Eight days is the right length to really live in the Altai: Kanas Lake, the wooden Hemu village, and the golden birch forest in October.
This 8-day loop covers Urumqi to Burqin to Kanas to Hemu and back, about 1600 km in total. The sweet spot is Late September to mid-October.
Why drive this route
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It adds buffer to the long highway days so the mountain time is not rushed. If you are shaping the bigger trip, our Kanas Lake guide covers the wider picture.
The route day by day
Day 1: Urumqi to Burqin (650 km, ~8 h)
Day 1 leaves Urumqi and reaches Burqin, roughly 650 km and about 8 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Burqin. On the way: north highway. Full day.
Day 2: Burqin to Kanas (150 km, ~3 h)
Day 2 leaves Burqin and reaches Kanas, roughly 150 km and about 3 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Kanas. On the way: enter reserve. Park and shuttle.
Day 3: Kanas to Kanas (40 km, ~1 h)
Day 3 leaves Kanas and reaches Kanas, roughly 40 km and about 1 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Kanas. On the way: lake and boardwalk. Easy.
Day 4: Kanas to Hemu (60 km, ~2 h)
Day 4 leaves Kanas and reaches Hemu, roughly 60 km and about 2 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Hemu. On the way: wooden village. Cold nights.
Day 5: Hemu to Hemu (30 km, ~1 h)
Day 5 leaves Hemu and reaches Hemu, roughly 30 km and about 1 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Hemu. On the way: morning mist. Easy.
Day 6: Hemu to Burqin (210 km, ~4 h)
Day 6 leaves Hemu and reaches Burqin, roughly 210 km and about 4 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Burqin. On the way: return south. Refuel.
Day 7: Burqin to Urumqi (650 km, ~8 h)
Day 7 leaves Burqin and reaches Urumqi, roughly 650 km and about 8 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in Urumqi. On the way: long return. Full day.
Day 8: Urumqi to home (0 km, ~1 h)
Day 8 leaves Urumqi and reaches home, roughly 0 km and about 1 hours behind the wheel. You will sleep in . On the way: depart. Done.
Where to sleep
- Burqin (2)
- Kanas (2)
- Hemu (2)
- Urumqi (1)
Best time to drive
Late September to mid-October is the famous golden season but also the coldest at night and the busiest. July is green and mild.
Most mountain roads, the Duku, the Ili branch routes and Pamir access, close from late October to early June under snow. Plan around the warm window. For the detail you will actually need on the ground, see our Hemu village guide.
Practical tips
- Book Kanas and Hemu months ahead for October.
- Nights near freezing in autumn; pack serious warm gear.
- Inner areas use shuttles; you cannot always drive freely.
- Never let the tank drop below half on remote roads. Fuel stations thin out sharply once you leave the main G30 corridor, and a few only take cash or UnionPay.
- Carry your passport or Chinese ID at all times. Police checkpoints are routine on regional roads and you will be asked to scan or show documents several times a day. Before you commit, read our best time for a Xinjiang road trip so nothing catches you out.
FAQ
When are the Kanas colours best? Late September to mid-October, but the exact week shifts yearly.
Can I drive inside Kanas? Usually you park at the gate and ride the park shuttle.
Is 8 days too long? It is right for the Altai if you accept two long highway days each way.
Best season besides autumn? July is green, mild, and far less crowded.
Final word
Xinjiang rewards drivers who plan, then stay flexible. Build a loose route, book the key overnight towns, and leave room for the unplanned stop that turns out to be the best part of the trip.
Written by Karl Huang, a Xinjiang-based travel writer. Kanas entry, shuttle and lodging rules change by season, so confirm the current setup with the park before you go.