The travel guide from Altay to Ili mainly includes three aspects: route planning, attraction recommendations, and travel preparations.?
I. Route Planning?
You can choose from the following two main routes:?
Altay-Burqin-Kanas-Hemu-Ghost Town-Sayram Lake-Nalati-Duku Highway-Urumqi: This is a classic 8-day tour route covering multiple famous attractions in Altay and Ili, suitable for travelers who want to deeply experience the scenery of Xinjiang.?
Altay-Anjihai Grand Canyon-Sayram Lake-Ili: This is a relatively compact 5-day tour route, mainly focusing on the highlights of Altay to Ili, suitable for travelers with limited time.?
II. Attraction Recommendations?
Kanas Scenic Area: Visit Kanas Lake to appreciate the lake and mountain scenery and enjoy the bounty of nature. The mystery and grandeur of Kanas Lake are a major highlight of Xinjiang tourism.?
Hemu Scenic Area: Feel the tranquility of the primitive village and the grandeur of nature. The birch forest and sunset viewing platform here are must-see attractions.?
Ghost Town: Experience the fantastic landforms and unique wind erosion landscapes. Both the Urho Ghost Town and the Sea Ghost Town scenic areas are breathtaking.?
Sayram Lake: The lake water is clear and blue, surrounded by mountains, creating a picturesque scene. It is a paradise for photographers and a great place to enjoy the serene lake surface.?
Nalati Scenic Area: Visit the Nalati Scenic Area to admire the magnificent grassland scenery. The aerial grassland of Nalati is particularly distinctive.?
Duku Highway: Driving along the Duku Highway offers endless scenery and the joy of self-driving. The scenery along the Duku Highway is breathtaking and an excellent choice for self-driving tours.?
III. Travel Preparations?
Clothing: Since the temperatures in Altay and Ili are relatively low in February, it is recommended to bring thick clothing such as fleece-lined jackets and thermal underwear. Additionally, windproof coats, hats, scarves, gloves, etc., are also essentials to cope with Xinjiang’s windy weather.?
Accessories: Sunglasses are very important for protecting against strong sunlight. Additionally, portable chargers, insulated water bottles, etc., are also small joys during the trip.?
Medications: It is advisable to bring cold medicine, painkillers, sunscreen, etc., to deal with possible health issues and strong UV exposure.?
Other Notes: There are many checkpoints in Xinjiang, so please carry your ID card with you at all times. Additionally, due to weak signals in some areas, it is recommended to exchange some cash for emergencies.?
I hope this guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip from Altay to Ili!?