Departing from Urumqi | Xinjiang Altay · Northern Xinjiang Winter Loop 8 Days | Sayram Lake + Kanas + Skiing | Comfortable Accommodation & Free Airport Transfers & Complimentary Travel Photography
Depart from Urumqi - 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Tour
🔥 Popular Winter Northern Xinjiang Loop Package | Double Skiing + Exclusive 2-Day Sayram Lake Route
Trip Highlights
🏜️ S21 Desert Highway | Winter Gobi Snowfield
❄️ Dual Ski Resort Experience | Jiangjunshan Skiing
🌫️ Kanas Scenic Area | God's Winter Garden
🏡 Hemu Snow Village | Fairytale Wooden Cabin Village
💙 48-Hour Double Entry Loop Around Sayram Lake
🌟 All-inclusive Northern Xinjiang winter panorama, worry-free and convenient. Book now and head to winter Xinjiang!
Package Options
Product Info
Departing from Urumqi · 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Tour
🔥 Xinjiang Winter Bestseller Panoramic Long-Distance Tour | Visit four major cities in Northern Xinjiang in one trip | S21 Desert Highway / Dual Skiing Experience / Kanas & Hemu Snow Village / Urho Ghost City / 48-Hour Double Visit to Sayram Lake Blue Ice / Winter Wilderness Secret Spots
🎁 Exclusive Travel Perks
Premium small group of 6 for a pure travel experience, featuring 4-diamond quality hotels throughout + authentic wooden cabin stays in the Hemu scenic area; unlock the winter dual-skiing experience in Northern Xinjiang and a panoramic view of the blue ice at sunrise during our double visit to Sayram Lake. The itinerary is flexibly adapted to snowy weather conditions, ensuring a worry-free trip with no forced shopping.
📋 Itinerary Overview
D1: Full-day airport/train station pickup in Urumqi, free time, stay in Urumqi
D2: Urumqi — S21 Desert Highway — Jiangjunshan Night Skiing/Cable Car Night View (choose one), stay in Altay;【Weather Alternative】If S21 is closed, change to: Urumqi - Urho Populus Euphratica Forest, stay in Urho; if ski resorts are closed, replace with Ulungur Lake Sea Ghost City
D3: Altay — In-depth tour of Kanas — Hemu Snow Village, stay in a wooden cabin in Hemu scenic area;【Weather Alternative】If Kanas roads are closed, change to: Urho - Ulungur Lake - Equestrian Base, stay in Altay
D4: Panoramic tour of Hemu — Jikepulin Skiing (ski pass at own expense) — Burqin, stay in Burqin;【Weather Alternative】If Hemu roads are closed, change to: Full day of skiing at Jiangjunshan in Altay (ski pass and equipment included), stay in Altay
D5: Burqin — Urho World Ghost City — Wusu, stay in Wusu
D6: Wusu — First encounter with Sayram Lake · Full-day in-depth lake loop, stay at Sayram Lake East Gate
D7: Second visit to Sayram Lake · Sunrise Blue Ice Secret Spot — Return to Urumqi, stay in Urumqi
D8: Full-day airport/train station drop-off in Urumqi, end of a perfect journey
🌟 One-stop coverage of deserts, Gobi, snow villages, snow-capped mountains, blue ice, and Yardang landforms. Featuring high-quality accommodation throughout, flexible itineraries adapted to extreme snowy weather, and a pure travel experience with no hidden costs—check off all the top winter attractions in Northern Xinjiang in one trip!
Purchase Notice
- Child price standard: Children under 1.2 meters tall only include parking space fee; all other expenses are not included. Any other costs incurred are the responsibility of the traveler. If a child requires a bed, a single room supplement will apply.
- Day 2: 1. Urumqi -- S21 Desert Highway -- General Mountain Night Skiing or General Mountain Cableway for night view of the ski resort (choose one), overnight in Altay; 2. If General Mountain Ski Resort is closed, it will be replaced by Ulungur Lake Devil City, no refund will be given; 3. If the S21 Desert Highway is closed due to severe weather or force majeure, alternative option: Urumqi -- Urho Poplar Forest, overnight in Urho. Thank you for your understanding.
- Day 3: 1. Altay – Kanas Scenic Area – Hemu Scenic Area, overnight in Hemu; 2. If the road to Kanas is closed due to extreme weather, alternative route: Urho – Ulungur Lake – Equestrian Base, overnight in Altay. Thank you for your understanding.
- Day 4: 1. Hemu – Jikepulin Ski Resort (ski pass not included), overnight in Burqin; 2. Alternative option if Hemu is closed: Altay – General Mountain Ski Resort (includes full-day beginner slope ski pass and equipment), overnight in Altay.
- Skiing Tips: Protective gear and instructors are not included (please purchase separately if needed); Warm-up Preparation: Warm-up exercises are mandatory before skiing to avoid muscle strains. Familiarize Yourself with the Ski Resort: Memorize the map, facility locations, and warning signs; follow management regulations; pay attention to lift opening hours and do not ride when no one is present. Understand the Ski Runs: Know the height, width, slope, and direction of the runs in advance. Reaction time is extremely short while skiing, which is especially important for beginners. Check Equipment: Before skiing, check that your skis, poles, and bindings are in good working order. Stop immediately if any abnormalities are found. Follow Instructions: Follow the instructions of staff and abide by skiing rules (stay on the side when resting, maintain social distancing, and be primarily responsible for collisions). Do Not Cross Boundaries: Do not leave the ski resort area without permission, and do not go alone into forests or avalanche-prone areas. It is best to ski in groups of three or more. Know Your Limits: Control the intensity of your workout, stop immediately if the weather changes suddenly, and do not venture into uninhabited areas. Eyewear Considerations: Do not wear contact lenses; choose framed glasses with resin lenses. Emergency tips: Keep warm and prevent frostbite (fingers, feet, ears, nose); slide down smoothly when you fall, do not roll; do not tighten the restraints too much, so that they can automatically detach when you fall.
- Recommended activities: The driver may recommend optional activities during the trip. Participation is voluntary and not mandatory, depending on the individual's needs and preferences.
- Order of attractions: The driving time and sightseeing time in the itinerary are estimates and may vary slightly. The actual order of attractions will be subject to change based on the day's conditions (peak and off-peak seasons, traffic congestion, etc.).
- Single room supplement (if applicable, please pay the supplement yourself): A single room supplement must be paid for single occupancy. It is recommended to prepay the single room supplement for triple occupancy. If there is no single room supplement, we will try to arrange a triple room/extra bed, but this is not 100% guaranteed. If there is no triple room/extra bed, a double room will be provided.
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 1 day(s) before the departure date
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Booking Restrictions: Seniors: Those aged 60 and above must sign a Health Certificate and be accompanied by a family member to travel; those aged 70 and above cannot be accommodated. Minors: Those under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a family member to join the tour; solo bookings cannot be accepted. Patients, Pregnant Women, and Those with Mobility Impairments: Those with serious illnesses (such as cardiovascular, respiratory, mental illness, severe anemia, post-operative recovery, etc.), pregnant women, and those with mobility impairments cannot be accommodated.
Scenic Area Voucher: Visitors must present the original ID card, passport, or Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan travel permit as stated during booking. Additional charges will apply for those unable to enter due to document issues. Please inform us in advance if you hold discount passes.
Shopping Reminder: Shopping at shops within scenic areas and along the way is a voluntary activity. Please choose carefully and keep your invoices and certificates safe. Such shopping is not related to the travel agency.
Other reminders: You may not leave the tour group without permission during the trip; otherwise, you will be responsible for all losses and consequences. If the trip is delayed or other expenses are incurred due to force majeure, please understand and bear the costs yourself. Once you join the tour, no refunds will be given for any reason for leaving or canceling the tour.
FAQ
1. When is the optimal season to experience the unique winter features of Sayram Lake, such as its blue ice and ice bubbles?
The optimal season to witness Sayram Lake's distinct winter features like mesmerizing blue ice and captivating ice bubbles is typically from December to March. During these months, the lake freezes, creating stunning natural phenomena. The 48-hour pass allows for extended exploration, including the chance to capture the serene lake sunrise on a second visit.
2. What unique winter activities and sights can visitors specifically experience at Sayram Lake during a tour?
At Sayram Lake in winter, visitors can embark on a two-day lake tour with a 48-hour pass, allowing ample time to immerse in its beauty. Key experiences include observing the spectacular blue ice formations and unique ice bubbles, which are best seen up close. The extended access also provides an opportunity to photograph the breathtaking lake sunrise on the second morning.
3. What is the ideal time of year to visit Northern Xinjiang to fully enjoy its winter wonderland attractions like Kanas Scenic Area and Hemu Snow Village?
The ideal time to explore Northern Xinjiang's winter wonderland, including destinations like Kanas Scenic Area and Hemu Snow Village, is generally from late November to early March. This period ensures abundant snow, transforming the landscape into a picturesque setting with frozen forests, rime ice, and fairytale-like wooden houses, perfect for snow activities and stunning photography.
4. What are the key geographical and cultural distinctions between Northern and Southern Xinjiang that travelers should be aware of?
Northern Xinjiang is characterized by its mountainous terrain, vast grasslands, and coniferous forests, alongside alpine lakes such as Sayram Lake. It's home to diverse ethnic groups like Kazakhs and Mongolians. Southern Xinjiang, conversely, is dominated by deserts and oases, showcasing a stronger Uyghur cultural influence and ancient Silk Road cities. The landscapes and cultural experiences in each region are distinctly different.
5. What are the potential risks of altitude sickness when traveling through Northern Xinjiang, particularly in areas such as Kanas and Sayram Lake?
While Northern Xinjiang generally features moderate altitudes, some areas like Kanas Scenic Area and Sayram Lake are higher. Kanas is around 1,370 meters above sea level, and Sayram Lake is about 2,070 meters. Most travelers do not experience severe altitude sickness, but some may feel mild symptoms like headaches or shortness of breath. Staying hydrated and pacing activities can help.
6. Why is Sayram Lake often referred to as the 'Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean,' and what makes this description relevant?
Sayram Lake is affectionately known as the 'Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean' due to its unique geographical location. It's the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, and it is located at the easternmost point of the Atlantic air currents' reach. These currents carry moisture from the Atlantic, which eventually condenses and falls as rain or snow, feeding the lake and giving it its deep blue color, symbolizing the last breath of the ocean's influence.
7. What are the main attractions and unique winter sights to expect when visiting Kanas Scenic Area?
In winter, Kanas Scenic Area transforms into a 'God's Garden,' offering magnificent sights. Visitors can expect to see vast snow-covered forests adorned with stunning rime ice, creating a serene, mystical atmosphere. The traditional Tuvan wooden houses, blanketed in snow, present a fairytale-like village scene. The frozen Kanas Lake and its surrounding peaks add to the breathtaking winter landscape.
8. What distinctive features and activities can visitors find in Hemu Snow Village during the winter season?
Hemu Snow Village, known as a 'fairytale wooden house village,' is particularly enchanting in winter. Its distinctive features include the clusters of traditional Tuvan wooden houses nestled under thick snow, creating idyllic scenery. Visitors can also enjoy snow-covered forests and rime ice. For activities, the area offers opportunities for skiing at nearby resorts like Jikepulin, providing a complete winter wonderland experience.
