In the morning we visit the Urumqi History Museum with its 3000-year-old mummies on display, where you will gain insight into the history of the most ancient states along the Silk Road. A delicious lunch will be served at a local restaurant and will consist of the traditional chicken specialty. In the afternoon we drive to the Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) which will take about 1.5 hours.

The Heavenly Lake is situated to the east of the Tianshan Mountain range, north of Bogda Peak, 97 km south of Urumuqi. Known as Yaochi in ancient times, the lake surface elevates 1,910 meters above sea level, with an average depth of 60 meters. Surrounding the Heavenly Lake are snow mountains, glaciers, forests and grassland alpine lakes, featuring a vertical natural landscape belt.

We will stay overnight in a Kazak yurt beside the lake. Optionally you can also sleep in a 3-star-hotel nearby.