Arrive in Altay at your own pace and proceed to the designated hotel. At the reception, simply provide “Trekking in China + your name” to check in. In the evening, a pre-departure briefing will be held at the hotel, covering the itinerary, equipment checks, and key safety notes.

Recommended Visits:

Altay Museum – housing collections of stone, pottery, bronze, iron and gold artefacts, dating back to the Late Palaeolithic. Highlights include mysterious steppe stone figures and an exhibition hall on nomadic culture.

General’s Mountain Park and Camelback Mountain – both local landmarks worth exploring.

Jinshan Market (on Jiefang Road) – a long-standing market offering folk handicrafts, specialty foods, ethnic clothing, and more. It’s also an ideal spot to purchase snacks for the trek while experiencing the local atmosphere.

Friendly Reminders:

Entry into Baihaba requires a border pass, which will be arranged collectively by the trip leader tomorrow.

Participants under 16 must bring a copy of their household registration (hukou) page in addition to their ID card.

Other adults can apply with a valid ID card.

Overseas Chinese should carry a Chinese passport or valid ID; Hong Kong and Macau residents require the “Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents”; Taiwanese residents need the “Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents.” A relevant application form must also be completed.

Meals: /

Destination: Altay

Accommodation: Hotels in Altay

After breakfast, depart at 9:00 am for Habahe County / Buerjin County. Here, enjoy lunch and complete the formalities for the border permit before continuing the journey to Baihaba Village.

In autumn, the Altay Mountains are alive with the traditional Kazakh transhumance: herders drive their cattle and sheep from high-altitude summer pastures down to the sheltered winter grazing lands (known as dongwozi). Crossing the grand Trade Bridge, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular, with sweeping views of the borderlands, the distant peaks of Sarhamu and Wuru, and the winding Haba River that marks the frontier between China and Kazakhstan.

Baihaba Village, home mainly to the Tuvan people, lies on a broad valley floor of the Altay range, gazing across at the mountains of Kazakhstan. This border outpost is marked by dense frontier forests, solemn boundary markers, and a strong sense of sacred duty in guarding the land.

At the entrance of Baihaba Scenic Area (Tieleketi Ticket Station), change to the scenic shuttle bus—please note all luggage must be carried with you for the transfer. Arrival in Baihaba Village is expected around 16:00–17:00. After check-in, enjoy free time to wander the village.

As the sun sets, take in unforgettable views from the village platform: golden meadows, grazing herds returning home, snow-capped mountains, the border river, and rustic Tuvan houses—all bathed in the glow of twilight.

Friendly Reminders:

Today we enter the scenic area; luggage must be carried by yourself and taken on the shuttle bus into the village.

Carry your ID card with you at all times, as border permits will be processed today.

Meals: B

Destination: Baihaba Scenic Area

Accommodation: Baihaba Village Homestays

Driving Distance＆Duration: 250 km, 8h

This morning, your large luggage will be transferred separately by pickup truck, so you only need to carry your daypack. Rise early to capture the enchanting morning mist and smoke rising from village chimneys in Baihaba before checking equipment and beginning the trek eastwards towards Kanas.

The trail starts with a short, steep ascent, followed by a long gradual climb. After crossing a small mountain pass (altitude 1,874 m), we stop for lunch at our exclusive campsite nestled among five-needle pines, where you can also collect pine nuts. After a short rest, continue along the path, skirting a small marshland. Soon, the Guanyu Terrace on the summit of Kala Kait Mountain comes into view. The following stretch is relatively flat though longer, before finally descending to Kanas New Village at the foot of the mountain.

Today’s trek covers 6–8 hours on foot, with a generally relaxed pace and plenty of scenic variety.

Friendly Reminders:

As today is the first day of trekking, do not rush—let your body adjust naturally to the rhythm of the hike.

There are no shops along the way, so please prepare your own packed lunch and carry sufficient drinking water (at least 3 bottles recommended).

Meals: /

Destination: Kanas

Accommodation: Kanas Village Wooden Houses

Trekking Distance: 18-20km

Today is a relaxing slow travel day, with no luggage transfers required (same hotel stay). Participants are free to explore at their own pace or join the trip leader for optional activities:

1.Shenxian Bay Morning Mist – best seen by hiring a private car (optional).

2.Guanyu Terrace – accessible without extra ticket.

3.Turuk Rock Paintings – 8 km round-trip hike, no extra ticket required.

4.Three-Bay Boardwalk Hike – from Duck Marsh to Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay (approx. 12 km one way); return by shuttle bus.

5.Local Tuvan Music Experience – enjoy authentic Tuvan throat-singing in the Old Village (RMB 50–80 per person, self-paid).

6.Kanas Lake Pier – relax and wander freely (no extra charge).

Friendly Reminders:

This is a free day—plan your own activities or join the leader for group exploration.

Transportation and dining are convenient inside the park. Lunch is recommended at the Food Court near the Visitor Centre.

Meals: /

Destination: Kanas – Free Movement

Accommodation: Kanas Village Wooden Houses

This morning, take a shuttle bus to Kanas New Village. Passing through the village, we enter deep forest trails. After about 3 km, a tranquil birch grove reveals the “Shouting Spring”, a sacred source revered by local Tuvans. Legend says it once healed the wounds of Genghis Khan. The still water ripples and bubbles when stirred by sound—here, everyone is encouraged to shout greetings to the mountain gods.

The trail then winds through the pristine Taiga forest. Stay close to the guide—if lucky, you may spot squirrels, hazel grouse, martens, mushrooms, or even metre-high anthills. Emerging from the forest, we reach a vast meadow opposite Moon Bay, once called the “Queen’s Meadow”, where horses graze freely. This is the perfect spot for a short rest.

From here, the route becomes easier, leading to Kanas Double Bridges. The trek concludes as we ascend the boardwalk to Wolong Bay shuttle station. Finally, transfer back to Jiadengyu for hotel check-in.

Friendly Reminders:

If access to the Western Secret Trail is restricted due to policy, the itinerary will be adjusted.

In case of extreme weather, an alternative route will be arranged.

Open flames are strictly prohibited—please observe all forest fire-safety regulations.

Meals: /

Destination: Kanas – Wolong Bay – Jiadengyu

Accommodation: Jiadengyu Budget Hotel

Trekking Distance: 12-14 km

After breakfast, we head to the trailhead for a 14 km trek. The route includes three uphill sections, while the rest is mostly flat or gently undulating. Along the way, you will wander through the majestic valleys of the Altai Mountains: golden birch trees, fiery-orange European aspens, dark-brown larches, and evergreen Siberian spruces and firs line this golden corridor down towards the Kanas River.

We will enjoy a picnic lunch by the Kanas River’s great bend, an exceptionally scenic spot. Without rushing, we hike on through picture-perfect mountain landscapes. After climbing the second slope, a flat horse trail leads us to the Halfway Inn, tonight’s accommodation.

Here, nestled in the valley at a herders’ guesthouse, you’ll spend the night in rustic wooden cabins. With no light pollution, this is the perfect opportunity to capture the splendour of the Milky Way.

Friendly Reminders:

The Halfway Inn offers simple dorm-style wooden cabins with bunk beds; basic facilities only. No showers are available, but simple washing and shared toilets are provided.

Large luggage will not be accessible today; please carry essential toiletries and personal items with you. Your main luggage will be transferred directly to Hemu.

Dinner is included and served family-style. No refunds are available for those who choose not to dine.

Destination: Jiadengyu – Kanas River – Hemu River – Bieke Ranch

Accommodation: Bieke Ranch Wooden Houses

Trekking Distance: 14-17 km

After breakfast, continue trekking as we bid farewell to the Kanas River and follow the Hemu River upstream. After climbing a gentle slope, we will arrive at a Kazakh herder’s “luxury” pasture. If lucky, you may taste a bowl of fresh milk (at your own expense).

The trail then stretches into a long flat section. Upon reaching the Xiaomeili Peak viewing platform, the distant Hemu Village finally comes into view. Excitement rises, though the last leg still requires about 1.5 hours of hiking.

In the afternoon, we arrive at Hemu Village, one of the most picturesque villages in China. After check-in, enjoy free time exploring the village, Hemu River, surrounding birch forests, and head up to Hadeng Platform for a stunning sunset view over the village. In the evening, we gather for a celebratory dinner back in the village.

Friendly Reminders:

Both breakfast and dinner are included today and served family-style. No refunds for those who opt out.

Along the way, local herders may sell fresh milk, yoghurt, or other homemade products. Please carry some small cash, as mobile payments may not work reliably in the mountains.

Meals: B&D

Destination: Meili village – Hemu Village

Accommodation: Hemu Wooden Houses

Trekking Distance: 14 km

Early risers may head up to Hadeng Viewing Platform for sunrise mist, or simply enjoy a relaxed morning. After breakfast, we descend along the Ahe Scenic Highway, newly opened in September 2024 and already praised as one of China’s most beautiful border roads.

Stretching 209 km, this “oil-painting corridor” links Altay to Hemu, weaving through deserts, gorges, forests, rivers, wetlands, snow-capped peaks, grasslands, and stone forests. The route climbs from 600 m plains to a 2,600 m mountain pass, with 47 cliffside bends and U-shaped switchbacks framed by ancient glacial landscapes. We will stop frequently for short walks, photos, and to savour the ever-changing scenery—none of the hidden gems along the road will be missed.

Friendly Reminders:

We will stop at scenic viewpoints along the way.

There are no restaurants or shops en route. Please prepare one packed lunch, bottled water, and snacks in advance.

This is a great day for photos—bring your best outfits!

Traffic can be heavy in September; delays are possible. We recommend booking onward trains or flights the following day instead of the same evening.

Meals: /

Destination: Ahe Scenic Highway – Altay

Accommodation: Altay Hotel

Driving Distance: 209 km

Today marks the end of our unforgettable Golden Autumn Kanas Journey. Please check out from the hotel before 14:00 and choose your preferred means of transport for the return trip.

Meals: B

Destination: Altay

Accommodation: /