From Yining: Wusun Ancient Trail and Silk Road 7-Day Trek

Embark on a 7-day trekking tour through the Tianshan Mountains on the Wusun Ancient Trail. Discover the distinct culture of the Kazakh nomads and their way of life.
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 are different from other parts of China. If you're looking for a truly immersive, off-the-beaten-path trek, this is the one.

Day 1: Meet-up in Yining
Today is the designated arrival day. After checking-in, you are free to explore the city or stock up on last-minute supplies. The guide will brief you and check on your equipment.
Accommodation: Hotel in Yining

Day 2: Yining → Tekes → Qiongkushitai Valley
Depart by car from Yining to Tekes, a town famous for its unique Eight Trigram layout. After lunch, we'll drive through the vast Grassland to Qiongkushitai Village, the starting point of the trek. From here, begin hiking into the Wusun Trail.
Hiking Distance: 8 km, elevation gain (+) 500 m / loss (-) 0 m; approx. 3 hours
Accommodation: Qiongkushitai Valley campsite

Day 3: Qiong Paddle → Kunosayi Grassland
After breakfast, ascend the Qiong paddle, reaching an altitude of 3,750 meters. The landscape dramatically shifts from the snowy peaks of Tianshan to the deep Kekesu Canyon. Descend through stunning alpine scenery to reach the campsite.
Hiking Distance: 20 km; +1300 m / -750 m; approx. 9–10 hours
Accommodation: Kunosayi Campsite

Day 4: Kuokesu River → Kuokesu Valley Camp
Continue descending into the Kuokesu Valley, crossing a metal bridge over the river. Follow a stream upstream before reaching the campsite near a rustic wooden hut on the grassland.
Hiking Distance: 20 km; +400 m / -1100 m; approx. 8–9 hours
Accommodation: Kuokesu Valley Campsite

Day 5: Bulake Creek → "Heaven" Lake
Start the day with a hike upstream along the Bulake creek. Then reach the beautiful "Heaven" Lake. Arrive by noon, with the afternoon free for rest and recreation—enjoy horse riding or simply relax by the lakeside.
Hiking Distance: 9 km, +700m, -100m, approx. 3-4 hours
Accommodation: "Heaven" Lake Campsite

Day 6: 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 camp along the Bozkelik River.
Hiking Distance: 24 km, +800m, -1200m, approx. 9–10 hours
Accommodation: Bozkelik Valley Campsite

Day 7: Bozkelike River → Mount Heiying → Kuqa
Today’s trek continues by crossing back and forth the Bo river (more than forty!). In the afternoon, reach Mount Heiying, where you'll take the vehicle to Kuqa, where you could take a train or airplain.
Hiking Distance: 24 km, +0m, -600m, approx. 8-9 hours
Accommodation: Optional in Kuqa

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.