Southern Tianshan Trekking Route – The North Shayat Trail

The Shayat Ancient Trail, also known as the “Xuanzang Pilgrimage Route” among outdoor enthusiasts, is one of Xinjiang’s earliest-developed trekking paths. For years, conquering this trail has been a dream for seasoned hikers. Endless stretches of spruce forests, river valleys, snow-capped peaks, and Xinjiang’s iconic ancient trails, flower meadows, and glaciers converge to create a landscape rivaling the wild beauty of Scandinavia.

The North Shayat Trail, an epic offshoot of the Southern Tianshan Mountains, distills the region’s finest scenery into a route that rivals its legendary predecessor. Over five days, trekkers traverse snowfields, alpine meadows, and mountain passes beneath ever-changing vistas of Xinjiang’s most dramatic landscapes: towering glaciers, pristine lakes, dense forests, and vast grasslands.

Highlights of the North Shayat Trail

1. A Premier Trekking Route
   While most classic Xinjiang hikes lie within the Tianshan range, the North Shayat Trail emerges as a new crown jewel at the foot of the Southern Tianshan. This route packs in snow mountains, glaciers, meadows, and rivers—showcasing Xinjiang’s iconic scenery while offering rare up-close encounters with active glaciers.
2. Giants of the Southern Tianshan
   This vast region hosts over 20 peaks soaring above 6,000 meters, including the 7,443-meter Mount Tomur—the highest summit in the Tianshan range. Its snow-draped slopes and neighboring peaks form a jaw-dropping alpine panorama.
3. Glacier Wonderland
   The trail winds beneath the Southern Tianshan’s northern slopes, where nearly every peak boasts fully formed glaciers. Trekkers will pass over a dozen snow-capped mountains and witness their sprawling icy companions up close.
4. Maximum Rewards, Minimal Altitude
   Conquer passes under 4,000 meters to enjoy views rivaling those from 6,000-meter peaks! Camp beneath star-studded skies and wake to golden sunrise light bathing the mountains. With dramatic sunsets, Milky Way displays, and ever-shifting landscapes, this trail delivers an unforgettable sensory feast for outdoor lovers.

Key Details

• Duration: 5 days of challenging trekking
• Scenery: Glaciers, snow peaks, meadows, forests, alpine lakes
• Best For: Adventurous hikers seeking raw, crowd-free wilderness

Embark on a journey where every step reveals why Xinjiang is Asia’s answer to Patagonia—a realm where Earth’s primal forces sculpted landscapes of mythic grandeur.

Service Highlights

1. Expert Guides & Safety First
Professional guides lead every trip with a 1:7 staff-to-guest ratio, ensuring personalized attention and safety throughout your adventure.

2. Capture the Moment
Complimentary camera or drone photography (excluding peak seasons) to document your journey’s most epic vistas.

3. Lightweight Trekking
Travel light! Your gear is transported by pack animals, so you can focus on the trail—no heavy backpacks required.

4. Power On the Go
For groups , we provide portable generators to keep phones, cameras, and devices fully charged.

5. Hassle-Free Camping
Enjoy pre-set tents and campsites—just bring your backpack. We handle setup, breakdown, and provide communal rest tents with seating.

6. Fuel Your Adventure
Indulge in hearty camp meals (breakfast/dinner) with fresh fruits, snacks, and beverages. Good food = strong hikes!

7. Premium Camp Gear
Sleep comfortably with provided premium tents, foam sleeping pads, and insulated ground mats.

8. In-House Excellence
As a self-operated adventure company, we prioritize safety, quality, and unforgettable experiences—no third-party compromises.

Why Choose Us?

• Safety: Small groups, expert guides.
• Comfort: No heavy loads, gourmet meals, reliable gear.
• Memories: Professional photos, epic landscapes, zero logistics stress.

Perfect for trekkers who crave wild beauty without sacrificing comfort—where every detail is crafted for your freedom and joy. 🌄✨

Pricing Details: Southern Tianshan North Shayat Trek

What’s Included

1. Transportation
   • Private vehicle transfers: Yining ↔ trek start/end points.
2. Accommodation
   • 1 night in a Yining hotel (twin room) + 4 nights camping.
3. Meals
   • 5 breakfasts & 5 dinners:
     • Camp dinners: Hearty four-dish meals (meat + veg) with soup.
     • Camp breakfasts: Porridge, naan, noodles, corn, eggs, pickles.
4. Entrance Fees
   • Zhaosu Jade Lake ticket + shuttle transfers.
5. Gear Transport
   • Packhorses for personal gear (max 15kg per person).
6. Staff Support
   • Professional mountain guides (1:7 guest-to-guide ratio) + logistics crew.
7. Camp Equipment
   • Tents: 3-person tunnel tents (2 guests per tent).
   • Sleeping: Foam sleeping pad (egg-crate style) + insulated ground mat.
   • Gear: Waterproof duffle bag (1 per guest), camp chairs, dining/cook tents, cooking gear, first aid, satellite phone, ropes.
8. Insurance
   • High-altitude trekking insurance (up to 1.3 million RMB coverage).

Bonus Services (Complimentary)

• Camp setup/breakdown: No tent hassle—just arrive and relax.
• Power supply: Portable generator for device charging (groups of 10+).
• Trekking poles: Free rental.
• Gifts: Buff headscarf + backpack rain cover.
  Note: Complimentary items are non-refundable if unused.

Not Included

1. Travel to/from Yining
   • Flights/trains to/from Yining.
2. Lunches
   • Bring 5 trail lunches (energy bars, dried fruit, nuts recommended).
3. Extra Costs
   • Personal horse rentals (optional), alcohol, souvenirs, or services not listed.