11 Days North Xinjiang Group Tour to Kanas Lake and Sayram Lake
Overview
Available languages
1 week 4 days
Mobile ticket
This 11-Day Classic Northern Xinjiang Tour includes the natural wonders of Kanas Nature Reserve, a paradise for photography lovers. Enjoy a walking tour in Hemu, known as the most beautiful village in China. If you're a nature lover, the picturesque Sayram Lake is a must-see attraction in Northern Xinjiang.
- Private transportation with good AC
- 4 star hotel with comfortable room and good location
- Bottled water and paper napkins
- 7/24 English Service online.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Urumqi Arrival
Accommodations
Overnight in Urumqi
Urumqi
Welcome to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and the farthest major city from any ocean in the world. Known as a traveler's paradise, it boasts stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and unique local traditions. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure.
Urumqi to Fuhai
Accommodations
Overnight in Fuhai
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Urumqi
Today, you will enjoy a tour of the picturesque Heavenly Lake (approximately 1.5 hours), located 2,000 meters up in the Tianshan mountain range. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, blooming wildflowers, and evergreen pine trees, the lake offers breathtaking scenery. A 40-minute scenic shuttle bus ride will take you through dramatic mountain landscapes. Upon arrival, you can either walk to the lakeside (about 10 minutes) or take an electric cart for convenience. You have three activity options to explore the area: Boating cruise – Enjoy incredible views of the Tianshan Mountains from the water. Lakeside trekking – Stroll along the shore and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Maya Mountain exploration – Take a cable car for a magnificent panoramic view of the mountains. After the visit, we will drive to Fuhai County for an overnight stay.
Fuhai to Hemu
Accommodations
Overnight in Hemu
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Hemu Village
Arrive in Beitun in the early morning and enjoy a simple breakfast at a local restaurant. Then, we will travel to Hemu, the most beautiful Tuwa village—a tranquil place with grazing cattle and sheep, surrounded by stunning landscapes and warm, hospitable locals. What a mysterious and enchanting destination! If you wish to experience the Tuwa way of life, the villagers will warmly welcome you into their homes. Tips: Upon arrival in Hemu, we will transfer to a shuttle bus to enter the village. Please leave your main luggage on the coach and bring only a small overnight bag with your necessities.
Hemu to Kanas
Accommodations
Overnight in Kanas
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Kanas Lake
Your guide and driver will pick you up in the morning and drive along the mountain road to Kanas Nature Reserve—China’s only European-style ecological site. Known for its pristine landscapes, it has earned the title "Pure Land of the World". Along the way, you'll visit Kanas Lake. Upon arrival, transfer to a shuttle bus to explore the reserve's stunning scenery. Head to the Fish Pavilion for breathtaking views of Kanas Lake. In the late afternoon, return to Jiadengyu to check in to your hotel.
Kanas to Burqin
Accommodations
Overnight in Burqin
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Today, we will travel to Burqin to visit the breathtaking Five-Colored Beach. As you walk across this vibrant landscape, you'll feel like you've stepped into a dream world. The unique geological formations display stunning hues of purplish-red, burgundy, yellow, and light green, created by layers of multicolored mudstone, sandstone, and gravel. This natural masterpiece is considered the most beautiful colorful beach in the region——a true miracle of Burqin. You'll have free time to explore Burqin's charming streets at your leisure, where you can sample delicious local snacks. We'll spend the night in Burqin.
Burqin to Dushanzi
Accommodations
Overnight in Dushanzi
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Journey through the Gurbantunggut Desert to reach Urho Ghost City, also known as "Wuerhe Wind City". This remarkable wind-eroded geological formation earns its nickname from the constant howling winds that shape its surreal landscape. Later, we'll continue to Dushanzi to visit the spectacular Dushanzi Grand Canyon - one of Xinjiang's best-kept secrets. Carved by centuries of snowmelt and rainfall from the Tianshan Mountains, its dramatic cliffs rise like a forest of towering bamboo shoots, creating a breathtaking natural wonder.
Dushanzi to Yining
Accommodations
Overnight in Yining
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Today we'll visit stunning Sayram Lake, another highlight of your Northern Xinjiang tour. Known as "the last tear of the Atlantic", this alpine wonderland boasts crystal-clear waters surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. You'll have time to stroll along the shore, admiring the vibrant wildflowers and lush grasslands that frame the lake. Later, we'll cross the magnificent Guozigou Bridge - Xinjiang's largest and most important suspension bridge - offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Yining to Tekes
Accommodations
Overnight in Tekes
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Kalajun Grass
As you travel from Yining to Tekes, your tour begins at the breathtaking Kalajun Prairie——a landscape so picturesque it seems lifted straight from a poem. This remarkable grassland features numerous natural springs and transforms into a vibrant hub from May to September each year, when local herders gather to trade goods and celebrate their rich cultural traditions. "Kalajun" means "dark wilderness" in Kazakh, perfectly capturing the prairie's untamed beauty. For generations, the nomadic people here have maintained their traditional way of life, preserving a simple yet profoundly captivating existence in harmony with nature.
Tekes to Naraty
Accommodations
Overnight in Naraty
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Today, your guide and driver will pick you up in the morning for an excursion to the renowned Naraty Grassland. This legendary pastureland has been celebrated since ancient times for its breathtaking landscapes - sweeping river valleys, towering mountains, crisscrossing gorges, lush forests, and expansive grasslands. Here, you'll immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and experience the traditional Kazakh nomadic lifestyle. After your exploration, we'll transfer you to your hotel where you can relax and rejuvenate.
Naraty to Yining then Train to Urumqi
Accommodations
Overnight in Urumqi
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Bid farewell to beautiful Naraty and return to Yining. We will visit Kazanqi Folk Village, a blue fairy-tale town within the city. Nestled in the hinterland of the Tianshan Mountains, this village is filled with colorful Uyghur dwellings. Featuring a Soviet-style architecture dominated by sky blue, the vibrant spired houses with intricately carved wooden windows make it feel like stepping into Chefchaouen, Morocco. Next, we will pay a visit to the Accordion Museum on Liuxing Street. It is reported that the museum houses a collection of over 800 accordions from more than 20 countries, attracting numerous tourists for photography and even drawing music enthusiasts from afar. Later in the day, take a high-speed train from Yining to Urumqi. Upon arrival, you will be met at the train station and transferred to the hotel for check-in.
Urumqi Departure
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Urumqi
Today, you'll bid farewell to Urumqi. We'll arrange your transfer according to your flight or train schedule. Wishing you a pleasant journey home!
Options
11 Days North Xinjiang Group Tour to Kanas Lake and Sayram Lake
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Entrance fee listed in the itinerary
2 bottles of water each person for daily use
7 nights 4 Star Hotel (2persons shared one room)
Lunch and dinner throughout the itinerary
Person expense and tips for the guide and driver
Some activities such as boating, camel riding, culture show etc.
flight arrive and leave from Urumqi
Guide Service
Pickup points
Urumqi Airport
Urumqi China
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Memorable Xin Jiang Adventure
332mayl,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our group of 18 had an unforgettable experience exploring the stunning beauty of Xin Jiang. Lesley was incredibly responsive, meticulous and helpful throughout the trip planning process, ensuring everything went smoothly from the start. Our tour guide, AJ, was exceptionally patient, accommodating and attentive to everyone in the group, making the journey even more enjoyable. We were delighted by the diverse and delicious XinJiang cuisine, as well as the breathtaking landscapes at every turn. The region's unique culture, hospitality and natural beauty truly captured our hearts. It was a memorable trip that we will cherish for years to come.
Awesome tour guide that is caring and no hardselling.
karynwooots,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend engaging AJ as your tour guide; he is fluent in many languages and was attentive to our needs. The bus arranged was clean and comfortable, and the driver was excellent at navigating Xinjiang roads. A good mix of hotels was arranged. Overall value was great for what we paid; the itinerary is well-planned as it covers most of the sightseeing spots.
Delightful North Xinjiang Tour
Christopher S,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The knowledge of the local guide Steven Gao made this trip very enjoyable and safe. I highly recommend him as a Tour Guide for the same tours .
Your overall best of XingJiang experience. A journey you will remember for a while. Our tour was professionally arranged and ful
Danlbh,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was organised by a church mate, and we decided to join the group of 16 others to XingJiang. Before the trip, the itinerary was clearly given, and tips were provided to get you prepared for the trip. The places we stayed were clean with proper facilities needed for a good rest. The food portion was enough for any hungry person with a big appetite. Our tour guide, AJ, is professional and proficient in English, so our group was well taken care of. Our coach driver was skillful and professional. He emphasised safety and was on time every time without fail. The sights chosen were all places of interest, but we were glad we did not come during the peak season. We enjoyed great weather and took thousands of beautiful pictures. The scene of Xinjiang is a mix of the USA, New Zealand, and Europe, all in the heart of this beautiful part of China. You feel safe everywhere you go, and the service standards are mostly great. I would highly recommend it to people who love nature, food, and photography to visit Xinjiang.
Professionalism tour guide value added to wonderful tour trips
lynnlileny,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing and stunning scenic view of Xinjiang Uyghur region brought by very experienced and very attentive tour guide name Anwar. The whole of us; my family and friends were so thankful for how helpful Anwar to us especially his helping hand to one of my family member who needs a special needs with his wheelchairs. Anwar showed us his true professionalism and his responsibilities along with his very human kindness. We are hopeful that there will be next trip with the same tour guide like Anwar. Thank you for such a wonderful and memorable trip.
Good
Y7248UFtinay,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have a very good travel guide name Anwar.he is profesional and very helpful. And driver also very good and profesional,drive very safe. We all are very happy and enjoy this trip. Hope next year we can joint another tour with silkroad travel agent.
enjoyable & unforgetable northern xinjiang
Meily N,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00we are group of 5 ppl travel with silk road travel to northern xinjiang 11 days. actually i planned the trip since last year. But due one n other things it cancelled. and Ms Leah return the DP which is surprised me. Mostly travel agent didnt return the down payment. Lucky this year i can make it happens. Visiting xinjiang is one of my wishlist. Ms Leah are very detailed, kind and profesional since first day we started to discuss the itinerary. We had an enjoyable and unforgetable holiday with many stunning beautiful pict and memories. Before the trip, i requested a rilex pace rather than rushing pace. Ms Leah arranged n customized the itinerary that was well balanced. We had good rest, no hurry and have time to admires the breathtaking landscapes. Additional, we were lucky to have Mr Xiao Wei as our driver and guide during our trip. Although he's not fluent in english and me also not fluent in chinese, there's no language barriers. His smooth driving is great and he recommend the local cuisines for us to try also teach us play mahjong. For us, this is not only enjoyable trip but also unforgetable memories. We were gladly recommend this travel agent to anyone. Their professionalism and detailed attention leave a customer satisfaction. Thank you Ms Leah and team Me thinking to explore the southern xinjiang soon 😁😁
Unforgettable moment
960rahmad,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00a very impressive travel trip, hard to forget all thanks to Silk Road Travel and deserves 5 stars amazing travel.
A Magical Xinjiang Experience Made Perfect by an Exceptional Travel Company of Miss Lesley, Xinjiang China International
armughanmuqeem,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an incredible experience traveling through Xinjiang with Miss. Lesley "Xinjiang China International Travel Co.Ltd (visiting Urumqi, Yining, Sayram Lake, Heavenly Lake, and Turpan, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. From start to finish, the itinerary was perfectly planned, balancing stunning natural scenery, rich culture, and local life. Sayram Lake was absolutely breathtaking—crystal-clear water surrounded by snow-capped mountains felt like a dream. Heavenly Lake truly lived up to its name, offering peaceful views and unforgettable photo opportunities. Yining charmed me with its unique culture and beautiful landscapes, while Turpan amazed me with its history, ancient ruins, and fascinating desert environment. Urumqi was a great introduction to Xinjiang, blending modern city life with deep cultural roots. The travel company was professional, well-organized, and attentive throughout the entire journey. Transportation was comfortable, schedules were smooth, and everything ran on time. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Xinjiang’s history, culture, and ethnic diversity. They went out of their way to make sure everyone felt comfortable and well taken care of. What truly stood out was how seamless and stress-free the trip was, especially in such a vast and diverse region. I felt safe, informed, and fully able to enjoy the beauty of Xinjiang without worrying about logistics. This trip exceeded my expectations in every way. Xinjiang is a magical place, and this company made the experience truly unforgettable. I would 100% recommend them to anyone looking to explore Xinjiang for the first time—or even for seasoned travelers who want a deep, meaningful journey. Thank you for an amazing adventure! 🌄✨
Northern Xinjiang
ksding,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our experience was made memorable with this company's staff monitoring the driver along the way and reminding us what needed to be reminded. They changed our hotel for a more unique experience like the log cabin and individual cabin at Chaosu. I would say I can trust them with our money. A good experience.
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Operated by China Silk Road Travel