7-Day Xinjiang Altay Secret Tour from Urumqi: Keketuohai, Ahe Highway, Hemu, Kanas, Burqin

Arrive in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang and gateway to the Silk Road. Your private vehicle and local guide meet you at the airport or railway station for a comfortable transfer to your hotel. After settling in, take time to explore the vibrant Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar — a colorful maze of spices, handicrafts, and Central Asian architecture. Sample local Uyghur dishes such as lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and naan bread. Overnight in Urumqi.

Drive north from Urumqi toward Keketuohai (approximately 5-6 hours). Arrive at the Keketuohai National Geopark, one of China's most dramatic geological wonders. The granite canyon stretches over 20 kilometers, with sheer rock walls rising 300 meters above the Irtysh River — the only river in China that flows into the Arctic Ocean. Walk along the canyon rim for panoramic views of the rugged landscape. Continue to Keketuohai Town for the night, a quiet mining town surrounded by mountains.

Today is the highlight of the journey — driving the legendary Ahe Highway through the heart of the Altay Mountains. This scenic mountain road winds through alpine meadows, birch forests, and snow-capped peaks, offering some of the most spectacular landscapes in all of Xinjiang. Stop at viewpoints along the way to photograph the dramatic valleys and grasslands. The road is only open seasonally (June-October) and requires an experienced local driver. Overnight at a campsite along the highway, where you can stargaze in the clear mountain air.

Rise early to watch dawn break over Hemu Village, a traditional Tuvan settlement nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. Morning mist lifts from the valley as the sun paints the wooden log cabins in golden light — a scene straight from a fairy tale. Explore the village and interact with the Tuvan community, known for their distinctive culture and nomadic heritage. Continue to Jiadengyu, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Kanas River valley. Arrive at Kanas Scenic Area in the afternoon and settle into your lakeside accommodation.

Spend the morning at Kanas Lake, one of China's most beautiful alpine lakes. The turquoise water is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests, and local legend speaks of a mysterious lake monster living in its depths. Take a boat ride on the lake or hike to Guanyu Pavilion (Moon Bay) for panoramic views of the valley. In the afternoon, drive south through birch forests and grasslands toward Burqin, a small border county known for its cold-water fish. Overnight in Burqin.

Leave Burqin and drive south on the S21 Desert Highway, one of China's newest and most impressive desert roads. The highway cuts through the Gurbantunggut Desert, the second-largest desert in China, offering vast landscapes of sand dunes and desert vegetation. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours back to Urumqi. Arrive in the evening and check into your hotel. Take a final evening stroll through the city or enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Xinjiang's famous lamb and naan.

After breakfast, your private vehicle transfers you to Urumqi Airport or Railway Station for your departure. The 7-day Altay Secret Tour comes to an end, but the memories of granite canyons, mountain highways, Tuvan villages, and turquoise lakes will last a lifetime. If your flight or train is later in the day, there is time for a final visit to the Grand Bazaar for last-minute souvenirs.