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Step into the footsteps of ancient nomads on the Wusun Ancient Trail, a historic route over 2,000 years old that winds through the stunning Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang. Once part of the Silk Road and used by the ancient Wusun people (former Kazakhs), this trail offers a rare blend of cultural heritage and epic natural scenery—snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial rivers

Along the way, you'll cross the natural pasture and experience the distinct culture of the Kazakh nomads, whose language, lifestyle, and traditions offer a vibrant contrast to those in other parts of China.

This tour blends history, nature, culture, and stunning scenery. If you're looking for a truly immersive, off-the-beaten-path trek, this is the one.

English-speaking certified mountain guide

Professional support team with local Kazakh guide(s) and horses

Well-designed itinerary with carefully chosen camp site

💰 USD 2,000 per person

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Itinerary
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Full Description

Day 0: Meet-up in Yining


Today is the designated arrival day. After checking into the arranged hotel in Yining, you are free to explore the city or stock up on last-minute supplies. The guide will meet with you to brief you and check on your equipment.


Accommodation: Hotel in Yining city

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Day 1: Yining → Tekes → Qiongkushitai Valley

 

We'll depart by car from Yining to Tekes, a town famous for its unique Bagua (Eight Trigram) layout. Arrive around noon and have lunch, we’ll drive through the vast Grassland to Qiongkushitai Village, the starting point of our trek. From here, begin hiking into the Wusun Trail with a scenic 12km walk to the first campsite.


Hiking Distance: 12 km, +600m elevation gain (+), 0m descent (-), approx. 4 hours


Accommodation: Qiongkushitai Valley campsite

Day 2: Qiong Paddle → Kunosayi Grassland


After breakfast, we ascend the Qiong paddle, reaching an altitude of 3,750 meters. The landscape dramatically shifts—snowy peaks of the southern Tianshan Mountains come into view, with the deep Kekesu Canyon cutting across the range. Descend through stunning alpine scenery to reach our campsite.


Hiking Distance: 20 km, +1100m, -1000m, approx. 7–8 hours


Accommodation: Kunosayi Campsite

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Day 3: Kuokesu River → Kuokesu Valley Camp


Continue descending into the Kuokesu Valley, crossing a metal bridge over the river. We then follow a stream upstream before reaching our campsite near a rustic wooden hut on the grassland.


Hiking Distance: 15 km, +600m, -1700m, approx. 7–8 hours


Accommodation: Kuokesu Valley Campsite

Day 4: Bulake Creek → "Heaven" Lake


Start the day with a hike upstream along the Bulake creek. Then we'll reach the beautiful "Heaven" Lake. We’ll arrive by noon, with the afternoon free for rest and recreation—enjoy photography, horse riding, or simply relax by the lakeside.


Hiking Distance: 8 km, +700m, -100m, approx. 4 hours


Accommodation: "Heaven" Lake Campsite

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Day 5: Akbulak Paddle → Bozkelik Valley


Depart "Heaven" Lake in the morning and cross the Akbulak Paddle at 3,850 meters. By evening, descend into the valley and set up camp along the Bozkelik River.


Hiking Distance: 24 km, +800m, -1200m, approx. 8–9 hours


Accommodation: Bozkelik Valley Campsite

Day 6: Bozkelike River → Mount Heiying → Kuqa
 

Today’s trek continues by crossing back and forth the Bo river (more than ten!). In the afternoon, reach Mount Heiying, where we'll take the vehicle to the city of Kuqa, where you could take a train or bus to other places. 


Hiking Distance: 24 km, +0m, -600m, approx. 7 hours


Accommodation: Optional in Kuqa

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Pricing
  • Group of 1-6 People: $2,000 USD per person

  • Group of 6–12 People: $1,800 USD per person

Need to Know!!!

Precaution

This outdoor adventure trip involves both known and unforeseen safety risks, which may result in personal injury, property damage, or harm to third parties and their property.

These risks include but are not limited to:

  1. Safety risks resulting from accidents during travel by transportation vehicles;

  2. Injuries such as sprains, abrasions, blisters, or sunburn sustained while hiking in outdoor environments;

  3. Risks of falling or slipping due to landslides or debris falling from mountains or unstable terrain;

  4. Risk of drowning or losing balance due to strong water currents;

  5. Safety hazards caused by natural forces such as sudden weather changes, including extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, or flooding;

  6. Physiological risks such as heatstroke, frostbite, or hypothermia caused by exposure to high or low temperatures;

  7. Risks associated with high-altitude sickness and other altitude-related reactions;

  8. The risk of accidental ingestion of poisonous wild plants or attacks by wild animals in the wilderness;

  9. Risks arising from improper use of equipment, tools, or climbing gear such as ropes;

  10. Safety hazards related to riding or using animals such as horses for transportation;

  11. Risks of personal gear or belongings being damaged or lost;

  12. Health-related risks due to existing medical conditions, illness during the trip, intentional harm by others, or accidents occurring in remote areas lacking timely medical aid or emergency response;

  13. Risks of being unable to complete the itinerary on schedule due to various unforeseen factors.

The above risk warnings are not exhaustive, and other unforeseen risks may also exist. These risks carry a certain probability of occurrence. The organizers are obligated to provide safety warnings, take reasonable measures based on the situation, and provide necessary support and emergency response to avoid accidents.

What to bring

  1. Waterproof Jacket and Pants: 1 set (waterproof and breathable).

  2. Fleece Jacket and Pants: 1 set (fleece pants as backup).

  3. Down Jacket: 1 piece (fill power 500+; fill weight under 150g for July/August, over 150g for June/September/October).

  4. Quick-Dry Clothing: 1 set (no pure cotton).

  5. Moisture-Wicking Underwear: 2 sets (no pure cotton).

  6. Raincoat: 1 piece (disposable or plastic raincoats are prohibited).

  7. Hiking Boots: 1 pair (waterproof, high-top, no new shoes; check for sole detachment before wearing).

  8. Water Shoes: 1 pair (toe protection, hard rubber sole).

  9. Moisture-Wicking Outdoor Socks: 3-6 pairs (high-top, wool or Coolmax, no pure cotton).

  10. Sun Hat: 1 piece (quick-dry fabric).

  11. Warm Hat: 1 piece (windproof, fleece or softshell for warmth).

  12. Sunglasses or Snow Goggles: 1 pair (no fashion sunglasses).

  13. Gloves: 2 pairs (one thin pair, one windproof and warm fleece or softshell pair).

  14. Neck Gaiter: 1-2 pieces (magic scarf or headscarf).

  15. Waterproof Socks: 1 pair (available for purchase from organizers).

  16. Basic Crampons*: 1 pair (for June/September/October; recommended 12-tooth anti-slip silicone crampons, mountaineering crampons are not allowed).

  17. Gaiters*: 1 pair (for June/September/October).

  18. Insulated Water Bottle: 1 bottle (1L or larger).

  19. Dining Set: 1 set (bowl and chopsticks, disposable utensils are not allowed).

  20. Headlamp*: 1 piece (with spare batteries, flashlights are not recommended).

  21. Large Backpack*: 60L+ backpack or 100L+ duffel bag (must leave space for packed meals and rental gear; ensure waterproofing; rolling suitcases are not allowed; weight limit: 20kg).

  22. Trekking Poles*: 1 pair (recommended aluminum alloy external lock, available for rent).

  23. Small Backpack: 1 piece (25-30L, for carrying daily essentials such as warm clothing, raincoat, headlamp, water, and packed meals).

  24. Important Documents: ID card, small amount of cash.

  25. Toiletries: Sunscreen (SPF30+), garbage bags, personal hygiene items.

  26. Electronics: Camera, mobile phone, batteries, power bank.

  27. Essential Medications: Personal prescription medications, cold medicine, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, gastrointestinal medicine, and anti-allergy medication.

*Marked equipment can be rented locally. Please inform us before the depature.​

Addtional Information

Inclusion

✅ Transportation:

  • Private vehicle transfers from Yining City to Qiongkushitai Village and from Mont Heiying to Kuqa City.

  • Pack horses for river crossings during the trek (To avoid getting wet while crossing rivers on horseback, we recommend bringing water shoes).

Meals: Farewell dinner, full meal service during the trek including tables and chairs.

Accommodation:​

  • 1 night in a standard star-rated hotel in Yining City (2 people per room, an additional fee will apply if private room is needed).

  • Pyramid-style tents for camping (2 people per tent, self-set-up), moisture-proof mats, and sleeping bags (you may bring your own for hygiene).
    (Hotel accommodations are complimentary and non-refundable if not used.)

Supply Transport: Horses for carrying supplies throughout the trek and local horse handlers.

Guides: English-speaking certified mountain guides familiar with local culture and geography.

✅ Shared equipment: Emergency satellite phone (for rescue use only), GPS, ropes, walkie-talkies, first-aid kit, tables, chairs, cooking equipment, and full camp gear.

Personal outdoor adventure accident insurance and liability insurance.

❌ Additional activities: Any additional activities not specified in the itinerary.

Transportation: Anywhere to Yining and from Quqa to your next stop.

❌ Accomodation: Upgrade accommodation in city or staying in yurt along the trek.

Personal expenses, including emergency evacuation or early withdrawal from the trek due to physical exhaustion or health issues.

❌ Tips: Tips for driver, guide, or local handlers (based on service satisfaction).

❌ Taxes.​​

Notes

Please carefully and thoroughly read and evaluate this itinerary and all related details, especially the important notes highlighted. If you are unable to comply, we kindly ask that you refrain from registering or participating. A pre-departure briefing will be held by the organizers beforehand.

Contact: We'll share the guide contact with you upon confirmation of your registration. Please leave your phone number/WhatsApp/WeChat/Email in your registration so that we can contact you before the trip. 

Important Notes: Please follow safety guidelines and scenic area rules during the trip. On the last day, the arrival time in Quqa could be affected by the actual situation. We do not recommend booking flights or trains departing on the same day. 

Not suitable for

​For safety reasons, participants will not be accepted under the following (but not limited to) conditions:

  • No prior experience with overnight trekking or camping;

  • Incomplete or non-compliant gear;

  • Diagnosed with contagious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, severe respiratory illnesses, mental disorders, severe anemia, recovering from major surgery, mobility impairments, or pregnancy;

  • Under 16 or over 60 years old.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • If you cancel your trip within 7 days before departure, the following cancellation fees will apply:

    • 6 to 4 days before: 20% of the total trip cost

    • 3 to 1 day before: 40% of the total trip cost

    • On the day of departure: 60% of the total trip cost

  • If you withdraw during the trip, the full payment cannot be refunded.

  • You may transfer your spot to a third party who meets the registration requirements listed in this notice. Any additional costs will be borne by the original participant and the transferee.

  • Any costs related to withdrawal or rescue due to personal reasons (including illness, fatigue, or other unforeseen personal incidents) must be borne by the individual.

  • For all other matters not specified, please refer to the Domestic Travel Contract issued by the China National Tourism Administration.

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