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The Tashkurgan River, located in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, originates in Keketuluk, on the border between my country's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Afghanistan. With a total length of 298 kilometers and an average annual runoff of 1.19 billion cubic meters, it is a major tributary of the Yarkand River. The downstream section of the Tashkurgan River, below the Xiabandi Hydropower Station, is 81 kilometers long, with a natural drop of approximately 1,030 meters and an average gradient of 11.3%. The river has a theoretical hydropower potential of 364 megawatts, attracting many tourists.
Temperate continental climate, summer
Xiabandi Reservoir, 1 hour
free
All day
The Tashkurgan River is situated in a region rich in history and cultural significance. It flows through the Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County in Xinjiang, near the border with Pakistan. This area was a crucial point along the ancient Silk Road, linking Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent and beyond. Tashkurgan Fort, nearby, has long been a military and trading post, serving as a gateway to the western regions. The river itself is essential for agriculture and sustenance in the region.
The Tashkurgan River is located in the Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, in the Kashgar region of Xinjiang, China. To get there, you would typically fly into Kashgar and then travel by taxi or bus. From Kashgar, it’s approximately a 6-7 hour drive to Tashkurgan. The river is accessible by car, and there are no metro services in this rural area.
The Tashkurgan River, being a natural attraction, is open year-round. The best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is milder. Summer (July and August) can be very hot, while winter (November to February) brings cold temperatures and snow, which can make travel more challenging.
There is no entrance fee for visiting the Tashkurgan River itself as it is a natural site. However, visiting nearby attractions such as the Tashkurgan Fort may require an entrance fee. Tickets for such attractions can typically be purchased on-site at the entrance, and it's not necessary to buy them online in advance.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for visiting the Tashkurgan River, as it is a natural area. However, for visits to certain attractions or if you are joining guided tours, it is advisable to book at least a few days in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn).
Exploring the Tashkurgan River and its surrounding areas can take a full day or more, depending on the activities you wish to do. A day trip allows for a scenic walk along the river, photography, and a visit to the Tashkurgan Fort. If you want to explore further into the valleys or participate in a longer hiking or boating tour, you may need two days.
Guided tours are available in the area, and most are conducted in Mandarin. English-speaking guides can be arranged in advance, though it’s advisable to book at least a week ahead. Audio guides are not commonly available, but some tours might provide them in multiple languages depending on the operator.
The best photography spots are along the riverbank during sunrise and sunset when the light casts beautiful reflections on the water. The Tashkurgan Fort offers excellent panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Pamir Mountains, and makes for a great spot for landscape photography. The villages along the river also provide great opportunities for cultural shots.
A recommended itinerary includes starting at the Tashkurgan Fort, where you can enjoy panoramic views, then head to the Tashkurgan River for a walk along the banks or a boat ride. You can also visit nearby Tajik villages to learn about the local culture. For a more extensive experience, consider a day of hiking in the Pamir Mountains to get closer to nature.
Night visits and light shows are not common in the Tashkurgan River area. However, you can enjoy stargazing in the clear desert sky. Special cultural tours to local Tajik villages may also be available, especially during festivals or cultural events.
The Tashkurgan River is not heavily crowded compared to more famous tourist spots in China. The least crowded times to visit are during the winter months (December to February) and early spring (March). The peak tourist season is during the spring and autumn months, so visiting during the weekdays or outside of Chinese holidays will help you avoid large crowds.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available near major tourist sites like Tashkurgan Fort. However, food and drink options are limited, so it’s recommended to bring your own water and snacks. There are no major shopping areas along the river, but small local shops can be found in Tashkurgan town.
The Tashkurgan River area and the surrounding sites may pose challenges for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven terrain and the remote nature of the area. However, it is possible to visit with children or the elderly if proper precautions are taken. You may need to hire private transportation or a guide to make the visit more comfortable.
Cash is often needed in the Tashkurgan River region, especially in smaller villages and remote areas. In the larger town of Tashkurgan, you may find shops that accept cards or mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay), but it is safer to carry cash for smaller transactions.
There are a few local restaurants and small cafes in Tashkurgan town that serve traditional Uyghur and Tajik food. You can find dishes like kebabs, pilaf, and bread. For more diverse options, you may need to head to Kashgar.
Halal food is widely available in the region, especially Uyghur and Tajik cuisine, which includes lamb, rice, and various breads. Vegetarian and vegan options can be found in the local restaurants, but they may be limited compared to meat dishes.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Tashkurgan, ranging from basic accommodations to more comfortable options. In Kashgar, which is about 6-7 hours away, you can find a wider range of hotels, including international chains.
Nearby attractions include the Tashkurgan Fort, the Pamir Plateau, and several Tajik villages that offer cultural insights. For a longer trip, you can combine visits to the Karakoram Highway and the Khunjerab Pass, which leads to the Pakistan border.
Souvenir shops are found in Tashkurgan town, where you can purchase traditional textiles, handwoven carpets, jewelry, and local handicrafts. These items make for unique keepsakes from the region.
The best transportation options include returning to Kashgar by taxi or bus. For long-distance travel, Kashgar has both a railway station and an airport with connections to other major cities in China.
