11-Day Cultural Immersion Tour in the Altay Region

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

After breakfast, we will begin our journey and arrive in Fuyun County, the first destination in the Altay region. After lunch, we'll leave our luggage at the hotel and then start a walking tour of the city with a local guide, visiting the farmers market. Afterwards, we will head to the Kazakh Embroidery workshop to experience the local intangible cultural heritage (1-1.5 hours). This experience benefits local disabled and low-income Kazakh women.

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. In the morning, we will travel to Koktokay, which is home to one of the most beautiful national parks in China. This area is predominantly inhabited by Kazakhs, who have a rich nomadic culture deeply connected to the land. The Irtysh River flows through Koktokay, showcasing a vibrant array of colors throughout the seasons. In the late afternoon, we will drive back to Fuyun.

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. We will have a hands-on heritage experience: craft a miniature fur ski (2 hours). In the afternoon, enjoy afternoon tea at a local Kazakh house specially arranged for you.

After breakfast, we embark on one of Xinjiang's most breathtaking drives—the Ahe Highway (Ahe Scenic way). This 208-kilometer mountain route isn't just a road; it's an unfolding tapestry of wild beauty, connecting Altay City to Kanas Lake through landscapes preserved for millennia. It opens from May to October (snow-closed from November to April).

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.

After breakfast, we will head to the highlights of Kanas. While visiting the scenic spot, you can also board the Guanyu Viewing Platform (Guanyutai) with a relative height of 600 meters (there is a sightseeing bus at the foot of the mountain, which needs to be purchased separately). From there, you can get a stunning view of Kanas Lake, the snow-capped peaks, and three Bays (Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay, and Wolong Bay). Additionally, you can take a two-hour cruise ship ride. The elegant curve of Kanas Lake resembles a crescent moon nestled amidst the trees. Take a peaceful stroll around the lake, as Kanas Lake is one of the most beautiful photography spots in China, especially in September when the changing colors of the lake and the Tuva villages provide a serene and undisturbed setting.

Today, let's spend another morning in Kanas until the afternoon. In Mongolian, Kanas means gorgeous and mysterious. The Taiga forest, composed of Siberian larch and Siberian spruce in the Kanas Valley, is home to abundant wildlife. Its surrounding snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and birch forests have earned it the nickname "Switzerland of the East" and a "paradise for photographers." When exploring the area, visitors can visit ethnic minority families to learn about the natural history, culture, diet, religion, and customs of the region. The Kanas Valley is home to a large population of ethnic Tuvas and Kazakhs. While most of these people have maintained their traditional agricultural and nomadic lifestyles, many have also begun working in the growing tourism industry. On the way back, we will visit its three famous Bays—Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay,and Wolong Bay.

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 oneof-a-kind. The site is situated about an hour north of Karamay, near the smaller city 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 “Ghost Town.”

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. Our guide and driver will take you to the airport.(We also offer customized travel plans according to your preference).