Xinjiang is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China (PRC), located in the northwest of the country at the crossroads of Central Asia and East Asia. Being the largest province-level division of China by area . Xinjiang borders the countries of Afghanistan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, and Tajikistan. The rugged Karakoram, Kunlun and TianShan mountain ranges occupy much of Xinjiang's borders, as well as its western and southern regions. The most well-known route of the historic Silk Road ran through the territory from the east to its northwestern border.

Xinjiang has only about 9.7 percent of Xinjiang's land area is fit for human habitation. It is home to a number of ethnic groups, including the Chinese Tajiks (Pamiris), Han Chinese, Hui, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Mongols, Russians, Sibe, Tibetans, and Uyghurs. There are more than a dozen autonomous prefectures and counties for minorities in Xinjiang.

Xinjiang is known to the Chinese as Xiyu (“Western Regions”) for centuries, the area became Xinjiang (“New Borders”) upon its annexation under the Qing (Manchu) dynasty in the 18th century. Westerners long called it Chinese Turkistan to distinguish it from Russian Turkistan.

(Source: wikipedia)

Kalajun is a famous typical alpine meadow grassland located in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang, China. The altitude is between 1305 and 3957 meters. It is deeply connected to the Kazakh nomadic culture. The name "Kalajun" translates to "dark wilderness" in the Kazakh language, referring to its expansive grassland. Also it is part of the Tianshan mountains World Natural Heritage Site and is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring vast green meadows, hills, dramatic mountain landscapes, and wildflowers. Kalajun is a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the untouched beauty of Xinjiang and immerse themselves in the region’s natural and cultural wonders.

Tekesi is a unique and fascinating city with no traffic lights and traffic jams and is located 120 kilometers away from the Yining city, the administrative center of the Ili region. It is renowned for its octagonal city layout that is designed in the shape of a Bagua (八卦), which refers to the eight trigrams from Chinese Taoist cosmology. This design makes the city an attraction in itself and is believed to bring harmony and balance according to Taoist principles. The layout was initially proposed in the 1930s and was inspired by ancient Chinese philosophy and fengshui principles. The overall shape of Tekes Bagua City is nearly circular, with a square park at the center and eight streets radiating from the center. Based on their locations, the eight streets are named Qian Street, Dui Street, Kun Street, Li Street, Xun Street, Zhen Street, Gen Street, and Kan Street according to the directions of the Bagua. The region has a long history connected to the ancient Silk Road. It offers insights into the local traditions and historical connections between East and West.

Sayram Lake is a stunning alpine lake located in the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture in western Xinjiang, near the border with Kazakhstan. It is the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang and is situated at an altitude of about 2,073 meters (6,801 feet) above sea level. The lake water is very clear with a transparency of 12 meters and a maximum depth of 92 meters. One popular legend says Sailimu Lake was formed by the tears of two lovers who could not be together, symbolizing eternal love and devotion. It makes a romantic destination for couples. Also it is importance for the local Kazakh and Mongol ethnic groups as a spiritual place.

There were no fish in Sailimu Lake. But, in 1998, cold-water fish such as whitefish introduced from Russia for breeding. After ten years of development, it has become an important cold-water fish production based in Xinjiang.

Ili Old City is known for its multi-ethnic culture, as well as its role as an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. Back to centuries, it was a vital hub for trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road. It was historically influenced by Han Chinese, Kazakh, Uyghur, Mongol, and Russian, due to its location nearby Central Asia. Also there are a blend of architectural styles, local traditions, and cuisines from multiple ethnic groups and it relfects the historical role of Ili as a crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures.

The Shaanxi Grand Mosque (Nearby Ili Old City) is a symbol of ethnic and cultural integration between the Hui people, who originally migrated from Shaanxi, and the diverse communities of Xinjiang, including Uighur, Kazakh, and Han populations. It preserves the cultural identity of the Hui people in Xinjiang by maintaining their unique practices, cuisine, and traditions while harmonizing with local customs. Especially during the Qing Dynasty, and their contributions to developing the Ili region. As part of the Qing government's strategy to integrate frontier regions, Hui settlers were encouraged to migrate, bringing their skills in agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. The mosque symbolizes the peaceful coexistence of different ethnic and religious groups over centuries. Also it stands as a beacon of religious and cultural harmony, emphasizing the region’s tradition of inclusivity.

Hightlights:

• The local supplier holds the certification from the Chinese Mountaineering Association and the International Wilderness Medical Association, and ensures the safety of the team during the journey.


• Local transportation is covered throughout the entire trip and takes care for your main luggage - you just carry your daily bag.


• Referring to different types of routes, it has streamlined and integrates mountains, grasslands and lakes.


• Walking on the road, deeply experiencing the cultural life of multiple ethnicities.


• Xinjiang's rich cuisine offers a different taste every time.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival Day - Yining

Flight information will be updated after Chinese Spring festival, when we have a clearer picture on the different flight options. Oberviously, there is no direct flight and we have to plan in a stop over somewhere. The flight details will be posted in the small wechat group we will create for those strongly interested in this trip.

After arriving at the hotel, we have a group dinner and give a briefing on the following days. At the same time, the local leader will check everyone has good hiking gears.

Accomodation: Yining local hotel

Group dinner: Xijiang local food

Day 2: Yining -- Tekesi ---Kalajun --- Campsite (2450 meters)

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive 2 hours towards to Tekesi to visit the city and have a lunch there. Then, driving another 40 mins to arrive at Kalajun and begin the warn-up hike. We will end the hike at the the campsite.

Hike information:

Distance: 8km

Descent: 50m

Accommodation: camping

Group lunch: Tekesi local food

Group dinner: Campsite dinner.

Day 3: Campsite - The East of Kalajun (2650m)

After breakfast, we leave towards to the east of Kalajun. From mid-May, various flowers begin to bloom. The deep grassland still retains its original ecology and landscape. Along the way, we walk in the sea of flowers, and enjoy the snow mountains in the distance. After ending the hike, we will visit a local family and see how they are living and cooking.

Hike information:

Distance: 21km

Ascent: 580m

Descent: 300m

Accommodation: local family (yurt)

Group lunch: prepared by the organization

Group dinner: local food

Note: if you have to take a shower, you need to make a reservation in advance. Then, local people will "build" the place to shower at the outside in a corner.

Day 4: The East of Kalajun - Tarim campsite (1430m) - Local inn

After breakfast, we leave towards to the next stop, having the most stunning view along the way. The right side is continuous snow mountains and streams spread along the canyon. You could feel the snow mountains are close at hand. After arriving at Tarim, we will drive to the village to stay one night. You can enjoy a nice hot shower and have a good rest.

Hike information:

Distance: 18km

Ascent: 280m

Descent: 1450m

Accommodation: the village inn

Group lunch: prepared by the organization

Group dinner: local food

Day 5: Sayram lake

From the village to Sayram lake, it's about 3 hours drive. When we arrive the lake, we walk around lake at the most beautiful section and enjoy the stunning landscape. Hiking distance is about 8km. Then we will be back to Yining city. The driving hour is 2.5 hours.

Hike information:

Distance: 8km

Accommodation: Yining local hotel

Group lunch: prepared by the organization

Group dinner: local food

Day 6: IIi old city visiting

Kazanqi is known as the "folk house museum". It has more than 300 buildings from different ages since the Qing Dynasty and more than 20,000 characteristic courtyards. The main color of the buildings is blue, just like the "Morocco" of China. Also Kazanqi Old Street is one of the best-preserved neighborhoods reflecting traditional Uyghur culture and lifestyle. The area provides the customs, traditions, and daily routines of the Uyghur people. Although primarily Uyghur, the street also reflects the multicultural nature of Ili, with influences from the Kazakh, Hui, and Han communities. This diversity is seen in the architecture, local crafts, and culinary offerings. We will take a taxi to go there.

On the way to Kazanqi, we also will visit the Shaanxi Grand Mosque. Then we have group lunch at the old city before flying home.

Then we will drop you off at the airport. As an early indication, we strive to be there for flights leaving sometimes after 17.00pm. Again, the final flight information will be updated after Chinese Spring Festival.

Group lunch: local food

6 Days Trip Information:

Date: May 24th - 29th

Price: CNY6680/person (8 people)

The number of people for this trip is minimum 8 people.

Includes:

• Leaders: Experienced local leader and our team leader.


• Transportation during trip in cities/villages and destination, including pick up from and drop off at the airport.


• Activities (visiting local family), and attractions tickets.


• Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as included in the itinerary. Usually, alcoholic beaveages like beers are offered during dinner in limited quantity.


• Accommodations: three nights in 3 star hotels, one night at a local family and one night camping (camping gears are offered by the organization, but you need to prepare a sleeping bag by yourself).


• Transport car follows the trip when we are hiking; so you can have a small day pack for hiking and leave the main luggage in the vehicle for comfort. (Do not take a suitcase with wheels, big backpags are recommended).


• 6 days outdoor insurance.

Excludes:

• Transportation to and from Yining.


• Personal expenses (e.g. reserving the shower, additional alcoholic beaverages etc.).

Note:

We will confirm the trip when we have 8 confirmed participants. Only then you should book the flights. We will charge 50% deposit of the above event fee by April 20th. The rest of the payment you can pay before landing in Yining city.

The cancellation fee will be calculated as follows:

For any cancellation received after April 20th: 50% of the deposit will be charged to cover the fix costs; the other 50% of the deposit will be transferred back to you.

Join us:

Add mona_zhangli as your wechat, or scan the QR in below, and note "Xinjiang trip".