Where Nature Tells the Epic
For those who seek the sublime. Expeditions into China’s most epic landscapes, from sacred mountains to scenery that feels like it belongs in another world
wonder Journeys
The Altai Epic
11 days
6 cities
From USD $ 2,238
Why this journey? A note from our founder
legacies are not carved in stone by emperors, but by wind and water over millennia. This is the story of Northern Xinjiang, a land so vast and varied its history is best told through its geography.
I created The Altai Epic for the traveler who understands that sometimes, the most profound stories are told by the land itself. This is not a tour between cities; it is a grand road trip, an expedition through a symphony of landscapes, from the impossible turquoise of alpine lakes and the serenity of nomadic steppes, to the wind-carved ‘ghost cities’ of the desert.
This is our invitation to witness nature at its most operatic and grand, a journey to the very edge of imagination.
Signature Experiences on This Path
Gaze into an Alpine Jewel
In the heart of the Altai mountains, you will stand on the shores of Kanas Lake, a breathtaking body of pristine, turquoise water cradled by snow-dusted Siberian pines. We will ascend to a panoramic viewpoint to witness its full, mythical beauty.Step into a Timeless Village
Journey to Hemu, a serene and magical settlement of traditional wooden cabins belonging to the nomadic Tuvan people. Here, surrounded by rolling hills and birch forests, you will feel as if you have stepped into a peaceful, forgotten world.Wander a City Carved by Wind
At the Wuhe Ghost City, you will explore a surreal and dramatic yardang landscape. Here, wind has sculpted colossal sandstone mesas into fantastical shapes, creating an unforgettable experience that feels like walking on the surface of another planet.Stand on the Shore of Heaven’s Lake
Experience a moment of profound peace at Sayram Lake, known as the “last tear of the Atlantic.” The sheer scale of this vast, sapphire-blue alpine lake, set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, is a truly humbling and awe-inspiring sight.
Your Journey, Day by Day
Day1: Arrival in the Frontier Capital (Urumqi)
Welcome to Xinjiang, a land of vast horizons and breathtaking beauty. Your journey begins upon arrival at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC), where our representative will greet you for your private transfer to the hotel. The air here feels different, carrying the spirit of the ancient Silk Road and the promise of the wild landscapes to come.
Accommodation: Selected 4-Star Hotel in Urumqi
Meals: None
Day 2: A Painted Shore & A Welcome Feast (Urumqi/Burqin)
Our expedition begins with a full day’s scenic drive north into the Altai region, watching as the landscape transforms from city to semi-desert to the beginnings of the Siberian forest. We arrive in the evening at the small town of Burqin (布尔津). We will proceed directly to Wucaitan (五彩滩, “Rainbow Beach”), a spectacular landscape of multi-colored rock formations along the Irtysh River. We time our visit for sunset, when the golden light ignites the vibrant reds, greens, and yellows of the rocks in a breathtaking display. Afterwards, we gather for our Welcome Dinner, a feast of local specialties, perhaps including fresh grilled river fish.
Accommodation: Selected 4-Star Hotel in Burqin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Welcome Dinner
Day 3: The Alpine Jewel (Burqin/Kanas)
Today is a journey into a landscape that feels more like the Swiss Alps than China. A scenic drive takes us from Burqin into the heart of the Altai mountains to the legendary Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖). This is a pristine alpine jewel of stunning, otherworldly turquoise water, cradled by snow-dusted, Siberian pine-covered mountains.
We will spend the day exploring its wonders, from walking the tranquil paths along its shores to taking a boat cruise on its crystal-clear waters. The day’s climax is the ascent to the Guanyu Pavilion (观鱼亭). From this high vantage point, you will be rewarded with a panoramic, god’s-eye view of the entire shimmering lake and its three famous mythical bays, a truly unforgettable spectacle of natural beauty. The evening is free to find a local spot for dinner in the park’s small, rustic tourist village.
Accommodation: Selected 4-Star Hotel in Jiadengyu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: The Village of the Tuvan People (Kanas/Hemu)
This morning, a scenic drive takes us through golden birch forests and over rolling hills to what many call the most beautiful village in China: Hemu (禾木). This is a serene, timeless settlement belonging to the Tuvan people, a nomadic tribe of Mongolian descent, where traditional, unpainted log cabins are scattered across a gentle, forest-ringed valley.
You will have the entire afternoon to explore its tranquil dirt paths at your own pace, wandering over wooden bridges that cross a crystal-clear river and watching herds of cattle amble past. As dusk approaches, you will see smoke begin to curl from the chimneys of the cabins and the air will fill with the scent of pine and cooking fires. For dinner tonight, you can visit a local family’s home for a taste of simple, authentic Tuvan cooking, a truly heartwarming experience.
Accommodation: An authentic local Wooden Cabin Guesthouse (小木屋) in Hemu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: From Forest Floor to Desert Plain (Hemu/Karamay)
After a final morning absorbing Hemu’s peaceful, fairy-tale atmosphere, we begin a long but fascinating drive south, watching the lush forests give way to the arid, open expanse of the desert basin. Our destination is a landscape born from a science fiction film: the surreal and dramatic Wuerhe Ghost City (乌尔禾魔鬼城).
This is a vast yardang landscape, where wind and time have carved colossal sandstone mesas into fantastical shapes that resemble ruined castles, monstrous fleets, and strange, silent beasts. We will arrive in the late afternoon to explore this “city,” the perfect time to witness the setting sun casting long, eerie shadows that bring the formations to life. As the wind whistles through the canyons, you will understand how this otherworldly place earned its haunting name. We will stay overnight in the nearby modern oil city of Karamay.
Accommodation: Selected 4-Star Hotel in Karamay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: The Last Tear of the Atlantic (Karamay/Sayram Lake)
Today is a journey to a place of profound peace and sublime beauty. Our private vehicle takes us across the plains to the breathtaking Sayram Lake (赛里木湖), a vast alpine jewel of impossible, sapphire-blue water cradled by the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan mountains. Known poetically as the “last tear of the Atlantic,” the immense scale and pristine purity of this high-altitude lake are truly humbling.
We will spend the afternoon exploring its shores, walking through vast green grasslands dotted with wildflowers and the yurts of Kazakh nomads. You can breathe the crisp, clean mountain air, feel the immense stillness of the landscape, and watch the light change on the surface of the water. Tonight, dinner is at your leisure at a simple restaurant by the lakeside, offering a tranquil conclusion to a day of spectacular scenery.
Accommodation: Selected 4-Star Hotel in Huocheng
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: The Edge of an Empire & A Floral Dream (Sayram Lake/Yining)
Today we journey to the very western edge of China. Our first stop is the bustling Horgos Port (霍尔果斯口岸), a major border crossing with Kazakhstan. Here you will feel the unique energy of a modern hub on the New Silk Road, a place of trade and cultural intersection.
From the border, our afternoon is a feast for the senses, with the experience tailored to the season:
(May-August): We immerse ourselves in a sea of fragrant purple at a vast Lavender Park (薰衣草公园) near the Yili River Valley. You will wander through seemingly endless rows of vibrant lavender, the air filled with its calming scent—a stunning and beautiful sight reminiscent of Provence.
(Other Months): We will instead journey into the Gongnaisi Forest Park (巩乃斯森林公园), a beautiful expanse of verdant grasslands and vast, virgin forests, offering a different but equally compelling vision of this region’s lush natural beauty.
Our day concludes as we arrive in the nearby city of Yining, where your evening is free to find a local restaurant for dinner.
Accommodation: Selected 4-Star Hotel in Yining
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: The Sky-High Steppe (Yining/Narat Grassland)
Our journey continues as we ascend to the magnificent Narat Grassland (那拉提草原), one of the world’s great alpine prairies. This is not a flat plain, but a “sky-high” pasture, a vibrant landscape of undulating green hills, dense pine forests, and crystal-clear rivers, all set against a stunning backdrop of snow-capped Tian Shan peaks.
You will have the full afternoon to explore this immense landscape, feeling a profound sense of freedom and openness. You can hike up a gentle slope for a panoramic view, watch local Kazakh herdsmen gallop on horseback across the plains, or simply lie in the grass and gaze at the vast blue sky. For dinner tonight, you will enjoy a taste of true nomadic life with a meal of authentic Kazakh hospitality at a local guesthouse.
Accommodation: Selected 4-Star Hotel in Narat Grassland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: The Legendary Highway of Heaven (Narat Grassland/Urumqi)
Today is an epic road trip, a journey through landscapes so diverse it feels like experiencing four seasons in a single day. Our route is determined by the time of year:
(June-September / Open Season): We embark on one of the world’s most spectacular drives, traversing the legendary Duku Highway (独库公路). This is a true “Highway of Heaven” that crosses four distinct mountain ranges. You will watch from your window as the scenery transforms from lush green grasslands to dramatic red-rock canyons, from vast pine forests to the stark, stunning beauty of high-altitude glaciers. We end our spectacular drive in the ancient Silk Road city of Kuqa.
(October-May / Road Closure): When the high mountain passes are closed by snow, our adventure takes a different, equally wondrous path. We will journey north to explore the surreal, sculpted landscapes of the Dushanzi Grand Canyon (独山子大峡谷). You will stand at the precipice of this immense canyon, carved by water and time into a breathtaking network of sharp ridges and deep gullies. We will stay overnight in the nearby city of Dushanzi.
Accommodation: Selected 4-Star Hotel in Kuqa or Dushanzi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: The Journey Home & A Final Wonder (Urumqi)
Our final day’s route provides a unique culmination to our adventure, tailored to the path we have taken:
(If Duku Highway / From Kuqa): A noon flight takes us from the ancient Silk Road city of Kuqa (库车) back to the modern capital, Urumqi (乌鲁木齐). Upon arrival, we dive into the vibrant heart of the city’s culture with a final, whirlwind exploration of the lively Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar (新疆国际大巴扎). You can wander its bustling stalls, seeing the rich array of crafts, spices, and fruits from across Central Asia. Tonight, as our epic journey concludes, we will gather for a final Farewell Dinner, a feast of signature Xinjiang dishes to celebrate our adventure.
(If from Dushanzi): We begin our day with a journey into deep time, exploring the ancient and mysterious Kangjia Shimenzi Petroglyphs (康家石门子岩画), vivid carvings of human figures etched into a mountainside thousands of years ago. We then find a moment of tranquility at the serene Kensiwate Phoenix Lake (肯斯瓦特凤凰湖) before completing our scenic drive back to Urumqi. Tonight, we gather for our Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation: Selected 4-Star Hotel in Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Day 11: Journey’s End & An Open Invitation (Urumqi)
After a final breakfast, your grand expedition through the Altai region officially comes to an end. Having journeyed from the mythical beauty of Kanas Lake to the serene grasslands and the wind-carved desert, we hope you leave with the spirit of the open steppe and a heart full of wonder.
Should you require any last-minute assistance this morning, from confirming flight details to arranging a new service like a private airport transfer from Urumqi, we invite you to contact your dedicated SinoVistas Trip Advisor, who remains at your service.
It has been our deepest privilege to share this epic journey with you. May the vastness of the landscapes and the warmth of the nomadic spirit stay with you always.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast
Plan Your Journey
Dates & Prices
Start Date
End Date
Availability
Standard Tier
Start Date
End Date
Availability
Standard Tier
Pricing Notes:
Our starting price is based on a group of four or more travelers, sharing twin/double rooms in our curated selection of 4-star hotels and best-available guesthouses.
For private journeys, smaller groups, or any requests for upgraded accommodations where available, we would be delighted to provide you with a bespoke proposal.
A “Single Supplement” applies for solo travelers who wish to have their own room.
All prices are for the Land-Only package and do not include international airfare.
Ready to Begin?
Request a Detailed Proposal
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included in Your Journey
Accommodation: 10 nights in carefully selected 4-star (Standard) hotels.
Meals: 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 2 Dinners as specified in the itinerary.
Transportation: All internal flights and First Class high-speed train journeys. All airport transfers and ground transport in a private, modern vehicle.
Guidance: A dedicated, expert English-speaking Sinovistas Storyteller Guide for each segment of your journey, will accompany you through each chapter of the narrative, ensuring seamless continuity and masterful interpretation.
Peace of Mind: Complimentary basic Accident Insurance for all foreign guests, with a maximum benefit of RMB 300,000 (approximately $41,000 USD).
Experiences: All entrance fees, workshops, and performances as listed in the itinerary.
What’s Not Included
International flights to/from China
Chinese Visa fees
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Gratuities for your guide and driver
Personal Expenses (e.g., laundry, drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
Essential Information
Activity Level: Adventurous & Demanding (Level 4/5)
This is a true expedition for the energetic traveler. The itinerary covers vast distances with significant travel time in a private vehicle on most days. It involves moderate hiking in alpine and grassland environments and requires a good level of fitness and a resilient, adventurous spirit to fully embrace the remote and rugged beauty of Northern Xinjiang.Accommodation
We believe where you rest is integral to the journey. In cities like Urumqi, our standard tours feature excellent 4-star properties. In remote destinations such as Kanas, Hemu, and near the grasslands, we select the best-available boutique hotels, lodges, or charming guesthouses that offer local character and stunning views. Please be aware that hotel standards, amenities, and service levels in these areas will differ significantly from major city hotels.Transportation
This journey is a classic road trip at its heart and relies almost exclusively on a private, modern, air-conditioned vehicle. This provides the ultimate flexibility to navigate the vast distances of Xinjiang, to stop for spontaneous photo opportunities at a moment’s notice, and to immerse yourself in the dramatic, ever-changing landscapes from the comfort of your seat.Joining the Tour
This tour begins and concludes in Urumqi (URC). Your guide will meet you at the arrivals hall of Urumqi Diwopu International Airport on Day 1 for your private transfer to the hotel. The guided portion of your journey concludes on the evening of Day 10 after the Farewell Dinner. Day 11 is for your independent onward travel arrangements.Passports & Visas
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of departure from China. A tourist visa is required for most nationalities. While you are responsible for obtaining your own visa, SinoVistas will provide all necessary supporting documentation, including a formal letter of invitation.
Important Notes
1. A Note on Travel in a Developing Region
This journey ventures into some of the most beautiful, remote, and less-traveled parts of China. This is the heart of its appeal, but it also comes with a different standard of infrastructure compared to major cities. While we always select the best available accommodation and restaurants, amenities can sometimes be simpler. Road conditions can be variable, and travel plans may be affected by local conditions beyond our control. This journey is for the traveler who understands and embraces the spirit of adventure and brings with them a flexible and open-minded attitude. The rewards are more than worth it.
2. A Note on Itinerary Flexibility
Travel in Xinjiang can be particularly dynamic. Weather in the mountains can change rapidly, and road access, especially for the Duku Highway, is seasonal and can be subject to temporary closures. Your expert Storyteller Guide’s top priority is your safety and providing the best possible experience. They may occasionally need to adjust the sequence of activities or routes, and we thank you in advance for your trust in their professional judgment.
3. Your Digital Experience in China
To ensure a seamless journey, we recommend preparing for China’s unique digital landscape.
Payments: We strongly recommend installing WeChat Pay or Alipay and linking your credit card before departure. Cash is more widely used in rural Xinjiang than in major cities, but mobile payments are still prevalent.
Connectivity: Access to many Western social media platforms and websites is restricted. Internet access in remote hotels can be slow or intermittent. Many travelers choose to install a VPN on their devices before they travel to stay connected.
4. Passport & Security Checks
Please be aware that Xinjiang has a heightened security presence. You will encounter police checkpoints on roads between destinations. It is essential to have your original passport with you and easily accessible at all times (not packed in your main luggage). Your guide will facilitate these checks, which are a routine part of travel in the region.
5. Passport Information for Ticketing
To ensure a smooth journey, all high-speed train and internal flight tickets in China are issued under a strict real-name policy. Therefore, we require a clear, scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport no later than 45 days prior to departure. This allows us to secure all necessary tickets on your behalf. Please be aware that any amendments to these details after tickets have been issued may require their re-purchase at your own cost.
6. Packing & Prohibited Items
A detailed packing list will be provided in your pre-departure packet. Please be mindful of security restrictions for train and air travel within China. Items such as pocket knives, aerosols over a certain limit, and large power banks are often prohibited. When in doubt, we recommend packing such items in your checked luggage.
7. Cultural Immersion & Cuisine
This journey is designed to be an authentic cultural immersion. This includes the food. We will dine at a mix of high-quality restaurants and clean, beloved local eateries. While we can cater to most dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free) with advance notice, please be aware that options may be limited in more remote areas. We encourage you to be open-minded and adventurous with your palate!
8. Tipping
Tipping has become a customary practice for rewarding good service from local guides and drivers in China’s tourism industry. While not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated. A guideline for gratuities will be provided in your pre-departure information packet.
9. Solo Travelers
We warmly welcome solo travelers. You will be paired with another traveler of the same gender for accommodation. If you wish to have your own room, a “Single Supplement” fee applies. Please inquire for the current rate.
Answer the Call of the Wild
Are you ready to stand in the presence of the sublime? Contact our specialists to receive our portfolio of expeditions or to begin crafting a bespoke adventure into China’s most breathtaking and otherworldly landscapes.