What makes this route different
The ten-day plan is the most relaxed option. Two Hemu nights and a separate hot-spring night reduce the pressure of long drives and add a warmer winter experience between Sayram Lake's two visits.
Two Hemu nights
A full Hemu day and a slower village morning.
Natural hot spring
A separate hot-spring evening before the Sayram Lake circuit.
Kanas and Baihaba
Border scenery, three bays and seasonal snow activities.
Sayram Lake
Two lake visits, a 360° circuit and a seasonal drone clip.
Accommodation plan
- 2 nights Urumqi 5-star
- 2 nights 4-star
- 2 nights Hemu cabins
- 1 night Baihaba
- 1 night hot-spring star room
- 1 night Sayram Lake 5-star
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrive in Urumqi
Meet the local team and transfer to one of the selected 5-star hotels. The remaining time is free.
Urumqi · 5-star hotelS21 Desert Highway → General Mountain → Altay
Travel the S21 winter highway, ride the General Mountain sunset cable car and enjoy the evening party and Blue Hour. Optional night skiing is at your own cost.
Altay · 4-star hotelAltay → G219 → Baihaba
Follow G219 to the China–Kazakh Grand Canyon, Lonely Tree and the Baihaba S-bend. Overnight in a large-window snow cabin.
Baihaba · snow cabinBaihaba → Kanas → Hemu
Visit Kanas Lake and the Three Bays and choose the seasonal snowmobile or horse-sled experience when operating. Continue to Hemu for two nights.
Hemu · snow-view cabinFull day in Hemu
Use the included four-hour beginner ski experience when Jikepulin is operating. In the evening, join the Blue Hour photo stop, seasonal bonfire and stargazing when available.
Hemu · snow-view cabinHemu → Karamay
Spend the morning on a relaxed Hemu walk and the included six-scene snow photo session, then continue toward Karamay.
Karamay · 4-star hotelKaramay → Sayram Lake east gate → Hot Spring County
Enter Sayram Lake from the east gate and continue to the north gate without the full circuit. In the evening, stay in Hot Spring County and use the natural hot-spring facilities; bring swimwear.
Hot Spring County · 360° star-view roomHot Spring County → Sayram Lake
Drive a full 360° circuit around Sayram Lake from the north gate, then stop for lakeside coffee and an overnight at the selected five-star lake hotel.
Sayram Lake · 5-star hotelSayram Lake → Urumqi
Return to the lake for a relaxed morning walk at Moon Bay when conditions allow, then travel toward Urumqi with views of the Tian Shan range.
Urumqi · 5-star hotelDepart Urumqi
Breakfast and transfer to the airport or railway station according to the confirmed onward journey.
Tour ends in Urumqi