Day 1 Kashgar → Fossil Mountain → The intersection of two mountains → Westmost Monument → Simhana Village → Irkeshtam Port → Wuqia County
All day
[Beijing time 9:00-9:30] Please wait in the hotel lobby within the city of Kashgar. The driver will pick you up and officially start your journey.
Today we will head towards the [Westernmost Point of China] along the border road between China and Kyrgyzstan!
We'll pass by Fossil Mountain, renowned for its rich fossil reserves and known as the "Homeland of Dinosaurs in China." This area preserves a rich and diverse collection of paleontological fossils, including dinosaurs, mammals, and reptiles. The mountain's unique shapes and vibrant rock formations create a sense of grandeur and mystery, allowing you to experience the wonders of geological evolution.
As we continued westward, the majestic Kunlun Mountains loomed on our left, while the 2,500-kilometer-long Tianshan Mountains stretched to our right. These two vast mountain ranges gradually approached and converged here. We arrived at the Tianshan + Kunlun Mountain Intersection Observation Deck, where the Tianshan Mountains appeared camel-colored and the Kunlun Mountains dark blue. We took in the unique features of these two magnificent mountain ranges and experienced the spectacular mountain-building movement.
In the afternoon, we arrived at Jigen Township, China's westernmost township, and headed to the Western Boundary Monument. We climbed to the Last Ray of Sunshine Observation Deck, overlooking the Kunlun Snow Mountain. At the foot of the mountain, at the Irkeshtam Port, a crucial passage between China and Kyrgyzstan, a long convoy bustled with supplies. This is where the sun sets last in China!
After going down the mountain, we headed to the last village in the west, Smukhana Village, and took photos at the Irkeshtam Port (the port is strictly inspected, so you can take photos from a distance outside and not enter the port).
Leave at the right time and go to Wuqia County, the last county in the west, to stay and rest.
【Border Pass】Instructions!!
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.
Destination: Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture - Wuqia County - Jigen Township (just write Wuqia County); Destination Time: Same as the tour group date
Kind tips:
1. The road conditions in the Westernmost region are good (highways + national roads), but there are few places to eat along the way. It is recommended that tourists prepare some dry food, snacks, fruits, etc.
2. The highest altitude during the trip: Red Valley is 3,200 meters above sea level. The oxygen content is high, so you don’t need to worry about altitude sickness if you don’t do strenuous exercise.
Day 2 Wuqia County → Torugat Border Highway → Red Valley → Kashgar
All day
After breakfast, we departed and continued exploring the border scenery along the Torugat Border Highway. As our vehicle progressed, we arrived at the lesser-known Red Valley, a hidden gem first discovered by China-TravelNote. Located on the border with Kyrgyzstan, this breathtaking Danxia landform blends with snow-capped mountains and grasslands, weathering into a diverse array of shapes. There's "Skull Mountain," resembling a skull, "Hat Mountain," shaped like a magic hat, and various red weathered rocks. Off-road vehicles can navigate this terrain, taking you deep into the Danxia Valley, where you can gaze out from above and marvel at the wonders of nature.
After having fun, you will return to Kashgar City around 18:00. If you need to leave on the same day, you can be sent to the airport. It is recommended to purchase a flight at 20:00.
