Xinjiang is located in the North West of China, in the Mongolian Uplands. It is on the traditional Silk Road. The region has historically been populated by the Uighurs, a people more closely related to those in Central Asia than to the Han. The region offers a landscape of deserts and arid plains suitable for camel treks and high mountains lined with meadows.
Its capital is Urumqi, but the Uighurs regard Kashgar (Kashi) as the cultural capital of the country. A true crossroads on the Silk Road between the East and the Middle East, Xinjiang is rich in Buddhist and Turkish archaeological remains. Crafts (carpet, knife, clothing …) and the culture of the markets is still very much alive.
Uighur cuisine is highly regarded in Xinjiang and appreciated throughout China. Do not miss to taste “undapanji”, a stew of chicken and potatoes, as well as naan, flat rolls, and “yangrouchuan”, a slightly spicy sheep skewers.
Its capital is Urumqi, but the Uighurs regard Kashgar (Kashi) as the cultural capital of the country. A true crossroads on the Silk Road between the East and the Middle East, Xinjiang is rich in Buddhist and Turkish archaeological remains. Crafts (carpet, knife, clothing …) and the culture of the markets is still very much alive.
Uighur cuisine is highly regarded in Xinjiang and appreciated throughout China. Do not miss to taste “undapanji”, a stew of chicken and potatoes, as well as naan, flat rolls, and “yangrouchuan”, a slightly spicy sheep skewers.
Photos from our 2019 Silk Road - Beijiang trip
In this 10 days, let's discover the beautiful natural scenery, forests, lakes, grasslands, snow peaks, deserts, national folks song and dances in northern Xinjiang. Once unforgettable!
Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (天山天池) |
Immortal Bay (神仙湾) |
Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (天山天池)
Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (Tianshan Tianchi), located at about 68 km east of Urumqi, aslo known as "Yaochi" in ancient times, is a famous alpine lake in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. It is is one of the landmarks of Xinjiang, a national key scenic sport (AAAAA) and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage property with unique, valuable natural resources and rich, distinctive humanistic connotation. The lake with an elevation of 1910 meters, 3.5 kilometers long from north to south, 0.8-1.5 kilometers wide from east to west, and the deepest point is 103 meters. The lakeside is surrounded by spruce trees and the snow-capped peaks are shining. It is very spectacular and is a famous summer resort and tourist destination.
Top 3 reasons why must visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan:
Top 3 reasons why must visit Heavenly Lake of Tianshan:
- Outstanding Natural Landscape: It has four vertical natural landscape zones, exhibiting a variety of natural scenery. Visitors can enjoy peaceful mountain lake, snow-covered peaks, alpine meadow, giant glaciers, primitive forests, steep valley, greenish-blue ponds, old trees and many cultural relics and historical sites among them.
- Unique Chinese Cultural Charms: The lake has kept many ancient Taoist architectures and folk stories relate to China’s famous mythology of the Queen Mother of the West. This place still witnessed special Kazak folk culture and other regional ethnic cultures along the ancient Silk Road together with the nomadic history, like the past burial system and rocking painting art.
- World Top-Level Natural Values: Between the 5445-meter-high Bogda Peak and the 500-meter desert of the scenic area, a complete geological evolutionary structure formed several billions years ago has been well-preserved as the only example in Central Asia and a rare case in the world. The lake is one of the world’s oldest alpine moraine lakes.
Hemu Village (禾木村)
Hemu Village is located in Burqin County in northern Xinjiang, near to the Mongolian and Russian borders. It is a small village with hundreds of households, mainly Mongolian, Kazak and Tuva.
Hemu village, one of the “China’s most beautiful village”, features wooden houses made of stacked logs and fascinating autumn landscapes. In autumn, the smoke rises slowly, creating a dreamy haze that resembles a fairyland. A panoramic view of Hemu, including the Hemu River, beautiful sunrise, snow-covered mountains, trickles of water, and Tuvan homes can be enjoyed from the hillside surrounding the village. In autumn, many photographers flock there to capture photos of the sunrise, morning mist, wooden houses, and the Hemu River.
Hence, Hemu village is known as the "Paradise for Photographers"
Hemu village, one of the “China’s most beautiful village”, features wooden houses made of stacked logs and fascinating autumn landscapes. In autumn, the smoke rises slowly, creating a dreamy haze that resembles a fairyland. A panoramic view of Hemu, including the Hemu River, beautiful sunrise, snow-covered mountains, trickles of water, and Tuvan homes can be enjoyed from the hillside surrounding the village. In autumn, many photographers flock there to capture photos of the sunrise, morning mist, wooden houses, and the Hemu River.
Hence, Hemu village is known as the "Paradise for Photographers"
Small Black Lake (小黑湖)
Small Black Lake is located between Hemu and Kanas Lake, has the beautiful starry sky in the night, many people come here because of the amazing starry sky. The road from Hemu to Small Black Lake is very steep and can only be reached on foot, so tourists are rare here. The terrain from Small Black Lake to Kanas Lake village is beautiful and steep route, which attracted many hiking enthusiasts come here.
Small Black Lake is located between Hemu and Kanas Lake, has the beautiful starry sky in the night, many people come here because of the amazing starry sky. The road from Hemu to Small Black Lake is very steep and can only be reached on foot, so tourists are rare here. The terrain from Small Black Lake to Kanas Lake village is beautiful and steep route, which attracted many hiking enthusiasts come here.
Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖)
Kanas Lake located at the north of Burqin County changes its colour time to time. In Mongolian, Kanas means “beautiful, rich and mysterious”. It is also known as the colour palette of god. The lake was formed as a result of glacier movement around 200, 000 years ago. It is also a world geological park recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The Kanas Lake also known as 'Switzerland in East or Camerists' Heaven'. The altitude of Kanas Lake is 1374 meters, the length of north-south is 24km, the average width is 1.9 km, the biggest depth is 188.5 meters, the area is 45.73 sq km. Many elements make up of the beauty of the lake. They are forest of larches, red pines, spruces, firs, birch; glacier on the snow-covered mountain; grasslands and pastures along rivers, rare wild animals and folk flavor.
Immortal Bay (神仙湾)
Further down Kanas Bay lies the Immortal Bay. There were clouds around Immortal Bay all year round, which make it look like a fairyland. It is also known as the Pearl Bank as the water in the lake reflects sun rays causing it to shimmer and resemble pearls.
Wolong Bay (卧龙湾)
Wolong Bay is also part of Kanas Lake. How it got its name was because it looks like a dragon lying in the water.
Moon Bay (月亮湾)
Moon Bay is part of the Kanas Lake. It is also known as the fairy footprints as the upper and lower river bays resemble footprints. With regards to the two footprints, the legend provide that these footprints were left behind by the Xihai Dragon King after he conquered the river monster.
Kanas Lake located at the north of Burqin County changes its colour time to time. In Mongolian, Kanas means “beautiful, rich and mysterious”. It is also known as the colour palette of god. The lake was formed as a result of glacier movement around 200, 000 years ago. It is also a world geological park recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The Kanas Lake also known as 'Switzerland in East or Camerists' Heaven'. The altitude of Kanas Lake is 1374 meters, the length of north-south is 24km, the average width is 1.9 km, the biggest depth is 188.5 meters, the area is 45.73 sq km. Many elements make up of the beauty of the lake. They are forest of larches, red pines, spruces, firs, birch; glacier on the snow-covered mountain; grasslands and pastures along rivers, rare wild animals and folk flavor.
Immortal Bay (神仙湾)
Further down Kanas Bay lies the Immortal Bay. There were clouds around Immortal Bay all year round, which make it look like a fairyland. It is also known as the Pearl Bank as the water in the lake reflects sun rays causing it to shimmer and resemble pearls.
Wolong Bay (卧龙湾)
Wolong Bay is also part of Kanas Lake. How it got its name was because it looks like a dragon lying in the water.
Moon Bay (月亮湾)
Moon Bay is part of the Kanas Lake. It is also known as the fairy footprints as the upper and lower river bays resemble footprints. With regards to the two footprints, the legend provide that these footprints were left behind by the Xihai Dragon King after he conquered the river monster.
Rainbow Beach, Burqin (布尔津五彩滩)
Rainbow beach is located along the Irtysh River in northern Xinjiang, known for its unique lava landscape consisted of purplish red, vandyke red, yellow and light green mudstone, sandstone and gravel. Bizarre colors coming from all directions, gorgeous color, brilliant colorful beach stones, and waves of Irtysh River. This is the most beautiful Rainbow Beach, masterpiece of nature, and miracle of Burqin.
Wuerhe, Demon City(世界魔鬼城)
In the past, Wuerhe Devil City was inaccessible to the outside world. Whenever there is a sand storm, the sound of the wind roared through the town like howling ghosts. When the sand storm finally come to an end, it feel as if one has escaped from devil' s talon. That is how the name of Wuerhe Devil City came about.
Rainbow beach is located along the Irtysh River in northern Xinjiang, known for its unique lava landscape consisted of purplish red, vandyke red, yellow and light green mudstone, sandstone and gravel. Bizarre colors coming from all directions, gorgeous color, brilliant colorful beach stones, and waves of Irtysh River. This is the most beautiful Rainbow Beach, masterpiece of nature, and miracle of Burqin.
Wuerhe, Demon City(世界魔鬼城)
In the past, Wuerhe Devil City was inaccessible to the outside world. Whenever there is a sand storm, the sound of the wind roared through the town like howling ghosts. When the sand storm finally come to an end, it feel as if one has escaped from devil' s talon. That is how the name of Wuerhe Devil City came about.
THE ITINERARY
XINJIANG - PARADISE ON EARTH 醉美禾木，穿越喀纳斯
7 September 2023 (Thursday) – 17 September 2023 (Sunday)
XINJIANG - PARADISE ON EARTH 醉美禾木，穿越喀纳斯
7 September 2023 (Thursday) – 17 September 2023 (Sunday)
ITINERARY
Day 0 – Thursday, 7 September 2023
Day 1 – Friday, 8 September 2023 (Dinner)
Accommodation @ Urumuqi
Day 2 – Saturday, 9 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Sleeper night train
Day 3 – Sunday, 10 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Hemu Village
Day 4 – Monday, 11 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Small Black Lake Campsite
Est. hiking distance / duration: 20km, 8 - 9hrs
Day 5- Tuesday, 12 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Kanas Village Hut
Est. hiking distance / duration: 22km, 8 - 9hrs
Day 6 – Wednesday, 13 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Kanas Village Hut
Day 7 – Thursday, 14 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Burqin Hotel
Est. hiking distance / duration: 12-13km, 6 - 7hrs
Day 8 – Friday, 15 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Hot-spring hotel, Shawan
Day 9 – Saturday, 16 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Urumuqi hotel
Est. travel duration: 4 - 5 hrs
Day 10 – Sunday, 17 September 2023 (Breakfast)
Day 0 – Thursday, 7 September 2023
- Late night flight departure to Urumuqi
Day 1 – Friday, 8 September 2023 (Dinner)
Accommodation @ Urumuqi
- ETA noon, arrival in Urumuqi International Airport
- Coach pick-up from airport and transfer to hotel
- Free and easy, shopping at the International Grand Bazaar
- The most tempting thing here is the dazzling snacks such as the kebabs are cut, skewed, grilled; sweetened of cantaloupe and various dried grapes, and hand-picked rice roll with lamb, carrots, onions, rice, raisins, cumin powder, prepared with authentic sheep oil stir-fry, especially delicious!
- Enjoy the dinner performance at the Grand Bazaar, buffet style dinner
Day 2 – Saturday, 9 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Sleeper night train
- Drive to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan after breakfast
Explore the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan National Park - Coach transfer back to Urumuqi, dinner.
- After dinner, leaving to Urumuqi railway station and night train to Beitun, Altay area.
Day 3 – Sunday, 10 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Hemu Village
- Morning arrival Beitun town, coach pick-up to Hemu Village after breakfast
- Upon arrival at Hemu Village, check-in and lunch.
- In the afternoon, explore the village.
- After dinner, rest and relax, short briefing to prepare for next day hike.
Day 4 – Monday, 11 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Small Black Lake Campsite
Est. hiking distance / duration: 20km, 8 - 9hrs
- After breakfast, check-out Hemu Village and start our adventure day hike to Small Black Lake.
- Dinner at campsite, rest and relax.
- Enjoy the beautiful starry sky at night next to the lake.
Day 5- Tuesday, 12 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Kanas Village Hut
Est. hiking distance / duration: 22km, 8 - 9hrs
- After breakfast, continue hike to Kanas Village
- Check-in at Kanas Village hut, rest and relax.
Day 6 – Wednesday, 13 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Kanas Village Hut
- After breakfast, we will start day exploration of the mysterious of Kanas Lake, Paradise on Earth
- Guanyu Pavillion
- Return back to Kanas Village hut, free & easy after dinner
Day 7 – Thursday, 14 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Burqin Hotel
Est. hiking distance / duration: 12-13km, 6 - 7hrs
- After breakfast, we will explore and hike to the 3 bays
- Immortal Bay
- Moon Bay
- Wolong Bay
- Coach transfer to Burqin city and visit Rainbow Beach.
- Dinner and early rest.
Day 8 – Friday, 15 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Hot-spring hotel, Shawan
- After breakfast, check-out hotel and coach transfer towards to Wuerhe.
- Visit and explore the Demon City
- Check-in Hot-spring hotel at Shawan City.
- Dinner and early rest.
Day 9 – Saturday, 16 September 2023 (Breakfast, Dinner)
Accommodation @ Urumuqi hotel
Est. travel duration: 4 - 5 hrs
- After breakfast, coach transfer back to Urumuqi.
- ETA afternoon arrive and check-in at Urumuqi hotel, free & easy.
- Farewell dinner and early rest.
Day 10 – Sunday, 17 September 2023 (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, free and easy
- Coach pickup and transfer to airport.
- Home Sweet Home
Notes:
a. The daily estimated hiking duration and distance is subjected to change according to actual route/trail conditions based on a moderate pace.
b. Daily lunch are to prepare by your own. Our local guide will advise you where to buy and prepare lunch pack/on-the-go.
c. The event host will endeavor as far as possible to adhere to the programme of the event as advertised. The event host however, reserve the right to alter routes, time-tables, itineraries and accommodation as they deem fit.
a. The daily estimated hiking duration and distance is subjected to change according to actual route/trail conditions based on a moderate pace.
b. Daily lunch are to prepare by your own. Our local guide will advise you where to buy and prepare lunch pack/on-the-go.
c. The event host will endeavor as far as possible to adhere to the programme of the event as advertised. The event host however, reserve the right to alter routes, time-tables, itineraries and accommodation as they deem fit.
10Days / 9Nights
Date: 7 September 2023 - 17 September 2023
SGD 2300 Early bird (before 5 April 2023)
SGD 2400 (Regular price after 5 April 2023)
SGD 2200 (Loyalty price, those who travelled with us during the past 12 months)*
* valid till 5 April 2023
* does not include trips to Malaysia
Group Size: Min 10 to go, Max size 20 (excluding host)
Package includes the following:
1. Local transportation (incld Overnight train sleeper, Day 2) from Day 1 to day 10
2. Driver and local experienced trekking guides
3. All entrance and permit for the national scenic parks/attractions/Canyon as stated above.
4. 10 nights accommodation as stated.
6. Local accidental insurance
Does not include in the package:
Contact for Enquiries
WhatsApp Event Host, Carene at https://wa.me/6590030030
Registration and Payment Details:
Step 1: Deposit of SGD 500 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS DIGITAL A/C - 885164004503699601 OR PayNow to UEN Code "201600903H"
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to Carene at +65 9003 0030 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "XINJIANG2023" )
Step 3: Receipt for payment will be issued and further instruction will be provided.
Step 4: Pre trip briefing will be arranged and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip 3 months before the trip.
Refund Policy
* The deposit will be fully refunded if the trip does not commence due to insufficient participants.
Recommended flight
Details will be given to confirmed participants.
Training
Participants are expected to commit to dedicated training programme jointly conducted by Adventures Unlimited)
Read our Training Guarantee here https://www.liveopenly.net/training-guarantee.html
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
Date: 7 September 2023 - 17 September 2023
SGD 2300 Early bird (before 5 April 2023)
SGD 2400 (Regular price after 5 April 2023)
SGD 2200 (Loyalty price, those who travelled with us during the past 12 months)*
* valid till 5 April 2023
* does not include trips to Malaysia
Group Size: Min 10 to go, Max size 20 (excluding host)
Package includes the following:
1. Local transportation (incld Overnight train sleeper, Day 2) from Day 1 to day 10
2. Driver and local experienced trekking guides
3. All entrance and permit for the national scenic parks/attractions/Canyon as stated above.
4. 10 nights accommodation as stated.
- Hotel / Hut - Twin pax sharing (Single supplement is available with additional charge applied.)
- Camping tent – 2 to 4 pax sharing
6. Local accidental insurance
Does not include in the package:
- D1 breakfast & daily lunch
- Sleeping bag, porter fee, horse riding fee
- Personal Travel insurance
- International air fare (Singapore to Urumuqi)
- All other meals that not mentioned above
- All other admission/activity/performance fee that not mentioned above
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Laundry
- Visa entry to China
- Anything else not mentioned in include list.
Contact for Enquiries
WhatsApp Event Host, Carene at https://wa.me/6590030030
Registration and Payment Details:
Step 1: Deposit of SGD 500 via ATM/Bank transfer to ADVENTURES UNLIMITED, DBS DIGITAL A/C - 885164004503699601 OR PayNow to UEN Code "201600903H"
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to Carene at +65 9003 0030 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "XINJIANG2023" )
Step 3: Receipt for payment will be issued and further instruction will be provided.
Step 4: Pre trip briefing will be arranged and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip 3 months before the trip.
Refund Policy
- Deposit (non-refundable)*
- Until 60 days prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
- Until 40 days prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
- Until 30 days prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
* The deposit will be fully refunded if the trip does not commence due to insufficient participants.
Recommended flight
Details will be given to confirmed participants.
Training
Participants are expected to commit to dedicated training programme jointly conducted by Adventures Unlimited)
Read our Training Guarantee here https://www.liveopenly.net/training-guarantee.html
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
|
THIS EVENT IS BACKED BY ADVENTURES UNLIMITED's TRAINING GUARANTEE. We train you to get ready for this trek, or your money back* * Terms and conditions apply Find out more information about our Training guarantee here. |
