Xinjiang Cattle and Sheep Migration Photo Tour – China

Your adventure starts with a flight from Singapore to Urumqi, the vibrant capital of Xinjiang. As you arrive in Urumqi, the gateway to China’s remote northwest, you’ll feel the excitement build for the journey ahead. After a smooth transfer from the airport, you settle into your hotel for the night, taking in the unique atmosphere of this bustling city. The day ends with a comfortable rest, preparing you for the next morning’s flight to Yining, where the real adventure begins.

The plane lands in Yining, and as you step out, the fresh mountain air fills your lungs, setting the tone for the adventure ahead. At the airport, your guide greets you warmly, a welcoming smile easing any travel fatigue. They lead you to a waiting vehicle, and as you drive through the city, Yining’s blend of vibrant cultures and scenic beauty unfolds before your eyes. The distant hills and bustling streets offer a glimpse of the diverse landscapes and experiences that await.

(Actual Tour starts on Day 2 in Yining)

After a hearty breakfast, you’re off to Zhaosu or Tekes. The road stretches out before you, winding through rolling hills and valleys, each bend revealing new vistas that beg to be photographed. The journey itself becomes a prelude to the grand scenes awaiting your lens. By evening, you arrive at your destination, where the horizon seems to stretch infinitely, promising more beauty in the days to come.

Today, you explore the heart of Zhaosu, the ancient land of the legendary Tianma, or Heavenly Horses. These majestic creatures, known for their strength and endurance, have roamed these lands for centuries. Your camera clicks as they wade into the river, their powerful bodies splashing water under the golden morning light. The day is spent in awe of the history and the sheer power of nature, as you capture the essence of these revered animals against the backdrop of endless fields of rapeseed, their yellow blossoms painting the landscape in vibrant hues.

The journey takes you higher today, to the Kalajun Grassland—often called the king of aerial meadows. As your vehicle climbs the winding roads, the air grows cooler, and the scenery more dramatic. Soon, you are surrounded by a vast green expanse, dotted with grazing cattle and framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan Mountains. The grassland stretches as far as the eye can see, blending seamlessly with the sky at the horizon. As the sun sets, the sky explodes in colors, and you capture the reflection of the golden light on the snowy peaks—one of those rare moments that feel both eternal and fleeting.

Your journey today leads to the secluded village of Qiongkushitai, a place so remote that it’s not even marked on most maps. As you arrive, you are greeted by a scene straight out of a dream—rolling hills covered in wildflowers, the air filled with the scent of pine, and a sky so blue it feels unreal. The village, with its simple homes and traditional Kazakh lifestyle, offers a rare glimpse into a world that remains largely untouched by time. As you set up your camera, the light begins to soften, casting a warm glow over the landscape. The day ends with the satisfaction of having captured the soul of this hidden paradise.

Tangbula Grassland, known as the “Hundred-Mile Gallery,” is today’s destination. As you traverse this natural wonder, it’s easy to see how it earned its name. The landscape is a living painting—endless stretches of green, punctuated by wildflowers, with the rugged peaks of the Tianshan range as a dramatic backdrop. Every turn reveals a new angle, a new perspective, and your camera barely gets a rest. The sheer beauty of this place is overwhelming, and by the end of the day, your memory card is filled with images that capture nature at its most magnificent.

Today, you make your way to Sayram Lake, a pristine alpine lake cradled by the Tianshan Mountains. The journey is long but rewarding, as the lake’s crystal-clear waters come into view, reflecting the towering peaks and the sky’s endless blue. The serene beauty of Sayram Lake is breathtaking, and you spend the day capturing its many moods—from the calm, mirror-like surface in the morning to the golden hues of sunset. The day ends in Karamay, with your heart full and your camera overflowing with images of this magical place.

Leaving Karamay, you head to the enigmatic Ghost City, a place shaped by millennia of wind and weather. This surreal landscape, with its bizarre rock formations and eerie silence, feels like another planet. As you explore, you are struck by the raw power of nature that has carved these sculptures out of the earth. The light plays tricks on your eyes, and every angle reveals a new form, a new story. By the time you leave, Ghost City has left an indelible mark on your soul, and your camera is filled with the haunting beauty of this otherworldly place.

The next three days are dedicated to capturing one of the most awe-inspiring events in nature—the spring migration of the Kazakh herders. This is the heart of your journey, the moment you’ve been waiting for. From dawn to dusk, you follow the herders and their vast flocks as they move across the landscape. The scenes are nothing short of epic—thousands of cattle, sheep, and horses, moving in unison, their hooves kicking up dust that catches the light just so. The herders, some on horseback, some leading camels loaded with their belongings, are the very picture of resilience and tradition. Each day brings new opportunities, new angles, new light, and you are there to capture it all—the grandeur, the chaos, the quiet moments of life in motion.

(Note: Please note that migration dates are not fixed and may shift by up to 5 days. As a result, we might need to adjust the itinerary as we go.)

As the migration draws to a close, you make your way back to Urumqi. The road is long, and the landscape slowly changes as you leave the mountains and grasslands behind. The city comes into view, a stark contrast to the wild beauty you’ve been immersed in. There’s time for one last stop, perhaps at the bustling Grand Bazaar, where the colors, sounds, and smells of Xinjiang’s rich culture fill your senses. It’s a fitting end to a journey that has been as much about discovery as it has been about photography.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. The memories of the past 14 days, the images you’ve captured, the people you’ve met, all come flooding back as you pack your bags. This journey has been more than just a photography tour—it’s been an experience of a lifetime. As you leave, you carry with you not just pictures, but the spirit of Xinjiang, a place of unmatched beauty, rich culture, and timeless traditions.