How to get to Altay
Altay Prefecture is located in northernmost Xinjiang, approximately 680 kilometers from Urumqi. Choosing the right transportation method is key to a successful independent trip. Below, we detail various arrival options and internal travel solutions.
Fly
Altay Burqin Airport (AAT) is the fastest way to reach Altay. Currently operating routes include:
- Urumqi - AltayMultiple daily flights; flight duration approximately 1 hours; fares range from 400 to 1200 yuan.
- Beijing - AltayDirect flights are available during peak season; flight time is approximately 4 hours.
- Xi'an - Altay: Layover flight, total duration approximately 5-6 hours
- Chengdu - AltayConnecting flight, ideal for travelers in the southwest region
Book flights 2-4 weeks in advance. Prices are higher and seats are limited during peak seasons (February–March, late April). The airport is about 10 km from the city center; a taxi ride costs approximately 20 yuan.
Train Travel
Altay Station is now open for train services. Departing from Urumqi, you can choose:
- K9735: Urumqi to Altay, overnight train with morning arrival. Hard sleeper approx. 200 CNY, soft sleeper approx. 350 CNY
- K9749: Urumqi to Altay, daytime operation, total duration approximately 12 hours
Trains offer the best value, especially for budget travelers. We recommend booking a sleeper berth to save on accommodation and make the most of your time.
Coach
Buses from Urumqi Nianzigou Bus Station run to Altay, taking approximately 8-10 hours and costing around 150-200 yuan. Additionally, buses depart from Beitun City to various districts and counties in Altay. Buses offer flexible scheduling but are less comfortable than trains or planes.
Drive yourself
Drive from Urumqi to Altay via G216 National Highway or S21 Desert Road. The total distance is approximately 680 km, with a driving time of about 7-8 hours. S21 Desert Road offers better road conditions and scenic desert views along the way, making it a popular self-driving route in recent years.
Altay Internal Transportation Guide
Charter / Shared Ride
Attractions in Altay are spread far apart with limited public transport; hiring a private car is the most common way to get around.
- Burqin-KanasApproximately 160 km; private car one-way: 400-500 CNY; shared ride per person: 100-150 CNY
- Burqin-Hemu: Approximately 180 km; private car one-way fare ranges from 400 to 500 yuan
- Kanas-Hemu: Approximately 60 km, private car rental costs approximately 200-300 yuan
- Altay-Keketuohai: Approximately 300 km, private car rental costs approximately 600-800 yuan
We recommend booking a private car with a licensed travel agency in Burqin or Altay City. Ensure you sign an agreement that clearly outlines the price and itinerary. During peak season, vehicles are in high demand, so book well in advance.
Park Shuttle
Private vehicles are not permitted inside scenic areas such as Kanas, Hemu, and Keketuohai; visitors must use the official shuttle buses.
- Kanas Shuttle BusTicket + shuttle bus combo: approx. 160 CNY, covering Jia dengyu to Kanas Lake and all scenic spots
- Hemu Shuttle BusTicket + shuttle bus combo: approx. 100 CNY from ticket station to Hemu Village
- Keketuohai Shuttle BusCombined ticket for entry and shuttle bus: approx. 90 USD, from the main gate to the canyon depths.
Car Rental & Self-Drive
Multiple car rental companies operate in Altay city and Burqin County, with daily rates ranging from 200 to 500 CNY. Self-driving offers flexibility, but exercise caution on mountain roads. Winter conditions may include icy surfaces; self-driving is not recommended for inexperienced drivers.
Recommended Accommodations
Buerjin County
Bulqin serves as a transit hub for accessing Kanas and Hemu, offering a wide range of accommodation options.
- Economy Hotel: 150-300 per night; basic amenities, suitable for transit stays
- Comfort Hotel: $300-$600 per night, clean and tidy, great value
- Boutique Homestay: $400-$800 per night, unique decor, great experience
Recommend staying near Friendship Peak Road or the Riverbank Night Market for easy access to food and transportation.
Kanas Scenic Area
Accommodations in Kanas Scenic Area are divided into two zones: New Village and Old Village.
- Kanas New Village: Concentrated hotels with relatively good conditions, priced at 400-1500 CNY per night.
- Old Village of Kanas: Tuvan wooden cabin renovation offers an immersive experience. Prices range from 300 to 1000 yuan per night.
Accommodation within the scenic area is limited, with unreliable hot water. Manage your expectations accordingly. During peak season, prices double and rooms are extremely scarce—book well in advance.
Hemu Village
Hemu features Tuva-style wooden cabin homestays, with rates ranging from 200 to 1200 CNY per night. Choose a homestay near the Hemu Bridge or observation deck for convenient sunrise viewing and exploration. Note that wooden cabins have poor sound insulation; guests sensitive to noise are advised to bring earplugs.
Fuyun County / Keketuohai Town
For visits to Keketuohai, you can stay in Fuyun County or Keketuohai Town. Fuyun County offers better accommodations at 150-400 CNY per night; Keketuohai Town is closer to the scenic area but has fewer options.
Budget Analysis
3-Day Trip Budget (Per Person)
- TransportationRound-trip air/train tickets 800-2000 CNY + local chartered vehicle 600-1000 CNY
- Accommodation: 2 nights, total 400-1200 CNY
- Tickets: Kanas 160 + Hemu 100 + Five-Colled Beach 45 ≈ 305
- Dining: 100-200 yuan per day, approximately 300-600 yuan for 3 days
- Total: Economy option is approximately 2400 yuan, Comfort option is approximately 4100 yuan
5-Day Trip Budget (Per Person)
- Transportation: Round trip 800-2000 CNY + Local charter 1000-1800 CNY
- Accommodation: 4 nights, total 800-2400 CNY
- Tickets: Kanas 160 CNY + Hemu 100 CNY + Keketuohai 90 CNY + Five-Colled Beach 45 CNY ≈ 395 CNY
- Dining: 5 days, approximately 500-1000 yuan
- Total: Economy option is approximately 3500 yuan, Comfort option is approximately 6600 yuan
7-Day Trip Budget (Per Person)
- Transportation: Round trip 800-2000 CNY + Local charter 1500-2500 CNY
- Accommodation: 6 nights, total 1200-3600 CNY
- Tickets: Total cost for all scenic spots is approximately 500 yuan.
- Dining: 7 days, approximately 700-1400 yuan
- OtherRiding, rafting, and other experiences cost approximately 300–800 yuan.
- Total: Economy option is approximately 4500 yuan, Comfort option is approximately 8300 yuan
Money-saving tips
- Travel during off-peak hoursAvoid months 7 to 8 and the National Day holiday; prices in months 6 and 10 can be reduced by 30%–50%.
- Ride sharing: Ride-sharing with other passengers can significantly reduce transportation costs.
- Book in advanceBook flights and accommodation in advance for discounts.
- Bring your own foodDining prices in the park are high; consider bringing your own food.
- Select HostelYuzhu and Altay have hostels; dorm beds range from 50 to 100 CNY per night.
