The Trek:

Total trekking distance (est.): 70km
Average trekking per day: 17km
Maximum altitude attained: 2480m
Maximum ascend: 1280m (day 4)
Maximum descend: 870m (day 5)

Day 1: JiaDengYu / Junction of 2 rivers (campsite1)

There is a small mountain pass, about 1570m, right after starting from the Kazakh yurts at JiaDengYu. It is quite a steep uphill climb here. After this pass, it is down-slope all the way to the ticketing office (entrance to area of HeMu) beside the river. After you crossed the wooden bridge, turn right & follow the trail alongside the river on its left bank.

Take note that this part of the trek is rather bare. Thus, it is recommended to have your shades/caps on. There is a long & gentle stretch of upslope before you descend again. There is also a half-way guesthouse along the trek. After passing through it, the trail is generally flat & you should reach the Y-junction of HeMu river & Kanas river. There is an open grass patch & this would be an ideal camping site.

Trekking distance: 18km
Est. trek time: 6-7hr

Day 2: Camp1 to HeMu village

An easy trek today. The gradient is almost flat & mainly downhill. After leaving Camp1, you will follow the HeMu river northwards, along the left bank of the river. There is a split-junction, take the right path & follow close to the river. This part of the trail is still mostly bare & un-shaded. A good lunch spot would be somewhere close to the stream near the pine tree forest, after you descend a steep slope. From this point, it is just another 2hr to HeMu village. You will see HeMu on your right as you approach the big wooden HeMu bridge. Welcome to HeMu!

Trekking distance: 17km
Est. trek time: 4-5hr

Day 3: Rest day in HeMu village

Free & easy in HeMu village

 

Day 4: HeMu village to Black Lake (campsite2)

Today is the toughest day of the trek.

After crossing the HeMu bridge, follow the horse trail/steps up to the plateau directly opposite the village. Following a northeasterly direction, trek across the flat open grass patch & arrive at the small ticketing office for Kanas Lake.
The trail continues uphill all the way towards the high-pass. It takes about 2hr to reach this high-pass. Continue along the trail, up the valley with the river on your left. There is long stretch of rocks along the bank. This is a good place for lunch as water is easily accessible. The trail ascends further and the view here is beautiful: carpet-like grass, birch trees, yurts & small wooden huts. You should see a rocky mountain face on your right.
Follow the stream up the valley until you come to a lone tree right in the middle of the valley. Trek on towards the right of this tree. Soon you will arrive at the 2450m high-pass. After this pass, you will descend down to Black Lake. There is a place to stay for the night beside the Black Lake. However, avoid the area immediately after the high-pass as the grounds are damp due to the many streams flowing through.

Trekking distance: 15km
Est. trek time: 8-9hr

Day 5 : Black Lake to Kanas Lake

This part of the trek is relatively easy; mostly gentle down slopes.
You will come to a depression about 1hr from the Black Lake. Cross the stream that runs through it. Continue trekking in the west direction & you will arrive at a high-point where you can overlook the flat plains far ahead. There are several yurts below, & this is a nice place to have lunch.
Follow the trail down the steppes and climb up the side of the mountain on your right. Here, you can see Thousand Lakes from the top. This stretch is scenic & you will also pass several Tuvan villages along the way. Continue your trek through a nice stretch of pine trees to arrive at a high-point. Pass this point & you will see a turquoise lake to your right. Welcome to Kanas Lake!

Trekking distance: 25km
Est. time: 7-8hr