8-Day Kanas Hiking Route: Explore Xinjiang’s Wilderness Gem Step-by-Step

Hansong Li
Sep 8
5 min read

Tucked away in Xinjiang’s northern mountain ranges, Kanas is a hikers’ paradise—where snow-capped peaks cradle emerald lakes, golden birch forests stretch across valleys, and remote villages preserve age-old Tuvan traditions. For travelers craving an immersive outdoor adventure, the 8-Day Kanas Hiking Route stands out as the perfect way to uncover the region’s most breathtaking landscapes, balancing challenging treks with quiet moments of natural wonder. Here’s your detailed guide to this unforgettable journey.

Day 1: Arrival in Altay – Kick Off the 8-Day Kanas Hiking Route

Your adventure begins in Altay City, the official gateway to Kanas. Check into a comfortable city-center hotel; if you arrive early, take time to wander Altay’s tree-lined streets—stop at a local stall for creamy milk tea or browse handwoven woolen crafts at the morning market. As evening falls, join a welcome gathering with fellow hikers: savor a hearty dinner of Xinjiang-style naan and braised lamb while your guide reviews the 8-Day Kanas Hiking Route itinerary, checks essential gear (waterproof jackets, sturdy hiking boots are non-negotiable!), and shares safety tips for high-altitude trekking. Overnight in Altay to rest up for the days ahead.

Hikers in colorful gear trek across a grassy field with mountains and autumn trees in the background, under a cloudy sky. — Hikers in vibrant gear traverse a grassy field, surrounded by majestic mountains and autumn trees, under a cloudy sky.

Day 2: Altay to Baihaba Village – Drive Through Painted Hills

After a breakfast of warm porridge and boiled eggs, board a private vehicle for a 6-hour scenic drive (280–300km) to Baihaba Village. The route winds through Burqin County’s rolling hills, which blaze with amber and crimson in October, and follows the Kanas River—its waters glinting like silver as they rush past willow-fringed banks. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Baihaba: a tiny border village where wooden cabins with smoking chimneys nestle beneath snow-dusted mountains. Set up camp on the village’s edge; as night falls, the sky erupts into a blanket of stars—far from city lights, the Milky Way shines so brightly you can almost reach out and touch it.

A vibrant turquoise river winds through a forest of lush green and golden trees in autumn, creating a serene and colorful landscape. — A vibrant turquoise river meanders through a forest of lush green and golden autumn trees, creating a serene and colorful landscape.

Day 3: Baihaba to Kanas Lake – Trek Through Fir & Meadow

Lace up your boots early for the first major hike: a 21km trail from Baihaba to Kanas Lake (8 hours, +800m/-600m elevation). The path starts in dense fir forests, where sunlight filters through the canopy in dappled streaks and the air smells of pine and damp earth. Midway, you’ll emerge onto alpine meadows dotted with wild asters and edelweiss—here, you might spot local herders tending to flocks of sheep, their yurts (felt tents) standing like soft white domes in the distance. By late afternoon, the trail descends, and suddenly Kanas Lake comes into view: a vast expanse of emerald water, its surface rippling in the wind, framed by jagged mountain peaks. Camp by the lake’s shore and watch the sunset paint the sky in hues of pink and orange over the water.

Aerial view of a village with wooden houses in a misty valley surrounded by dense autumn forest. Warm golden and green hues dominate. — A picturesque aerial view captures a quaint village nestled in a misty valley, with wooden houses surrounded by a dense autumn forest in warm golden and green hues.

Day 4: Kanas Lake Exploration – Wander the Three Bays

Take a slower day to soak in Kanas Lake’s beauty by exploring its famous Three Bays: Moon Bay, Immortal Bay, and Dragon Bay. Start with a leisurely walk to Moon Bay—named for its crescent shape, where the lake’s water turns a pale turquoise against the golden autumn trees. Next, head to Immortal Bay, where morning mist often lingers over the water (arrive early for this magical sight!), then finish at Dragon Bay, where the river twists like a dragon’s tail through the valley. You can hike between the bays (10km total, easy terrain) or hop on a shuttle if you want to save energy. In the evening, gather around a campfire with your group, roast marshmallows, and listen to the lake’s gentle waves lapping the shore.

Hikers with colorful backpacks climb over a fallen tree in a sunlit forest. Clear blue sky and autumn foliage create a serene atmosphere. — Hikers navigate a fallen tree with colorful backpacks beneath a bright blue sky, embraced by the tranquility of a sunlit autumn forest.

Day 5: Kanas to Little Black Lake – Trek to the “Edge of the World”

Today’s 22km hike (+1100m/-100m) takes you to one of Kanas’ most remote spots: Little Black Lake, known locally as “the edge of the world.” The trail crosses open tundra, where the ground is covered in soft moss and tiny wildflowers (even in October, a few hardy blooms linger). As you climb, the views expand—you’ll see Kanas Lake shrinking in the distance, replaced by smaller alpine lakes glinting like shards of glass. By late afternoon, you’ll reach Little Black Lake: a small, dark-blue body of water surrounded by rocky peaks. Set up camp here; with no villages for miles, the silence is profound—broken only by the wind and the occasional cry of a mountain bird.

A person rides a horse across a suspension bridge over a turquoise river, surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky. — A rider traverses a suspension bridge on horseback, crossing a vibrant turquoise river beneath a canopy of lush green trees and a clear blue sky.

Day 6: Little Black Lake to Hemu Village – Descend Through Birch Forests

Prepare for a downhill adventure: a 20km trek (-1400m) from Little Black Lake to Hemu Village, often called “China’s most beautiful village.” The trail winds through dense birch forests, where the trees’ golden leaves crunch underfoot and sunlight turns the forest floor into a carpet of light. As you descend, the sound of cowbells grows louder—Hemu’s pastures are filled with cattle and horses, tended by Tuvan herders (an ethnic group native to the region). By evening, you’ll reach Hemu: rows of wooden cabins with steep, shingled roofs, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Warm up with a bowl of herbal soup (made with local plants like sea-buckthorn) at a village homestay before camping near the river.

Riders on three horses traverse a dirt path in a misty valley, set against a backdrop of golden autumn hills and a clear blue sky. — Riders journey through a misty valley, surrounded by the golden hues of autumn hills under a clear blue sky.

Day 7: Hemu to Ürümqi – Farewell to the Mountains

After breakfast in Hemu (try dumplings filled with mutton and onions, a local favorite), take a vehicle to Burqin County, then transfer to Beitun City to board an overnight train to Ürümqi. The train ride is a chance to reflect on the 8-Day Kanas Hiking Route—flip through photos of the lake, the forests, and the villages, or chat with fellow hikers about your favorite moments. Overnight in a hard-sleeper train berth; the gentle rhythm of the tracks will lull you to sleep.

Horses graze on a green meadow by a turquoise lake with autumnal trees in the background. The scene feels peaceful and serene. — Horses peacefully graze on a lush green meadow by a tranquil turquoise lake, framed by the vibrant autumn hues of the surrounding trees.

Day 8: Departure from Ürümqi – End of the Journey

Arrive in Ürümqi around 09:00. The trek officially ends at Ürümqi Railway Station—take time to grab a final cup of Xinjiang milk tea before heading to the airport or train station (we recommend booking flights/trains after 11:30 to avoid rushing).

This 8-Day Kanas Hiking Route isn’t just about covering distance—it’s about connecting with nature in its purest form. From the starry skies of Baihaba to the quiet charm of Hemu Village, every day brings a new wonder. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a novice looking for a challenge, this route will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.