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Aikenda Pass is a scenic spot with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and desert landscape. It is a great place for hiking, nature photography, and exploring the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can also enjoy the historic significance of the pass, which served as an important route in ancient times. The area is perfect for outdoor activities like bird watching and stargazing at night.
Aiken Daban, located in Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, is a vital route into and out of the Ili Basin. Aiken Daban, a Mongolian term meaning "winding and steep mountain range," stands at over 3,000 meters above sea level. It forms the border between Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture and Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture and serves as the eastern entrance to the Ili Basin. In summer, looking east from Gongnaisi Valley, the winding, soaring mountain road west of Aiken Daban, along with snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, and a profusion of wildflowers, offers a breathtaking view of the Ili Basin.
Temperate continental climate, summer
Gongnaisi Grassland, 1 hour
free
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Aikenda Pass is historically significant as it served as an ancient trade route connecting different parts of Xinjiang. The pass was a crucial point for travelers and merchants, especially along the Silk Road. The natural beauty combined with its historical importance makes it a unique destination in Xinjiang.
Aikenda Pass is located in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China. It can be reached by taxi or private car from the nearest city, Korla. There are no public transportation services directly to the pass, so renting a vehicle or joining a guided tour is recommended.
Aikenda Pass is accessible year-round. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Summer can be hot, and winter might be too cold for comfortable outdoor activities.
The entrance fee to Aikenda Pass is free. However, visitors may need to pay for parking or other minor services. It is not necessary to purchase tickets in advance.
No tickets are required in advance for Aikenda Pass. Visitors can simply show up, but if you plan to visit with a tour group, it is advised to confirm details beforehand.
Exploring Aikenda Pass will take about 2 to 3 hours, allowing time for hiking, photography, and enjoying the natural surroundings. If you wish to spend more time appreciating the landscape or participating in other outdoor activities, you might need half a day.
The main highlight of Aikenda Pass is the panoramic view from the top of the pass, where visitors can see the vast desert landscape and distant mountain ranges. The surrounding rocky terrain and the natural beauty of the area make for fantastic photography spots.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and it is recommended to arrange them in advance. Audio guides are not widely available in other languages, so it may be helpful to have a guide who speaks your language if you're not familiar with Mandarin.
The best viewpoints are along the hiking trails and at the summit of the pass. From there, visitors can capture wide-angle shots of the surrounding mountains, desert, and valley. Sunrise and sunset offer the best lighting for photography.
Start your visit by walking up the main trail to the top of the pass for a breathtaking view. Afterward, you can explore the surrounding area, take photographs, and hike through nearby paths to get a closer look at the desert and mountains.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Aikenda Pass. However, stargazing is a popular activity due to the clear skies and remote location. Visitors can enjoy the night sky without the interference of city lights.
Aikenda Pass is generally not crowded, as it is a relatively remote location. The least crowded times are during weekdays and in the off-peak tourist seasons, such as autumn and early spring.
Basic facilities like toilets are available, but there are no restaurants, water stations, or shops at the pass. It is recommended to bring your own water, snacks, and other necessities.
Aikenda Pass involves walking on uneven terrain, and the trails may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors. However, children and active individuals should be able to enjoy the site with proper supervision and precautions.
Cash is commonly used in the area, but mobile payments (e.g., WeChat Pay, Alipay) may also be accepted in nearby areas. It’s advisable to carry cash for any incidental expenses.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside Aikenda Pass, but nearby towns like Korla offer a variety of Xinjiang restaurants that serve local dishes.
In the surrounding towns, you will find many halal food options, particularly in Korla. Vegetarian options are also widely available in the area.
Korla is the closest city to Aikenda Pass, and it offers a variety of accommodations ranging from budget hotels to more comfortable options. Some popular hotels include Korla Hotel and Tianshan Hotel.
Nearby attractions include the Tianshan Mountains, the ancient city of Jiaohe, and the Malan Martyrs Cemetery. These sites can be easily combined in a day trip from Korla.
There are no souvenir shops at Aikenda Pass itself, but in Korla, visitors can purchase local Uyghur handicrafts, including carpets, textiles, and jewelry.
Private car or taxi is the best way to continue your trip from Aikenda Pass. Public transportation options are limited, and renting a car provides flexibility to explore the region further.
