Tianshan Trekking Tours

Trek across the dramatic landscapes of the Tianshan Mountains — one of Earth’s largest mountain systems — on our flagship South Tianshan Northern Route. This epic trail showcases Xinjiang’s primal beauty through ever-changing vistas:
✅ Glacier-Crowned Peaks (Tomur Peak: 7,443m/24,419ft)
✅ Vast Alpine Meadows dotted with summer wildflowers
✅ Primeval Forests clinging to river valleys
✅ Turquoise Rivers carving through canyons
✅ Historic Ancient Trails whispering Silk Road secrets

Why This Trail Stands Out

▲ New Classic Since 2021 – Experience the upgraded route near the legendary Shatol Ancient Trail (Xiata/Xiate), blending wilderness exploration with cultural heritage.
▲ Concentrated Wonders – More diverse landscapes per mile than most global treks, from ice fields to blossom-covered foothills.
▲ Summer Spectacle (June-August) – When the mountains transform into a living Impressionist painting with technicolor blooms against emerald grasslands.

Geographic Grandeur

• Global Significance: Stretching 2,500km across 4 nations, Tianshan is Eurasia’s largest independent latitudinal mountain range.
• Our Route: Traverses the western flank of South Tianshan’s northern slopes, bordering the spectacular Shatol Scenic Area.
• Highest Point: Trek beneath the gaze of Tomur Peak (7,443m) — Xinjiang’s “Roof of Heaven”.

Your Experience

Prepare for soul-stirring moments:
❯ Walk flower-carpeted valleys where even rocky slopes burst with blooms
❯ Witness glaciers glowing pink at sunset
❯ Camp under star-drenched skies far from light pollution
❯ Feel the raw power of nature in this remote, weather-untamed realm

Wilderness Service System: South Tianshan Northern Route Premium Support

Expert Mountain Guides

⚑ Double-Certified by Chinese Mountaineering Association
⚑ 1:7 Staff-to-Hiker Ratio ensuring real-time risk management & wilderness first-aid response

Expedition-Grade Camp System

⛺ “One-Room Suite” Tunnels Tents (2-person, professional mountaineering spec)
🛌 Extreme-Cold Sleep System:

• 1000g Duck Down Bags (-10°C/14°F rated)
• Extra-thick insulated sleeping pads
  🍽️ Dining Dome with foldable tables/chairs
  🔌 Camp Generator for stable power supply

Gourmet Trail Fuel

🔥 Hot Meals Prepared On-Site:

• Breakfast: Hearty porridge + pickled sides
• Dinner: 3 family-style dishes + soup
  🍢 Local Flavors Experience:
• Xinjiang-style roasted lamb
• Dapanji (Signature chicken stew)

Luggage Support

🎒 150L Stormproof Duffle (field-tested torrential rain resistance)
🐎 Dedicated Pack Animal Team: Daily gear transfers (≤15kg/person)

Safety Ecosystem

🛡️ Triple-Protocol Security:

1. Satellite phone & walkie-talkies
2. Comprehensive medical kits
3. Professional river-crossing systems with safety ropes

Lightweight Privileges

✓ Free Gear Rental: Locking trekking poles
✓ Custom Quick-Dry Summit Bandana
✓ Commemorative Achievement Kit:

• Finisher’s certificate
• Collector’s medal

South Tianshan Trekking Expedition: Itinerary
7-Day Wilderness Journey from Yining to Shatol Valley

Day 1: Arrival in Yining

• Key Task: Trip briefing & gear check
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in downtown Yining (twin share)
• Altitude Acclimatization: 620m
• Cultural Exploration:
  » Visit Kazanqi Folk Village or Liuxing Street
  » Taste Xinjiang specialties: Lamb pilaf, Naan bread, Dapanji chicken stew
• Dinner: Welcome banquet featuring local cuisine

Travel Tip:

• Arrive via direct flight to Yining (INL) or train from Urumqi (latest arrival: 9:00 AM Day 2)
• Free airport pickup when landing before 8 PM

Day 2: Yining → Tekes → Trailhead → Maraert Pass Basecamp

• Drive: 5hrs (300km) through Tekes “Bagua City” – world’s only octagonal town plan based on I-Ching philosophy
• Trek: 12km (4-5hrs) ↑1100m
• Highlight: Panoramic views of Zhaosu Plains
• Camp: Wildernes camping at 3,100m
• Meals: B, D (Lunch: self-packed trail food)

Day 3: Maraert Pass Summit → Erdintu Valley

• Challenge: Conquer 3,640m Maraert Pass (Alpine grassland terrain)
• Trek: 19km (7-8hrs) ↑800m ↓1000m
• Reward: Dramatic descent into Erdintu Valley with glacier views
• Camp: Riverside campsite at 2,820m
• Meals: B, D

Day 4: Erdintu Valley → Mountain View Camp

• Scenic Day: Gentle ascent through wildflower valleys
• Trek: 14km (5-6hrs) ↑450m
• Photography Spot: Triple-River Confluence viewpoint
• Camp: Glacier-facing tents at 3,100m
• Meals: B, D

Day 5: Summit Push! Twin Lakes → Element Pass → Highway 219

• Peak Challenge:
  » Technical glacier traverse (crampons required)
  » Navigate 4,040m Element Pass – loose scree slope & crevasse zone
• Trek: 20km (9-10hrs) ↑1000m ↓1200m
• Safety: Rope team protocol on glacial sections
• Camp: Roadside wild camp at 2,835m
• Meals: B, D

Day 6: Highway 219 → Tograsu Pass → Shatol Basecamp

• Glacier Highway: Walk parallel to icefalls with 360° Tianshan views
• Trek: 13km (6-7hrs) ↑1000m
• Historic Moment: Cross 3,760m Tograsu Pass
• Camp: Heritage site camping in Shatol Valley (3,300m)
• Meals: B, D

Day 7: Exit Shatol Valley → Yining

• Final Trek: 15km gentle descent (4hrs) ↓600m
• Iconic Finish: General’s Bridge landmark
• Drive: 5hrs to Yining
• Celebration: Farewell dinner with achievement certificates
• Meals: B, D

South Tianshan Expedition: Pricing & Inclusions
Transparent Cost Breakdown for International Trekkers

✅ INCLUDED

Core Services

🚐 Ground Transport

• All mountain access/exit transfers (Yining→Trailhead→Yining)
• 4WD vehicles for gear support

🏨 Accommodation

• Night 1: 5★ Yining hotel (twin-share)
• Nights 2-6: Expedition-grade wilderness camping

🍽️ Meals

• All breakfasts & dinners
• City restaurant meals (Day 1 & 7)
• Mountain camp catering (Chef-prepared hot meals)

Professional Support

🗺️ Certified Mountain Guides

•  double-certified leaders
• Salary/insurance/equipment costs covered

🐎 Luggage Logistics

• Pack animal transfers (≤15kg/person)
• 150L stormproof duffle rental

Gear Provision

⛺ Group Equipment

• 4-season mountaineering tents (2-person sharing)
• Insulated sleeping pads (-10°C rated)
• Dining dome + camp chairs/tables
• Comprehensive first-aid & safety kits

🎁 Complimentary Perks

• Welcome & farewell banquets
• Quick-dry summit bandana
• Trekking accident insurance
• Finisher’s certificate & medal
• Seasonal fruit tasting

❌ NOT INCLUDED

Travel Essentials

✈️ Air/Train Tickets

• Flights to/from Yining (INL)
• Urumqi-Yining transfers

🍔 Lunch Supplies

• Daily trail lunches (self-packed energy foods)

Potential Extras

🏔️ Route Alterations

• Costs due to policy changes/alternative routing
• Personal evacuation expenses

💸 Financial Fees

• 6% VAT if requesting official invoice

🐴 Optional Activities

• Horse riding (at own risk/cost)

Note: Equestrian activities require separate liability waiver

🚁 Emergency Response

• Rescue operations initiated by personal negligence

General Exclusions

• Personal gear (backpacks/footwear etc.)
• Alcoholic beverages
• Tips for guides (recommended $15/day)
• Unspecified expenses

South Tianshan High-Altitude Trek: Mandatory Gear List
Professional Packing Guide for Alpine Conditions (3,000-4,000m)

🎒 PACK SYSTEM

1. Expedition Duffel
   • 50L max capacity (provided if needed)
   • Note: Hard suitcases must be stored at Yining hotel
2. Daypack
   • 35L with rain cover & hip belt
   • Must carry: Water, layers, first-aid

🛏️ SLEEP SYSTEM

3. Down Sleeping Bag
   • -10°C (14°F) rated
   • Min. 1000g duck/goose down
4. Sleeping Pad
   • Provided: Closed-cell foam pad
   • Recommended upgrade: Inflatable pad (R-value ≥3)

🧥 CLOTHING SYSTEM

(LAYER-BASED | DRY FAST FABRICS ONLY)
Base Layer
5. Thermal Top/Bottom

• Merino wool or synthetic (NO cotton)
• 2 sets minimum

Mid Layer
7. Fleece Jacket/Pants

• Polartec® 200+ weight
• Full-zip recommended

Outer Layer
6. Waterproof Shell

• Gore-Tex® jacket & pants
• OR emergency rain suit (if non-GTX)

Insulation
4. Down Jacket

• 650+ fill power
• Stuffs into daypack

Extremities Protection
13. Gloves

• Quick-dry liners + waterproof shells

15. Headwear

• Sun hat + beanie (fleece/wool)

10. Hiking Socks

• 3x Merino wool (cushioned)

⛑️ TREK GEAR

9. Mountaineering Boots
   • Waterproof mid-cut (e.g. Scarpa, La Sportiva)
   • Critical: Break-in ≥50km pre-trip
10. Trekking Poles

• 2-section adjustable (free rental)
• Damage fee: $80/pair

25. Crampons

• Semi-rigid (provided for glacier sections)

14. Headlamp

• 200+ lumens (extra batteries)

🧴 PERSONAL KIT

16. Eye Protection

• Glacier glasses (Cat. 4 UV) OR ski goggles

17. Sun Defense

• SPF 50+ sunscreen & lip balm

18. Dry Bags

• 3-5 waterproof sacks (critical!)

19. Toiletries

• Biodegradable soap, toothpaste
• Note: No makeup/mirrors

20. Medications

• Altitude + GI meds (diamox/imodium)

21. Electronics

• Action cams OK / Drones prohibited

22. ID & Cash

• Passport copy + 500 RMB emergency cash

🥪 NUTRITION

23. Trail Lunches

• 5,000+ cal total (150g protein/day)
• Pro Tips: Energy gels, jerky, nuts, dried fruit