Insider Tips! Off-the-Beaten-Path Autumn Activities in Kanas: Searching for the Legendary Lake Monster and the Most Beautiful Villages

While everyone else was crowding the fish-watching platform for a spot, I was already on a boat heading to the center of the lake, searching for traces of the "lake monster." This insider guide will help you unlock a deeper, more interesting autumn experience in Kanas. ​​【Itinerary Planning: Themed Route (Border Exploration + Lake and Mountain Scenery)】​​ My route is: Kanas Lake boat tour → Deep into Hemu Village (recommended to stay overnight) → Hike to Meili Peak → Check in at the boundary marker in Baihaba. This route focuses more on experiencing the culture of the Tuva people’s villages and the more pristine natural scenery. ​​【Highlights: Hidden Activities】​​ ✅ Kanas Lake Boat Tour: Take a boat to the center of the lake and feel the tranquility embraced by surrounding mountains. The water is crystal clear up close, and the legendary "lake monster" is said to appear here, adding a touch of mystery. ✅ Hemu Village Morning Mist: This is almost the symbol of Hemu. Climb the hillside beside the village early in the morning to see sunlight pouring down, morning mist slowly rising from the Hemu River, enveloping the entire village, with smoke curling from wooden houses, like a fairyland. ✅ Meili Peak Hike: Hike from Hemu Village to the foot of Meili Peak. The distance is moderate, but the grasslands, streams, and autumn forests along the way are stunning, offering the most original Altai scenery. ​​【Check-in Guide: Creating a Cinematic Feel】​​ Hemu Village Viewing Platform: A classic spot to photograph the morning mist and panoramic village views. You can shoot time-lapse videos to capture the changing light and flowing clouds. Baihaba Village "No. 5 Boundary Marker": Stand on the national border and feel the solemnity and tranquility of the "Northwest’s First Village," with golden forests in the background, making for a meaningful photo. Photographing Locals: With permission, you can photograph the simple Tuva herders, their wooden houses, and herds of cattle and sheep. These humanistic documentary-style photos have more warmth. Creating a Cinematic Feel: Take plenty of shots of empty scenes—flowing rivers, light and shadow in the forest, grazing horses. Later, edit them together with music to create a wonderful travel short film. ​​【In-Depth Experience Story】​​ That evening in Hemu Village, I didn’t join the crowd at the viewing platform but took a walk along the edge of the village by the Hemu River. The water was milky blue and flowing endlessly. I met an elderly Tuva man feeding his horse; he greeted me with a smile in broken Mandarin. I sat on a rock by the river, watching the sunset dye the birch forest on the opposite hillside golden-red, listening to the rushing water and the horses’ snorts. Time seemed to slow down. This kind of local immersion is more real and moving than any postcard scenery. ​​【Practical Information: Pitfall Avoidance Guide ⚠️】​​ Book! Book! Autumn is the busiest season in Kanas, so be sure to book flights, accommodations, and even shuttle tickets well in advance! Prices: All supplies in the scenic area must be transported in from outside, so food and shopping prices are relatively high—be prepared. Respect Customs: The Tuva people are a branch of the Mongolian ethnic group; please respect their lifestyle and religious beliefs. Environmental Protection: Please take all your trash with you to protect this pure land. ​​【Food & Accommodation 🍽️🏡】​​ Food: Be sure to try the local specialty earthen hot pot and enjoy a bowl of rich milk tea. Grilled lamb skewers are also very authentic. Accommodation: Wooden guesthouses in Hemu and Baihaba are part of the experience, but they generally lack soundproofing and have dry or shared bathrooms, so check descriptions carefully when booking. Avoid the crowds and explore Kanas in these ways—you will fall in love with this autumn fairy tale world.