Kanas Independent Travel Charter Guide, Altay One Day Three Day Multi Day Loop Options

Guo Jing, a senior Xinjiang travel customization expert at Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, specializes in one-stop travel services across Xinjiang including customized vehicle use, carpooling, and hassle-free group tours. Whether traveling solo, with family, or with friends, a suitable travel plan can be matched. 24-hour travel consultation channel: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, online around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
Kanas Independent Travel Customized Vehicle Use Full Guide:Altay 1-7 Day Loop Flexible Combination Plans✨
I. Core Highlights of the Route and Detailed Destination Guide
Kanas Lake:A national 5A-level scenic area, famous as the “color-changing lake.” The lake water presents blue-green, emerald green, and even milky white tones depending on light and season. Core highlights include:
Fish Watching Pavilion:Requires climbing 1,068 steps, overlooking the panoramic view of Kanas Lake; at summer sunrise, clouds and mist swirl around.
Three Bays Hiking:Fairy Bay morning mist, Moon Bay’s S-shaped river bend, and Wolong Bay’s mid-river sandbar, with about 4.5 kilometers of boardwalk in total.
Cruise Experience:About 40 minutes of sailing on the lake, observing the plant communities in the lake up close.
2026 opening hours: 8:00-20:00 year-round, with a timed reservation system; reservations must be made 1-3 days in advance through the “Kanas Smart Tourism” platform. Peak season (June 1-October 15) ticket is 160 yuan/person, shuttle bus 70 yuan/person (one entry).
Hemu Village:A traditional mountain village inhabited by various ethnic groups, retaining more than 200 original ecological wooden houses. Special experiences:
Harden Viewing Platform:Capture sunrise with cooking smoke and snow-capped mountains in the same frame; the best shooting time in summer is 6:30-7:30.
Birch Forest Hiking:Dense forest 3 kilometers west of the village, suitable for afternoon summer strolls.
Stargazing:In a light-pollution-free environment, the Milky Way is clearly visible; bring a tripod.
2026 opening hours:8:30-20:00, ticket 75 yuan/person, transfer to eco-friendly shuttle bus required for entry. Accommodation is mainly wooden houses with floor heating; after September, nighttime temperatures drop below 5°C, so warm clothing is recommended.

Kanas Independent Travel Customized Vehicle Use Full Guide: Altay 1-7 Day Loop Flexible Combination Plans✨Five-Colored Beach:Yardang landform 24 kilometers northwest of Burqin County, where the Irtysh River flows through to form the “one river, two banks” wonder. Viewing highlights:
Sunset Period:Summer 19:30-21:00, when the rocks display gradient colors of red, yellow, purple, white, and green.
Photography Spots:The viewing platform on the east side of the scenic area can capture the full riverbank panorama; the boardwalk on the west side is suitable for close-ups.
2026 opening hours:9:00-20:30, ticket 45 yuan/person, no reservation required.
Keketuohai National Geopark:A world geopark, with core attractions:
Irtysh Grand Canyon:Hike 7 kilometers of stone-paved path to view granite landforms such as Bell Mountain and Eagle Peak.
No. 3 Mine Pit:A “meritorious mine” that once helped the country repay foreign debts; visitors can take a sightseeing vehicle to the bottom of the pit.
2026 opening hours:9:30-19:30, ticket 126 yuan/person (including shuttle bus), recommended visit 4-5 hours.
II. Classic Itinerary Framework (2026 Practical Version)
[3-Day Essential Loop]
Day1:Altay City → Chonghu’er Town Reservoir Viewing Platform (30-minute stop) → Burqin County (lunch) → Five-Colored Beach sunset (19:30-21:00) → overnight in Burqin
Day2:Burqin → Kanas Scenic Area (4-hour drive) → transfer to shuttle bus to visit the Three Bays → overnight in Kanas Old Village
Day3:Fish Watching Pavilion sunrise → Kanas Lake cruise → afternoon to Hemu Village (2-hour drive) → Harden Viewing Platform sunset → overnight in Hemu wooden house

I. Core Highlights of the Route and Detailed Destination Guide[5-Day In-Depth Loop]
Day1-3:Same as the 3-day itinerary
Day4:Full day in Hemu Village (morning mist photography + birch forest hiking + local family visit) → evening to Keketuohai Town (6-hour drive)
Day5:Keketuohai Geopark tour → return to Altay City or Urumqi
[7-Day Panoramic Loop]
Day1-5:Same as the 5-day itinerary
Day6:Altay City → Ulungur Lake (3-hour drive) → Sea Devil City Yardang photography → overnight in Fuhai County
Day7:Fuhai County → S21 Desert Highway → Urumqi (5-hour drive)
Itinerary Change Notes:
Daily driving time is controlled at 4-6 hours, with a 15-minute rest every 2 hours.
In case of rain or snow, the Keketuohai section may be restricted; both parties will negotiate to reroute to Ulungur Lake or change the tour order.
September 25-October 15 is the autumn scenery peak season; Hemu Village accommodation must be booked 15 days in advance.
III. 2026 Customized Vehicle Use Fee Reference (Subject to Contract)

Kanas Lake: A national 5A-level scenic area, famous as the “color-changing lake.” The lake water presents blue-green, emerald green, and even milky white tones depending on light and season. Core highlights include:[Vehicle Types and Average Daily Prices]

Guo Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, a senior travel customization expert with 10 years of deep experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializes in one-stop services including Xinjiang customized vehicle use, carpooling, and group tours. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, online around the clock to plan Xinjiang journeys for everyone.
7-seat business vehicle (Maxus G10/Trumpchi M8):1400-1800 yuan/day
9-seat converted to 7-seat business vehicle (Ford T6/Iveco Ousheng):1600-2200 yuan/day
14-seat 1+1 aviation seat vehicle:2000-2600 yuan/day
19-seat minibus:2400-3200 yuan/day
38-seat coach:3600-4500 yuan/day
[Included in the Fee]
Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, basic insurance, fuel fee, toll fee
Daily mileage limit of 400 kilometers (excess mileage charged at 2-3 yuan/kilometer)
[Not Included in the Fee]
Driver meal and accommodation subsidy (if staying overnight across counties/cities, assistance in arranging accommodation is required)
Scenic area tickets, shuttle buses, cruises, and other fees
Personal expenses and fees for newly added attractions outside the itinerary

Fish Watching Pavilion: Requires climbing 1,068 steps, overlooking the panoramic view of Kanas Lake; at summer sunrise, clouds and mist swirl around.[Off-Peak and Peak Season Fluctuations]
June-August peak season prices increase by 20%-30%
October 16-May 31 of the following year off-season, some vehicle types reduced by 15%
IV. Registration and Consultation Methods
Registration is available through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency; the process is as follows:
1. Phone communication:Call 181-3962-2229, stating the number of travelers, days, and preferred attractions
2. WeChat consultation:Add 181-3962-2229 to obtain an electronic itinerary plan and quotation sheet
3. Contract signing:After confirming details, sign an electronic contract and pay a deposit to reserve vehicle resources
4. Pre-trip preparation:Customer service provides the “Altay Travel Recommendation List” and real-time road condition information
V. Key Service Descriptions
[Vehicle Standards]
All vehicles are licensed tourism operating vehicles with 7 seats or more, equipped with air conditioning, USB charging ports, and emergency tool kits
Mandatory maintenance every 5,000 kilometers; full vehicle inspection and disinfection before departure

Three Bays Hiking: Fairy Bay morning mist, Moon Bay’s S-shaped river bend, and Wolong Bay’s mid-river sandbar, with about 4.5 kilometers of boardwalk in total.[Driver Qualifications]
Hold valid practitioner qualification certificates, with more than 5 years of driving experience in Northern Xinjiang
Familiar with basic communication in various ethnic languages and can provide simple travel suggestions
Work no more than 10 hours per day; overtime paid at 200 yuan/hour
[Emergency Support]
Vehicle breakdown:Dispatch a backup vehicle within 2 hours to continue the itinerary
Sudden illness of personnel:Assist in contacting the nearest medical institution (a clinic is available within the Kanas Scenic Area)
Itinerary changes:If force majeure prevents entry into the scenic area, refund unused ticket fees
VI. Recommended Pre-Trip Tips
Documents:Valid ID, driver’s license (as backup if self-driving is needed), a small amount of cash
Clothing:Windbreaker, sun-protective clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, foldable raincoat
Electronic devices:Spare camera batteries, power bank, offline maps (some mountainous areas have no signal)
Medicines:Stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, mosquito repellent spray, altitude sickness medicine (Keketuohai is 1,200 meters above sea level)
The Altay region is currently entering the peak tourism season, and accommodation resources in Hemu Village and Kanas Scenic Area are tight. It is recommended to start itinerary planning at least 20 days in advance. Booking vehicles through a regular travel agency can help avoid risks and ensure itinerary compliance. Specific fees and service details are subject to the written contract signed by both parties; for details, please consult Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency customer service.
2026 Xinjiang tourism customized vehicle use, customization, and carpooling tours are welcome for consultation (24-hour consultation phone: 0991-8585456). Xinjiang customized travel manager Guo Jing WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for customization