7 Days Xinjiang Altay Biking Tour

Today marks the first major cycling stage and one of the most scenic rides in Northern Xinjiang. After breakfast, you leave Altay City (阿勒泰市) and transfer to the starting point of the newly opened Altay–Hemu Highway (阿勒泰—禾木公路).

The route quickly enters the heart of the Altay Mountains (阿尔泰山脉), where landscapes shift dramatically from one valley to another. Riders pass through dense spruce forests (雪岭云杉林), wide alpine valleys, winding rivers, and open grasslands filled with wildflowers and grazing livestock.

The cycling distance today is about 50 km, with a mix of smooth asphalt, gentle climbs, and rolling terrain. It is suitable for riders with basic cycling endurance. Along the way, a packed lunch is arranged at a scenic viewpoint surrounded by untouched mountain scenery.

This highway gained popularity after its opening in 2024 for its pristine landscapes and extremely low traffic volume. In autumn, the scenery becomes especially striking, with golden forests, deep green valleys, and snow-capped peaks forming a layered natural painting.

By late afternoon, you arrive at Tuolehaite Grassland (托勒海特草原), a peaceful alpine meadow area where yurts, open skies, and grazing animals create a classic Altay wilderness atmosphere.

Overnight: Tuolehaite Grassland (托勒海特草原)
Cycling Distance: ~50 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: approx. 1,300m

After breakfast in the grassland, you continue with a shorter and more relaxed cycling stage toward the famous Hemu Village (禾木村)—one of the most picturesque villages in China.

The ride is approximately 30 km, gradually transitioning from open alpine grasslands into forested mountain valleys. The air becomes cooler and fresher, while wooden Tuvan-style houses begin to appear along the riverbanks, marking your arrival in the cultural heart of the region.

Hemu Village (禾木村) is home to the Tuvan people (图瓦人), an ethnic group known for their wooden architecture, nomadic traditions, and deep connection to nature. Nestled in a valley surrounded by dense forests and snow peaks, the village feels like a living postcard.

After arrival, you will have time to rest before optional hiking or horse riding up to the Haden Viewing Platform (哈登观景台). From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Hemu Valley—wooden houses scattered along the river, rolling forested hills, and distant mountain ranges.

Sunset is the highlight of the day. As golden light spreads across the valley, the entire landscape turns warm and glowing. At night, Hemu offers exceptionally clear skies, making it one of the best places in Xinjiang for stargazing.

Overnight: Hemu Village (禾木村)
Cycling Distance: ~30 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Altitude: approx. 1,300m

After an early breakfast in Hemu Village (禾木村), the morning begins with a short visit to the Hemu Observation Deck (禾木观景台). From here, the valley reveals its full scale—wooden houses scattered along the river, dense forests rising toward snowy peaks, and morning mist drifting through the mountains. It is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Northern Xinjiang.

You then travel by vehicle toward Kanas Scenic Area (喀纳斯景区), one of the most famous natural highlights in Xinjiang. Known as “God’s Backyard Garden,” Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖) is renowned for its shifting water colors, which change with sunlight and seasons—from turquoise to deep blue and emerald green.

Inside the scenic area, you can enjoy a boat ride on the lake or hike up to the Fish Viewing Pavilion (观鱼台). From the top, the full panorama of Kanas Lake unfolds, surrounded by dense Siberian larch forests and alpine mountains.

You will also explore the legendary Three Bays (三湾) of Kanas:

• Fairy Bay (神仙湾) – often covered in morning mist
• Moon Bay (月亮湾) – famous for its elegant S-shaped river curve
• Dragon Bay (卧龙湾) – known for its vivid turquoise waters

Each viewpoint offers a different expression of the Kanas landscape, making this one of the most photogenic regions in Xinjiang.

In the afternoon, the journey continues by vehicle to Jiadengyu (贾登峪), a key gateway town for the Kanas region. The rest of the evening is free for rest and recovery after a full day of exploration.

Overnight: Jiadengyu (贾登峪)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Vehicle transfer
Altitude: approx. 1,300m

Today begins a new cycling experience deep inside the Altay Mountains (阿尔泰山脉), riding along the scenic Tiejia Highway (铁贾公路). After breakfast in Jiadengyu (贾登峪), you start your cycling journey toward Tiereketi Township (铁热克提乡).

This route is quieter and less traveled, making it one of the most peaceful cycling roads in the region. The road winds through spruce forests (雪岭云杉林), open river valleys, and rolling alpine meadows filled with wildflowers in summer.

Along the way, you will pass traditional Kazakh yurts (哈萨克毡房), grazing horses, and the striking Altay Rock Formations (阿尔泰怪石林), where wind-carved stones create surreal natural shapes across the landscape.

The cycling distance is approximately 54 km, with a mix of gentle climbs and smooth downhill stretches. Traffic is minimal, allowing riders to fully enjoy the silence and scenery of the Altay wilderness.

A packed lunch will be served at a scenic rest point surrounded by mountains and forest views.

By late afternoon, you arrive at Tiereketi Township (铁热克提乡), a small settlement known for its quiet atmosphere and proximity to untouched nature. It is a perfect place to unwind after a rewarding ride.

Overnight: Tiereketi Township (铁热克提乡)
Cycling Distance: ~54 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Cycling
Altitude: approx. 1,300m

After breakfast in the quiet mountain township of Tiereketi (铁热克提乡), today’s ride takes you deeper into the Altay countryside along a long but rewarding cycling route toward Chonghu’er Town (冲乎尔镇).

The road gradually unfolds through open valleys, forest corridors, and wide grassland plains typical of the northern Xinjiang landscape. This section of the journey is designed as a longer endurance ride, covering approximately 80–100 km depending on road conditions and group pace.

The cycling terrain is generally smooth with rolling elevation changes. There are short uphill segments when crossing low mountain ridges, followed by long, flowing downhill stretches that allow for comfortable cruising. Traffic remains light, especially outside village zones, making it ideal for uninterrupted long-distance cycling.

Along the route, you will pass grazing pastures, seasonal rivers, and scattered Kazakh settlements (哈萨克族牧民聚居地). These moments offer a closer look at traditional nomadic life in Altay. Midway through the ride, a packed lunch will be arranged at a scenic rest stop surrounded by natural grassland views.

By late afternoon or early evening, you arrive in Chonghu’er Town (冲乎尔镇), a quiet settlement that once served as a regional hub but now offers a peaceful atmosphere for travelers. The town is known for its relaxed pace and mountain backdrop, making it an ideal place to rest after a long cycling day.

Overnight: Chonghu’er Town (冲乎尔镇)
Cycling Distance: ~80–100 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Cycling
Altitude: approx. 1,300m

The final day begins with a sense of achievement as you set off from Chonghu’er Town (冲乎尔镇) toward Burqin County (布尔津县). This stage is both challenging and rewarding, combining mountain roads, gentle climbs, and a long scenic descent into the Irtysh River (额尔齐斯河) basin.

The cycling distance today is approximately 60–90 km, depending on the selected route and weather conditions. The first section includes gradual uphill riding through forested mountain terrain, followed by an exhilarating downhill stretch where the landscape opens into wide valleys and river plains.

As you approach Burqin (布尔津), the scenery gradually shifts from alpine wilderness to colorful river landscapes. Burqin is famous for its “Rainbow Beach” (五彩滩) scenery, where wind-eroded rock formations along the Irtysh River glow in shades of gold, red, and orange under the sun.

After arriving in Burqin, you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch and time to rest. In the afternoon, the journey continues by vehicle back to Altay City (阿勒泰市) for your final farewell.

The tour concludes with a celebratory dinner in Altay, marking the completion of a full cycling adventure across the Altay Mountains (阿尔泰山脉), forests, grasslands, and river valleys of northern Xinjiang.

Overnight: Altay City (阿勒泰市) or departure
Cycling Distance: ~60–90 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Cycling + Vehicle transfer
Altitude: approx. 1,300m