Highlights:​ Red Hill Park (Hongshan), Grand Bazaar

Upon arrival at Urumqi airport, meet your guide and driver. Begin your exploration with a visit to Red Hill Park. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city and see the historic pagoda built over 200 years ago. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar (Erdaoqiao Market), a bustling hub for local specialties and crafts, before checking into your hotel.

Overnight:​ Urumqi

Highlights:​ Xinjiang Regional Museum, Emin Minaret, Karez System, Jiaohe Ancient City

Start the day at the Xinjiang Regional Museum, the perfect introduction to the region's rich history, diverse ethnic groups, and archaeological wonders. Afterwards, drive to the Turpan Depression. After lunch, visit the elegant Emin Minaret, the tallest ancient minaret in Xinjiang. Then, explore the ingenious Karez underground irrigation system, a 2,000-year-old engineering feat. Conclude the day at the Jiaohe Ancient City, a magnificent UNESCO-listed ruin carved from earth over 2,300 years ago, best experienced in the soft light of the late afternoon.

Overnight:​ Turpan

Highlights:​ Flaming Mountains, Tuyuk Ancient Village, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Kumtag Desert (Sand Dunes)

After breakfast, drive to the iconic Flaming Mountains, famous for their scorching red, barren ridges. Continue to the secluded Tuyuk Ancient Village, where you can experience traditional Uyghur life and enjoy a local home-cooked lunch (optional). Next, visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves​ to see remnants of the region's Buddhist heritage. Finally, experience the desert landscape at the Kumtag Sand Dunes​ for a picturesque view and an optional camel ride. Afterwards, drive back to Urumqi.

Overnight:​ Urumqi

Highlights:​ Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)

Depart Urumqi for a scenic drive to the stunning Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), nestled at 1,980 meters in the Tianshan Mountains near Bogda Peak. Spend time walking along the lake, surrounded by pine forests and towering peaks. After lunch by the lake, embark on a longer drive west through changing landscapes to the oil city of Karamay.

Overnight:​ Karamay

Highlights:​ Urho Ghost City (Wind City)

Leave Karamay and journey north. En route, stop at the spectacular Urho Ghost City (Wind City), a vast area of impressive wind-eroded Yardang formations that create a surreal, desert landscape. You'll also see evidence of the local oil industry with drilling sites and pipelines dotting the area. Continue driving through the vast Gobi expanse towards the lush Altay region, arriving in Burqin town in the evening.

Overnight:​ Burqin

Highlights:​ Scenic Mountain Drive, Kanas Lake

Enjoy a beautiful drive from Burqin into the heart of the Altay Mountains, passing Kazakh villages and expansive natural grasslands. Arrive at the legendary Kanas Lake​ in the afternoon. Explore the lakeshore, mesmerized by its deep blue waters set against a backdrop of dense taiga forest. This area is part of the Irtysh River basin and is renowned as one of Xinjiang's most pristine natural reserves. Afterwards, check into your accommodation in Jiadengyu, a scenic village nestled in a valley, where you can take an evening stroll.

Overnight:​ Jiadengyu (Kanas area)

Highlights:​ Kanas Lake Fish Viewing Platform, Hemu Village

Return to Kanas Lake​ in the morning to hike up to the Fish Viewing Platform. Climb the approximately 1,000 steps for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire lake, its inlets, and the surrounding forests and snow-capped peaks. After lunch, take a scenic, winding mountain drive to the picturesque Hemu Village, a traditional settlement of the Tuva people known for its unique wooden houses. Arrive in time to soak in the serene atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the village and surrounding hills.

Overnight:​ Hemu Village

Highlights:​ Hemu Village Sunrise, Colorful Beach (Wucai Tan)

Wake up early to hike to a viewpoint for a stunning sunrise over Hemu Village, with morning mist rising from the river and illuminating the wooden cabins. After breakfast, depart Hemu and drive back towards Burqin. Your key stop is the famous Colorful Beach (Wucai Tan)​ on the banks of the Irtysh River. This unique geological formation features vividly colored sedimentary cliffs and is particularly spectacular in the evening light. Arrive in Burqin for the night.

Overnight:​ Burqin

Highlights:​ Irtysh River Valley Scenery

Today is a scenic driving day along the Irtysh River valley. The landscape will continually change, featuring semi-desert, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and forested mountains. Make several photo stops to capture the diverse beauty and stretch your legs. Arrive in the small town of Koktokay in the late afternoon.

Overnight:​ Koktokay Town

Highlights:​ Koktokay National Geological Park, Irtysh River Grand Canyon

Dedicate the day to exploring the stunning Koktokay National Geological Park, located near the Mongolian border. Hike along the crystal-clear upper reaches of the Irtysh River, marveling at the dramatic granite gorges, bizarre rock formations, and lush forests. The area is known for its pristine water and majestic scenery. After a full day of exploration, drive back to Fuyun county for the night.

Overnight:​ Fuyun County

Highlights:​ G216 Desert Highway, Wildlife Spotting, Red Hill (Fiery Mountain)

Embark on a long drive south on the G216 highway back to Urumqi. The landscape is predominantly vast, arid desert and flat plains. Pass through the Karamay Nature Reserve, where you might be lucky enough to spot wild horses or asses by the roadside. You'll also see the striking Red Hill (Fiery Mountain), a range of red, sun-baked stone mountains. Arrive in Urumqi in the evening.

Overnight:​ Urumqi

Highlights:​ Departure

After breakfast, enjoy some free time before your guide and driver transfer you to Urumqi International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your grand tour of Northern Xinjiang.