14-Day In-Depth Exploration: Journey Through Grasslands. Forests & Snow-Capped Mountain Landscapes

Get ready for an exciting journey! As soon as you land at Urumqi airport,your guide and driver will be there to greet you. Sit back and relax as they're set to whisk you away to your hotel, where your adventure truly begins!

This morning's journey to Burqin along the S21 Desert Highway unveils a mesmerizing tapestry of Xinjiang's raw beauty. In the afternoon, we will visit Rainbow Beach.

It takes 2 hours to drive to Kanas. Kanas Lake is located in Burqin County of the Altay Region, about 800 kilometers away from Urumqi. It is one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Xinjiang and a world geological park recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization(UNESCO). In Mongolian, Kanas means gorgeous and mysterious. The Taiga forest, made up 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 made it known as the "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 Tuvans and Kazakhs.

After breakfast, we will head directly to the highlights of Kanas. When 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). You can overlook Kanas Lake, the snow-capped peaks, and three Bays ( Moon Bay, Shenxian Bay, and Wolong Bay ). You can also take a cruise ship for about 2 hours. The graceful curve of Kanas Lake mirrors a crescent moon nestled amidst the trees. Take a meditative walk around, set in the middle of an emerald-green lake, Kanas Lake is one of the most beautiful photography places in China. Tonight we will stay in Hemu village.

Wake up early to observe the sunrise illuminating the land while smoke wisps from wooden homes. Hemu Village, situated near Kanas in the Altay Mountains, is the northernmost village in Western China. It is one of the three remaining Tuva villages in China, alongside Baihaba Village and Kanas Village, and is the largest among them. The residents are primarily Tuvas of Mongolian and Kazakh heritage. The Tuvas are believed to be descendants of soldiers who accompanied Genghis Khan during his Western campaign. They continue to speak the rare Tuva language and sustain themselves through traditional hunting and a nomadic lifestyle, preserving many ancient and authentic cultures. Hemu Village is famed for its fairy-tale landscape, featuring quaint wooden houses veiled in morning mist, expansive birch forests, and majestic snowy mountains in the distance. The tranquility, picturesque autumn views, and captivating winter scenery attract many visitors eager to witness and explore this ‘Private Land of God.'

After breakfast, we will head to the World Ghost City. Walk among the surreal Yadan landforms (wind-eroded rock formations). Take the scenic train get to best photo spots: Sunset colors enhance the desert landscape (if staying late).Note: Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat—strong sun & wind!

Nestled at an altitude of 2,070 meters in the Tianshan Mountains, near the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Sayram Lake—often referred to as the“Pearl of the Tianshan Mountains”—is one of Xinjiang's most breathtaking alpine lakes. The lake is home to migratory birds, including swans, as well as rare species like snow leopards. We have VIP access, which grants us a private car permit,allowing us to spend as much time as we want here for photography.

Today, we drive to Kazanqi, located in Yining (Ghulja) City, a vibrant historical neighborhood renowned for its rich blend of Uyghur, Kazakh, Russian,and Hui cultures. Once a hub for Central Asian traders along the ancient Silk Road,it preserves traditional architecture, handicrafts, and a lively atmosphere that offers a window into Xinjiang's multicultural heritage. We'll ride in a traditional horsedrawn carriage and enjoy tasty handmade local ice cream

Today, head to the highlight - Kalajun Grassland, part of the XinjiangTianshan UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a pristine alpine meadow in Tekes County. Known as the "kingdom of wildflowers," it boasts vast rolling grasslands,snow-capped peaks, and vibrant biodiversity, blending nomadic culture with untouched natural beauty. Kuoksu Canyon is famed for its dramatic karst landscapes, emerald rivers, and striking geological formations. The canyon is carved by the Kuoksu River, creating a masterpiece of cliffs, forests, and winding waterways.

Ku' erdening is a pristine alpine valley and nature reserve renowned for its untouched forests, snow-capped peaks, and rich biodiversity. Often overshadowed by nearby attractions like Kalajun, it offers a quieter, more immersive experience for nature lovers and hikers seeking serenity in the Tianshan Mountains. Horseback ride with local guides to remote areas inaccessible by foot.

Nalati Grassland ranks among the most mesmerizing high-altitude valley grasslands on the planet and is a crown jewel of the "Tianshan Grand Corridor." Celebrated by generations of Kazakh nomads as the "Sky Pasture" for its ethereal beauty, this UNESCO-listed gem harmonizes sweeping emerald meadows, jagged snow-capped peaks, and centuries-old nomadic traditions into a living tapestry of natural and cultural wonder. Situated at an elevation of 1,800–3,500 meters, Nalati's unique topography is sculpted by glacial valleys and the life-giving waters of the Gongnaisi River. Its name, rooted in the Mongolian "Narat" (meaning "sunrise"), reflects its role as a place where dawn bathes the grasslands in hues of gold and pink,illuminating the western reaches of the Tianshan Mountains.

Today, we will travel to Dushanzi via Duku Highway. This highway connects southern and northern Xinjiang and is considered a landmark in the history of highway construction in China. Duku Highway is regarded as the ultimate road trip in China due to its breathtaking scenery. It serves as a national defense route from Dushanzi to Kuqa. It attracts numerous travelers who traverse the mountains each year from mid-June to mid-September. This picturesque road is only open for three months. As one of the most unique and perilous routes, the Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway spans 561 kilometers. It crosses steep mountains and passes through peaks,valleys, and various ethnic communities.

Our final stop on the tour is the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, a geological masterpiece situated near the Dushanzi District in Karamay City, Xinjiang. Often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Tianshan” or “Earth's Art Gallery,” this breathtaking natural wonder provides a stunning conclusion to your journey,revealing millions of years of tectonic activity and erosion that have shaped surreal cliffs, intricate gullies, and vibrant, mineral-streaked rock formations.

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).