Day 1 Kashgar → Karakoram Highway → Baisha Lake North Shore → Muji Township Crater → Taheman Wetland → Tashkurgan County
·morning
After breakfast between 9:00-9:30 Beijing time, the driver will arrive at the hotel on time to pick up the tourists, introduce each other and break the ice, and then start the Pamir Plateau tour.
Today we'll travel along the Karakoram Highway, the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, towards the Pamir Plateau! "Pamir" means "Roof of the World" in Tajik, and the ancient Silk Road traversed this region. Along the way, we'll admire the stunning Flaming Mountains and the Aoyitak Red Mountains of southern Xinjiang. As we continue deeper into the area, we'll pass by the north shore of Baisha Lake. Compared to the more touristy south shore, this area offers a magical spectacle of blue lakes and sand dunes.
IMPORTANT! MUST READ!!
To travel to the Westernmost Point, you'll need to apply for a border pass in advance. Each person must apply for one. It's recommended to apply in Kashgar (recommended at the information counter on the arrival level of Kashgar Airport, 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM) or at one of the 19 police stations in Kashgar City, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM. You can also apply at the local police station where you are registered. Children under 16 must bring their household registration booklet and apply with their parents.
Time of departure: Same as the group date (If you have plans to go to the Western Pole, it is recommended that you write them on one border pass)
Destination: Kashgar Prefecture - Tashkurgan County, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture - Akto County - Muji Township (county level only)
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we arrived at the mysterious border village of Muji Township, home to the unique Kare Temir Volcanic Cluster, with 13 craters formed by eruptions 1,500 years ago. The iconic craters, rare plateau wetlands, clear glacial lakes, and sweet glacial water will leave you marveling at the magical charm of nature. In the distance, the snow-capped mountains, lined up in a row, are known as the "Eighteen Arhats Snow Mountain Honor Guard," guarding this secret plateau landscape.
After having fun, we will leave and continue to Tashkurgan County, passing through the Taheman Wetland, where we can appreciate the Muztagh Ata Peak and the fertile plateau wetland scenery from another perspective.
We arrived in Tashkurgan County in the evening. Tashkurgan County is a small border town (around 3,000 meters above sea level, with little altitude sickness). It's primarily populated by Tajiks, a noble ethnic group on the Pamir Plateau who don't pick up lost items on the road and leave their doors unlocked at night. That evening, we met up with our group to explore the plateau's unique cuisine (yak hotpot, yak beef, etc.).
Day 2: Tianta County → Khunjerab Pass → Wakhan Corridor → Panlong Ancient Road → Tashkurgan County
·morning
After breakfast, we will depart for the Khunjerab Pass. Khunjerab means "blood-stained passage" in Tajik. It is the highest national gate in my country. There are only more than 80 days of frost-free period a year, and it is covered with snow even in summer.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we visited the Wakhan Corridor, the "crossroads" between the four countries. This is a narrow strip of land between China, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Pakistan, and is also a land route connecting China and Afghanistan.
Afterwards, we will cross the famous plateau highway [Panlong Ancient Road], with hundreds of hairpin turns and winding down. I believe everyone will be shocked by the strength of the road builders.
This road is a path to poverty alleviation and prosperity. It significantly shortened the distance between Waqia Township and the county seat, shortening the travel time for herders. Because the mountain on which the ancient trail is located is composed of loose sand and rock, tunnels and elevated bridges are not feasible. Therefore, the route was built around the mountain in an S-shaped pattern, following the terrain. This resulted in the Panlong Ancient Trail, with over 600 bends.
Continuing on, we will encounter the mysterious blue lake Bandir Blue Lake, where the emerald waters contrast with the towering peaks. In the evening, we will return to the hotel in Tashkurgan to rest.
Panlong Ancient Road Conditions
The Panlong Ancient Road is now open to traffic! The road is at a high altitude, with steep terrain and many continuous bends. In case of special weather conditions, it may be temporarily closed occasionally. If it is impossible to cross through, you will have to abandon it. Please understand.
Day 3: Tianta County → Pamir Scenic Area → Tree Hole Highway → Muztagh Ata Glacier Park → Karakul Lake → Kashgar
·morning
After breakfast, we will depart for the Pamir Scenic Area to visit the Golden Grassland Wetland and Stone City. This is a great angle to photograph the reflection of Stone City with the spectacular Karakoram Snow Mountain in the background. Stone City, an important site on the ancient Silk Road and the capital of the Pul Kingdom, one of the 36 Kingdoms in the ancient Western Regions, bears witness to the glorious history of the Pamir Plateau.
We journeyed to the lush Taheman Wetland, admiring the wetlands nurtured by glacial meltwater. Then, we journeyed to the privately hidden "Tree Hole Highway"! Lining the several-kilometer-long road are landscape trees unique to the plateau, their branches connected at the top. Walking through the tree holes feels like traveling back in time.
Afterwards, we will return to Kashgar along the Karakoram Highway and visit the Muztagh Ata Glacier Park. Here, we can see the "Father of Glaciers" Muztagh Ata's No. 4 Glacier (4,650 meters above sea level). This huge white glacier continuously nourishes the Palmy Plateau.
·afternoon
Continue on, passing by Karakul Lake, admire the reflection of Muztagh Ata, the "Father of Icebergs", in the lake, and look up at the three majestic peaks of Kunlun Mountains (Kongur Peak at 7,649 meters above sea level, Kongur Jiubie Peak at 7,530 meters above sea level, and Muztagh Ata Peak at 7,509 meters above sea level).
Arrive in Kashgar in the evening and take a stroll around this prosperous city in the Western Regions.
We are expected to arrive in Kashgar at 9:00 PM and transfer to your reserved hotel. Due to the heavy rain in summer, road conditions are poor, so we do not recommend returning tonight.
