10 days Xinjiang Kanas Lake and Hemu Village trekking tour

Your trekking tour starts in Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang, the largest province in western China renowned for the Uyghur culture and ancient Silk Road. In the next 10 days you will hike deep into Northern Xinjiang to explore the mysterious Kanas Lake, unspoiled Hemu Village, the Baihaba Village and many more.

Upon arrival, your local trekking guide will greet you and assist you to the hotel. The rest of the day is left free for you to explore the city or adjust yourself for the jet lag. Notice the clock time in Urumqi of Xinjiang is the same as Beijing Time, but the sunset here is 2 hours later compared with the mainland China. 

Take a morning flight to Altay, a town near the spectacular Kanas Lake. As you get off the plane, your local trekking guide will help you review all the equipment. After a 1.5 hours’ drive, you will arrive at the entrance point of Kanas Lake - Jiadengyu.  After having lunch at Jiadengyu, your local guide will go over the menu for your trekking with you. This evening you will stay in the Jiadengyu Kazakh Yurt.  

Start trekking to the Hemu Village in this morning, and you will pass by meadows and woods. Your destination today is to the Delta Campsite, which is about 20 km. (12 mi.) from Jiadengyu. You will see a pine forest covering the surrounding mountains along both banks of the Buerjin river. The merging point of Kanas and Hemu river will be the Campsite. 

The hike today takes about 6 to 7 hours. As you arrive at the Delta Campsite, find a smooth meadow in the woods near the river and the horse path. Set up the camp here as it is a safe and suitable place for the evening. 

Continue trekking about 4 to 5 hours and you will reach the Hemu Village. First, hike northward for 5 km. (5 mi.) along the west bank of the Hemu River. Then pass a birch forest and cross the Hemu Bridge, you now really arrive in Hemu.

Being ranked by China National Geography as one of the six most beautiful villages in China, Hemu Village is a peaceful settlement of the Tuwa people. Upon your arrival, walk around here to explore the unique cultures of the locals. Do not forget to use your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery around the village. This evening, head to a local guest house to end the trip today.

Today serves as a break of your trekking tour since you will stay in the peaceful Hemu Village to pursue its unique beauty. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon while roaming in the village. Experience the local life of the nomadic Tuwa people and Kazakhs. After having a local dinner with the Tuwa people, return to your hotel for retire.

Today is a challenging day as you will hike to the campsite in the Black Lake, which is 20 km. (12 mi.) away from the Hemu Village. After leaving the village, hike northwest to reach the valley, then spend about 5 hours to wriggle your way and finally ascend to the 2,350 m. (7,710 ft.) high Daban, which is the highest point of this trekking tour.

Descend from Daban, you will see the Black Lake is located in the valley at the foot of the mountain. Upon your arrival, your local guide will help you set up camp aside the lake. After, you will enjoy a picnic dinner. Please make sure to keep warm while sleeping as it is cooler at night than during the day. 

The highlight is coming today as you will reach the spectacular Kanas Lake. After trekking westward from the Black Lake, see a majestic ridge standing at a height of 2,200 m. (7,218 ft.). Climb over this ridge and hike another 5 km. (3 mi.) to reach the Kanas Village, where you will stop for a rest.

After, leave the village and trek along the river valley. A magnificent view of the Kanas Lake will greet you after you pass through a dense pine forest. The rest of the day is for you to capture the enchanting scenery of Kanas. This evening, You'll have many choice for accommodation, like the camp, frame house or yurt.

After having breakfast, climb on top of the hill to get a spectacular bird's eye view of the Kanas Lake. Immerse yourself into this picturesque scenery which is mixed with the pure blue water, mysterious forests, and majestic mountains. Do not forget to capture this beauty by using your camera. Next, you can choose to visit a local Tuwa family or  raft on the lake.

In the late afternoon, drive to Baihaba, which is the most northwestern village of China. Spend the remainder of the day to explore this border village and discover the unique cultures of the locals. Then spend the night in a family inn.

You need an early breakfast to catch the breathtaking sunrise in Baihaba Village. Then walk around this peaceful village to learn about the lifestyle of the locals. In the afternoon, say farewell to Baihaiba as you will drive back to Burqin. Your memorable trekking tour will end upon your arrival. After, walk around this small town and have a victory dinner. 

Drive to Altay in this morning, then transfer to a flight to Urumqi. Upon arrival, your local guide will assist you to the airport for departure. If you wish to continue your journey, we are experts in tailor made trips and ready to assist you in extending your stay in China.