7 days 6 nights
Daily Tour
1 person
Chinese, English
Where Freedom Rides: A 7-Day Altay Adventure
This 7-day journey is an ode to freedom, crafted for those who believe that the truest way to know a place is to move through it—by bike, on foot, and with an open heart. From the rugged beauty of Altay City to the serene shores of Kanas Lake, from the timeless Tuvan villages of Baihaba and Hemu to the winding majesty of the Ahe Highway, every day brings a new canvas of nature’s finest work. This is more than a tour; it’s an invitation to step into landscapes that have inspired stories, songs, and dreams—a true immersion into the wild soul of northern Xinjiang.
We’ve designed this adventure to balance challenge with comfort. Your days on the road are fully supported by a dedicated vehicle, ensuring you can ride and hike with peace of mind. We include airport transfers in Altay, carefully chosen accommodation in traditional wooden lodgings, and the guidance of experienced local leaders who know these mountains and meadows like the back of their hand. Not included are flights to the meeting point, park entrance fees (though discounts may apply with valid passes), bike rentals, and personal expenses. In this way, you’re free to focus entirely on the experience—the wind in your face, the scent of pine and grassland, and the profound quiet of places untouched by time.
Highlights of this journey read like pages from a wanderer’s diary: cycling across the iconic Naren Pasture, hiking 18km to the breathtaking shores of Kanas Lake, and sleeping under wooden eaves in Baihaba and Hemu, where Tuvan culture comes to life. You’ll conquer the legendary Ahe Highway—often called the “Northern Ahe” in homage to the famous Duku Road—and explore hidden gems like Terekty Township, gateway to roads less traveled. Each moment is an opportunity—to breathe deeply, to pedal harder, to listen to stories carried on the alpine air. This isn’t just a trip through Altay; it’s a journey into a version of yourself that feels a little freer, a little braver, and endlessly curious about the world ahead.
Altay is like a masterpiece of natural beauty. Snow-capped mountains tower into the sky, majestic and sacred; vast grasslands stretch out in lush green, dotted with herds of cattle and sheep swaying in the breeze; crystal-clear lakes, like sparkling pearls, are embedded in the earth, shimmering with light. In the crisp and invigorating autumn, this place draws countless travelers. We gather in Altay, ready to embrace the boundless freedom of the wilderness together.
If the beauty of Xinjiang lies along the roads, then Terekty is undoubtedly the crossroads of Northern Xinjiang's most stunning landscapes. Here, you'll find the gateway to the hidden gem of Tiejia Highway (Terekty—Kanas Jiadenyu) and the entrance to Tieba Highway (Terekty—Baihaba), where breathtaking natural scenery converges.
Baihaba： Known as the "First Village in Northwest China" Borders Kazakhstan Primeval forests And traditional wooden houses of the Tuva people Exudes unique charm In autumn The scenery here becomes poetic and picturesque As if it were a paradise on earth
If there truly exists a fairy-tale realm in this world, it must be Kanas Lake. Nestled in the Altay Mountains of northern Xinjiang, it lies like a sapphire inlaid among the peaks. Encounter Kanas in autumn, and you will behold the most enchanting scenery of the season.
Hemmu, Xinjiang ： "The Land Reserved by the Gods" This is where the Tuva people live in close-knit communities. Here, there are no bustling crowds, only the pure romance of the mountains and wilderness. Leave your heart in Hemu, where even the wind carries stories.
Ahe Highway ：Known as the "Most Scenic Self-Driving Road in Northern Xinjiang" Also designated as National Highway G681 It holds the reputation of "Southern Duku, Northern Ahe" Along the way, it connects Canyons, forests Rivers, wetlands, snow-capped mountains Grasslands, stone forests, and other diverse landscapes Effectively integrating the finest scenery deep within the Altay region
The Wind of Altay
Wrote half a line of freedom for me
Travel the world slowly
Turn all the roads I yearn for
Into places I’ve cycled through
Let’s together
Become our own trees of freedom
Early to mid-autumn (September to early October) is the ideal time. The weather is crisp and clear, the grasslands are golden, the forests showcase vibrant fall colors, and it’s the most picturesque season for Kanas Lake. It is also the time depicted in the "My Altay" series.
This is a moderately challenging active tour. Participants should be in good health with average to above-average fitness, capable of cycling 55-100 km per day on varied terrain and completing an 18 km hike. Prior cycling experience on long-distance rides is highly recommended.
Yes, a dedicated support vehicle accompanies the cycling group, carrying luggage and providing assistance. It ensures one regular seat per person for rest or transport if needed.
Yes, the package includes airport pick-up service on the arrival day and airport drop-off service on the departure day in Altay. You need to arrange your own flights to/from Altay Airport (AAT).
Major exclusions are: round-trip transportation to/from the assembly point in Altay from your hometown; personal expenses (laundry, phone, drinks, etc.); optional activities; scenic area ticket surcharges (basic tickets are included; bring any discount certificates you may have); and costs due to force majeure (e.g., flight changes, severe weather, events beyond our control).
The tour is designed with progression and support in mind. While some daily distances are challenging (e.g., 100km on day 2), the pace is manageable, and the support vehicle is always available. The routes primarily use scenic, low-traffic highways and rural roads. Riders can enjoy the journey at their own pace, with the primary goal being immersion in the landscape, not achieving a specific speed.
The hike is approximately 18 km (about 11 miles) on mountain trails. It is a full-day activity of moderate difficulty, offering breathtaking views. A reasonable level of fitness and sturdy hiking shoes are required. The reward is experiencing the fairy-tale beauty of Kanas Lake up close.
Cycling on the Ahe Highway (G681) is a highlight. Known as the "Most Scenic Self-Driving Road in Northern Xinjiang" and famed as "Southern Duku, Northern Ahe," it connects diverse landscapes—canyons, forests, rivers, wetlands, snow-capped mountains, and grasslands—offering an unforgettable riding experience through the heart of Altay.
Absolutely. You will cycle across the iconic Naren Pasture, the very grassland where key scenes from the series were filmed. This tour is designed to immerse you in the landscapes that inspired the story.
You will visit Tuva ethnic villages like Baihaba and Hemu, experiencing their traditional wooden architecture and serene mountain lifestyle. The tour focuses on connecting with the local culture and natural environment.
Autumn in Altay is generally crisp, sunny, and cool, with daytime temperatures potentially ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) and colder nights. However, mountain weather is unpredictable; participants must be prepared for rapid changes, including potential rain, wind, and even early snow at higher elevations. Road conditions are generally good, but some remote sections may be gravel or unpaved. The support vehicle and guide will provide updates and ensure safety.
Essentials include: layered clothing for variable autumn weather, waterproof jacket, thermal base layers, sturdy cycling gear, hiking boots, helmet (cycling), sunglasses, sunscreen, personal toiletries, water bottle, personal medication, camera, and any scenic area discount certificates you hold.
This tour is an ode to freedom and deep connection with nature. It's about measuring majestic landscapes with your own footsteps and bike tires, following the wind of Altay, and transforming longed-for roads into personal journeys. It's about becoming, as the description says, "our own trees of freedom."
Member Since 2025
