5-Day Altay Winter Itinerary

Immerse yourself in Altay’s winter wonderland, China’s premier snow destination, where temperatures plummet to -25°C and frosted landscapes glow under crisp sunlit skies. This 5-day itinerary combines epic photography with Tuvan culture and adrenaline-fueled skiing. Capture the otherworldly ice formations of Kanas Lake, dubbed "Fairy Bay," and spot elusive red foxes along its shores. Chase the aurora borealis from a cozy wooden cabin in Hemu Village, where horse-drawn sleighs glide through snow-laden forests. Conquer Asia's largest ski resort, Kom Jikprin, with 103 Olympic-grade slopes, or soak in starlit hot springs. Experience sunrise over snow-capped peaks, share lamb hotpot with locals, and learn to navigate icy trails with crampons. Perfect for photographers, skiers, and culture seekers craving untouched winter magic.

Book this Tour

Or Call us FREE on Whatsapp/Tel: +86 17790278341 to book this holiday.

  • Tour Code: XT-AKH-08
  • Time: 5 Days
  • Cities: Altay, Kanas, Hemu
  • Accommodation: 4 Nights (4+stars Hotel)

Included with every escorted tour

  • Professional English speaking guide.
  • Domestic flights/High-speed Train Fee.
  • Hotel with breakfast in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fees of all the attractions as listed.

Day 1: Arrive in Altay

Arrive in Altay and transfer to the hotel--Free Activities

● 4+stars Hotel

● None

Upon landing at Altay Airport, a private transfer whisks you to your hotel (1-hour drive). Spend the day acclimatizing to Altay’s sub-zero winter climate (averaging -15°C to -25°C). The region, dubbed “China’s Snowy Paradise,” transforms into a glittering wonderland from November to February, with powder-soft snow and frosted pine forests as far as the eye can see.

Key Preparations:

Wardrobe Essentials: Layer up with thermal base wear, a heavy-duty down jacket, waterproof snow pants, insulated boots, and a face mask to combat frostbite.

Tech Gear: Carry a portable charger (batteries drain faster in cold) and a camera hand warmer to keep your equipment functional.

Transport: Opt for a 4WD vehicle with snow tires; public buses are scarce in winter.

Travel Tip: Sip on kumis (fermented mare’s milk) at the hotel lobby—a local remedy for cold resistance.

Day 1: Arrive in Altay Day 1: Arrive in Altay Day 1: Arrive in Altay

Day 2: Altay – Kanas

●  Altay – Kanas (Kanas Lake)

● 4+stars Hotel

● Breakfast

Journey into Kanas Nature Reserve, where the legendary lake freezes into a surreal canvas of swirling ice patterns. Keep your eyes peeled for the red fox—a mythical creature said to appear only to pure-hearted travelers—as it scavenges near the lakeshore.

Highlights:

Kanas Lake: Capture the “Fairy Bay” ice formations and the frozen S-shaped river bends. Use a macro lens to detail the ice crystals’ intricate designs.

Legend of the Lake Monster: Though elusive, locals swear by sightings near the reed beds. Scan the waters with binoculars!

Recommended Activity:

Dine on Hot Pot in a Wooden Cabin—a communal experience where lamb, vegetables, and noodles simmer in a broth heated by hot stones.

Travel Tip: Charge your camera battery overnight in your jacket pocket—the cold saps power rapidly.

Day 2: Altay – Kanas Day 2: Altay – Kanas Day 2: Altay – Kanas

Day 3: Kanas - Hemu

Kanas (Fish Viewing Platform, Three Bays) – Hemu (Haden Viewing Platform, Stargazing)

● 4+stars Hotel

● Breakfast

Climb Guanyu Terrace (2,030m) for panoramic views of Kanas Lake encased in ice. The 1,068 stone steps are slippery—wear crampons! Next, explore the Three Bays (Moon Bay, Wolf Bay, and Immortal Bay), where frozen waterfalls and snow-draped pines create a monochrome masterpiece. After lunch, Descend into Hemu Village, a Tuvan enclave where wooden cabins exude smoke from chimneys. Check into your heated wooden cabin—a cozy retreat with floor-to-ceiling windows for aurora-watching.

Highlights:

Hemu Sunset: Hike to Haden Viewpoint (30-minute uphill) for golden-hour views of the village bathed in alpenglow.

Stargazing: At -30°C, the Milky Way shimmers with unprecedented clarity. Use a wide-angle lens (14-24mm) and set your ISO to 3200+ for celestial shots.

Recommended Activity:

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride (¥150/hour): Glide through snow-laden forests to the White Birch Forest, where trees arch like frozen cathedral columns.

Travel Tip: Pack a thermos of black tea—hydration is critical in dry winter air.

Day 3: Kanas - Hemu Day 3: Kanas - Hemu Day 3: Kanas - Hemu

Day 4: Hemu

Full day skiing tour in Hemu Kom Jikprin Ski Resort

● 4+stars Hotel

● Breakfast

Conquer Kom Jikprin Ski Resort, Asia’s largest ski area with 103 slopes. Beginners can try the Magic Carpet Lift (¥200/day), while experts tackle the Olympic-standard downhill runs (4,000m vertical drop). Lunch is at the Mountain-Top Restaurant with lamb skewers and naan bread. After skiing, you have two options: soak in a private hot spring (Optional, book in advance) under the stars. Return to Hemu and bid farewell to the Tuvan hosts over a bowl of mutton soup. Overnight at Hemu Wooden Cabin.

Recommended Activity:

Snowboarding: Rent equipment (boards ¥150/day, suits ¥80/day) and carve through powder fields.

Apron Ski Lessons: Book a Tuvan instructor (¥500/2 hours) to master mogul fields.

Travel Tip: Apply anti-fog spray to goggles—cold air + body heat = fogged lenses.

Day 4: Hemu Day 4: Hemu Day 4: Hemu

Day 5: Hemu - Altay Departure

Hemu (Sunrise) – Altay airport transfer– End of tour

● None

● Breakfast

Rise at 7:00 AM for the Hemu Sunrise—a daily spectacle where the first light ignites the snow-capped peaks in hues of peach and gold. Capture the village’s wooden cabins and smoke spirals from Haden Viewpoint. After breakfast, visit Beautiful Peak Village for a final horseback ride through powder fields. Your driver departs at 12:00 PM for Altay Airport.

Recommended Activity: At Altay Airport, buy snow lotus tea (¥120/box) and Siberian amber as gifts.

Travel Tip: Check-in 2.5 hours early—security lines swell during peak ski season.

Day 5: Hemu - Altay Departure Day 5: Hemu - Altay Departure Day 5: Hemu - Altay Departure

Why Choose Intoexplore

trust-11
Authentic Travel, No Shopping Stops
Every itinerary is designed with comfort and authenticity in mind. We skip the tourist traps and shopping stops to let you truly enjoy the culture, scenery, and stories behind each destination—worry-free and meaningful.
trust-12
Tailor Made Tour, Thoughtful Service
We tailor each journey to your schedule, interests, and budget. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or group, we work closely with you to design a personalized travel experience that fits your style and needs.
trust-13
Diverse Travel Options, Wide Coverage
From one-day tours to small group adventures, family trips to corporate visits—we offer a full range of travel styles. No matter your purpose or preference, we have the right program to match your expectations.
trust-14
Local Resources, Professional Team
With experienced local guides, licensed vehicles, and carefully selected hotels, we ensure safety, quality, and comfort throughout your trip. Our on-the-ground team is always ready to support your journey at every step.

China Travel Customer Reviews & Experiences

At Into Explore, we pride ourselves on creating unforgettable journeys across China. Don't just take our word for it—read what our customers have to say! Here, you can explore firsthand accounts from travelers who have experienced the beauty, culture, and adventures of China with us.

trust-1
IntoExplore
Excellent
Aurora
July 04,2026
IntoExplore made my Dali-Lijiang trip unforgettable! As a senior traveler, I appreciated the slow pace, comfortable transport, and guides who patiently explained everything. Perfect balance of culture and relaxation. Highly recommend for stress-free travel in China!"
Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 1 Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 2 Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 3 Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 4
Destination(s): Beijing,Xian,Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 30,2026
You May be Interested in This Tour:
Eilee
June 05,2026
Honestly, I had a mix of nerves and excitement before this trip. My friends back in Mumbai thought I was crazy – "China? Really?" But I'd been staring at photos of those floating Avatar mountains for years, and I just had to see them for myself. So I booked the Zhangjiajie + Furong Ancient Town package through IntoExplore, and wow, I'm so glad I did.
Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 1 Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 2 Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 3 Xi'an to Mount Hua Hiking Tour 3
Destination(s): Beijing,Chongqing,Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: June 12,2026
You May be Interested in This Tour:
trust-1
Tripadvisor
Excellent
Quest197833
May 2026• Couples
5 of 5 bubbles
Very helpful “Into Explore”
I first came across Into Explore while browsing travel reels about China on social media, and their content really stood out. I reached out with a few questions and was pleasantly surprised by how quickly Norman got back to me. To be honest, I was a bit cautious in the beginning—booking something like this online always comes with some uncertainty—but after several conversations and reviewing the proposed itinerary, I felt comfortable proceeding and placed an initial deposit. We traveled as a family, and from start to finish, the experience was incredibly smooth. Norman was flexible, patient, and always accommodating whenever we needed adjustments. Communication was consistent and reliable, which made a big difference. Once we landed in China, everything was handled flawlessly. The planning, coordination, and daily flow of activities were all executed with great attention to detail. We always knew what to expect the next day, which made the entire trip feel effortless and well-managed. Overall, it turned out to be a fantastic experience. I would confidently recommend Into Explore—and Norman in particular—to anyone considering a trip to China.
Anastassia P
5 of 5 bubbles
Very helpful “Into Explore”
I rarely write reviews, but this time I’d like to share my overwhelmingly positive thoughts about this trip. From the day I contacted this company, they have been very attentive and friendly. They did a great job planning my family holiday and supported us every step of the way. They put together a 14-day private tour for us, taking into account all our requests and requirements.In every city we visited, there was a reliable driver, a very nice car, and a guide to assist us throughout the day. I was initially anxious about traveling in a country where people don’t speak much English, but the guides made everything effortlessly convenient, including helping us choose food in local restaurants without English menus.I could go on describing all the wonderful things we saw in China, but to keep it short, I would simply encourage prospective customers to set aside any doubts and trust this company with their holiday planning. Thank you, guys!
Sanja M
April 2026
5 of 5 bubbles
Next level travel agency!
The entire trip organization, travel logistics, itinerary, guides - everything was planned and executed perfectly. Norman was extremely helpful and available for any and all questions or requests we had. Into Explore made our two week China trip easy, hassle free and worth every penny. We would recommend the agency, as well as visiting China to anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime trip!
trust-1
Trustpilot
Excellent
Javier Miranda
Jun 22, 2026
trust-10
Exelente service..
Just recently returned 11 days from China. Arranged by Roy at Intoexplore. It could not have been more perfect. Everything - hotels, transportation, tour guides. We saw things we never would have seen on our own. excellent agency with wonderful service. Highly recommended. Thanks Intoexplore!!
Sangeeta Kaur
Jan 2, 2026
trust-11
Fast respond, helpful
Independent travel by train in China can be daunting ordeal. We decided to use Intoexplore for booking the trip and are very happy we did. It almost felt like Norman was a family member guiding us through how to use Alipay for payments in China to where to find the ticket office in the train station to convert digital tickets to paper. He was always available (sometimes at 6 am!) to answer any question and solve any problems that arose .. I would strongly recommend him to anyone who is thinking about independent travel to China .
Joel Nunez
Jun 24, 2025
trust-11
This agency has a good communication
The agent are patience when providing details and answering all questions. Every helpful and trustable agent. Highly recommended.

Contact Us

We’re here to help you plan your unforgettable journey through China!
Email:info@intoexplore.com
Whatsapp/Tel:+86 138 8040 6886
Get free travel guide