How to Travel in Northern Xinjiang by Special Train in Golden Autumn Altay Hemu Plus Price Guide Recommended Itinerary Costs

Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.

Exploring the Autumn Fairy Tale of Northern Xinjiang:Comprehensive Guide to the Altay Hemu Special Train Deep Tour
[Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination]
When autumn’s brush sweeps across the land of northern Xinjiang, Hemu Village in Altay transforms into a fairy-tale world. This Tuvan village, surrounded by birch forests, features wooden houses shrouded in morning mist, the winding Hemu River, and golden meadows set against distant snow-capped mountains, weaving together a breathtaking autumn tapestry. In the golden autumn of 2026, a specially designed northern Xinjiang special train for in-depth experiences will take you through the three core scenic areas of Kanas, Hemu, and Koktokay, avoiding the peak National Day crowds. From mid-to-late September to early October, spend 7 days unlocking a comfortable experience of northern Xinjiang’s autumn colors.
Itinerary Highlights:
Hiking the Three Bays of Kanas:Fairy Bay morning mist, Moon Bay ‘footprints’, and Wolong Bay shoals—these three iconic landscapes form the soul corridor of northern Xinjiang’s autumn colors.
Immersive Experience in Hemu Village:Stay in characteristic wooden house homestays, ascend the Haden Viewing Platform in the morning to capture the pastoral return amidst morning mist, stroll along the birch forest boardwalk in the evening, and gaze at the Milky Way under the night sky.
Geological Exploration in Koktokay:Traverse the Irtysh River Grand Canyon, visit the historical site of Mine Pit No. 3, and feel the collision between geological wonders and industrial civilization.
Customized Special Train Services:Utilize 7-seater business vehicles or 19-seater minibusses throughout the journey, equipped with professional driver-guides. Flexibly adjust the itinerary pace to avoid crowded sections of conventional tours.
[Simple Itinerary]
Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
Afternoon:Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, transfer by private car to downtown hotel for check-in.
Evening:Free activities recommended at the International Bazaar; taste Xinjiang specialties like baked buns and hand-pulled rice.

Exploring the Autumn Fairy Tale of Northern Xinjiang: Comprehensive Guide to the Altay Hemu Special Train Deep TourDay 2:Urumqi → Koktokay (approx. 500 km, 6-hour drive)
Morning:Head north along National Highway G216, traverse the edge of the Gurbantunggut Desert, and observe autumn desert plant landscapes.
Afternoon:Arrive at Koktokay National Geological Park, tour the Irtysh River Grand Canyon, and photograph the contrast between ochre rock layers and autumn birches.
Accommodation:Koktokay Town Hot Spring Hotel (includes natural sulfur spring pool)
Day 3:Koktokay → Kanas (approx. 350 km, 5-hour drive)
Morning:Visit the Mine Pit No. 3 Geological Museum to learn about the history of rare metal mining.
Afternoon:Traverse the Altai Mountains, stop at grassland viewing platforms along the way to photograph autumn pastures.
Evening:Arrive at Kanas Scenic Area, transfer by shuttle bus into the area, and check into an old village wooden house inn.
Day 4:In-Depth Kanas Tour
Early Morning:Photograph Fairy Bay morning mist (arrive before 7:30 AM)
Morning:Hike the wooden boardwalk from Moon Bay to Wolong Bay (approx. 4 km)
Afternoon:Ascend Guanyu Platform for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake (requires climbing 1,068 steps)

[Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination]Accommodation:High-end wooden house in Kanas New Village (with viewing terrace)
Day 5:Kanas → Hemu (approx. 70 km, 2-hour drive)
Morning:Head to Hemu Village, stop at birch forest photography spots along the way.
Afternoon:Free activities recommended: horseback riding to Beautiful Peak, experience traditional Tuvan milk tea making.
Evening:Photograph the sunset at Haden Viewing Platform; attend a bonfire party at night (weather permitting).
Accommodation:Standalone wooden house along the Hemu River (includes floor heating)
Day 6:Hemu → Burqin (approx. 180 km, 3-hour drive)
Early Morning:Ascend Haden Viewing Platform again to capture the classic scene of pastoral return amidst morning mist.
Morning:Return via the Ahe Highway, photograph autumn colors of alpine meadows along the way.
Afternoon:Arrive in Burqin County, tour the Colorful Beach Scenic Area (excellent lighting during sunset).
Accommodation:Four-diamond hotel in Burqin County (includes Russian-style dinner)
Day 7:Burqin → Urumqi (approx. 500 km, 7-hour drive)

When autumn’s brush sweeps across the land of northern Xinjiang, Hemu Village in Altay transforms into a fairy-tale world. This Tuvan village, surrounded by birch forests, features wooden houses shrouded in morning mist, the winding Hemu River, and golden meadows set against distant snow-capped mountains, weaving together a breathtaking autumn tapestry. In the golden autumn of 2026, a specially designed northern Xinjiang special train for in-depth experiences will take you through the three core scenic areas of Kanas, Hemu, and Koktokay, avoiding the peak National Day crowds. From mid-to-late September to early October, spend 7 days unlocking a comfortable experience of northern Xinjiang’s autumn colors.Morning:Free activities recommended: shop for specialty products like nuts and dried fruits at the Burqin River Embankment Night Market.
Noon:Return via National Highway G217, pass by the Karamay Oil Field Viewing Platform.
Evening:Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport; end of itinerary.
[Price Description]
2026 Autumn Special Train Customized Tour Per Capita Reference Price:
Economy (6-8 person group):5,800-6,800 RMB/person
Comfort (4-6 person group):7,500-8,500 RMB/person
Fees Include:
Transportation:Full journey 7-seater business vehicle/19-seater minibus (includes fuel, tolls, driver service)
Accommodation:6 nights of characteristic accommodations (Kanas/Hemu wooden houses + Burqin/Koktokay hotels)
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets and shuttle buses for Kanas, Hemu, Koktokay, and Colorful Beach
Meals:6 breakfasts + 3 special main meals (Burqin cold-water fish, Hemu local hot pot, etc.)

Itinerary Highlights:Services:Professional driver-guide service, travel accident insurance, basic photography guidance
Note:Prices may fluctuate based on travel dates and resource availability; specifics are subject to the signed travel contract. Solo registrants will be coordinated for room-sharing as much as possible; special circumstances require separate negotiation.
[Registration Method]
You can register and inquire through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency; Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing will provide detailed itinerary plans and availability information.
[Fee Description and Service Description]
Fees Include:
Official tourism vehicles for the entire journey (7-19 seater models matched according to group size)
Hotel accommodations listed in the itinerary (double standard rooms, includes breakfast)
First admission tickets and necessary shuttle buses for scenic areas
Some special meals (e.g., Burqin cold-water fish banquet, Hemu local hot pot)
Driver or guide services (depending on product type)
Fees Do Not Include:

Hiking the Three Bays of Kanas: Fairy Bay morning mist, Moon Bay ‘footprints’, and Wolong Bay shoals—these three iconic landscapes form the soul corridor of northern Xinjiang’s autumn colors.Round-trip transportation to Xinjiang (airfare/train tickets)
Personal expenses, optional self-funded projects within scenic areas (e.g., boat tours, travel photography)
(Price adjustments required for special circumstances)
Service Description:
Hotel room types, flight schedules, scenic area opening status, etc., involved in the itinerary may change due to seasons, policies, or force majeure factors; reasonable itinerary adjustments can be made upon mutual agreement.
All service content, prices, refund/change rules, etc., are subject to the Tourism Law of the People’s Republic of China and the signed electronic or paper contract between both parties.
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
[Practical Tips]
Document Preparation:A permit is required in advance for traveling to border areas like Baihaba; it is recommended to apply at your local police station or the Burqin County Government Affairs Hall.
Equipment Suggestions:Northern Xinjiang has large temperature variations between day and night in late September; bring a windbreaker, fleece jacket, warm hat. Photography enthusasts are advised to bring a tripod and polarizing filter.
Communication Guarantee:Mobile/telecom signals have good coverage within the Kanas Scenic Area, but some areas in Hemu Village recommend 2G signal; downloading offline maps in advance is advised.
Photography Timing:Optimal time for photographing Hemu morning mist is 6:30-7:30 AM; arriving early to secure a spot is recommended. Photographing sunrise at Kanas Guanyu Platform requires departure at 5:30 AM.
When autumn sunlight gilds the birch forests with gold and wisps of smoke rise from Hemu Village amidst morning mist, northern Xinjiang’s autumn reveals its most captivating side to the world. This specially designed in-depth route for autumn will guide you away from the crowds, allowing you to capture northern Xinjiang’s most vibrant colors and purest cultural charm in the comfortable rhythm of the special train.

Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.