Itinerary
- Day 1
Yining
You'll arrive in Yining, the capital of Ili Prefecture, and get settled into your hotel. After that, there's a welcome dinner with local Uyghur cuisine to try. In the evening, take a walk through Liuxing Street, which is a vibrant arts district, and then head over to Kazanqi, a traditional Uyghur neighborhood where you can see local life and architecture.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner featuring local Uyghur cuisine)
Included Activities
- Welcome dinner featuring local Uyghur cuisine
- Evening cultural stroll: Explore Liuxing Street (vibrant arts district)
- Evening cultural stroll: Explore Kazanqi (traditional Uyghur neighborhood)
Landmarks Liuxing Street Kazanqi - Day 2
Tangbra to Hot Spring Camp
A scenic drive takes you to Tangbra, known as the 'Hundred-Mile Gallery' for its alpine meadows and river views. From there, you'll start trekking to Hot Spring Camp on a 5km hike at 2,500m elevation. You'll camp overnight in this alpine setting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic drive to Tangbra (Hundred-Mile Gallery)
- Trekking to Hot Spring Camp
Landmarks Tangbra (Hundred-Mile Gallery) Hot Spring Camp - Day 3
Menketing Pass to Dongdesala Pasture Camp
This is the toughest day of the trek. You'll tackle an ascent to Menketing Pass at 3,500m, the highest point of your route. After reaching the summit, you descend to Dongdesala Pasture Camp, a summer grazing ground where local herders bring their animals. The whole day covers 18km at altitude, so it'll be physically demanding.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Challenging ascent to Menketing Pass (highest point of the trek)
- Descend to Dongdesala Pasture Camp (summer grazing ground)
Landmarks Menketing Pass Dongdesala Pasture Camp - Day 4
Wulansadeke Lake
You'll trek through valleys toward Wulansadeke Lake, a turquoise glacial lake formed by a landslide. The hike covers 12km, and you'll camp beside the lake at 2,150m elevation. The color of the water and the mountain setting make this a memorable spot for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek through valleys to Wulansadeke Lake
- Camp beside the turquoise glacial lake
Landmarks Wulansadeke Lake - Day 5
Kuitun River Valley to Ku Yanglin Camp
Today's hike takes you through the scenic Kuitun River Valley, where you'll pass ancient poplar forests on a 19km trail. You'll arrive at Ku Yanglin Camp at 2,158m elevation, where you're camping right in the middle of these old forests. It's a longer day, but the landscape is worth the effort.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike through the Kuitun River Valley
- Pass ancient poplar forests
- Arrive at Ku Yanglin Camp
Landmarks Kuitun River Valley - Day 6
Trek Endpoint to Lujiaowan Hot Springs
After completing the final 8km trek to the trail endpoint at 1,757m elevation, you'll drive along the iconic Duku Highway and S101 Scenic Road. Later, you'll relax in natural hot springs at Lujiaowan Hot Springs Hotel and spend the night in a standard hotel room after all those days camping.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Final trek to the trail endpoint
- Drive along the Duku Highway and S101 Scenic Road
- Soak in natural hot springs at Lujiaowan Hot Springs Hotel
Landmarks Duku Highway S101 Scenic Road Lujiaowan Hot Springs - Day 7
Urumqi
You'll take a scenic drive through Sulphur Gully and Danxia Rainbow Mountains, stopping at the Asia Continental Geographic Center monument. After that, it's time to drive back to Urumqi for a farewell evening. Breakfast and lunch are included for the day, though you won't have accommodation arranged for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Scenic drive through Sulphur Gully and Danxia Rainbow Mountains
- Visit the Asia Continental Geographic Center monument
Landmarks Sulphur Gully Danxia Rainbow Mountains Asia Continental Geographic Center - Day 8
Departure
You'll arrange your own transfers to the airport or train station to depart from Urumqi. This is your travel day to head home or to your next destination.
