Things To Do
in Altay
Altay, officially Aletai in northern Xinjiang, sits near the Kazakhstan border with rugged mountains and turquoise lakes. The region is rich in Kazakh, Uyghur, and other cultures that preserve nomadic traditions and vibrant music. The landscape blends alpine peaks, vast grasslands, and dense forests, offering dramatic skylines and pristine wilderness.
It is a gateway for outdoor adventures like hiking, horseback riding, and scenic photography.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Altay airport and transfer to hotel. Unpack and settle into the cozy guesthouse decorated in local style. Enjoy a cup of chai while overviewing the week’s plans with your guide.
Stroll through Altay’s small town center to get your bearings. Visit the bustling bazaar to sample freshly baked naan and pick up souvenirs. Observe locals trading livestock and handicrafts, soaking in the frontier ambiance.
Dine on knife-shaved noodles and mountain-sourced lamb at a family-run restaurant. Watch the sun set over the nearby Altai Mountains from a hilltop viewpoint. Relax with a warm cup of kumis at the hotel courtyard under a starlit sky.
Set off early for the legendary Kanas Lake, winding through pine forests. Pause at scenic overlooks to photograph the mirror-like waters reflecting the mountains. Listen to your guide share the lake’s folklore about a mysterious water creature.
Hike along the northern shore through wildflower meadows and untouched woodlands. Stop for a picnic lunch on a grassy knoll overlooking the emerald lake. Explore hidden coves and watch for migratory swans gliding on the water.
Check into a lakeside eco lodge built in traditional wooden style. Indulge in freshly caught fish hot pot by a crackling fire. End the day with a stargazing walk along the lake’s edge under clear Altay skies.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🧃Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🚕Taxi 1 km | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-90 |
| 🧺Groceries for a day | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and hospitality
- Stunning alpine scenery and lakes (Kanas, Tianchi)
- Remote location with long travel times
- Limited nightlife and dining options outside major towns
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "厕所在哪儿？" - Where is the bathroom?
- "请给我菜单" - Please give me the menu
- "你会说英语吗？" - Do you speak English?
- "素食" - Vegetarian
- "帮忙" - Help
Places to Visit in Altay
Visit one of these nice places.
A pristine alpine lake framed by pine forests and snow-capped peaks; ideal for sunrise photography.
Turquoise waters set against a backdrop of dense pine forests and rolling hills; spectacular in the afternoon light.
A winding river valley with golden reeds and traditional villages along the banks.
Clear high-altitude skies perfect for star trails and low-light city reflections.
High vantage point offering sweeping views of valleys and distant peaks.
Food in Altay
Altay Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Horse meat sausage and a hallmark of Kazakh cuisine, often served sliced as a starter or part of a platter.
Must-Try!
Boiled meat (often lamb) served over wide noodles with broth on the side.
Hand-pulled noodles with meat, vegetables, and a rich sauce.
Big Plate Chicken: spicy chicken with potatoes and peppers, commonly eaten with flatbread.
Steamed dumplings filled with meat and onions.
Freshly baked flatbread served with meals, a staple across the region.
Fermented mare’s milk, a traditional beverage for some local communities.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively hub for fresh lamb, dairy products, and street snacks.
Market stalls with dried fruits, nuts, nang bread, and local snacks.
Stalls offering skewers, fried bread, yogurt, and warm drinks after sunset.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common; address elders with politeness and respect.
Dress modestly when visiting villages and religious sites; remove footwear where required in homes.
Ask before taking photos of people and avoid sensitive sites or religious spaces without permission.
Guests are often offered tea or snacks; accepting politely is common, but you may decline gracefully if needed.
Safety
Tipping in Altay
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in casual dining. You may tip guides or hotel staff for excellent service, typically small amounts or rounding up; in organized tours follow the guide's guidance.
Cash in CNY is widely accepted. Mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay are ubiquitous. Cards are less commonly accepted in remote areas; carry cash for markets and rural eateries.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cool nights, ideal for lake visits and long daylight hours. Be prepared for sudden showers and higher wildlife activity.
Golden grasses and clear skies; comfortable hiking with cooler evenings.
Very cold with snowfall and icy roads; great for snow sports and dramatic snowy landscapes, but some roads may be closed.
Meltwater increases river flow; cooler temperatures with blooming flowers and potential wind.
Altay at Night
Hiking in Altay
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest and lake trails around Kanas with boardwalks and viewpoints.
Short hikes around Tianchi with panoramic mountain views.
Riverside trails along the Ili River with scenic overlooks.
Airports
How to reach Altay by plane.
Serves Altay City with domestic flights to Urumqi and other major cities; check seasonal routes.
Near Burqin, serving the Kanas region with seasonal flights to Urumqi and other hubs.
Major Xinjiang hub for national and international connections; distant from Altay but accessible by flight.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant presence in the region with nomadic heritage and language distinct from Mandarin.
One of Xinjiang’s large minority communities with vibrant markets and distinct cuisine.
Numerous residents and visitors; many service providers speak Mandarin.
Pastoral communities in the broader Xinjiang area with nomadic traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A staple of Kazakh culture and a popular way to explore grasslands.
Trail routes through mountains, plateaus, and lakes with varying levels.
In winter, snow activities on prepared slopes and snowy plains.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Altay.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes in the region focus on meat. To navigate as a vegetarian, request vegetarian options by saying 素食 (sùshí) and look for dishes featuring vegetables, legumes, dairy, and bread such as naan.