Kunes Forest Farm & Kunes Valley
巩乃斯
A forest and river valley of Tianshan spruce north of Bayanbulak, where snow peaks, forests, and rivers intertwine. It is a rest stop on the drive south from Nalati to Bayanbulak.
The Kunes River rises near the Aiken Pass in the Tianshan Mountains and flows west through Nalati and Xinyuan before joining the Ili River. The Kunes Forest Farm lies in the upper valley, around Kunes Town in Hejing County, at an elevation of about 1,800 to 2,000 meters. Tall Schrenk spruce cover the mountain slopes, while the valley floor has open meadows and swift streams, in sharp contrast to Bayanbulak's open grasslands. Near the forest farm are log-cabin guesthouses, restaurants, and supply points. Self-drivers traveling from Nalati to Bayanbulak often stop here for meals and lodging, and visitors can also stroll along the river or hike through the forest. In autumn (mid to late September), spruce, white birch, and poplar create a rich mix of colors. Transport: when summer roads are open, the drive from Nalati town to the east takes about an hour. From Bayanbulak Town, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to cross the pass to the north (subject to road openings and traffic controls in a given year). Note that mountain weather changes quickly, and it may snow on the pass even in summer. Roads are closed at night, so do not drive after dark.
Opening hours
All day (road open seasonally)
Nearby sights
- Aiken Daban Pass
- Nine-Bend River of Bayanbulak
- Bayanbulak Swan Lake
- Bayanbulak Town & Great Yulduz Grassland
- Tielimaiti Pass