Altay, Hemu and Kanas Skiing and Horseback Riding Dual Experience
$3502.00
This itinerary centers on the winter landscapes of Altay, Hemu, and Kanas, combining Jiangjun Mountain skiing, horseback riding in Nuogait, Hemu snow village scenery, and the frozen beauty of Kanas Lake. It is designed for international guests seeking a deeper experience of northern Xinjiang snow, powder skiing, and Kazakh culture.
Itinerary Summary
Arrival in Altay, a winter gateway to northern Xinjiang. Settle into the city, enjoy a gentle walk through snowy streets and birch forests, and prepare for the ice-and-snow journey ahead.
Jiangjun Mountain skiing experience — from beginner-friendly slopes to scenic powder runs, with optional snow activities and a beautiful sunset over the ski resort.
Horseback riding across snowy grasslands and forests, followed by a visit to Hemu Village, where wooden cabins, birch trees, and starry skies create a fairytale winter scene.
A peaceful morning in Hemu before heading to Kanas Lake, where frozen waters, snow-covered forests, and alpine scenery reveal the quiet beauty of northern Xinjiang.
Morning walk around Kanas Lake, then return to Altay by private transfer, enjoying the vast snowfields and mountain views along the way.
Final breakfast in Altay before airport transfer. Conclude the journey with lasting memories of powder snow, horseback trails, frozen lakes, and northern Xinjiang’s winter wilderness.
Daily Itinerary
A land of ice and fire - horseback into untouched wilderness | carving deep powder walls | overnight below the glacier.
1. Altay - City walk
2. Altay - Birch Forest Park
Altay Lanjing Hotel or similarAltay Lanjing Hotel or similar
Located in the city center, 15 minutes by car from Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort, with modern facilities.Located in the city center, 15 minutes by car from Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort, with modern facilities.
- Breakfast: on your own.
- Lunch: on your own.
- Dinner: Altay local specialties (included).
- Altay is extremely cold in winter (below -20°C); thick down jackets and warm patches are needed. Pay attention to sun protection due to strong UV. Kumis is low in alcohol but strong in aftereffect; drink moderately. Sleep early today because skiing tomorrow will be physically demanding.
Jiangjun Mountain International Ski Resort has more than 30 ski runs and is the most popular ski resort in Altay. As the closest alpine ski resort to the city, it is beginner-friendly and offers varied activities.
Transfer to Jiangjun Mountain Ski ResortTransfer to Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort
Altay Lanjing Hotel or similarAltay Lanjing Hotel or similar
Located in the city center, 15 minutes by car from Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort, with modern facilities.Located in the city center, 15 minutes by car from Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort, with modern facilities.
- Breakfast: hotel buffet (included).
- Lunch: ski resort restaurant (included).
- Dinner: Altay local specialties (included).
- Warm up before skiing and wear a helmet. Goggles are recommended to prevent snow blindness. Altay has strong UV, so use high-SPF sunscreen. Sunset skiing is a popular photo spot, so arrive early to secure a place.
Nuogait Village is a traditional Kazakh village on the outskirts of Altay, about 40 minutes from the city. It preserves authentic Kazakh nomadic culture and has poetic winter scenery. Local herders have raised horses for generations and provide professional horseback riding experiences; the horses are gentle and suitable for beginners.
1. Grassland horseback riding experience
2. Herder family visit
3. Hemu walk
4. Hemu cafe / bookshop
5. Starry-sky photography
Scenic-area guesthouse
- Breakfast: hotel buffet (included).
- Lunch: local term (included)
- Dinner: Hemulocal hot pot (included)
- For horseback riding, non-slip boots are recommended and down jackets should be avoided if possible because they can tear easily. Hemu is extremely cold in winter, so thick down jackets and warm patches are needed. Bring a tripod for star photography. Drink kumis moderately.
Kanas Lake is located in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, and is one of China’s most beautiful lakes, often called a paradise on earth and the garden of God. In winter, the frozen lake forms spectacular blue ice, while Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, and Fairy Bay each have distinctive snowy scenery.
Hemu village walk
Transfer to Kanas
Kanas Lake
Kanas Village
Kanas wooden cabin.Kanas wooden cabin.
- Breakfast: hotellocal term (included)
- Lunch: scenic areainsidelocal term (included)
- Dinner: hotellocal term (included)
- Kanas is extremely cold in winter; wear a thick down jacket and warm patches. The 1,068 steps to the Fish Viewing Pavilion are steep, so trekking poles are recommended. Baihaba Village requires a border permit, which the travel agency can help arrange. Drone flights are prohibited in border areas.
Today offers a relaxed farewell to Kanas, with a peaceful morning walk by the lake to enjoy the winter scenery of blue ice, snowy forests, and mountain views. After lunch, return to Altay by private vehicle, taking in the vast northern Xinjiang landscape along the way before settling in for the final night.
1. Kanas Lake areaKanas Lake area
2. Kanas VillageKanas Village
3. AltayAltay
Altay Lanjing Hotel or Xuedu HotelAltay Lanjing Hotel or Xuedu Hotel
- Breakfast: scenic-area hotel breakfast (included).
- Lunch: scenic-area Chinese lunch (included).
- Dinner: Altay dinner (included).
Today marks the conclusion of the Altay journey. After breakfast, check out and take a private transfer to Xuedu Airport. Depart with memories of snow-capped mountains, powder snow, and the quiet beauty of northern Xinjiang.
Check out -> Xuedu AirportCheck out -> Xuedu Airport
- Hotel breakfast
Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please send a scanned copy of the personal information page of your passport to your booking agent at least 15 days before departure, so that we can purchase your train tickets and make reservations for attractions..
3. Travelling in China will heavily rely upon using local payment apps – Wechat and Alipay for making payments. It’s essential to install them on your phone and have a data package ready prior to your travel. You shouldn’t rely on credit card for travel in China.
4. While travelling in China, you won’t have access to social media and some websites. You may consider installing a VPN to access those sites and apps.
5. Please note that there are some prohibited items for trains and flights in China.