Altay Autumn Colors 7 Days | 6-Person Group Tour, Starting and Ending in Urumqi - Ahe Highway - Hemu - Kanas - Devil City - Populus Euphratica Forest - Sayram Lake - Complimentary Aerial Photography - Anjihai Grand Canyon
# 📩 Pre-trip Notification
* Two days before departure, we will send you the QR code for the WeChat activity group. Your butler and driver will join the group to assist you. The driver will contact you again one day before your flight arrival. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
# 🕗 Meeting Time and Location
* The itinerary begins in Urumqi. The first day includes airport pickup and hotel accommodation. After checking into the hotel, you are free to explore on your own.
# 🌈 Brief Itinerary
* Day 1: Gather in Urumqi, stay in Urumqi.
* Day 2: Urumqi - Traverse the Junggar Basin / Desert Camel Ride - Altay, stay in Altay.
* Day 3: Altay - Ahe Highway - Hemu / Light Travel Photography, stay in Hemu. (If the Hemu scenic area is under traffic control, the Ahe Highway-Hemu visit will be canceled and replaced with Altay - Ulungur Lake - Wucaitan - Burqin).
* Day 4: Hemu Morning Mist - Kanas Lake / Three Bays - Burqin, stay in Burqin. (If Hemu and Kanas are under traffic control, the Kanas visit will be canceled and replaced with Hemu - Burqin).
* Day 5: Burqin - Ghost City - Afternoon Tea - Populus Euphratica Forest - Kuitun, stay in Kuitun.
* Day 6: Kuitun - Sayram Lake Loop / Walk with Vehicle, stay in Jinghe.
* Day 7: Jinghe - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Dismissal in Urumqi.
* 1. For your return trip, it is recommended to book a flight after 20:00.
# 📢 Tips:
🎒 Luggage Size Recommendation
1 suitcase of 24 inches or smaller + 1 backpack (oversized suitcases may not fit and could affect the itinerary).
🧑🏻🎓 ID and Relevant Documents
Please inform us of any discount-eligible documents when booking and present them during the trip. The price difference for group discount tickets will be refunded on-site.
🧤 Other Items
* Slippers: It is recommended to bring a pair.
* Sun Protection: The UV rays on the grassland are strong; bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
* Snacks: It is recommended to bring some of your favorite snacks (you can also buy them locally).
* Charging Equipment: Charger + charging cable + power bank.
* Medicine: Cold medicine + digestive medicine + motion sickness medicine, etc. Mosquito repellent: There are many mosquitoes on the grassland in summer; you can buy mosquito repellent spray, sachets, etc.
Product Info
【Product Features】:
- 【Quality Assurance】Insist on pure travel and in-depth tour products, operated entirely in-house with no hidden consumption.
- 【Selected Accommodation】5 nights in 4-diamond hotels, 1 night in a wooden cabin homestay; good rest ensures a great trip.
- 【Comfortable Small Group】2-6 person MINI group, relaxed and comfortable; stop whenever you want, go whenever you want.
- 【No Single Supplement】Lower the threshold for solo travelers and enjoy Northern Xinjiang with ease.
- 【Dual Area Coverage】Connect the Altay Mountains (Kanas, Hemu) with Sayram Lake, gathering the best of Northern Xinjiang's natural landscapes in one go.
- 【Rich Geographical Types】Covers deserts, lakes, forests, grasslands, and snow-capped mountains—5 major landforms, from Gobi deserts to the Jiangnan-like scenery beyond the Great Wall, maximizing the contrast in landscapes.
- 【Internet-Famous Scenic Route】Ahe Highway (the newest and most beautiful highway in Northern Xinjiang, saving time to reach Hemu directly).
- 【Riding Experience】Immersive desert camel riding experience.
- 【Exclusive Campsite Afternoon Tea】A photo spot for the dreamlike afternoon tea in the Ghost City.
- 【Sayram Lake Walk with Vehicle】Exclusive complimentary video of your walk with the vehicle, capturing a road movie vibe with ease.
- 【Hemu Light Travel Photography】Capture the mountain breeze and the greenery of the forest in your photo album.
- 【Essential Panorama】Ahe Highway, Hemu, Kanas, World Ghost City, Sayram Lake, Anjihai Grand Canyon.
- 【Activity Level】Leisure level, low difficulty, low risk.
Important Info
Reminders
A minimum of 2 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 5 day(s) before the departure date
FAQ
1. What essential tips should travelers consider when visiting Kanas Lake and Hemu Village during autumn?
For Kanas Lake and Hemu Village in autumn, pack a 24-inch or smaller suitcase plus a backpack to manage luggage space. Essential items include your ID, sun protection like sunglasses and sunscreen for strong UV, personal snacks, and charging devices (power bank). Also, consider bringing basic medications for colds or motion sickness. The region experiences significant temperature variations, so layering clothes is highly recommended for comfort.
2. What are the 'Three Bays' of Kanas Lake, and what unique sights can be seen at each?
Kanas Lake's 'Three Bays' are Wolong Bay (臥龍灣), Moon Bay (月亮灣), and Immortal Bay (神仙灣). Wolong Bay is known for a small island resembling a sleeping dragon. Moon Bay features a distinctive crescent shape that changes with light. Immortal Bay is often enveloped in morning mist, creating a mystical atmosphere, and it's a popular spot for photography, especially during sunrise. Each bay offers unique perspectives of Kanas's stunning natural beauty.
3. What are the highlights and scenic views along the Ahe Highway during the Altay autumn tour?
The Ahe Highway, also known as the Altay-Hemu Highway, is celebrated for its breathtaking autumn scenery. As you traverse this route, you'll witness vibrant forests ablaze with golden and crimson hues, winding rivers, and expansive grasslands. It offers picturesque vistas of the Altay Mountains, making it a highlight for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking the quintessential autumn colors of the region.
4. What is the best time of day to experience the famous morning mist at Hemu Village?
The best time to experience the famous morning mist at Hemu Village is typically early morning, just before or around sunrise. As the sun begins to warm the valleys, the mist often rises from the Kanas River, enveloping the traditional wooden houses and creating a serene, picturesque landscape. It's an iconic moment for photographers seeking to capture Hemu's ethereal beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
5. What activities are recommended for visitors exploring Sayram Lake as part of the itinerary?
At Sayram Lake, visitors are recommended to take part in the 'ring-the-lake' experience, which involves traveling along the scenic lakeside road. This allows for enjoying panoramic views from various vantage points. You can also engage in 'walking with the car,' meaning stopping at designated spots to take leisurely strolls along the shore, appreciating the clear blue waters and surrounding grasslands and mountains. It's ideal for photography and soaking in the tranquil environment.
6. What kind of geological formations can be found at Devil's City, and what is the best way to explore them?
Devil's City, or Urho Wind City, features unique yardang landforms carved by wind erosion over millennia. These geological formations resemble various objects, animals, or even ancient cities, giving the area a mystical, otherworldly appearance. The best way to explore is often via designated sightseeing routes or electric carts, allowing you to get up close to these natural sculptures and appreciate their intricate details, especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset.
7. What makes the Anjihai Grand Canyon a notable stop on the tour, and what should visitors expect?
The Anjihai Grand Canyon is notable for its dramatic, multi-colored cliffs and intricate geological layers. It's often referred to as a 'Grand Canyon in miniature' due to its stunning scale and vibrant hues, ranging from deep reds and oranges to greens and yellows. Visitors should expect impressive panoramic views from observation decks, showcasing the powerful forces of nature that shaped this unique landscape. It offers a spectacular visual experience for nature enthusiasts.
8. What are the recommended luggage size and essential items to pack for a 7-day tour exploring Altay's autumn scenery?
For a 7-day Altay autumn tour, it's recommended to bring one suitcase 24 inches or smaller, along with a backpack, as larger luggage might be difficult to accommodate. Essential items include sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen), personal snacks, charging devices (charger, power bank), and any necessary medications (cold, digestive, motion sickness). During autumn, temperatures can vary greatly, so layers of warm clothing are crucial, alongside comfortable walking shoes.
