Altay Winter Ski & Snow Village Loop
In and out of Altay, skiing at Jiangjun Mountain, Jikepulin, and Koktokay, while enjoying the snowscapes of Hemu and Kanas
This loop connects three major ski resorts with Hemu, Kanas, and Ulungur Lake, balancing skiing and winter sightseeing. Due to snow and ice on winter roads, hiring a local 4WD vehicle with a driver is highly recommended; self-driving is not advised. Ideal for skiers of all levels. If traveling with children, the two days from Kanas to Fuhai can be omitted. Winter harvesting is mainly in January; other months feature ice fishing.
The snow season runs from November to March, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C.
Day by day
Day 1 · Skiing at Jiangjun Mountain
Altay City（Jiangjunshan Ski Resort）
It takes about 30 minutes from the airport to the ski resort. Rent ski gear on-site. Walk or take a taxi back to your accommodation after the night session.
Beginners should book an instructor in advance. Ensure you have proper ski gear and cold-weather clothing.
Stay: Jiangjun Mountain Ski Resort Area
Day 2 · Ahe Highway to Jikepulin
Altay City（Altay–Hemu Highway (G681)） → Kanas & Hemu（Jikepulin (Hemu) International Ski Resort、Hemu Village）
Take a chartered vehicle along the Ahe Highway (about 3 hours) to Jikepulin. Ski in the afternoon and transfer to Hemu Village in the evening.
The Ahe Highway is subject to snow controls. Confirm road status with your driver before departing.
Stay: Hemu Village
Day 3 · Hemu Morning Mist to Kanas
Kanas & Hemu（Hemu Viewing Platform、Shenxian (Fairy) Bay、Moon Bay、Kanas Lake）
Capture the snowy scenery of Hemu in the morning. Take a chartered vehicle via Jiadengyu to Kanas (about 3 hours) and use the shuttle bus inside the scenic area.
Stay: Kanas Village
Day 4 · Down the Mountain to Burqin
Burqin & Wucaitan（Rainbow Beach (Wucaitan)、Burqin Riverside Night Market）
Drive from Kanas Village via Jiadengyu to Burqin (about 150 km, taking around 3 hours on snowy roads). Visit Wucaitan in the evening.
Stay: Burqin County Riverbank
Day 5 · A Day on the Ice at Ulungur Lake
Fuhai & Ulungur Lake（Ulungur Lake Winter Fishing）
Drive from Burqin to Fuhai (about 170 km, taking around 2 hours). Head to the lake area to watch winter harvesting or go ice fishing.
Winter harvesting is concentrated in January. Confirm the exact dates with locals before departing.
Stay: Fuhai County Town
Day 6 · Koktokay Skiing & Mine Pit
Koktokay（Koktokay International Ski Resort、Koktokay No. 3 Pit）
Drive from Fuhai via Fuyun to Koktokay (about 260 km, taking around 4 hours). Ski or visit the mine pit in the afternoon.
Stay: Koktokay Town
Day 7 · Rime in the Grand Canyon & Departure
Koktokay（Koktokay） → Altay City
View the rime in the canyon in the early morning. Take a chartered vehicle back to Altay Airport in the afternoon (about 290 km, taking around 4 hours).
Winter travel is prone to delays. It is recommended to book an evening flight or depart the next day.