11 Days Xinjiang Kanas Lake and Hemu Trekking Tour

Today marks the true beginning of your Northern Xinjiang overland adventure.

After breakfast, you depart Urumqi and drive northwest along the scenic S12 Altay–Urumqi Desert Highway (阿乌高速公路), one of the most striking road journeys in China.

Crossing the Gurbantunggut Desert (古尔班通古特沙漠)

You will pass through the Gurbantunggut Desert (古尔班通古特沙漠), China’s second-largest desert. Unlike typical deserts, this region features a unique mosaic landscape of:

• Moving sand dunes
• Poplar forests (胡杨林)
• Haloxylon shrublands (梭梭林)
• Hidden oasis ecosystems

This creates a rare contrast of life and desert, where vegetation survives in harsh arid conditions. The road itself is surrounded by vast, silent desert scenery stretching to the horizon.

Ulungur Lake (乌伦古湖) Stop

Before reaching Burqin, you will visit Ulungur Lake (乌伦古湖), one of Xinjiang’s largest freshwater lakes. Known as a paradise for migratory birds and fishing communities, the lake features:

• Wide wetlands
• Rich aquatic biodiversity
• Calm blue waters reflecting the sky
• Seasonal bird migration routes

It is an excellent photography stop and a peaceful break from long-distance driving.

Arrival in Burqin (布尔津)

By late afternoon or evening, you arrive in Burqin (布尔津), a charming riverside town known as the “Fairy Tale Town of Northern Xinjiang.” The town is located near the Kazakhstan border and serves as a key gateway to Kanas.

You may explore:

• Burqin River night scenery
• Local Russian-style architecture influences
• Small food streets with grilled fish specialties
• Accommodation: Hotel in Burqin
• Altitude: ~480m
• Meal: Breakfast included

After breakfast, you begin your journey deeper into the Altay Mountains toward Hemu Village (禾木村), one of China’s most beautiful and remote ethnic villages.

Drive to Kanas Region Entrance

The road gradually transitions from semi-desert plains to:

• Dense pine forests
• Rolling alpine foothills
• Snow-capped mountain backgrounds

As you approach the Kanas region, the environment becomes increasingly pristine and untouched.

At the entrance of the reserve, all large vehicles are replaced by eco shuttle buses, as private cars are not allowed inside the protected area.

Arrival in Hemu Village (禾木村)

Hemu is a traditional settlement of the Tuva people (图瓦人), a small ethnic group known for their nomadic heritage and wooden architecture.

The village is located in a wide river valley surrounded by mountains and forests. Upon arrival, you will immediately notice:

• Traditional wooden log houses
• Smoke rising from chimneys
• Horses and cattle grazing freely
• Wooden bridges crossing clear rivers

Cultural Immersion Experience

Hemu is not just scenic—it is deeply cultural. You may:

• Visit a Tuva family home
• Learn about horse breeding traditions
• Observe daily pastoral life
• Experience slow-paced mountain living

The atmosphere is peaceful and isolated, offering a rare glimpse into a lifestyle unchanged for generations.

In the evening, the village becomes especially beautiful with golden light reflecting across the valley, making it one of the most photographed places in Xinjiang.

• Accommodation: Guesthouse in Hemu Village
• Altitude: ~1200m
• Meal: Breakfast included

Today marks the beginning of your deep wilderness trekking experience in the Kanas region.

After an early breakfast in Hemu Village (禾木村), you set off on foot into the untouched landscapes of the Altay Mountains. The trail quickly leaves the village behind and enters a world of pure nature—no roads, no vehicles, only mountains, rivers, and endless green valleys.

Trekking Experience

The route from Hemu to Hongmeimei’s House (红梅梅之家) is one of the most scenic sections of the entire journey. Along the way, you will pass through:

• Vast alpine grasslands filled with wildflowers
• Dense coniferous forests and birch woodlands
• Clear mountain streams fed by snowmelt
• Open valleys with grazing horses and cattle
• Occasional Tuva herder camps

The trekking path is narrow and quiet, often described as a “hidden line through a green ocean of wilderness.” This is a fully immersive nature experience with very few travelers encountered along the way.

Arrival at Hongmeimei’s House

After approximately 6–8 hours of trekking, you arrive at Hongmeimei’s House, a remote mountain guesthouse operated by local herders.

Here you will enjoy:

• Warm homemade Xinjiang-style meals
• Simple but cozy wooden accommodation
• Peaceful sunset views over the valley
• Authentic hospitality from local families

The night sky here is exceptionally clear, offering excellent stargazing conditions.

• Accommodation: Hongmeimei’s House
• Altitude: ~1500m
• Meal: Breakfast included

Today’s journey becomes more remote and adventurous as you head toward Black Lake (黑湖), one of the most secluded alpine lakes in the region.

Trekking Through High Mountain Wilderness

The trail gradually climbs into higher terrain, where landscapes become more dramatic and rugged. You will pass through:

• Steep mountain slopes with panoramic views
• High-altitude grasslands used by nomadic herders
• Remote river valleys carved by glacial water
• Herds of horses, sheep, and cattle moving freely
• Occasional nomadic yurts scattered across the landscape

As you gain elevation, the air becomes cooler and thinner, and the scenery opens up into vast alpine views.

Black Lake Arrival

Black Lake (黑湖) is a mysterious high-altitude lake located deep within the Altay Mountains. Despite its name, the water is crystal clear when approached closely, while appearing dark from a distance due to its depth and surrounding shadows.

At the lake area, you will find:

• Wide open grasslands
• Snow peaks reflecting in the water
• Nomadic yurts near the shore
• Herds grazing freely in the distance

Overnight in Yurt

Tonight you stay in a traditional Mongolian-style yurt, offering a rare nomadic experience:

• Simple wooden and felt structure
• Basic but comfortable bedding
• Traditional milk tea and local meals
• Peaceful silence of the high plateau

The night at Black Lake is extremely quiet, with no light pollution—ideal for star photography.

• Accommodation: Yurt near Black Lake
• Altitude: ~2419m
• Meal: Breakfast included

Today you continue your trek toward the legendary Kanas Nature Reserve (喀纳斯自然保护区), one of China’s most iconic alpine destinations.

Trekking Into Kanas Wilderness

Leaving Black Lake behind, the trail gradually descends and transitions into dense forest zones and river valleys. The landscape becomes greener and more diverse as you approach the Kanas ecosystem.

Along the way, you will experience:

• Thick pine and birch forests
• Mountain rivers with crystal-clear water
• Occasional wildlife sightings (squirrels, foxes, birds)
• Remote wilderness trails rarely used by outsiders
• Dramatic changes in terrain and vegetation

This section of the trek is especially rewarding for photography and nature immersion.

Arrival at Kanas Scenic Area

By afternoon, you arrive at Kanas Nature Reserve, a UNESCO-level ecological treasure famous for:

• Deep alpine lakes
• Color-changing waters
• Dense ancient forests
• Mystical legends of lake creatures
• Unique Tuva cultural heritage

You may visit the Fish Viewing Pavilion (观鱼台) for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖), one of the most photographed landscapes in China.

Kanas Lake Experience

Kanas Lake is known for:

• Shifting colors (blue, green, turquoise) depending on weather
• Glacial origins dating back over 200,000 years
• Deep alpine waters reaching over 180 meters
• Surrounding myth and folklore

The area offers a dramatic contrast to the wilderness trails you have just completed.

• Accommodation: Hotel or lodge in Kanas
• Altitude: ~1388m
• Meal: Breakfast included

Today is a full-day immersion into the spectacular Kanas Nature Reserve (喀纳斯自然保护区), one of China’s most beautiful alpine lake regions.

After breakfast in Kanas (喀纳斯景区), you begin exploring the lake and its surrounding scenic areas at a relaxed pace, allowing time to fully appreciate the landscape.

Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖)

The centerpiece of the region is Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖), a glacial lake known for its constantly changing colors—ranging from deep blue to emerald green depending on sunlight and weather conditions.

The lake is surrounded by dense forested mountains and forms a dramatic alpine valley ecosystem.

Three Major Scenic Bays

You will visit the most famous viewpoints along the Kanas River:

• Fairy Bay (神仙湾) – A mist-covered wetland area, especially magical in the morning
• Moon Bay (月亮湾) – A crescent-shaped river bend with turquoise waters
• Dragon Bay (卧龙湾) – A calm lake formation resembling a resting dragon

Each location offers different lighting and landscape angles, making it ideal for photography.

Optional: Fish Viewing Pavilion (观鱼台)

For panoramic views, you may hike or take a shuttle to the Fish Viewing Pavilion, which overlooks the entire Kanas valley, lake, and surrounding peaks.

Experience Highlights

• Glacial alpine lake scenery
• Dense Taiga forests (taiga ecosystem)
• Tuva ethnic cultural influence (图瓦人)
• Mythical legends of lake creatures
• Peaceful walking trails and viewpoints
• Overnight: Kanas area hotel/lodge
• Altitude: ~1388m
• Meal: Breakfast included

Today begins a scenic trekking route from Kanas (喀纳斯) to Jiadengyu (贾登峪), passing through dense forests and pristine wilderness.

Forest Trekking Experience

The trail leads you deep into the Kanas forest ecosystem, one of the best-preserved natural environments in Xinjiang.

Along the way, you will pass through:

• Ancient birch forests (白桦林) glowing with sunlight
• Dense coniferous woodland corridors
• Mountain streams with wooden bridges
• Quiet valleys untouched by modern development
• Wildlife habitats with birds, squirrels, and foxes

The atmosphere is peaceful and immersive, with very few other travelers along the route.

Natural Scenery Along the Way

• Rolling alpine hills and forest slopes
• Snow-fed rivers cutting through valleys
• Open meadows used by seasonal herders
• Scenic rest points overlooking mountain landscapes

This section is considered one of the most photogenic parts of the entire trekking route.

• Overnight: Jiadengyu hotel
• Altitude: ~1600m
• Meal: Breakfast included

Today is one of the most dynamic and memorable days of the journey, combining trekking and vehicle transfer.

Jiadengyu → Halfway Guesthouse Trek

After an early breakfast, you begin a challenging but rewarding trek toward the Halfway Guesthouse (半程山屋).

The trail passes through:

• Remote sections of Kanas primary forest
• Steep but scenic mountain paths
• Birch forests and alpine meadows
• Hidden wildlife corridors

This is a longer trekking segment, offering a final deep immersion into the wilderness environment.

Halfway Guesthouse Experience

Upon arrival at Halfway Guesthouse, you experience a true mountain rest stop:

• Simple wooden accommodation
• Fresh homemade breakfast or tea
• Warm hospitality from local hosts
• Stunning mountain valley surroundings

It is a symbolic midpoint between Kanas wilderness and human settlements.

Trek to Hemu Valley (禾木河流域)

After resting, continue trekking toward Hemu (禾木村方向).

The landscape gradually opens into:

• Wider river valleys
• Flowing Hemu River (禾木河)
• Transition from forest to pastoral scenery

The route naturally guides you back toward civilization.

Drive to Burqin (布尔津)

Upon reaching Hemu Village (禾木村), your trekking section ends. You will then be picked up by vehicle and transferred back to Burqin (布尔津) for overnight stay.

Burqin offers a comfortable return to town life with restaurants and rest facilities.

• Overnight: Burqin hotel
• Altitude: ~1100m
• Meal: Breakfast included

After breakfast in Burqin (布尔津), you continue your journey southwest toward one of the most surreal landscapes in Northern Xinjiang—the famous Urho Ghost City (乌尔禾魔鬼城), also known as Wuerhe Yadan Landform (乌尔禾雅丹地貌).

Scenic Drive Across Northern Xinjiang

The drive today passes through vast and changing landscapes:

• Open desert plains
• Semi-arid steppe zones
• Distant oil fields and industrial desert scenery
• Occasional poplar shelterbelts and dry riverbeds

This long drive highlights the dramatic geographical diversity of Xinjiang, transitioning from forested mountains to extreme desert environments.

Arrival at Urho Ghost City (乌尔禾魔鬼城)

Upon arrival, you board a shuttle bus into the protected scenic area. The landscape here is one of the most extraordinary geological formations in China.

The area is shaped by millions of years of wind erosion, creating natural structures that resemble:

• Ancient castles and fortresses
• Towers and city ruins
• Animals such as lions, camels, and eagles
• Abstract rock sculptures

Why It Is Called “Ghost City”

When strong winds blow through the rock formations, they produce eerie whistling sounds, which locals interpret as ghostly noises—hence the name “Ghost City.”

Exploration Experience

Inside the scenic area, you will:

• Walk through designated viewing platforms
• Explore different shaped rock clusters
• Learn about Yadan geology (雅丹地貌)
• Take panoramic photos of the desert formations

The sunset here is especially spectacular, as the golden light enhances the red and orange tones of the rock landscape.

• Overnight: Urho (乌尔禾)
• Altitude: ~350m
• Meal: Breakfast included

Today marks the final day of your 11-Day Xinjiang Ultimate Trekking Tour to Kanas.

Morning Departure from Urho

After breakfast, you begin the return journey to Urumqi (乌鲁木齐). The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours, passing again through:

• Vast desert landscapes
• Oil-rich regions of northern Xinjiang
• Long open highways stretching across the basin

This is a relaxing transfer day after your intensive trekking adventure.

Arrival in Urumqi

Upon arrival in Urumqi, you will be transferred directly to:

• Urumqi airport for departure
• Or your hotel if you are extending your stay

Tour Conclusion

Your journey ends with unforgettable memories of:

• Alpine lakes and forests in Kanas
• Multi-day trekking through remote wilderness
• Tuva ethnic culture in Hemu Village
• Desert and Yadan landscapes in Urho
• A complete north Xinjiang geographic cross-section

This is not just a tour—it is a full immersion into one of the most remote and beautiful regions in China.

• Meal: Breakfast included
• Accommodation: Not included