Trip Summary:
The Langta Trail is the longest, most arduous, and dangerous hiking route through the northern Tianshan Mountains. The trek begins in the Hutubi Grand Canyon, crosses five nearly 4,000-meter passes, and spans over 140 kilometers to reach Baluntai. The Langta Trail has little historical significance—it was originally a pastoral route opened in the 1970s to develop grassland resources. This path lies deep within the Yilianhabierga Mountains of the northern Tianshan, straddling the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region’s Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture and Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. It cuts across more than 160 kilometers of the northern Tianshan, passing through pristine Tianshan forests, snow-covered mountain passes, and dozens of river gorges with raging currents. Add in cliffs, plank roads, and wildlife, and it’s no wonder hikers find this trail terrifying. It’s currently the longest and most dangerous hiking route developed in Xinjiang.
Trip Objective:
To complete a fully loaded 9-day traverse of the Langta C Line in early February
The Langta Trail is the longest, most arduous, and dangerous hiking route through the northern Tianshan Mountains. The trek begins in the Hutubi Grand Canyon, crosses five nearly 4,000-meter passes, and spans over 140 kilometers to reach Baluntai. The Langta Trail has little historical significance—it was originally a pastoral route opened in the 1970s to develop grassland resources. This path lies deep within the Yilianhabierga Mountains of the northern Tianshan, straddling the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region’s Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture and Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. It cuts across more than 160 kilometers of the northern Tianshan, passing through pristine Tianshan forests, snow-covered mountain passes, and dozens of river gorges with raging currents. Add in cliffs, plank roads, and wildlife, and it’s no wonder hikers find this trail terrifying. It’s currently the longest and most dangerous hiking route developed in Xinjiang.
Trip Objective:
To complete a fully loaded 9-day traverse of the Langta C Line in early February
Detailed Implementation Plan:
Hiking Route: Hutubi Queergou 106th Regiment Coal Mine – Hutubi Forest Farm – Xilemuhu Area – Kalamoynak Pass (3,064m) – Baiyanggou Ice Pass (3,862m) – Kulartengas Pass (3,555m) – Lantai Kaizeng Ice Pass (3,913m) – Halahate – Halahate Pass (3,273m) – Urumqi Ranch Headquarters – Gurengele Village – Gurengele Pass (3,561m) – National Highway 218
Itinerary Reference: Day 1, Hutubi Queergou 106th Regiment Coal Mine – Hutubi Forest Farm: “Hutubi” in Kazakh means “where spirits roam.” The Hutubi River originates from River Source Peak, flows through the entire county, and eventually empties into the vast Gurbantünggüt Desert. The Hutubi River Valley is deep, with cliffs towering thousands of feet on either side, leaving only a sliver of sky visible. The river roars with deafening force. The valley has many tributaries, such as Bear Valley, where black bears roam, and Hot Spring Valley, which emits warm springs all year round. The Hutubi River has immense hydropower potential, and the Shimen Reservoir under construction downstream will have an 180-meter dam. Once completed, much of the river valley will be submerged, creating a spectacular fusion of mountains and water. Hiking up the valley for 5 kilometers leads to a sulfur-scented hot spring. Continuing along the valley road for 20 kilometers opens up lush forests—this is the Hutubi Forest Farm. Since the forest closure for reforestation, the farm has been abandoned, with only one or two caretakers left. Overnight camping at the forest farm is possible. Drive cautiously—the journey is hazardous.
Day 2, Xilemuhu – Kalamoynak Alpine Pasture: Depart the forest farm and head southeast for 2 kilometers to a concrete bridge, the only crossing over the Hutubi River. Then proceed west for 6 kilometers to Xilemuhu, surrounded by mountains, lush trees, and green meadows—a pleasant scenery. Following the Xilemuhu River Valley westward, the elevation rises rapidly. After another 6 kilometers, you’ll reach Kalamoynak Pass at 3,064 meters. Crossing the pass, the valley widens, the trees thin out, and the grass becomes abundant. The river meanders gently, dotted with herds of cattle and sheep—this is Kalamoynak Alpine Pasture beneath Baiyanggou Pass.
From the high-altitude grassland below the pass, you can clearly see traces of ancient glacier retreat and towering glacial moraines pushed up by glacial movement. Due to the high elevation, temperatures drop significantly at night, and tents often gather heavy dew. Camp on the high-altitude grassland below Baiyanggou Pass. The day’s hike covers about 20 kilometers.
Day 3, Crossing Baiyanggou Ice Pass: At 3,862 meters, Baiyanggou Ice Pass marks the boundary between the front and back ranges of the Hutubi River Valley. Crossing it leads into the back range’s River Source Peak area, locally known as Langta—“Tower Mountain Guarded by Wolves.” Towering peaks, deep canyons, and untouched wilderness define this region. Baiyanggou Pass is essentially a snow mountain; in the past, neither humans nor livestock could cross it. In the 1970s, to develop pastoral resources, Hutubi County invested significant manpower and resources to open a path into Langta, carving a pastoral trail along the left rock wall of the Baiyanggou Glacier’s edge.
From the glacial debris at the mountain’s base to Baiyanggou Ice Pass, the vertical climb exceeds 600 meters, taking 3–4 hours with a loaded pack. Standing atop the pass and looking south, you’ll see the deep, perilous valley, layered peaks, and the towering River Source Peak surrounded by mountains, its icy surface glinting brilliantly in the sunlight.
Descending from the pass, the trail rapidly drops down the steep right slope. It takes over 2 hours to reach the main tributary of the Hutubi River at 2,400 meters. Some sections require extra caution to avoid slipping into ravines. The day’s hike covers around 15 kilometers, with overnight camping possible by the riverside at the valley bottom.
Notes: 1. The Hutubi Grand Valley has a typical northern Tianshan climate with frequent rain. Summer daytime temperatures reach around 20°C, dropping to about 10°C at night. Morning and evening dew is heavy, and temperatures are cool. Near the passes, nighttime temperatures fall below freezing. Hikers should wear windproof jackets and bring sweaters or fleece layers. Other standard hiking gear suffices.
2. In July and August, the pastoral trails over the passes are clear, but in other months, they’re buried under snow. Always locate the trail—crossing without it is impossible.
3. Allocate 7–8 hours for descending from the passes. Poor time management and descending in darkness are extremely dangerous.
Day 4, Ascending the Tebusikma River Originating from River Source Peak: The Tebusikma River is a major tributary of the upper Hutubi River. The valley here is narrow, with rapid currents. The surrounding cliffs are extremely steep, and the artificially carved pastoral trail winds precariously up the vertical walls, making every step nerve-wracking. The trail alternates between ascending ridges and descending into valleys, giving the sensation of mountain-crossing and consuming significant energy. After hiking about 8 kilometers up the valley, the man-made trail and wooden bridges end, and the valley gradually widens. The snow-capped River Source Peak becomes clearly visible 10 kilometers away. The day’s hike covers 18 kilometers, with camping possible at the mouth of the valley leading to Kulartengas Pass—a grassy, riverside spot ideal for setting up camp.
Notes: 1. Several sections of the trail are carved into 30–40 cm-wide, waist-high stone grooves in vertical cliffs—barely wide enough for a horse without a load. Hikers must be mindful of their heavy backpacks to avoid collisions with the walls in narrow or turning sections, which could cause loss of balance and accidents.
2. This section is extremely dangerous. Those with acrophobia must rely on teammates to navigate the risky parts.
3. The mouth of the valley leading to Kulartengas Pass resembles a runoff channel, seemingly impassable. On the contrary, the trail enters precisely here. Observe carefully and make the right judgment when passing through.
Day 5, Crossing Kulartengas Pass into Langta’s Alpine Pastures: Only upon entering the valley mouth of Kulartengas Pass does a clear horse trail appear. The 4-kilometer stretch from the mouth to the 3,555-meter pass involves a 1,000-meter vertical climb, demanding intense effort. Near the pass’s summit, a 60-degree sandy slope makes the ascent even harder. Reaching the top typically takes 3–4 hours.
Beyond the pass, a steep descent leads to a pristine forest at 2,500 meters after 6 kilometers. Wolves roam here, and snow leopards and brown bears occasionally attack livestock. But for hikers, the greatest threat comes from the roaring river at the valley bottom. Fed by the Lantai Kaizeng and Menggete Kaizeng Glaciers, this major tributary of the Hutubi River swells dramatically during mid-to-late July and early August, making crossing nearly impossible. Even in late August, when the rapids reach waist-deep, fording remains highly dangerous.
Frequent river crossings significantly slow progress, covering only about 13 kilometers this day. Overnight camping is at Langta’s alpine pastures, where a few herders offer opportunities to buy lamb for supplies.
Notes: 1. When fording rivers, always secure ropes and attach safety lines around hikers’ waists. If swept away, shore helpers must pull them to safety quickly. Never ford fast-moving rivers barefoot—wear sandals if possible, or hike shoes if necessary.
2. Langta is home to many wild animals, including wolves, snow leopards, and bears. Travel in groups, carry self-defense tools like hunting knives or firecrackers, and light gas lamps outside tents at night.
Day 6, Traversing Langta Alpine Pastures: Located beneath the Lantai and Menggete Snow Mountains, Langta Alpine Pastures average 2,800 meters in elevation. With gentle slopes, open valleys, and lush grass, it’s one of Hutubi County’s finest pastures—also a key reason for opening the Langta Trail. In summer, 5–6 herder families graze here, making the highland pastures a welcome and relaxing sight for hikers after six days of strenuous climbing.
The day’s hike covers 15 kilometers, camping at 3,500 meters near Lantai Kaizeng Pass.
Notes: 1. Lantai Kaizeng Pass, at 3,913 meters, is the highest on the route. The ascent and descent are long, making it difficult to cross in a single day.
2. Alternatively, cross Menggete Kaizeng and Ha’ergate Ka’erzi Passes. This route has a clear horse trail but involves two passes and a longer distance. Though favored by herders, no travelers have taken this path yet.
Day 7: Crossing the Lantekazhen Pass to reach Halahate: There is no marked horse trail along the route to cross the Lantekazhen Pass, so hikers must scramble up the scree-covered slopes, which is a true test of physical endurance and determination. The pass is covered with piles of moraine rocks, and between the rocks and snow-capped mountains lies a strikingly blue lake that looks like a spring. The southern slope of the pass is covered in snow and ice, and hikers must cross a glacier stretching over 1 kilometer—this is also why herders avoid this route.
Once over the pass, you enter the territory of the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, where the climate becomes noticeably warmer. Compared to the pastures on the northern side of the pass, the southern slopes have richer and more lush grass. This area serves as the winter pasture for Hejing County and is off-limits for grazing during the summer. After descending the pass and walking about 10 kilometers, you’ll encounter an eastward-flowing tributary of the Manas River with a strong current—take necessary precautions when crossing. Following this tributary downstream for another 10 kilometers will bring you to Halahate. According to military maps from 1982, Halahate was marked as a large herder settlement, but in reality, it has been abandoned, leaving only ruins and broken walls. That night, camp at the mouth of the valley leading to the Halahate Pass.
Tip: 1. Rivers in Xinjiang’s mountainous regions originate from snow-capped mountains and generally have lower water levels in the early morning but swell in the afternoon or evening. Choose your river-crossing time wisely.
2. There can be discrepancies of about 1–2 kilometers between maps and actual GPS measurements. Pay close attention when surveying important turning points.
Day 8: Fording the Manas River tributary and crossing the Halahate Pass to reach the Urumqi Ranch: After fording the Manas River tributary, look for a very narrow valley opening on the southern side of the river. Inside the valley, a barely visible horse trail leads toward the Halahate Pass. At an elevation of 3,273 meters, the pass rises over 700 meters vertically from the valley entrance with a steep gradient, posing another tough challenge for hikers who have been trekking for several days.
The head office of the Urumqi Ranch isn’t what you might expect—it turns out to be just two isolated earthen houses, completely deserted. Hike about 20 kilometers that day and camp near the Urumqi Ranch.
Tip: 1. North of the Lantekazhen Pass, winters are long and harsh with heavy snow, making it suitable only for summer grazing. In contrast, the southern side enjoys a milder winter climate and serves as the winter pasture for Hejing County, mainly used by Mongolian herders. Grazing is prohibited in the summer to allow grass recovery, leaving the entire mountain area deserted.
2. There’s also an alternative route that heads south from the Lantekazhen Pass, directly crossing the Hahat Pass and the Guren Pass to reach National Highway 218. According to local herders, this route can save a day’s travel, but no hikers have yet surveyed it on foot.
Day 9: Hike 20 kilometers to reach the endpoint, the Gurengele Village: Located at 85°59′03″E, 43°12′35″N and an elevation of 2,943 meters, this significant settlement does not appear on the 1984 1:250,000 military topographic map. The Gurengele area features gentle mountain terrain and is part of Xinjiang’s internationally open hunting grounds, primarily for argali sheep hunting—several foreign hunting groups visit each year. Gurengele Village is a pastoral community equipped with a solar-powered satellite phone, where the village chief and party secretary manage local affairs. The villagers have also built a 35-kilometer unpaved road leading to National Highway 218. If you’re lucky, you may be able to rent the village chief’s jeep to reach the highway for around 400 yuan, though the rough road conditions make this pricey. Alternatively, calling for a vehicle from Baluntai Town typically costs 500–600 yuan.
If all goes smoothly, you may reach National Highway 218 the same day. From there, hire a car for the 45-kilometer ride to Baluntai Town, then book another vehicle back to Urumqi the following day.
Hiking Route: Hutubi Queergou 106th Regiment Coal Mine – Hutubi Forest Farm – Xilemuhu Area – Kalamoynak Pass (3,064m) – Baiyanggou Ice Pass (3,862m) – Kulartengas Pass (3,555m) – Lantai Kaizeng Ice Pass (3,913m) – Halahate – Halahate Pass (3,273m) – Urumqi Ranch Headquarters – Gurengele Village – Gurengele Pass (3,561m) – National Highway 218
Itinerary Reference: Day 1, Hutubi Queergou 106th Regiment Coal Mine – Hutubi Forest Farm: “Hutubi” in Kazakh means “where spirits roam.” The Hutubi River originates from River Source Peak, flows through the entire county, and eventually empties into the vast Gurbantünggüt Desert. The Hutubi River Valley is deep, with cliffs towering thousands of feet on either side, leaving only a sliver of sky visible. The river roars with deafening force. The valley has many tributaries, such as Bear Valley, where black bears roam, and Hot Spring Valley, which emits warm springs all year round. The Hutubi River has immense hydropower potential, and the Shimen Reservoir under construction downstream will have an 180-meter dam. Once completed, much of the river valley will be submerged, creating a spectacular fusion of mountains and water. Hiking up the valley for 5 kilometers leads to a sulfur-scented hot spring. Continuing along the valley road for 20 kilometers opens up lush forests—this is the Hutubi Forest Farm. Since the forest closure for reforestation, the farm has been abandoned, with only one or two caretakers left. Overnight camping at the forest farm is possible. Drive cautiously—the journey is hazardous.
Day 2, Xilemuhu – Kalamoynak Alpine Pasture: Depart the forest farm and head southeast for 2 kilometers to a concrete bridge, the only crossing over the Hutubi River. Then proceed west for 6 kilometers to Xilemuhu, surrounded by mountains, lush trees, and green meadows—a pleasant scenery. Following the Xilemuhu River Valley westward, the elevation rises rapidly. After another 6 kilometers, you’ll reach Kalamoynak Pass at 3,064 meters. Crossing the pass, the valley widens, the trees thin out, and the grass becomes abundant. The river meanders gently, dotted with herds of cattle and sheep—this is Kalamoynak Alpine Pasture beneath Baiyanggou Pass.
From the high-altitude grassland below the pass, you can clearly see traces of ancient glacier retreat and towering glacial moraines pushed up by glacial movement. Due to the high elevation, temperatures drop significantly at night, and tents often gather heavy dew. Camp on the high-altitude grassland below Baiyanggou Pass. The day’s hike covers about 20 kilometers.
Day 3, Crossing Baiyanggou Ice Pass: At 3,862 meters, Baiyanggou Ice Pass marks the boundary between the front and back ranges of the Hutubi River Valley. Crossing it leads into the back range’s River Source Peak area, locally known as Langta—“Tower Mountain Guarded by Wolves.” Towering peaks, deep canyons, and untouched wilderness define this region. Baiyanggou Pass is essentially a snow mountain; in the past, neither humans nor livestock could cross it. In the 1970s, to develop pastoral resources, Hutubi County invested significant manpower and resources to open a path into Langta, carving a pastoral trail along the left rock wall of the Baiyanggou Glacier’s edge.
From the glacial debris at the mountain’s base to Baiyanggou Ice Pass, the vertical climb exceeds 600 meters, taking 3–4 hours with a loaded pack. Standing atop the pass and looking south, you’ll see the deep, perilous valley, layered peaks, and the towering River Source Peak surrounded by mountains, its icy surface glinting brilliantly in the sunlight.
Descending from the pass, the trail rapidly drops down the steep right slope. It takes over 2 hours to reach the main tributary of the Hutubi River at 2,400 meters. Some sections require extra caution to avoid slipping into ravines. The day’s hike covers around 15 kilometers, with overnight camping possible by the riverside at the valley bottom.
Notes: 1. The Hutubi Grand Valley has a typical northern Tianshan climate with frequent rain. Summer daytime temperatures reach around 20°C, dropping to about 10°C at night. Morning and evening dew is heavy, and temperatures are cool. Near the passes, nighttime temperatures fall below freezing. Hikers should wear windproof jackets and bring sweaters or fleece layers. Other standard hiking gear suffices.
2. In July and August, the pastoral trails over the passes are clear, but in other months, they’re buried under snow. Always locate the trail—crossing without it is impossible.
3. Allocate 7–8 hours for descending from the passes. Poor time management and descending in darkness are extremely dangerous.
Day 4, Ascending the Tebusikma River Originating from River Source Peak: The Tebusikma River is a major tributary of the upper Hutubi River. The valley here is narrow, with rapid currents. The surrounding cliffs are extremely steep, and the artificially carved pastoral trail winds precariously up the vertical walls, making every step nerve-wracking. The trail alternates between ascending ridges and descending into valleys, giving the sensation of mountain-crossing and consuming significant energy. After hiking about 8 kilometers up the valley, the man-made trail and wooden bridges end, and the valley gradually widens. The snow-capped River Source Peak becomes clearly visible 10 kilometers away. The day’s hike covers 18 kilometers, with camping possible at the mouth of the valley leading to Kulartengas Pass—a grassy, riverside spot ideal for setting up camp.
Notes: 1. Several sections of the trail are carved into 30–40 cm-wide, waist-high stone grooves in vertical cliffs—barely wide enough for a horse without a load. Hikers must be mindful of their heavy backpacks to avoid collisions with the walls in narrow or turning sections, which could cause loss of balance and accidents.
2. This section is extremely dangerous. Those with acrophobia must rely on teammates to navigate the risky parts.
3. The mouth of the valley leading to Kulartengas Pass resembles a runoff channel, seemingly impassable. On the contrary, the trail enters precisely here. Observe carefully and make the right judgment when passing through.
Day 5, Crossing Kulartengas Pass into Langta’s Alpine Pastures: Only upon entering the valley mouth of Kulartengas Pass does a clear horse trail appear. The 4-kilometer stretch from the mouth to the 3,555-meter pass involves a 1,000-meter vertical climb, demanding intense effort. Near the pass’s summit, a 60-degree sandy slope makes the ascent even harder. Reaching the top typically takes 3–4 hours.
Beyond the pass, a steep descent leads to a pristine forest at 2,500 meters after 6 kilometers. Wolves roam here, and snow leopards and brown bears occasionally attack livestock. But for hikers, the greatest threat comes from the roaring river at the valley bottom. Fed by the Lantai Kaizeng and Menggete Kaizeng Glaciers, this major tributary of the Hutubi River swells dramatically during mid-to-late July and early August, making crossing nearly impossible. Even in late August, when the rapids reach waist-deep, fording remains highly dangerous.
Frequent river crossings significantly slow progress, covering only about 13 kilometers this day. Overnight camping is at Langta’s alpine pastures, where a few herders offer opportunities to buy lamb for supplies.
Notes: 1. When fording rivers, always secure ropes and attach safety lines around hikers’ waists. If swept away, shore helpers must pull them to safety quickly. Never ford fast-moving rivers barefoot—wear sandals if possible, or hike shoes if necessary.
2. Langta is home to many wild animals, including wolves, snow leopards, and bears. Travel in groups, carry self-defense tools like hunting knives or firecrackers, and light gas lamps outside tents at night.
Day 6, Traversing Langta Alpine Pastures: Located beneath the Lantai and Menggete Snow Mountains, Langta Alpine Pastures average 2,800 meters in elevation. With gentle slopes, open valleys, and lush grass, it’s one of Hutubi County’s finest pastures—also a key reason for opening the Langta Trail. In summer, 5–6 herder families graze here, making the highland pastures a welcome and relaxing sight for hikers after six days of strenuous climbing.
The day’s hike covers 15 kilometers, camping at 3,500 meters near Lantai Kaizeng Pass.
Notes: 1. Lantai Kaizeng Pass, at 3,913 meters, is the highest on the route. The ascent and descent are long, making it difficult to cross in a single day.
2. Alternatively, cross Menggete Kaizeng and Ha’ergate Ka’erzi Passes. This route has a clear horse trail but involves two passes and a longer distance. Though favored by herders, no travelers have taken this path yet.
Day 7: Crossing the Lantekazhen Pass to reach Halahate: There is no marked horse trail along the route to cross the Lantekazhen Pass, so hikers must scramble up the scree-covered slopes, which is a true test of physical endurance and determination. The pass is covered with piles of moraine rocks, and between the rocks and snow-capped mountains lies a strikingly blue lake that looks like a spring. The southern slope of the pass is covered in snow and ice, and hikers must cross a glacier stretching over 1 kilometer—this is also why herders avoid this route.
Once over the pass, you enter the territory of the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, where the climate becomes noticeably warmer. Compared to the pastures on the northern side of the pass, the southern slopes have richer and more lush grass. This area serves as the winter pasture for Hejing County and is off-limits for grazing during the summer. After descending the pass and walking about 10 kilometers, you’ll encounter an eastward-flowing tributary of the Manas River with a strong current—take necessary precautions when crossing. Following this tributary downstream for another 10 kilometers will bring you to Halahate. According to military maps from 1982, Halahate was marked as a large herder settlement, but in reality, it has been abandoned, leaving only ruins and broken walls. That night, camp at the mouth of the valley leading to the Halahate Pass.
Tip: 1. Rivers in Xinjiang’s mountainous regions originate from snow-capped mountains and generally have lower water levels in the early morning but swell in the afternoon or evening. Choose your river-crossing time wisely.
2. There can be discrepancies of about 1–2 kilometers between maps and actual GPS measurements. Pay close attention when surveying important turning points.
Day 8: Fording the Manas River tributary and crossing the Halahate Pass to reach the Urumqi Ranch: After fording the Manas River tributary, look for a very narrow valley opening on the southern side of the river. Inside the valley, a barely visible horse trail leads toward the Halahate Pass. At an elevation of 3,273 meters, the pass rises over 700 meters vertically from the valley entrance with a steep gradient, posing another tough challenge for hikers who have been trekking for several days.
The head office of the Urumqi Ranch isn’t what you might expect—it turns out to be just two isolated earthen houses, completely deserted. Hike about 20 kilometers that day and camp near the Urumqi Ranch.
Tip: 1. North of the Lantekazhen Pass, winters are long and harsh with heavy snow, making it suitable only for summer grazing. In contrast, the southern side enjoys a milder winter climate and serves as the winter pasture for Hejing County, mainly used by Mongolian herders. Grazing is prohibited in the summer to allow grass recovery, leaving the entire mountain area deserted.
2. There’s also an alternative route that heads south from the Lantekazhen Pass, directly crossing the Hahat Pass and the Guren Pass to reach National Highway 218. According to local herders, this route can save a day’s travel, but no hikers have yet surveyed it on foot.
Day 9: Hike 20 kilometers to reach the endpoint, the Gurengele Village: Located at 85°59′03″E, 43°12′35″N and an elevation of 2,943 meters, this significant settlement does not appear on the 1984 1:250,000 military topographic map. The Gurengele area features gentle mountain terrain and is part of Xinjiang’s internationally open hunting grounds, primarily for argali sheep hunting—several foreign hunting groups visit each year. Gurengele Village is a pastoral community equipped with a solar-powered satellite phone, where the village chief and party secretary manage local affairs. The villagers have also built a 35-kilometer unpaved road leading to National Highway 218. If you’re lucky, you may be able to rent the village chief’s jeep to reach the highway for around 400 yuan, though the rough road conditions make this pricey. Alternatively, calling for a vehicle from Baluntai Town typically costs 500–600 yuan.
If all goes smoothly, you may reach National Highway 218 the same day. From there, hire a car for the 45-kilometer ride to Baluntai Town, then book another vehicle back to Urumqi the following day.
