CURRENTLY CLOSED. When open, the trail requires a permit from the local forestry bureau and must be arranged through a licensed operator. Contact us to handle all permits and logistics. Foreign visitors additionally need a travel permit for the border region (Zhaosu is near the Kazakhstan border). Permits typically take 7-10 days to process and cost approximately ¥300-500 per person. A registered guide is mandatory — independent trekking is not permitted. Contact us for current permit status and arrangements.
The Wusun Ancient Trail is one of China's most epic and challenging long-distance treks, crossing the Tianshan Mountains from Zhaosu to Heiyinggou in Xinjiang. For over 2,000 years, this route was used by the Wusun nomads — an ancient Indo-European people who dominated the region before the Han Dynasty. Today, it remains one of the 'Three Great Routes' of Xinjiang outdoor exploration. The trail traverses alpine meadows, dense conifer forests, glacial rivers, and high mountain passes reaching nearly 3,900m. The crown jewel is Heaven Lake (天堂湖) — a stunning turquoise alpine lake cradled beneath snow-capped peaks, considered one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in all of China. This is a true wilderness expedition requiring river crossings, multi-day camping, and complete self-sufficiency. NOTE: As of July 2026, the Wusun Ancient Trail is CLOSED to trekkers. The trail has been shut down by local authorities for environmental protection and safety reasons. Contact us for the latest reopening status before planning any trip.
This is an expert-level expedition. The trail covers 130km over 6-7 days with significant elevation gain/loss, multiple glacier-fed river crossings (often knee-to-thigh deep), a 3,900m high pass, and complete wilderness with no rescue access. Physical fitness must be excellent — you will carry a full backpack (15-20kg) at altitude for a week. River crossings are the most dangerous element — glacial meltwater is freezing and fast-flowing. The trail is only accessible July-September; outside this window, snow and ice make it impassable.
The standard route crossing the Tianshan from south to north, passing Heaven Lake and Akebulak Pass.
A shorter option reaching only Heaven Lake and returning — avoids the high pass but still delivers the trail's highlight.
Best: Mid-July to late September. This is the ONLY viable window — the pass is snow-free and river levels are at their lowest (though still significant). August offers the most stable weather but also the most trekkers. September has fewer people and beautiful autumn colors but colder nights and potential early snow. October-June: completely impassable due to deep snow on the pass and frozen rivers. NOTE: The trail is currently CLOSED regardless of season — check with local authorities for reopening timeline.
Everything you need to know as an international traveler planning this route in China.
All foreign visitors need a Chinese visa. Zhaosu County is in a border-sensitive area (near Kazakhstan) — an additional Travel Permit for Border Areas (边防证) is required. Contact us to arrange this — we handle the process, which takes 7-10 days. Some nationalities may face additional restrictions in Xinjiang — check with your embassy before planning. Urumqi is the nearest major international gateway with flights from Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
CURRENTLY CLOSED. When open: (1) Border Travel Permit (边防证) — required for Zhaosu border zone, arranged through us; (2) Forestry Bureau trekking permit — we handle this for you; (3) Registered guide is MANDATORY — independent trekking is not permitted. Total permit cost: approximately ¥300-500 per person. Processing time: 7-10 days. Contact outdoor agencies in Urumqi or Yining to arrange everything.
When the trail reopens, contact us to arrange your Wusun expedition. We handle all permits, guides, pack horses, and food logistics. Typical package cost: ¥6,000-10,000 per person for a 7-day trek (including guide, horses, meals, camping gear, and permits). Book 2-4 weeks in advance during peak season (August). Contact us for arrangements and the latest trail status.
Cash (RMB) is essential in rural Xinjiang. Very limited mobile payment acceptance outside major cities. Bring enough cash for the entire trip — ATMs in Zhaosu may not accept foreign cards. Your trekking agency will handle most logistics, but carry ¥1,000-2,000 for emergencies and tips.
Fly to Urumqi (URC) — the nearest international airport. From Urumqi: (1) Overnight train or bus to Yining (伊宁, ~12h), then bus/taxi to Zhaosu (昭苏, ~3h); (2) Or fly Urumqi → Zhaosu Tianma Airport (direct flight, ~1h, operates seasonally). The trail starts at Qiongkushitai village near Zhaosu — your guide/trekking company will arrange transfer from Zhaosu town. End point: Heiyinggou near Kuitun — arrange pickup transfer back to Urumqi.
Before/after the trek: Hotels in Zhaosu (¥200-400/night) or Yining (¥300-600/night). Basic but clean. During the trek: camping only — no guesthouses, no shelters. Your trekking company provides tents and cooking gear if you book a package. Qiongkushitai village (trailhead) has basic Kazakh homestays (¥100-150/night) if you need to stay before starting.
Very limited English in rural Xinjiang. Local languages: Mandarin Chinese and Uyghur. Kazakh is spoken in pastoral areas near the trail. Useful phrases: 乌孙古道 (wū sūn gǔ dào) = Wusun Ancient Trail; 天堂湖 (tiān táng hú) = Heaven Lake; 昭苏 (zhāo sū) = Zhaosu; 多少钱 (duō shǎo qián) = how much? A guide who speaks basic English is essential.
ZERO cell signal for the entire 130km trek. Download offline maps (Maps.me, Gaia GPS) before departing. Bring a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or Zoleo) for emergencies. Last signal point: Qiongkushitai village at the trailhead. Next signal: Heiyinggou at the trail's end. Inform family/friends of your expected communication blackout period.
Nearest hospital: Zhaosu County Hospital (昭苏县人民医院): 0999-6022412. Urumqi emergency: 120 (ambulance), 110 (police). EVACUATION IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT — no helicopter access in most sections. Emergency evacuation by horse takes 1-2 days to reach the nearest road. Comprehensive travel insurance with wilderness evacuation coverage is MANDATORY. Register your route with the local forestry bureau so they know to look for you if you don't return on time.
The most incredible trek I've done in China. Heaven Lake at sunrise is burned into my memory forever. But it's brutal — the river crossings nearly took me down. Go with a good guide and pack animals. Not for the faint of heart.
Pure wilderness. 7 days with zero cell signal, zero roads, zero civilization. The Akebulak Pass at 3,900m was challenging but the views from the top were unreal. This trail demands respect — bring proper gear and be physically prepared.
Last verified: August 1, 2026