fees are comprehensively priced based on vehicle type and number of days, including vehicle use, driver services, fuel, tolls, and basic insurance. Below are the average daily reference prices for some vehicle types (specific prices subject to customer service quotes):
7-Seater Business Vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8):1,400-1,600 RMB/day

Ulungur Lake: Xinjiang’s second-largest freshwater lake, with a surface area of 1,035 square kilometers, divided into two parts: the Big Sea and the Small Sea. In summer, the lake’s surface ripples with waves, and the surrounding wetlands serve as habitats for migratory birds, where over 20 species such as egrets and grey cranes can be observed. The lakeside features cycling paths and viewing platforms, suitable for hiking or cycling around the lake.9-Seater Refitted Business Vehicle:1,800-2,100 RMB/day
14-Seater Luxury Business Vehicle:2,200-2,600 RMB/day
17-Seater Minibus:2,800-3,200 RMB/day
Fees Exclude:
Scenic area admission tickets and shuttle bus tickets (e.g., Kanas 160 RMB + shuttle bus 70 RMB, Hemu 50 RMB + shuttle bus 52 RMB)
Tourists’ personal meals, accommodation, and self-funded items (e.g., horseback riding, boat tours)
Driver’s meal and accommodation allowances (borne by the travel agency, no additional payment required from tourists)
Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. When inquiring, please provide your travel dates, number of people, vehicle type preferences, and special needs. Staff will assist in matching compliant operational vehicles and coordinating itinerary details.
Fee Description and Service Description

Akekule Lake: Nestled in the heart of the Altai Mountains, known as the “White Lake” due to its milky white appearance caused by mineral-rich waters. Surrounded by cedars and spruces, the alpine meadows at an altitude of 2,500 meters are carpeted with wildflowers in summer, making it a paradise for photography and hiking enthusiasts. Access to the lake area requires transferring to a shuttle bus, with a daily limit of 1,800 visitors, so advance reservations are required.Fees Include:Compliant operational vehicle use fees, professional driver services (working no more than 10 hours per day), vehicle fuel and tolls, and basic insurance.
Service Details:
All vehicles hold a Road Transport Certificate, and drivers possess tourism passenger transport qualification certificates and receive regular training.
If traffic control, scenic area visitor limits, or weather conditions affect the itinerary, both parties can agree to make reasonable route changes through consultation.
For single travelers, we will do our best to coordinate shared rooms. Special circumstances require separate consultation.
All service content, prices, and responsibility divisions are based on the written contract signed by both parties and comply with relevant regulations.
Precautions
Scenic Area Reservations:Core scenic areas such as Kanas and Hemu require advance reservations 1-3 days in advance through the “Visit Xinjiang One-Code Tour” mini-program with real-name authentication.
Equipment Suggestions:The Altay region experiences significant temperature differences between day and night. In summer, bring windproof jackets and sun protection items; for hiking sections, wear non-slip shoes.
Policy Changes:The opening time of the Dukou Highway is subject to announcements from the transportation department. If the itinerary involves this road section, pay attention to real-time information.
Summer in Altay is the tranquility of alpine lakes, the breath of virgin forests, and the smoke rising from Tuva wooden houses. Choose a compliant customized vehicle and a local driver familiar with the road conditions to make this journey a precious memory of your dialogue with nature. For further details on the itinerary or to obtain recent quotes, please contact Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.

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