Embarking on a Northern Xinjiang tour is a dream for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. While the south is defined by history and desert culture, a North Xinjiang tour is all about breathtaking alpine scenery—think turquoise lakes, emerald grasslands, and snow-capped peaks that rival the Swiss Alps.
From the mystical Kanas Lake to the vast Ili River Valley, this guide covers the essential stops for your next Northern Xinjiang tour itinerary.
Top Destinations for Your North Xinjiang Tour
Below are the must-visit spots, presented as individual regional highlights:
Sayram Lake Tour
Known as the “last tear of the Atlantic,” this high-altitude lake offers crystal-blue waters and endless wildflower fields.
Nalati Grassland Tour
One of the world’s four largest sub-alpine grasslands. Perfect for horse riding and experiencing Kazakh nomadic culture
Qiaxi Forest Park Tour
A hidden gem offering lush spruce forests and peaceful meadows, away from the typical tourist crowds.
Kanas Lake Tour
A breathtaking highlight of any Northern Xinjiang tour. Marvel at the lake’s shifting turquoise waters, explore lush Siberian larch forests, and witness the misty morning charm of the pristine Wolong Bay
Altay Tour
The crown jewel of your North Xinjiang tour. Home to the legendary Kanas Lake, Altay offers stunning alpine vistas, the pristine forests of Baihaba, and the granite canyons of Koktokay. It is a paradise for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers alike.
Kalajun Grassland Tour
A stunning UNESCO World Heritage site on your North Xinjiang tour. Known as a “high-mountain meadow,” Kalajun offers a unique 3D landscape of undulating ridges, colorful wildflower carpets, and deep forest canyons framed by snow-capped peaks
Yining City Tour
A soulful stop on any Northern Xinjiang tour. While the blue houses of Kazanqi are iconic, Yining offers so much more—from the colorful folk life on Liuxing Street to the scenic sunset views at the Ili River Bridge. It’s a city of flowers, diverse history, and authentic Uyghur and Kazakh hospitality.
Burqin Tour
Beyond the radiant Five-Colored Beach, Burqin is the most charming “Fairytale Town” . Enjoy a night at the bustling Night Market for grilled cold-water fish, stroll through its European-style architecture, and soak in the Russian-influenced culture along the Irtysh River.
Xiata Scenic Area Tour
A premier hiking destination. Trek through meadows and forests directly toward the majestic Muzart Glacier along this legendary canyon passage.
Qiongkushitai Village Tour
Wander through ancient log cabins and rolling green ridges in this traditional Kazakh village frozen in time
Tangbula Grassland Tour
A serene highlight of your North Xinjiang tour. Experience the “Hundred-Mile Gallery” featuring lush forest canyons, tranquil hot springs, and endless emerald meadows tucked away in the Tianshan Mountains.
Why Plan a Northern Xinjiang Tour?
- Stunning Alpine Lakes: A North Xinjiang tour is defined by its crystal-clear waters. From the “last tear of the Atlantic,” Sayram Lake, to the shifting turquoise hues of Kanas Lake, the region offers some of the most spectacular high-altitude lake scenery in Asia.
- Vast Emerald Grasslands: Experience the freedom of the wild on a Northern Xinjiang tour. Explore the “Sky-High” meadows of Nalati and the rolling green ridges of Kalajun, where you can ride horses through endless wildflower carpets and lush spruce forests.
- Nomadic Traditions: Immerse yourself in the authentic life of Kazakh and Tuvan herders. Stay in traditional yurts, taste fresh nomadic dairy products, and witness a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for centuries in the remote corners of Northern Xinjiang.
- Seasonal Wonders: From the blooming flowers of Ili Valley in June to the golden birch forests of Altay in September, a North Xinjiang tour offers a diverse palette of colors that makes it a year-round paradise for photographers.