Northern Xinjiang 10-Day Budget Travel Guide

Altay, Xinjiang 10 Days 9 Nights In-Depth Group Tour Guide (Budget 3500 RMB)
Trip Highlights: Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Baihaba, Koktokay, Five-Color Beach, Grassland Pastures, Kazakh Culture
Suitable For: Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, budget-conscious independent travelers/group tour participants

📅 Itinerary (Classic Northern Xinjiang Loop)
Day 1: Urumqi - Burqin (Approx. 8-hour drive)

Morning: Gather in Urumqi and drive to Burqin, enjoying the Gobi scenery along the way.
Afternoon: Arrive in Burqin, visit Five-Color Beach (ticket 45 RMB), photograph the Yadan landforms at sunset.
Evening: Stay in Burqin town (about 100 RMB/night), try grilled dogfish and kvass.

Day 2: Burqin - Kanas (Approx. 3-hour drive)

Morning: Head to Kanas Scenic Area (ticket + shuttle bus 230 RMB), enjoy Moon Bay, Fairy Bay, and Wolong Bay en route.
Afternoon: Climb the Fish Viewing Platform (additional shuttle bus 20 RMB) for a panoramic view of Kanas Lake.
Evening: Stay in wooden cabins in Old or New Kanas Village (about 150 RMB/night).

Day 3: Kanas - Baihaba (Approx. 1-hour drive)

Morning: Explore Kanas Lake, with options to take a boat (120 RMB) or hike along the lakeside boardwalk.
Afternoon: Travel to Baihaba Village (ticket 30 RMB + shuttle bus 45 RMB), experience the tranquil border village between China and Kazakhstan.
Evening: Stay in Baihaba wooden cabins (about 120 RMB/night), experience Tuva ethnic culture.

Day 4: Baihaba - Hemu Village (Approx. 2-hour drive)

Morning: Return to Kanas, transfer to shuttle bus to Hemu Village (ticket + shuttle bus 102 RMB).
Afternoon: Stroll through Hemu Village, photograph wooden houses, birch forests, and smoke rising from rural homes.
Evening: Stay in Hemu wooden cabins (about 150 RMB/night), stargaze.

Day 5: Hemu - Burqin (Approx. 4-hour drive)

Early morning: Climb Hemu Viewing Platform to capture the village in morning mist (free).
Morning: Free activities, such as horseback riding or hiking Meili Peak.
Afternoon: Return to Burqin, enjoy grassland pasture scenery along the way.
Evening: Stay in Burqin (about 100 RMB/night).

Day 6: Burqin - Koktokay (Approx. 5-hour drive)

Morning: Visit Koktokay National Geopark (ticket + shuttle bus 126 RMB), tour Shen Zhong Mountain and the Irtysh River Grand Canyon.
Afternoon: Explore Mine No. 3 (ticket 20 RMB), learn about the "Meritorious Mine" history.
Evening: Stay in Koktokay town (about 120 RMB/night).

Day 7: Koktokay - Fuyun - Beitun (Approx. 4-hour drive)

Morning: Enjoy Kokosuli Lake scenery (free), photograph wetlands.
Afternoon: Arrive in Beitun, free time to explore local markets.
Evening: Stay in Beitun (about 100 RMB/night).

Day 8: Beitun - Urumqi (Approx. 7-hour drive)

All day: Drive back to Urumqi, admire the Gurbantunggut Desert scenery en route.
Evening: Arrive in Urumqi, stay downtown (about 120 RMB/night), visit the International Grand Bazaar.

Day 9: Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi (Approx. 1.5-hour drive)

Morning: Visit Tianshan Tianchi (ticket + shuttle bus 155 RMB), view Bogda Peak from afar.
Afternoon: Return to Urumqi, free time.
Evening: Enjoy roasted buns, big plate chicken, and hand-pulled rice (about 50 RMB per person).

Day 10: Urumqi Departure

Morning: Free time based on flight/train schedule, optional visit to Xinjiang Museum (free).
Afternoon: End of trip, departure.

💰 Budget (10 days 9 nights)

Cost Items (RMB)

Transportation (carpool/shuttle) approx. 1000

Accommodation (9 nights budget) approx. 900

Meals (10 days simple meals) approx. 800

Tickets + shuttle buses approx. 800

Others (horse riding, souvenirs) approx. 200

Total approx. 3500

🌟 Travel Tips
✅ Best Season: June to September (summer green grasslands, autumn golden Kanas), winter offers snow scenes but inconvenient transport.
✅ Transportation Tips:

Night bus from Urumqi to Burqin (about 200 RMB) saves accommodation costs.
Shuttle buses are required inside Kanas and Hemu scenic areas; no self-driving allowed.
✅ Accommodation: Wooden cabins in Kanas and Hemu are basic; book early in peak season.
✅ Food: Must-try Burqin dogfish, Kazakh milk tea, hand-pulled meat, grilled lamb skewers!
✅ Clothing: Large temperature difference between day and night; bring a windbreaker/down jacket, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

📌 Optional Adjustments

If time allows, add Sailimu Lake or Ili Grassland (requires extending the trip).
With a higher budget, upgrade accommodation or join a small group of 4-6 people (about 4000-5000 RMB).

This itinerary covers Altay’s most classic spots: Kanas, Hemu, Koktokay, perfect for nature lovers. A 3500 RMB budget is enough to explore the essence of Northern Xinjiang! 🏔️🌲📸