A Day in Kanas: My Experience

Morning: Awakened by the Lake's Beauty, Exploring Kanas Lake 08:00 "Breakfast at the Guesthouse": Start your day with tender hand-pulled lamb paired with freshly baked leba bread, rich in wheat aroma, and a warm cup of butter tea to soothe your stomach. After breakfast, take a walk to the Xin Village Observation Deck. In the morning light, the Kanas River meanders like a colorful ribbon, weaving through golden birch forests. Be sure to capture every frame of this autumnal charm. 09:30 "Lake Exploration by Boat": A 10-minute taxi ride takes you to the Kanas Lake Pier. Board a boat to venture into the mysterious realm of the "lake monster legend." Around 10 a.m., the lake shimmers with emerald hues, its colors shifting with the light, as if you can feel the heartbeat of the Altai Mountains. 11:30 "Boardwalk Hike": Walk along the western boardwalk of Kanas Lake (4 kilometers, 2 hours). Along the way, you'll encounter the "Kilometer-Long Driftwood Dam," a natural wonder sculpted by water and wind. Pine needles from the primeval taiga forest may fall on your shoulders. The trail ends at the lower station of the Fish Viewing Platform cable car, setting the stage for your afternoon adventure. Afternoon: Hiking the Three Bays, Chasing the Light 14:00 "Pause at Fairy Bay": Take the shuttle bus to Fairy Bay (shuttle bus included with the park ticket). By now, the morning mist has lifted, and sunlight dances on the shallows. Algae and pebbles reflect a "golden carpet" effect. Sit quietly for a moment and listen to the symphony of flowing water and birdsong. 15:30 "Strolling to Moon Bay": Walk along the wooden boardwalk to Moon Bay (1.5 kilometers, 1 hour). Stop at the "Footprint Riverbed" observation deck, where the river makes two graceful curves. The water's blue-green gradient resembles shattered jade. Through a telephoto lens, every ripple becomes a stroke of nature's artistry. 17:00 "Sunset at Wolong Bay": Arrive at Wolong Bay as the setting sun casts its glow over the valley. The water flows around the river island, sketching the outline of a "dragon lying in water." If you have a polarizing filter, use it boldly to capture the silky smoothness of the water, freezing the serene beauty of autumn in time. Evening: A Starry Feast, Sleeping with the Mountains and Lake 19:00 "Climbing the Fish Viewing Platform": Take the shuttle bus to the Fish Viewing Platform and ascend 1,068 steps to the 2,030-meter-high observation deck. As dusk falls, the panoramic view of Kanas Lake unfolds beneath you. In the distance, the Friendship Peak glacier glimmers with a cold light. With the lake, mountains, and glacier in one frame, every snapshot becomes an autumn masterpiece. 21:30 "Bonfire Night Feast": Return to the guesthouse, where a bonfire is already lit, and the melody of the morin khuur fills the air. Enjoy a taste of Burqin hotpot. A sip of hot soup melts away all fatigue, a warm nocturne gifted by Kanas to its travelers. Special Reminder!!! As Kanas, Hemu, and Baihaba scenic areas are entering the peak autumn travel season and nearing full capacity, please make sure to inquire and book tickets 3-5 days in advance (entry to the scenic area and accommodation will be affected without tickets) to avoid disruptions to your trip.