Altay in Winter: 9-day Journey into Kazakh Traditions and Ancient Fur Skiing

Your guide and driver will pick you up at Urumqi airport and transfer you to the hotel.

After breakfast, we'll set out for Heavenly Lake, a stunning alpine lake nestled in the Tianshan Mountains. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense spruce forests, the crystal-clear waters reflect the sky like a mirror — a truly breathtaking start to the day.After enjoying the scenery, we'll continue our drive to Fuyun County, the first stop in the Altay region. Following lunch, we'll check into the hotel and take a relaxing walking tour of the town with a local guide, exploring the vibrant farmers market to get a glimpse of daily life.Next, we'll visit a Kazakh embroidery workshop to experience this precious intangible cultural heritage. The workshop provides meaningful work opportunities for local disabled and low-income Kazakh women.If time permits, we will also take you to visit a local farmers' market that offers a distinctive taste of Altay's regional character.

In the morning, everyone will enjoy some of the most representative Kazakh delicacies, including milk tea and various fried pastries. After that, we will head to the Koktokay Scenic Area.Our first stop will be the old Russian-built theater, a charming remnant from theSoviet era that still echoes with stories of the past, now it's served as a museum. Koktokay is a township with significant historical ties to both China and the Soviet Union, primarily due to its location near the world's largest mineral deposit of rare metals, known as Pit No. 3. After the museum we will heading to visit Pit No.3 then to the Koktokay Scenic Area，you can enjoy horse riding in the snow or take a horse-drawn sleigh through the snow-covered plains for a touch of nostalgic romance. In the afternoon, we'll return to Fuyun County.

International scholars identify Altay City as one of the earliest places of human skiing. Archaeological evidence, including 10,000-year-old rock paintings in the nearby Altai Mountains, shows ancient hunters gliding on snow, establishing this as the birthplace of skiing culture. Here, you can try fur skiing or join a 2-hour mini fur-ski crafting workshop.

After breakfast, we embark on the journey to Hemu Village. In winter it transforms into a serene snow-covered wonderland. Wooden cabins sit quietly beneath thick layers of snow, while smoke curls gently from their chimneys, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. The birch forests, frozen rivers, and distant snow peaks add to the village's quiet charm. It's the perfect place to slow down—wander through the white landscape, experience the peaceful rhythm of local Kazakh life, and capture breathtaking views of one of Xinjiang's most picturesque winter destinations.

Nestled deep within the majestic Altay Mountains. Hemu Village (⽲⽊村 , Hémù Cūn) is a breathtakingly beautiful settlement often hailed as one of China's most picturesque villages. It's a cornerstone of the Kanas Lake Scenic Area. Situated in a lush valley surrounded by dense Siberian taiga forests(primarily Siberian larch, spruce, and pine), snow-capped peaks, and meadows, Hemu looks like a scene from a fairy tale. The Hemu River winds its turquoise waters through the village. Hemu is one of the homes of the Tuva ethnic minority. Their distinct culture, traditional log cabins with sloping roofs (perfect for heavy snow), and nomadic herding lifestyle add deep cultural charm. You might see cattle and horses roaming freely. In the afternoon ， we will arrive in Burqin to visit the Rainbow beach. Over thousands of years, wind and water erosion have carved the land into a surreal landscape of cliffs and ravines. On one side lies the colorful, rugged terrain of the desert; on the other, the serene greenery and flowing water of the Irtysh River.

After breakfast, head south to visit the Karamay World Ghost Town(Chinese: 魔⻤城). This unique attraction features yardang landforms located in the heart of the Junggar Desert in northwestern China's Xinjiang region. Although reaching it can be challenging, the views are spectacular and truly one of-a-kind. The site is situated about an hour north of Karamay, near the smallercity of Wuerhe. It is a natural wonder formed by intense winds that sweep across the desert, producing eerie sounds that have given it the nickname “GhostTown.”

We will visit the International Bazaar. It is the largest bazaar in the world by scale, combining Islamic culture, architecture, ethnic commerce, and tourism, these making it one of the most famous landmarks in Xinjiang.

Fly back home, and the trip ends.We also offer customized travel plans according to your preference.