7 Days Scenic Northern Xinjiang Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Urumqi Arrival
   Explore the Vibrant Bazaar, Experiencing Local Crafts, Cuisine, and Culture

   So glad to have you on our 7-day Northern Xinjiang tour! When you arrive, the local driver will pick you up with a Joy Travel banner. Please book a flight arriving at Urumqi Diwobao Airport between 2 PM and 3 PM.

   

   After meeting all group members, you will start the exploration with Erdaoqiao International Bazaar, a symbol of Xinjiang's commercial and tourist prosperity, with its rich Islamic architectural style. You'll see a wide range of handmade products such as ethnic clothing, printed hats, carpets, and musical instruments for sale here. Take the opportunity to try some local specialties and taste some seasonal fruits, which are famous throughout the country.

   At the end of the visit, we will drive around 1.5 hours to a hotel near Heavenly Lake overnight.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: near Heavenly Lake

2. Day 2: Urumqi to Koktokay Town (460km/6hrs Driving)
   Visit the Stunning Heavenly Lake Surrounded by Alpine Scenery

   In the morning, go to the amazing Heavenly Lake, a picturesque Alpine lake that is 2,000m up in the Tianshan mountain range. You can choose to absorb the beautiful surroundings by taking a cruise, or trekking along the lake... (boat cruise is an optional activity, please pay by yourself if you want to experience)

   

   Later, drive to Fuyun for the night. On the way, we will pass by the Gurbantunggut Desert and the Kalamaili Nature Reserve. If you are lucky, you may see wild donkeys and goats running in the Gobi Desert. Stay overnight in Koktokay Town.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Koktokay

3. Day 3: Koktokay to Burqin Tour (320km/4-5 hrs driving)
   Uncover the Granite Deposits and Rare Minerals at Keketuohai Geological Park

   Today, we are going to explore Keketuohai National Geological Park, which covers an area of 2337.9 square kilometers and is characterized by typical granite deposits and mines. Among them, the No.3 Mine is the most worth-seeing, famous at home and abroad as the "Museum of Geology and Minerals", and the "Mecca" in the minds of Chinese and foreign geologists.

   

   The mine is home to 86 of the 140 minerals known to exist on earth, with rare metals accounting for more than 90% of the mine's reserves. You will learn more about the mysteries of this place from your professional guide.

   After saying goodbye to the Keketuohai, we head to Burqin for an overnight stay.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Burqin

4. Day 4: Burqin to Hemu Village (160km/3.5hrs Driving)
   Discover the Peaceful Landscapes and Traditional Tuva Culture

   Today, North Xinjiang group tour takes you to Hemu Village - a small picturesque village co-populated by Kazakhs and Tuva people. We will enter the village on a shuttle bus. It's truly a paradise for photographers. The tranquil village, dense woods, and herds of cattle and sheep make a picturesque landscape. You can freely walk around the village to experience the unique lifestyle of the local Tuva people who have lived here for centuries.

   

   Special note: please have lunch or dinner in this hotel, otherwise no breakfast will be provided. The Chinese-style meal is available in the hotel, around RMB80 per person, please pay there on your own.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Hemu

5. Day 5: Hemu to Kanas Tour (95km/2-3hrs Driving)
   Admire the Ever-changing Lakes at Kanas Nature Reserve

   The Kanas Nature Reserve is a pristine wilderness renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes and crystal-clear Kanas Lake. You may have never seen so a beautiful mountain lake. As the seasons change, the lake bursts into different colors, crystal blue, dark green, or even gray. Walking from one bay to another and taking some pictures, you will have a relaxing time immersing yourself in the idyllic beauty and embracing nature.

   

   Strolling along the Kanas River, you will see the virgin forests, Fairy Bay, Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Wild Duck Lake which would be a perfect chance to take nice pictures! After finishing the relaxing sightseeing, you will check into the hotel.

   Special note: please have lunch or dinner in this hotel, otherwise no breakfast will be provided.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Kanas

6. Day 6: Kanas to Urho Tour (380km/6hrs Driving)
   Marvel at the Amazing Yardang Landforms

   Get up in the early morning and drive to Urho. First, visit Five-colored Beach, famous for its Yardang landforms. It is a small scenic spot with a depth of about 1 kilometer. There are a number of trestles and viewing platforms. The usual visiting time is about 2 hours, but if you are a photography enthusiast, you may need more time.

   

   The best time to visit Five-Colored Beach is at sunset. Due to the dry, flat terrain here, there are long golden or red sunsets in the evening that cast a beautiful glow over the colorful terrain. Across the river is a dense aspen forest that mirrors a beautiful scenery in the river.

   Then travel along the Gurbantunggut Desert to the Urho Ghost City, which is a typical Yardang landform. Huge stone pillars of different shapes stand side by side on the Gobi Desert, very spectacular and majestic. Ghost City is located in a windy area, also known as the "Wind City". Strong winds often howl between the stone pillars, resembling the cries of ghosts, which is the reason why it is named "Ghost City".

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Urho

   

7. Day 7: Departure from Urumqi

   Today, we will drive back to Urumqi and drop you off at Urumqi airport for departure. Hope you had a good time in Northern Xinjiang with us.

   Note: Please book a return flight after 5 pm to ensure no rush for the trip.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A