2026 Altay Off Peak 8 Day Mid Season Private Car Tour Avoid Crowds, Explore Koktokay Canyon, Scenic Photography Vehicle Rental Price Inquiry Recommended Itinerary Cost
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send the itinerary and quotation.
⭐【2026 Altay Off-Peak 8-Day In-Depth Tour | Koktokay Canyon Secret Realm + Immersive Experience in Grassland Villages】⭐
I. Itinerary Highlights: Explore the Secret Realms of Northern Xinjiang Away from the Crowds
The Altay region is renowned for its scenic beauty in all four seasons. In 2026, during the off-peak season (May and October), the number of tourists is recommended to be 40% of that during the peak season, making it an ideal time for photography and hiking enthusiasts. This itinerary focuses on three core experiences:
Geological Wonders:Venture deep into the Koktokay National Geopark to visit the No. 3 Mine Pit and the Irtysh River Grand Canyon, avoiding the crowded summer tour groups and enjoying the serene canyon scenery alone.
Grassland Villages:Stay in wooden houses within the scenic areas of Hemu Village and Baihaba Village, enjoying the exclusive morning mist and cooking smoke scenery without the need to rush to and from hotels in the city suburbs.
Border Scenery:Visit the border scenery of Baihaba Village, known as the “First Village in the Northwest,” and capture the sunset at the五彩滩 (Wucaitan) with its unique “two colors in one river” Yardang landform, avoiding the midday crowds and strong light.
II. Simple Itinerary (Reference for Off-Peak Season in May/October)
▶️ Day 1:Urumqi → Fuyun County (5-hour drive)
Highlights:Cross the Gurbantunggut Desert, arrive in Fuyun County in the evening, check into a quality hotel, and savor Northern Xinjiang specialties such as hand-grabbed meat and cold-water fish.
Flexible Adjustment:If arriving early, you can add a stop at the Ilimu Lake to capture the reflection of the snow-capped mountains.
▶️ Day 2:Geological Exploration in Koktokay
Morning:Visit the No. 3 Mine Pit (ticket + shuttle bus: 126 RMB/person), explore the meritorious mine tunnels, and learn about geological history.
Afternoon:Hike in the Irtysh River Grand Canyon (ticket + shuttle bus: 126 RMB/person), photograph the granite landforms and birch forests along the river valley.
⭐【2026 Altay Off-Peak 8-Day In-Depth Tour | Koktokay Canyon Secret Realm + Immersive Experience in Grassland Villages】⭐Accommodation:Stay consecutively in hotels in Fuyun County to avoid frequent luggage handling.
▶️ Day 3:Fuyun → Burqin (4-hour drive)
Morning:Pass by the Ilimu Lake to capture the scenic views of snow-capped mountains and lakes.
Afternoon:Exclusive sunset at the Wucaitan (ticket: 45 RMB/person), enter at 17:30, and photograph the Yardang landform and the Irtysh River along the barrier-free viewing corridor.
Dinner:Enjoy the night market on the Burqin River embankment, with recommendations for dogfish barbecue and baked buns.
▶️ Day 4:Burqin → Kanas (3-hour drive)
All Day:Explore the Kanas Scenic Area (ticket: 160 RMB/person + shuttle bus: 70 RMB/person):
Climb the Guanyu Platform (additional electric cart ticket: 20 RMB/person) for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake.
Hike the Three Bays (Fairy Bay → Moon Bay → Crouching Dragon Bay), focusing on capturing the “S-shaped” river curve at Moon Bay.
Accommodation:Stay in a wooden house within the Kanas Scenic Area, with a recommended 10-minute walk to the viewing platform.
▶️ Day 5:Kanas → Baihaba (1.5-hour drive)
Morning:Obtain a travel permit (free assistance provided), and head to Baihaba Village (ticket: 30 RMB/person + shuttle bus: 45 RMB/person).
Afternoon:Visit the border scenery of the “First Village in the Northwest” and photograph the border birch forests and solitary ancient trees.
Accommodation:Stay in a wooden house in Baihaba Village to experience the lifestyle of the Tuwa people.
I. Itinerary Highlights: Explore the Secret Realms of Northern Xinjiang Away from the Crowds▶️ Day 6:Baihaba → Hemu (3-hour drive)
Morning:Drive along the Ahe Highway through the grasslands, stopping at小众 (lesser-known) birch forest spots for photography.
Afternoon:Explore Hemu Village (ticket: 50 RMB/person + shuttle bus: 52 RMB/person):
Climb the Haden Viewing Platform to capture the morning mist (a key activity scheduled for the next morning).
Stroll along the Taiga Forest Boardwalk, visiting the Hemu Bridge and the popular swing.
Accommodation:Stay in a wooden house within the Hemu Village scenic area and participate in the village bonfire party.
▶️ Day 7:In-Depth Experience in Hemu
All Day:Free activities in Hemu Village:
Morning:Capture the morning mist and cooking smoke from 6:30-7:30, with the guide leading you to lesser-known spots to avoid the crowds.
Late Morning:Visit a Tuwa family to experience making milk tea and baersake (a type of fried bread).
Afternoon:Take a light hike in the Hemu grasslands and purchase local dairy product specialties (no mandatory purchases).
Accommodation:Stay consecutively in Hemu Village to avoid luggage handling.
▶️ Day 8:Hemu → Urumqi (return trip)
The Altay region is renowned for its scenic beauty in all four seasons. In 2026, during the off-peak season (May and October), the number of tourists is recommended to be 40% of that during the peak season, making it an ideal time for photography and hiking enthusiasts. This itinerary focuses on three core experiences:Morning:Flexible arrangements based on flight/train departure times:
Option 1:Visit the Burqin Maitai Century Bazaar for tea tasting and experience the local market culture.
Option 2:Tour the Irtysh River cold-water fish breeding base and savor a freshly caught and cooked fish feast.
Afternoon:Return to Urumqi to conclude the itinerary.
III. Pricing Information (Reference for Off-Peak Season in 2026)
Price Range:
Customized 5-seater SUV (2-person group):Approximately 800-900 RMB/day × 8 days = 6400-7200 RMB (including fuel, tolls, and driver service fees).
Accommodation:7 nights of characteristic accommodations (2 nights in a quality hotel in Fuyun + 4 nights in wooden houses within the Kanas/Hemu/Baihaba scenic areas + 1 night in a chain hotel in Burqin), approximately 2000-2500 RMB per person.
Tickets:First entrance tickets + shuttle buses for all core attractions, approximately 800-1000 RMB per person.
Meals:7 breakfasts and 14 main meals (including special meals), approximately 1000-1200 RMB per person.
Total Price Reference:Approximately 5100-5950 RMB per person for a group of 2 (subject to the contract, prices may fluctuate based on the departure date).
Fees Included:
Customized 5-seater SUV for the entire journey (new cars from 2022 onwards, fully insured).
7 nights of characteristic accommodations (primarily double rooms, with free upgrades to king rooms available).
Geological Wonders: Venture deep into the Koktokay National Geopark to visit the No. 3 Mine Pit and the Irtysh River Grand Canyon, avoiding the crowded summer tour groups and enjoying the serene canyon scenery alone. First entrance tickets + recommended shuttle buses for all attractions.
7 breakfasts and 14 main meals (including special Tuwa village farmhouse meals and cold-water fish feasts).
Accompanied by a licensed local guide for explanations and travel accident insurance.
24-hour airport/station pickup and drop-off, free assistance with obtaining travel permits.
Fees Not Included:
Round-trip transportation to Urumqi (airfare/train tickets).
Personal expenses (snacks, optional entertainment such as boat rides, horseback riding).
Optional paid services within attractions, such as electric carts and boat rides.
IV. Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for real-time departure dates and availability information.
V. Pricing Information and Service Descriptions
Contract Guarantee:All fee details are included in the travel contract, with tickets, transportation, accommodations, and meals listed item by item. No additional price differences will be charged for temporary price adjustments by scenic areas in 2026.
Vehicle Standards:The 5-seater SUVs are compliant tourist vehicles registered with Xinjiang Culture and Tourism, fully insured with seat insurance, compulsory third-party liability insurance, and carrier’s liability insurance. Drivers are licensed and receive annual unified training.
Grassland Villages: Stay in wooden houses within the scenic areas of Hemu Village and Baihaba Village, enjoying the exclusive morning mist and cooking smoke scenery without the need to rush to and from hotels in the city suburbs.Accommodation Standards:Selected文旅 (cultural tourism) rated compliant hotels and guesthouses, with wooden houses arranged within the Kanas/Hemu/Baihaba scenic areas, within walking distance to viewing platforms, and heating guaranteed during the snow season.
Meal Standards:Partner with local compliant restaurants, with fresh ingredients purchased daily, catering to both northern and southern tastes. Vegetarian options are available upon prior request if beef and lamb are not preferred.
Flexible Changes:Reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made by mutual agreement (in case of uncontrollable factors such as weather or road conditions).
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
VI. Pre-Trip Tips
Document Preparation:Valid identification, health code (as required by policies at the time).
Clothing Recommendations:Layered clothing (quick-dry base layer + fleece mid-layer + windproof outer layer), with a wide-brimmed hat that can be tied to prevent wind and provide sun protection.
Photography Tips:Kanas Lake has strong reflections, and Hemu’s morning mist has high humidity. It is recommended to use the “Portrait Mode” or “Night Mode” on your phone and manually adjust the exposure compensation to +0.3 for more accurate colors.
Travel Permits:No need for tourists to handle permits themselves; the travel agency provides free assistance. A photo of valid identification is required for recommendations.
✨ 【Itinerary Highlights Summary】✨
Off-Peak Travel:Recommended tourist volume during the off-peak season is 40% of that during the peak season, allowing you to enjoy the serene scenery of canyons and villages alone.
In-Depth Experience:Stay consecutively in wooden houses within scenic areas, enjoying the exclusive morning mist and cooking smoke in the mornings and avoiding tourist crowds.
Professional Services:Accompanied by a licensed guide for explanations, with compliant guarantees for vehicles, accommodations, and meals throughout the journey.
Flexible Customization:Supports changes in travel duration and the addition or removal of lesser-known attractions, with high flexibility to stop and go as you please.
Consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing at Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to embark on your journey to the secret realms of Northern Xinjiang!
Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send the itinerary and quotation.
