Northern Xinjiang Tour With Kanas Lake

Itinerary

• Day 1: Urumqi, Arrival

  Upon reaching the vibrant city of Urumqi, a chauffeur whisks you to your lodging for respite.

  Revived, you may like to wander the International Grand Bazaar, intrigued by the myriad silken wares and foodstuffs laid out, absorbing the lively ambiance as traders ply their goods amidst crowds.

  • Urumqi

• Day 2: Urumqi - Karamay, The Anjihai Grand Canyon

  This morning, you depart Urumqi and drive east, taking in expansive desert vistas on the road to Anjihai Grand Canyon. The gorge lives up to its fame - towering sandstone cliffs form dramatic layers wrapping the reverberating river below. Pinyon pines cling improbably to precipices while eagles soar on thermal air currents, overseeing nature's grand spectacle.

  After that, continue the drive to Karamay City which is a large oil-producing city in Xinjiang.

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  • Karamay

• Day 3: Black Oil Mountain, the Ghost City

  Leaving the oil town, you wind upwards gaining views of Black Oil Mountain's bizarre rocks eroded into pinnacles and plugs. Hiking its heights rewards with panoramas of oil pipelines threading the desert below. Next, you traverse the Ghost City in the Urho district, shaped by sand and wind into alien-like forms under stark blue skies, an eerie contrast to the sand seas stretching all around.

  Continue the journey and drive to Burqin County where you will spend the night.

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  • Burqin County

• Day 4: Burqin County - Hemu Village, Rainbow Beach

  Leaving Burqin County today, a scenic journey awaits as you wind your way to Hemu village. Along the route, a highlight awaits with a stop at the beautiful Rainbow Beach. Here multi-hued sandstone outcrops line the Irtysh Shore, their hues shifting from red to orange to green as you wander wooden walkways between. A lush poplar forest provides a green backdrop across the water.

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  • Hemu Village

• Day 5: Hemu Grasslands, Kanas Lake

  Today takes you to explore the natural wonders surrounding Hemu Village. A short drive into the namesake grasslands presents vast swaths of rolling green punctuated by small Tuvan communities. Continuing to Kanas Lake, its glittering waters bordered by reeds stretch as snow-capped mountains rise majestically in the distance. Wandering amongst the wooden dwellings scattered across Hemu's plains, the natural beauty and traditional culture of its Tuvan people come to the fore.

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  • Hemu Village

• Day 6: Burqin County - Urumqi

  Today's journey will be a long 8-hour drive from Burqin County to Urumqi. However, don't fret - the stunning vistas including emerald oases nestled between looming dunes and rugged canyons carved by meandering rivers will provide plenty of opportunities to pull over for photo ops along the way. Upon arriving in Urumqi, check into your hotel to recharge.

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  • Urumqi

• Day 7: Urumqi, Departure

  Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Urumqi before your guide escorts you to the airport. Fond memories of Xinjiang's breathtaking scenery will await your next visit.

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