11 Days North Xinjiang Group Tour to Kanas Lake and Sayram Lake

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Urumqi Arrival⌄

   Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and the farthest major city from any ocean in the world. Known as a traveler's paradise, it boasts stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and unique local traditions. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure.

   Overnight: Overnight in Urumqi

2. 2Urumqi to Fuhai⌄

   Today, you will enjoy a tour of the picturesque Heavenly Lake (approximately 1.5 hours), located 2,000 meters up in the Tianshan mountain range. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, blooming wildflowers, and evergreen pine trees, the lake offers breathtaking scenery. A 40-minute scenic shuttle bus ride will take you through dramatic mountain landscapes. Upon arrival, you can either walk to the lakeside (about 10 minutes) or take an electric cart for convenience. You have three activity options to explore the area: Boating cruise – Enjoy incredible views of the Tianshan Mountains from the water. Lakeside trekking – Stroll along the shore and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Maya Mountain exploration – Take a cable car for a magnificent panoramic view of the mountains. After the visit, we will drive to Fuhai County for an overnight stay.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Fuhai

3. 3Fuhai to Hemu⌄

   Arrive in Beitun in the early morning and enjoy a simple breakfast at a local restaurant. Then, we will travel to Hemu, the most beautiful Tuwa village—a tranquil place with grazing cattle and sheep, surrounded by stunning landscapes and warm, hospitable locals. What a mysterious and enchanting destination! If you wish to experience the Tuwa way of life, the villagers will warmly welcome you into their homes. Tips: Upon arrival in Hemu, we will transfer to a shuttle bus to enter the village. Please leave your main luggage on the coach and bring only a small overnight bag with your necessities.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Hemu

4. 4Hemu to Kanas⌄

   Your guide and driver will pick you up in the morning and drive along the mountain road to Kanas Nature Reserve—China’s only European-style ecological site. Known for its pristine landscapes, it has earned the title "Pure Land of the World". Along the way, you'll visit Kanas Lake. Upon arrival, transfer to a shuttle bus to explore the reserve's stunning scenery. Head to the Fish Pavilion for breathtaking views of Kanas Lake. In the late afternoon, return to Jiadengyu to check in to your hotel.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Kanas

5. 5Kanas to Burqin⌄

   Today, we will travel to Burqin to visit the breathtaking Five-Colored Beach. As you walk across this vibrant landscape, you'll feel like you've stepped into a dream world. The unique geological formations display stunning hues of purplish-red, burgundy, yellow, and light green, created by layers of multicolored mudstone, sandstone, and gravel. This natural masterpiece is considered the most beautiful colorful beach in the region——a true miracle of Burqin. You'll have free time to explore Burqin's charming streets at your leisure, where you can sample delicious local snacks. We'll spend the night in Burqin.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Burqin

6. 6Burqin to Dushanzi⌄

   Journey through the Gurbantunggut Desert to reach Urho Ghost City, also known as "Wuerhe Wind City". This remarkable wind-eroded geological formation earns its nickname from the constant howling winds that shape its surreal landscape. Later, we'll continue to Dushanzi to visit the spectacular Dushanzi Grand Canyon - one of Xinjiang's best-kept secrets. Carved by centuries of snowmelt and rainfall from the Tianshan Mountains, its dramatic cliffs rise like a forest of towering bamboo shoots, creating a breathtaking natural wonder.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Dushanzi

7. 7Dushanzi to Yining⌄

   Today we'll visit stunning Sayram Lake, another highlight of your Northern Xinjiang tour. Known as "the last tear of the Atlantic", this alpine wonderland boasts crystal-clear waters surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. You'll have time to stroll along the shore, admiring the vibrant wildflowers and lush grasslands that frame the lake. Later, we'll cross the magnificent Guozigou Bridge - Xinjiang's largest and most important suspension bridge - offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Yining

8. 8Yining to Tekes⌄

   As you travel from Yining to Tekes, your tour begins at the breathtaking Kalajun Prairie——a landscape so picturesque it seems lifted straight from a poem. This remarkable grassland features numerous natural springs and transforms into a vibrant hub from May to September each year, when local herders gather to trade goods and celebrate their rich cultural traditions. "Kalajun" means "dark wilderness" in Kazakh, perfectly capturing the prairie's untamed beauty. For generations, the nomadic people here have maintained their traditional way of life, preserving a simple yet profoundly captivating existence in harmony with nature.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Tekes

9. 9Tekes to Naraty⌄

   Today, your guide and driver will pick you up in the morning for an excursion to the renowned Naraty Grassland. This legendary pastureland has been celebrated since ancient times for its breathtaking landscapes - sweeping river valleys, towering mountains, crisscrossing gorges, lush forests, and expansive grasslands. Here, you'll immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and experience the traditional Kazakh nomadic lifestyle. After your exploration, we'll transfer you to your hotel where you can relax and rejuvenate.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Overnight in Naraty

10. 10Naraty to Yining then Train to Urumqi⌄

    Bid farewell to beautiful Naraty and return to Yining. We will visit Kazanqi Folk Village, a blue fairy-tale town within the city. Nestled in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains, this village is filled with colorful Uyghur dwellings. Featuring a Soviet-style architecture dominated by sky blue, the vibrant spired houses with intricately carved wooden windows make it feel like stepping into Chefchaouen, Morocco. Next, we will pay a visit to the Accordion Museum on Liuxing Street. It is reported that the museum houses a collection of over 800 accordions from more than 20 countries, attracting numerous tourists for photography and even drawing music enthusiasts from afar. Later in the day, take a high-speed train from Yining to Urumqi. Upon arrival, you will be met at the train station and transferred to the hotel for check-in.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Overnight in Urumqi

11. 11Urumqi Departure⌄

    Today, you'll bid farewell to Urumqi. We'll arrange your transfer according to your flight or train schedule. Wishing you a pleasant journey home!

    Meals: Breakfast