10 Days Xinjiang Mengket Ancient Road Trekking Adventure

Welcome to Urumqi! Today, you'll gather at the designated hotel in Urumqi, where you'll meet your fellow adventurers and the team leader. In the afternoon, the leader will conduct a thorough gear check to ensure everyone is well-prepared for the journey ahead. Later, we'll hold a pre-trip briefing to go over the exciting itinerary and safety guidelines. The day will conclude with a warm welcome dinner, giving you a chance to bond with your team and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Rise and shine early as we board the 8:00 AM train to Kuitun, marking the official start of our trek. From there, we'll begin our journey into the heart of nature, following the winding path along the Kuitun River. The valley is adorned with towering bitter poplar trees, their golden leaves reflecting in the crystal-clear waters, creating a scene straight out of a painting. Today's trek covers 12 km and will take approximately 6 hours, bringing us to our first campsite at an elevation of 2,130 meters. Get ready to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the wilderness.

Continuing deeper into nature, today's trek takes us deeper into the wilderness as we trek 18 km over 9 hours. We'll make our way to the breathtaking Ulansadek Lake, a pristine alpine lake nestled among towering mountains. The lake's tranquil waters mirror the surrounding peaks, creating a mesmerizing landscape that will leave you in awe. Our campsite for the night is set at 2,430 meters, surrounded by lush forests and the soothing sounds of nature. This is a perfect spot to relax and soak in the beauty of the Tianshan Mountains.

Prepare for a challenging yet rewarding day as we ascend to higher altitudes. Today's 14 km trek will take around 6 hours, with a significant elevation gain of 1,100 meters, bringing us to the Starry Sky Camp at 3,500 meters. As the name suggests, this campsite offers unparalleled views of the night sky, far from the city lights. Gaze up at the endless expanse of stars and let the tranquility of the mountains envelop you. This is a night you'll never forget.

Today's journey covers 16 km and will take approximately 7 hours. We'll traverse the Ulan Passes, where the rugged terrain and sweeping vistas will take your breath away. The trail offers a mix of ascents and descents, with a total elevation gain of 600 meters and a descent of 1,000 meters. Our campsite at Dongduoguole, situated at 2,850 meters, is a peaceful retreat surrounded by rolling hills and open grasslands. Take a moment to appreciate the raw beauty of the Tianshan Mountains.

The most challenging yet exhilarating day awaits you. We'll cover 18 km over 10 hours, ascending to the Dongduoguole Pass and then descending to the Twin Glaciers Camp at 3,330 meters. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of glaciers, rugged peaks, and vast open landscapes. The Twin Glaciers Camp offers a unique opportunity to witness the power and beauty of these ancient ice formations up close. This is a day that will test your limits but leave you with unforgettable memories.

Ready to reach new heights? Today's 14 km trek will take around 9 hours, as we make our way to the Snowfield Pass and then to the Snowfield Camp at 3,905 meters. This is the highest point of our journey, and the views from here are nothing short of spectacular. The vast snowfields, towering glaciers, and dramatic mountainscapes will leave you in awe of nature's grandeur. As we set up camp, take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey so far and the challenges you've overcome.

After the high-altitude adventures of the previous days, today's trek is a relatively gentle descent. We'll cover 11 km over 7 hours, descending 1,200 meters to the Arshan Valley Camp at 2,700 meters. The valley is a lush, green oasis surrounded by towering peaks, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere. This is the perfect place to relax and recharge after the strenuous days on the snowfields.

On our final day of trekking, we'll cover a short 5 km distance over 3 hours, descending to the Miyue Hot Springs at 2,000 meters. Here, you can soak in the natural hot springs, letting the warm waters soothe your muscles and rejuvenate your spirit. After a relaxing soak, we'll board a private vehicle for a 200 km drive to Nileke Railway Station, where we'll catch an overnight train back to Urumqi.

We'll arrive in Urumqi at 8:00 AM, marking the end of our incredible journey. From here, you're free to continue your travels or head home, carrying with you the memories of an unforgettable adventure through the stunning landscapes of the Tianshan Mountains. Bon voyage, and we hope to see you on another adventure soon!