https://in.trip.com/moments/akto-1446375
2024 Akto Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)
Today's Weather
Overcast 6-15℃
Popular Attractions
The Kalakul Lake
Baisha Lake
Kezhou Glacier Park
The Eye of Pamir is also frozen, but I saw the frost flowers
Muztagh Volcano
Located in Akto County, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, Pamir Plateau, western Xinjiang, there is a volcano mouth
Known as the 'Eye of Pamir'
A thousand and five hundred years ago, the volcano erupted here
The erupted magma changed the color of this land to be colorful
After thousands of years of time and frost
The natural landscape is particularly magnificent
.
Unlike the usual towering mountain-like volcano mouth
The terrain here is as magical as a plain
The winding river flows through the volcano mouth
Flocks of cattle and sheep wander around
Overlooking from the sky, you can see the different colors of water in the volcano mouth
And we didn't do any strategy for this trip
I didn't expect the volcano mouth to freeze in winter at all
.
What replaces it
Is the steaming fog of the volcano mouth
Is the frost flowers formed on the grass beach
Is the wild rabbit suddenly popping out of the snow
Is the loss of different seasonal scenery
It's also an unexpected gain
.
⚠️Almost all the venues are chartered in the off-season, and the temperature is surprisingly cold. The toilets at the entrance are temporarily closed, and the shops in the scenic area are also closed;
⚠️From the entrance of the scenic area to the volcano mouth, you need to walk a few hundred meters of cement road (you can choose to ride a horse in the peak season), and you need to walk a long trestle road to the scenic spot sign (Eye of Pamir);
⚠️The weather was very good that day, the sun was slightly warmer, it is recommended to take pictures after 11 o'clock (very cold)
South Xinjiang | Baisha Lake | Every encounter is just in time
🔻One side is the lake, one side is the beach, one side is the snow mountain❗️, we went to the recommended north shore of Baisha Lake, compared to the south shore full of buses and tourists, indeed there are fewer people, and it's better for taking pictures.
Next, we went to Karakul Lake under the Mustag Peak, which also made us cry with its beauty😭 We didn't go up to the Mustag Peak glacier, my husband and I, two lazy people, felt that taking pictures by the lake was already enough, haha.
About clothes, personally, I think wearing white clothes under the snow mountain lake is quite photogenic, bring down jackets in this season, it's really cold when the wind blows.
Let's talk about yaks❗️Yaks are super obedient❗️
💰Cost:
▫️Riding a yak: 30
▫️Riding a yak: 50
Baisha Lake
It's a 2-hour drive from Kashgar, it's recommended to drive by yourself, it's very free to stop and go on the road
【I will sort out a self-driving guide from Kashgar to Taxian later】
Kashgar·Taxian｜The wind is from the far west of Karakul Lake
Hi, I am Big Pear～
About Karakul Lake on the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang
It is the memory of freedom and shock in southern Xinjiang
Crossing more than 4000 kilometers
To the far west
In the half-cloudy and half-sunny
Karakul Lake is just like its name
In the Kirgiz language, it means "black lake"
It turns black in the thunder and lightning
And it turns back to blue when the sun is shining
On the seemingly barren land
Because of the embedding of this large liquid
It has created some different shocks
In the distance, the "father of the glacier" Mustag Peak
Gonger, Gonger Jiubie Peak
The standing figure is to prove the name of Kunlun
In such a wild and unrestrained landscape
If you become a slave to freedom like Allen
It can also be relieved
🗺️：Karakul Lake·Mustag Peak in Tashkurgan County, Kashgar, Xinjiang
🚴：It is recommended to drive by yourself
⚠️：The lake is very big
🎫：44 meters
There are horses and camels🐫
You can also go around the lake to find wild spots to enjoy the view
The wind is very strong, please pay attention to safety
The dreamy blue of the Pamir Plateau | The dazzling pearl, White Sand Lake.
When you come to Xinjiang, you must go to the Pamir Plateau in the geography book and take a look at the dreamy blue and white sand of White Sand Lake.
Eight hundred sand boundaries, three thousand weak waters, ten thousand years of wind, white sand into mountains.
The first super beautiful spot encountered when driving from Kashgar to Taxkorgan County on the Pamir Plateau is White Sand Lake. You can see a piece of Tiffany blue and a piece of white sand mountain from a distance. This is White Sand Mountain and White Sand Lake.
There is a matching parking lot by the lake, and parking is very convenient. But the public toilet needs to queue for a long time, and the sanitary conditions are really unbearable.
White Sand Lake tickets are free. You need to cross the road from the parking lot to the lake. There are staff to maintain order and let go uniformly. You must listen to the command, because the passing vehicles are relatively fast.
Close to the White Sand Lake, the water is clear and light, the stones are large and smooth, and the sand mountains on the opposite side show different colors under the sunlight. There are white yaks on the shore for photo taking. Yaks can also enter the water. It should be great to take a photo of riding a yak into the water. We have ridden yaks before, so we walked along the wooden plank road on the shore and felt the dreamy blue of the lake water. The altitude here is about 3,300. I personally did not feel high anti, it is still quite comfortable.
Explore Southern Xinjiang
Southern Xinjiang · Xinjiang
🛬【Itinerary】: Southern Xinjiang Pamir Plateau 7 days 6 nights
⛺【Must-Visit Attractions】: Carefully selected classic and niche spots in Southern Xinjiang · Kashgar Old City/White Sand Lake/Karakul Lake/Dragon Ancient Road/Pamir Scenic Area/Zepu Golden Poplar Forest/Dawakun Desert/Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, featuring a variety of stunning landscapes including mountains, lakes, glaciers, ancient cities, deserts, poplar forests, and the Pamir Plateau.
🍩【Must-Try Foods】: Lamb skewers/Baked buns/Hand-pulled rice/Big plate chicken/Mixed noodles/Naan-wrapped meat/Pigeon soup/Yogurt dumplings...
🏨【Accommodation Guide】: Comfortable accommodations throughout the trip, ensuring not only a fun experience but also a restful sleep.
🚌【Transportation Guide】: Private small group tours with a variety of vehicle options to choose from, compliant vehicles ensuring safe travel, exclusive services throughout the journey, local guides to help you explore Xinjiang, and a 24-hour online concierge to address all your needs during the trip.
🧡【Tips】: Southern Xinjiang has significant temperature differences between day and night, and the climate varies greatly by season and altitude. It is recommended to bring appropriate clothing according to the season and itinerary, and to be mindful of sun protection, cold protection, and altitude sickness.
Baisa Lake, Xinjiang | A paradise on the Pamir Plateau.
There is a Baisa Lake in Xinjiang, which not only has clear and transparent lake water, but also has towering snow-capped mountains in the distance. The lake is surrounded by Baisa Mountain, with undulating sand dunes, like a charming sand painting, known as the "paradise on the Pamir Plateau".
Baisa Lake is located in the eastern part of the Pamir Plateau. It is a moraine lake formed by glaciers. The lake water comes from snow melting and groundwater.
🌈Highlights:
✅Baisa Mountain stretches for thousands of kilometers, consisting of more than 10 large and small hills. The sand mountain and the surrounding mountain scenery form a huge contrast. The white sand and the black mountain rocks are entangled together, blending into a black and white beauty, like a charming sand painting.
✅It is said that the Liusha River described in "Journey to the West" is here.
✅The lake water is clear and transparent, exuding an attractive blue color. Under the sunlight, it is sparkling.
✅This is also a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The unique landform and light and shadow effects provide endless inspiration for photography creation.
📌Tips:
1️⃣You must apply for a border defense certificate before going to Baisa Lake and Taxian❗Bring your ID card and apply in advance at the place of household registration or queue up at the east gate of Kashgar Ancient City.
2️⃣Baisa Lake is a 3-hour drive from Kashgar and a 2.5-hour drive from Tashkurgan County.
📍Location: Within the territory of Akto County, Kizilsu, Xinjiang, next to National Highway 314 or Z683 (the border defense gravel road leading to Mujie Township, Akto County, Kizilsu)
🎫Ticket: Free
🚗Transportation: It is recommended to navigate🧭 and drive by yourself
I thought Baisha Lake was beautiful, until I went to Karakul Lake.
Compared to the Tiffany blue Baisha Lake, I prefer Karakul Lake along the Kashgar to Taxkorgan line. The reason is simple: Muztagh Ata. Even though there is a risk of altitude sickness here, I still want to take a look.
·
As the third highest peak in the West Kunlun Mountains, Muztagh Ata, with an altitude of 7,546 meters, has always been one of the symbols of the Pamir Plateau that I yearn for. Departing from Baisha Lake, not far away, you can see the gentle west slope of Muztagh Ata, which is different from the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Because the mountain is wide and round, Muztagh Ata is covered with snow all year round, and there are as many as 128 modern glaciers, so it is called the "Father of Glaciers".
·
For ordinary tourists, the best place to appreciate Muztagh Ata is Karakul Lake. Although Karakul Lake itself does not have the Tiffany blue color like Baisha Lake, there are many snow-capped mountains here. In addition to Muztagh Ata standing on the east side of the lake, there are also the towering Gonger Peak and Gonger Jiubie Peak. The three mountains stand tall, like pillars supporting the sky, and Karakul Lake is in this small world surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
·
Although the 45 yuan ticket for Karakul Lake and the scenic spot itself are seriously inconsistent, when you look at Muztagh Ata by the lake, you instantly forgive and reconcile with the scenic spot-the sun shines, Muztagh Ata is reflected in Karakul Lake, the so-called healing scenery, at this moment it becomes a concrete reality.
·
Walking along the lake, there is no noise of human voices, only the sound of the wind blowing on the water surface, and the towering snow-capped mountains in the distance. Time seems to stop flowing at this moment, quietly enclosing this beautiful scenery that has been frozen for millions of years.
·
Tips:
🔶Remember to apply for a border defense certificate when going to Taxkorgan, you can apply in advance at your place of household registration or after arriving in Kashgar
🔶The wind at Karakul Lake is relatively strong, and the temperature is not high even in July-August
🔶Pay attention to sun protection, the ultraviolet rays in the plateau area are very strong, and it is easy to get sunburned
🔶Be sure to choose a sunny day to come, the beauty will be greatly reduced on cloudy days
I've confirmed it, just to find the blue in my dreams.
Before going to Taxkorgan, the most anticipated place besides Muztagh Ata is Baisa Lake. Half of it is white sand, and half of it is blue lake. It's hard to imagine that it's on the Pamir Plateau with thin air and easy to have high altitude sickness.
·
Depart from Kashgar, follow National Highway 314 to Taxkorgan, and you can reach Baisa Lake in about 3 hours. When Baisa Lake really comes into view, the world seems to stand still, only seeing the vast lake water, reflecting the color of Tiffany blue, and the continuous white sand in the distance, reflecting dazzling light under the sun.
·
Baisa Lake is a typical plateau lake, formed by the melting of ice and snow, and is also the source of the Gez River. It is said that this is one of the story backgrounds of the Sand Monk in "Journey to the West", with eight hundred sand realms, three thousand weak waters, and ten thousand years of wind blowing, white sand becomes a mountain.
·
The white sand emits a metallic luster under the sunlight on the plateau, and the blue waves reflect the Gonger Jiubie Peak on both sides. Here, it is easy to see the scenery of the lake and the snow-capped mountains reflecting each other, plus the clouds in the sky forming a piece of reflection on the lake, forming the unique beauty of Baisa Lake.
·
The most convenient place to watch Baisa Lake is definitely the South Bank viewing platform, but you need to pay an admission fee of CNY 40. The advantage is that it is convenient and on the way. There are mainly two viewing platforms here, and the latter one has fewer people than the former one. The classic photo of the blue lake in front of the Internet and the viewing platform sign above is taken on the South Bank, but because it is at the turning point of the main road of National Highway 314, it is relatively dangerous. Now it is surrounded by people and it is difficult to walk past. This time, due to time constraints, I didn't go to the North Bank. It is said to be more natural and primitive, and you can overlook the entire Baisa Lake from a high place.
·
Tips：
✅Remember to apply for a border defense certificate when going to Taxkorgan, you can apply in advance at the place of household registration or after arriving in Kashgar
✅The wind at Baisa Lake is relatively strong, and the temperature is not high even in July-August
✅Be sure to choose a sunny day to come, the degree of beauty will be greatly reduced on cloudy days
2-Day Tour in Kashgar: Explore the Ancient City Without Getting Lost
Kashgar Trip is Here! In two days, explore Kashgar City with all the must-see attractions and delicious food! Quickly browse through this guide and start your Kashgar adventure!
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**Must-Visit Attractions**:
**Karakul Lake Scenic Area⭐⭐⭐⭐**
- Address: 1700 km on National Highway 314, Akto County, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture
- Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Recommendation: The holy lake under Mount Muztagh Ata, with clean and clear water, like a pearl on the plateau.
**Pamir Plateau⭐⭐⭐⭐**
- Address: Tiznaf Township, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Region
- Opening Hours: 08:30-20:30
- Duration: 2-3 days
- Recommendation: Climb the Pamir Plateau and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Roof of the World, with new views at every step.
**White Sand Mountain-White Sand Lake Scenic Area⭐⭐⭐⭐**
- Address: Bulunkou Township, Akto County, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
- Opening Hours: 09:30-19:30
- Duration: 1 day
- Recommendation: The top of White Sand Mountain is powdered rock, intertwined with lakes and rivers below, creating a unique landscape.
**Kashgar Ancient Stone City⭐⭐⭐**
- Address: Tashkurgan Road, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Region
- Opening Hours: 08:30-20:30
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Recommendation: An important stop on the ancient Silk Road, standing on the hill, you can feel the weight and vicissitudes of history.
**Panlong Ancient Road⭐⭐⭐**
- Address: Wacha Township, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Region
- Opening Hours: Open all day
- Duration: 1 hour
- Recommendation: Winding and twisting like a dragon, the beauty of the road's curves is breathtaking from above.
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🎒 Travel Essentials: Kashgar City Travel Checklist
👕 **Clothing**
Short-sleeve T-shirts, light long sleeves, sun protection clothing, jeans, hats, sunglasses. In September, Kashgar is warm and comfortable during the day and slightly cool at night, so these clothes are enough.
👟 **Shoes**
A pair of comfortable sneakers, perfect for exploring the ancient city and wandering the streets!
💼 **Accessories**
Power bank, data cable, camera, to capture beautiful moments.
📘 **Documents**
ID card, cash, bank card, don't forget to carry them with you for safe travel.
🧴 **Protection**
Sunscreen, sun hat, mosquito repellent, the strong sunlight in Kashgar requires these to protect yourself.
💊 **Medicines**
Cold medicine, stomach medicine, band-aids, be prepared for any situation to travel with peace of mind.
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🎉 Kashgar Trip, To Be Continued! More excitement awaits you🌈. Quickly like, bookmark, and follow me to start your Kashgar adventure!🚀
The shining pearl of the Pamir Plateau - Baisha Lake.
Departing from Kashgar, heading southwest along National Highway 314, the continuous Gobi, barren mountains, and snow ridges outside the car window seem to be a desolate picture scroll outlined by nature with a brush. However, when I thought that the scenery along the way would be so monotonous, Baisha Lake, like an unexpected surprise, suddenly broke into my sight.
Baisha Lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and the lakeside is a silver-white sand mountain, with a quiet and mysterious scenery. Looking from a distance, the azure lake water shimmers under the sunlight, as if it is a huge sapphire inlaid between the white sand mountains. The sand mountains are undulating and white as snow, contrasting with the azure lake water, forming a beautiful landscape painting.
Strategy: Departing from Kashgar, drive along National Highway 314 for about 2-3 hours to reach Baisha Lake, and you can enjoy the magnificent plateau scenery along the way. Stay in a hotel or homestay near Baisha Lake, rest for a while, and then you can go for a walk by the lake and enjoy the lake and mountains. Climb to the top of the mountain and overlook the panoramic view of Baisha Lake. You can also choose to have a picnic or camp by the lake and enjoy your leisure time.
Precautions:
Border defense certificate: You need to apply for a border defense certificate to go to Baisha Lake. It is recommended to apply in advance at the Kashgar Administrative Service Center.
Prevention of altitude sickness: Due to the high altitude of Baisha Lake, it is recommended that tourists pay attention to the prevention of altitude sickness and prepare some anti-altitude sickness drugs. Sun protection and warmth: The plateau has strong ultraviolet rays and a dry climate. You need to take sun protection measures and replenish water in time. The temperature difference between day and night is large, and you need to prepare appropriate warm clothing.
China-Pakistan Friendship Highway
On the forty-fourth day of heading west, we departed from Kashgar and traveled along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway G314, spending the night in Tashkurgan County... Here, there are also grasslands, lakes, canyons, and snow-capped mountains. The snow-capped mountains are particularly distinctive, closer, larger, and more majestic. You can not only view them from a distance but also observe them up close and even touch them...
Let's start with a few photos: White Sand Lake beside White Sand Mountain, Karakul Lake at the foot of the snow-capped mountains, and the Muztagh Ata Glacier, known as the father of glaciers. The color of White Sand Lake is milky green against the backdrop of White Sand Mountain, while Karakul Lake appears dark green under the reflection of the snow-capped mountains, showing a clear contrast. Finally, there are distant views of the Muztagh Ata snow peak, close-up views, and even touches of the Muztagh Ata Glacier.
Karakul Lake, don't miss it when you come to Tashkurgan County
Muztagh Ata is a landmark of the Pamir Plateau, with its main peak at an altitude of 7,546 meters, known as the Father of Ice Mountains. Karakul Lake is nestled at the foot of this beautiful snow-capped mountain.
Here, when you look up, you see the blue sky and the perennial snow; when you look down, you see the sparkling lake surface. The picturesque scenery is like a natural painting, unforgettable at first sight.
Locals say Karakul Lake is a black lake. Without the reflection of sunlight and snow mountains, the lake water would appear very dark. Whether this is true or not, at least on site, the lake water looks very clear.
Nature lovers should not miss this place.
I heard that there is a beautiful legendary glacier in Xinjiang｜Muztagh Ata Peak worth visiting
Self-driving tour in Xinjiang, Muztagh Ata Peak is a dazzling pearl of the Pamir Plateau, a symbolic representative, worth visiting:
Muztagh Ata Peak is known as the 'Father of Glaciers', along the way are towering ice peaks and snow ridges, high mountain canyons with steep cliffs. Driving through the Muztagh Ata Peak glacier, you can experience summer to winter in one day, with two seasons in one day, sunny in the morning and a world of ice and snow in the afternoon, with a temperature difference of 30 degrees, a contrast of ice and fire.
The scenery of Muztagh Ata Peak is absolutely stunning, with majestic and towering glaciers, fully displayed from evening to morning. If you're lucky, you might see the golden mountain at sunrise, which delights photographers, bringing continuous surprises and shocks, making you forget your physical and mental fatigue, refreshing and lingering, worth taking the time to savor, making the trip worthwhile!
Food recommendation: Encounter Muztagh Ata
Accommodation recommendation: 314 Tajik Homestay
Location: G314 (Urumqi-Hongqi Line), Akto County and Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
Transportation: Self-driving or local guide self-driving tour
My Life FIRST | Xinjiang Travelogue, don't wait for Lake Karakul to disappear before you seek it out!
👍 Lake Karakul is located at the foot of the Father of Icebergs - Muztagh Ata, 191 kilometers away from Kashgar. The Karakoram Highway passes by the lake, not far from the base camp for climbing Muztagh Ata. Karakul means 'black lake' and is a high mountain glacial moraine lake. The water surface reflects the majestic and mysterious Muztagh Ata, covered in white snow, blending the mountains with the waters, creating a captivating scene.
🌟 Lake Karakul has a unique geographical location, situated on the ancient Pamir Plateau, surrounded by mountains, presenting a scene of layered peaks. It is known as the 'Roof of the World', pristine and pure. Under the sunlight, a gentle breeze blows softly, refreshing and soothing.
❤ This place was an important passage to the Congling Ridge and the Pamir Plateau in ancient times, the Karakoram Highway, that is, the National Highway 314. Starting from Kashgar, it is a transnational highway that leads directly to Pakistan. The Karakoram Highway crosses the Karakoram mountain range and is praised by the National Geographic Magazine of the continental countries as 'a ribbon among the mountains'. Besides the grass by the lake, there are no living creatures in Lake Karakul due to its dark and profound waters, hence the name 'Karakul'.
✅ To the south of Lake Karakul, there is a grassland with clear water and lush grass, herds of cattle and sheep, and the sound of shepherd's songs. The lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the mountains and waters. The magical Lake Karakul changes its appearance with the weather and time, showing different scenes throughout the day with the changing sunlight, sometimes azure, sometimes pale yellow, sometimes orange-red, unpredictable and elusive. On clear days, the lake surface is as clean as a mirror. When a storm comes, the lake becomes as deep as a black hole.
🧳 There are also legends about a water monster in Lake Karakul that have been passed down for a thousand years. Aside from the birds flying over the lake, no other creatures can be seen in the water. A high monk from the Jin Dynasty who passed by this place said that a poisonous dragon hidden in the lake prevents other creatures from inhabiting it. Friends who have the chance to visit can go and explore!
Self-driving tour in Tashkurgan
📍Attraction Address: Tashkurgan
🚗Transportation to Attraction: Self-driving
👍Must-visit Attractions: White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, Panlong Ancient Path, Red Pass Port, Bandier Lake
🎟️Ticket Information: Karakul Lake 45 yuan, Glacier Park 150 yuan, other attractions are mostly free
💗Other tips: The temperature in Taxkorgan only changes between winter and summer, so pack warmer clothes. Panlong Ancient Path is one-way, plan your itinerary well. You need to get a border pass in advance in Kashgar, which can be done at the police station in Hanbaza.
The summit of the snow mountain, Tashkurgan, a mysterious and tranquil sanctuary for the soul.
The father of glaciers, Muztagh Ata, looks like a giant jade pillar over 7500 meters high standing before your eyes, very impressive! You will regret it for a lifetime if you don't come, and regret it for a while if you do! Because today is cloudy with sleet.
Not far from White Sand Lake is Black Lake. Is it a coincidence or a deliberate arrangement by the heavens?
The Duku Highway is a road where you can experience all four seasons and the 24 solar terms in one day, but in Tashkurgan, you can only experience two seasons, which are constantly alternating between winter and summer.
In 'The Visitor on the Ice Mountain,' Nauruzi's father says: 'The blizzard is coming, quickly send over the sheepskin coat.' And here I am, wearing a hardshell jacket + down jacket, climbing to 4619 meters in the scorching summer, almost turning into an ice sculpture🧊
The Eye of the Pamir
Hidden on the Pamir Plateau is a breathtaking wonder, the volcanic group.
This magical and unique place seems like a mysterious ceremony bestowed upon the world by nature.
The witnesses to this ceremony are the various-sized volcanic craters, which resemble clear eyes gazing at the sky, revealing the vicissitudes and wisdom of thousands of years.
Muztagh is located at the intersection of the Kunlun and Tianshan mountain ranges, the westernmost point of China, the last place where the sun lingers on the Chinese mainland, and also a village of the Kyrgyz people.
A local proverb goes: 'Seven big river beaches, ninety-nine bends, you can't wear out your butt, you can't reach Muztagh Beach.'
Reaching Muztagh requires great effort, but the harder a place is to reach, the more beautiful the scenery.
The Muztagh volcanic crater, officially named the 'Karatyurek Volcanic Group,' is known as the 'Eye of the Pamir,' consisting of several dozen scattered dormant volcanic craters, very spectacular. It formed 1500 years ago, is the only highest altitude volcanic crater in Xinjiang, and is also one of the most typical volcanic craters in the world.
Many people describe the Muztagh volcanic crater as a 'fantasy land of ice and fire' because it is surrounded by highland wetlands, forming glaciers, glacial lakes, ice caves, and many other ice-related landscapes, while the volcanic crater was constantly erupting fire thousands of years ago, the coexistence of volcanoes and glaciers in one place is truly breathtaking.
The volcanic geological relics here are important evidence for studying the earth's evolutionary history and have significant research value for scientists. At the same time, the ecological environment here is also very unique, attracting numerous animals and plants to inhabit and thrive here.
Muztagh Volcanic Crater
Xinjiang is a must-visit, the Muztagh Ata Volcanic Crater
In the Muztagh Township of Akto County in the western part of Xinjiang, on the Pamir Plateau, there are many volcanoes known as 'the Eyes of the Pamir' - the Muztagh Ata Volcanic Craters. Research indicates that the volcanic crater in Muztagh Township formed about 1500 years ago. There are more than a dozen large and small craters, many of which are well-preserved with varying heights and shapes. Some craters contain clear, blue waters, while outside the craters, a colorful expanse of land connects to them, presenting a majestic and beautiful scenery that feels mysterious and desirable.
Travel Mini Guide:
📍Detailed Address:
Volcano in Muztagh Township, Akto County, Muztagh Ata Volcanic Crater
Photography: Be sure to bring a drone, as only from a bird's-eye view can you see the Eyes of the Pamir. It's best to register your drone in advance.
Border Pass: Can be processed at the airport after landing in Kashgar, or at the border pass processing point in the old city. The process is quite fast, taking only a few minutes.
Admission: Currently free, vehicles can park next to the plank road, then walk to the volcanic crater, about 600 meters away.
Transportation: Self-driving is recommended, as the border highway in Muztagh Township is rarely traveled, with gas stations, toilets, etc., almost non-existent, and some sections of the road have a speed limit of 40 mph.
Checkpoint: Turning into from the Baisihan Lake entrance, there will be a checkpoint where your border pass and ID will be checked. Then there is a barrier in the middle section, where they will register your license plate and check your ID before you can enter.
Mustagh Ata Glacier Park | Witness the grandeur of the "Father of Icebergs"
| Witness the grandeur of the "Father of Icebergs". The name of Mustagh Ata is derived from the Uyghur language, meaning "Father of Icebergs". The peak of Mustagh Ata is round and bun-shaped, with several glaciers extending down from the mountain, which is very magnificent.
Mustagh Ata Glacier Park is located at the foot of Mustagh Ata, where visitors can see the glaciers from millions of years ago up close.
As the shuttle bus advances, the figure of Mustagh Ata becomes more majestic before your eyes, and even through the bus window, you can feel the powerful oppressive force of the "Father of Icebergs".
Due to the snowfall the night before, the boardwalk was not fully cleared of snow, so we could only walk along the horse trail. At first, the scenery did not seem stunning, with a vast expanse of white all around, leaving only the color of the earth exposed by the horse trail. As we got closer to the destination, the beauty was overwhelming.
A huge and solid ice wall stood before us, so large that it was hard to imagine its thickness or how long it took to form. For a moment, I didn't know how to describe it with words, leaving only a "wow" of amazement.
Moving forward along the ice wall was even more shocking, as if a large piece of ice was placed before you, with surfaces either uneven or smooth as silk. Clearly defined snowflakes drifted from the ice with the wind, adding a touch of tenderness to this million-year-old giant ice.
Although I had seen other glaciers before, being there in person still felt deeply shocking!
📍Location: Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Region, Xinjiang, navigate to "Mustagh Ata Glacier Park"
💰Cost: Ticket 43 RMB/person, shuttle bus 50 RMB/person
⏰Opening hours: 11:00-18:30 (please refer to the announcement of the scenic area on the day)
⏳Suggested duration of visit: about 3.5 hours
🗺️Tour route: After purchasing tickets at the visitor center, take the shuttle bus to the starting point of the hike, then walk to the viewing platform for sightseeing, the one-way hike is about 1km, if you do not want to hike, you can ride a horse, and return the same way after finishing
【Tips】
🌟Located in a high-altitude area, take precautions against altitude sickness
🌟Strong ultraviolet rays and wind, remember to take windproof and sun protection measures, it is best to wear sunglasses
🌟The walking distance is relatively long, it is recommended to wear comfortable and non-slip shoes
🌟In case of snow, the scenic area may be closed, it is advisable to check the weather in advance/consult the scenic area
240605 South Xinjiang Group Tour (Exclusive) - D11 Baisha Mountain - Baisha Lake Scenic Area
Baisha Mountain - Baisha Lake Scenic Area is located in Akto County, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, on the side of National Highway 314 between Taxkorgan and Kashgar.
Baisha Mountain is a high mountain among the Pamir Plateau mountains. Due to long-term weathering, the rocks on the mountain top have turned into powder and poured down, covering the mountain body, hence the name Baisha Mountain.
At the foot of Baisha Mountain lies Baisha Lake, known as the 'Sapphire of the Pamir Plateau'. The mountain and water depend on each other, creating a beautiful scenery.
Walking along the plank road to the lakeside, on a windless sunny day, you can capture the reflection of the snow-capped mountains.
Karakul Lake | A healing lake scene surrounded by snow-capped mountains
| A healing lake scene surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Karakul Lake means 'black lake' in the Kyrgyz language. It is said that the color of its waters changes with the seasons and over time, hence it is also known as the 'color-changing lake'.
Karakul Lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with the imposing Muztagh Ata, Kongur Tagh, and Kongur Jiubie peaks nearby. The continuous snow mountains line up side by side, with the clear lake waters at their feet, creating a majestic and healing panorama.
When I first arrived, the Muztagh Ata peak was just visible, with a ray of sunlight shining on it, and I was fortunate to witness this. Before long, thick clouds drifted in with the wind, covering the Muztagh Ata peak until I left without it showing itself again.
Although I couldn't capture the scene I saw upon arrival, my eyes have stored it in my memory. Sunshine is one kind of beauty, while cloud cover is another. Travel is like this, encountering different wonders under different circumstances.
📍Location: Akto County, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, navigate to 'Karakul Lake'
💰Ticket: 45 RMB per person, but there was no charge when I entered
⏰Opening hours: 10:00-20:00 (please refer to the announcement of the scenic area on the day)
⏳Suggested duration of visit: About 2 hours
🗺️Tour route: Walk around the wooden plank road, you can ride camels by the lake
【Tips】
🌟The wind is strong and the weather changes quickly, remember to take windproof and warm measures
🌟The walking distance along the plank road is long, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes
🌟Buzhou Mountain campsite is right next door
🌟There are toilets in the scenic area, most of the catering is closed during the off-season, it is best to prepare some food and water yourself
Ice and Snow Wonderland - Aoyitak Glacier.
Aoyitak Glacier is located 50 meters west of National Highway 314 in Akto County, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture. Immersed in the glacier park during the silver winter, trees, mountains, and glaciers are all covered in vast white snow, resembling a real-life Chinese landscape painting, making one feel as if they are in a dreamlike fairyland draped in silver. Surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of the Pamir Plateau, Aoyitak Glacier Park is encircled by mountains on three sides, with steep snow peaks, intersecting glaciers, and dense forests. It combines grandeur, uniqueness, elegance, serenity, and danger, integrating natural ecology and cultural historical landscapes, and is known as the 'First Ecological Landscape of the Western Regions.'
White Sand Lake also has blue ice! Breathtakingly beautiful!
Unexpectedly, visiting the White Sand Mountain-White Sand Lake Scenic Area in winter brings new surprises.
The ice-covered White Sand Lake is like a dream island.
Under the sunlight, it is dazzlingly blue, strikingly blue.
The lake surface is cut into pieces like a puzzle.
The beauty is breathtaking.
The whole world suddenly falls silent.
Listen carefully.
It is the slight crisp cracking sound of walking on the ice.
At this moment, White Sand Lake made me understand the meaning of eternal existence.
🛬【Travel Guide】:
1. You can fly drones here, and the photos are stunning!
2. Best time to view blue ice: December to February of the following year
3. Wear non-slip shoes! In winter, the temperature is minus 1.20 degrees, be sure to bring hats, gloves, etc.
4. Be careful when walking on the ice
Snow-capped mountains, glaciers, the dreamy Karakul Lake
Passing by Karakul Lake and Mount Muztagh on the way from Baisa Lake to Taxkorgan, the Muztagh Glacier Park is still under construction. You can take a detour and drive in because it was too late, we didn't go further. When we returned, the gate was already closed.
Next time, when it officially opens, I must come and have a proper visit. It's a pity that I didn't get to the Muztagh Glacier, but the clear sky on the return trip and the beauty of Karakul Lake really broke my heart.
Sharing a few photography spots:
1. On National Highway 314 from Taxkorgan to Baisa Lake, after passing the Tashkurgan Wetland Park viewing platform but before reaching Tashkurgan Township, there is a small path that leads off the highway. Navigate to Mayierjiang Pastoral Happy Home in Tashkurgan County, Tashkurgan Township. The country stone road leads to a spectacular view of Mount Muztagh in the distance.
2. The southwest corner of Karakul Lake, that short stretch of road is along the lake, and the aerial view from here is amazing.
3. Karakul Lake Scenic Area is a paid attraction, with an entrance fee of 45, but it's definitely worth a visit. There is a monument of Karakul Lake. You can walk to the lakeside and see a whole, intact lake and snow-capped mountains, which is a much better view than from the roadside.
The wind is very strong by the snow-capped mountains and lakes, so be sure to keep warm~
If you think that southern Xinjiang only has endless deserts and Gobi, you are greatly mistaken!
🏞️ 🔍 Shh! The secret garden of southern Xinjiang, rivaling the snowy mountains of Ili, is near Kashgar! If you think that southern Xinjiang only has endless deserts and Gobi, you are greatly mistaken! 🏞️
🏞️ 🌈 Imagine, without having to travel far, in the embrace of Kashgar, the Oytagh Glacier Park is like a low-key noble, quietly displaying its scroll of snowy mountains, grasslands, and glaciers. Here, the low-altitude glaciers gently welcome every visitor, sparing them the trouble of altitude sickness, and easily getting a glimpse of the stunning scenery! 👣
🚗 **Let's go, adventurers!**
🚀 Set your destination to Oytagh Glacier Park and start your journey beside National Highway 314 to the snowy wonderland. Friendly reminder: This will be upgraded to a national park in the future, and the privilege of direct self-driving access will become history, so seize the time to enjoy this last bit of freedom! 🚗💨
🎟️ **Ticket Tips:**
💳 Easily get your entrance ticket for only 45 yuan, plus 6 yuan for a round-trip shuttle, great value for money! 🕒 Opening hours are from 10 am to 8 pm, giving you plenty of time to immerse yourself in nature's embrace.
🏞️ **Explore the secret realm, surprises at every step!**
🚌 Once inside the scenic area, the shuttle takes you straight to the starting point of the hike. Don't worry, the 3 km uphill is a small test of determination, after which comes the reward of a visual feast. Don't want to hike? No problem, horse riding service is available, 50 yuan for a single trip, 100 yuan for a round trip, easily enjoy the scenery from horseback. 🐎
🎒 **Travel Tips:**
🍞 Bring your own dry food and water, as the small shops in the scenic area are limited edition! And remember to check the weather forecast, a sunny day is the right way to truly meet the glacier! ☀️
📸 **Photographer Master Plan:**
1. 📍 Viewing platform, the full view of the glacier is in sight, the mystery of the black glacier mixed with soil, the story under the lens is explosive!
2. 🌿 On the way back, the grassland and snowy mountains are framed together under the long-focus lens, as if you are on the Shata Ancient Trail, each frame is wallpaper-level beautiful.
3. 💑 A broader grassland view, this is a favorite spot for couples, the perfect background for wedding photos, happiness witnessed by the snowy mountains.
4. 🛣️ Don't forget the scenery along the way, the strange peaks and rocks of National Highway 314, capturing photos as you go, every step is a surprise!
8-Day Tour of Southern Xinjiang
Kashgar: A millennium-old city sleeping in the desert sands.
One hasn't truly been to Xinjiang without visiting Kashgar, a statement full of vigor that is still written on the walls of the ancient city to this day. Here, you can experience the local customs and the warmth of the Uyghur people, as well as taste the unique cuisine of Xinjiang! The famous Handarwaza Food Street is located in the East District. All are delicious Xinjiang foods, from yogurt shaved ice to yogurt zongzi, from spicy lamb trotters to grilled kebabs, Kashgar is also the city with the latest sunset~ The sun still shines warmly at 9:30 pm as you stroll through the ancient city~ Aimlessly wandering through the Kashgar ancient city, which is like a maze, every window, every door, every alley, and every shop is full of exotic charm~
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Day 1: From all over the country to Kashgar
Day 2: Kashgar - Kashgar Ancient City - Id Kah Mosque - Hundred-Year-Old Teahouse
Day 3: Kashgar - White Sand Mountain - White Sand Lake - Karakul Lake - Tashkurgan
Day 4: Taxkorgan County - Panlong Ancient Path - Kangxiwa Village - Bandier Lake - Almaliq Village - Taxkorgan County
Day 5: Tashkurgan - Golden Beach - Stone City - Oytag Glacier Park - Kashgar
Day 6: Kashgar - Shache Royal Mansion - Yerqiang Khan Mausoleum - Shache
Day 7: Shache - Yingjisha Pottery Village - Kashgar
Day 8: Kashgar - Back to all over the country
The Eye of Pamir - Muztagh Ata Crater
The Muztagh Ata Crater is located in Muztagh Township, Akto County, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It is known as 'The Eye of Pamir', consisting of more than a dozen scattered dormant volcanic craters. The surrounding area features the continuous snow peaks of the Kunlun Mountains, offering a spectacular view!
Transportation: Self-driving is the way to go.
Beautiful Memories (3) - Karakul Lake, Xinjiang
The beauty of the lake is not the key point, the key is that the surrounding mountains and sky are also beautiful! So beautiful that you dare not speak loudly, for fear of startling not only the heavens but also the people on the mountains!
Photographed at Karakul Lake, Xinjiang in October 2023
InternationalJetsetter#99 South Xinjiang | Exploring the Mystery of the "Monster" in Karakul Lake
I finally arrived at the other side of the Anywhere Door, Karakul Lake.
Karakul Lake is a typical plateau lake, with an average altitude of about 3,560 meters. The "Father of Glaciers," Muztagh Ata, stands to the east of the lake, while the winding Sarikol mountain range lies to the west.
Karakul Lake is like a pearl of the plateau, nestled between the blue sky, white clouds, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains. With the changing winds, it can be as calm as water or as choppy as the sea. Under the sunlight, the reflection of Muztagh Ata in Karakul Lake makes the healing scenery even more picturesque.
📖The Legend of Karakul Lake
Karakul Lake is also known as the "Color-changing Lake" because its water changes color with the seasons and time. Legend has it that the color changes are due to a monster in the lake, and this legend has been around for over a thousand years. The Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang passed by here on his pilgrimage, calling it the "Great Dragon Pool" where a giant Jiao (a mythical dragon-like creature) lurks.
There is still no real explanation for the mystery of the monster, and this mysterious place keeps many tourists coming back with endless fantasies.
Karakul Lake is 200 kilometers from Kashgar, and the journey passes through the Baishe Lake scenic area, taking about four hours by car.
Classic one-day tour route:
Baishe Lake ➡️ Muztagh Ata ➡️ Karakul Lake
🎫Ticket: 45
⌚️Opening hours: 10:00-20:00
📍Address: Karakul Lake Scenic Area, Bulungkol Township, Akto County, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang
My friend thought I went abroad, but actually, this is Southern Xinjiang
Some love the natural beauty🏞️, some love the worldly human touch🔥, then come to Southern Xinjiang.
Come to see the lakes, the plateau, the snow-capped mountains🏔️... to appreciate the majestic beauty of Southern Xinjiang.
Stroll through the ancient city of Kashgar🚶🏻♂️, feel the exotic atmosphere, the human touch...
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🎀Essential Attractions
📍Kashgar Old Town
If you haven't been to Kashgar, you haven't been to Xinjiang. As a city full of exotic charm in our country, this city of more than 2000 years has been guarded by Ban Chao, passed by Xuanzang, and visited by Marco Polo, with historical traces everywhere.
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📍Red Mountain Gorge
An undeveloped little secret㊙️, locals call it 'Bubble Gorge'. Entering it is like arriving on an alien planet, a great spot for taking photos that are out of this world.
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📍White Sand Lake
The shining pearl on the Pamir Plateau, half is the sprawling desert🏜️, half is the azure lake water.
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📍Muztagh Ata & Karakul Lake
The 'Father of Glaciers' on the Pamir Plateau, a snow mountain that you can get close to, with a huge glacier in front and a heart-shaped❤️ ice lake at your feet.
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📍Panlong Ancient Town
After walking through 600+ winding paths of the Panlong ancient trail, from then on, life is a smooth journey.
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📍Bandier Blue Lake
The sparkling sapphire on the Pamir Plateau.
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📍Stone City
An epic left in ruins, it is the last pass from the Central Plains to Western Asia, and a witness to the profound history of the ancient Silk Road.
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📍Oytag Glacier
Also known as 'Kizilsu Glacier Park'. Known as the 'Little Ili' of Southern Xinjiang, with snow-capped mountains, forests, meadows, you can look up to see the glacier up close, and there are herders driving cattle🐏 grazing under the snow mountains🌿.
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🚗Itinerary
D1: Kashgar airport pick-up—City walk in Kashgar Old Town
D2: Kashgar—Hiking in Red Mountain Gorge—White Sand Lake—Muztagh Ata Karakul Lake—Taxkorgan
D3: Taxkorgan—Panlong Ancient Town—Bandier Blue Lake—Taxkorgan
D4: Taxkorgan—Stone City—Jincaotan—Buzhou Mountain Camp
D5: Buzhou Mountain—Oytag Glacier—Disband in Kashgar
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⭕Tips
✅A border pass is required to go to Taxkorgan, remember to get it!!
✅The temperature difference between morning and evening in Xinjiang is very large, remember to bring warm clothes!!
✅There are deserts in Southern Xinjiang, with strong ultraviolet rays, so make sure to protect yourself from the sun🌞
✅Some areas are at high altitudes, do not engage in strenuous exercise to avoid altitude sickness
✅There are many ethnic minorities in Southern Xinjiang, when in Rome, do as the Romans do, respect their culture to avoid discomfort
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💗About Us
38 Degrees Travel, pure fun trips that keep you addicted to the world🌏~
The beauty of these 8 scenic stays in Xinjiang is breathtaking
🌅 You may be enchanted by the fairy-tale landscapes of Switzerland, but Xinjiang·China, is also an unforgettable poetry and distance. Xiaoye has compiled a list of 8️⃣ high-end scenic stays that are a must for hotel enthusiasts. Pack your bags and set off, move your home into the scenery, and let the magic of nature heal your soul. I've already tried it for you! Go for it with confidence! The itinerary is at the end‼️
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Hot Spring Sayram Lake Spruce Wild Luxury Hotel 💰3000+
Adjacent to the 'Last Tear of the Atlantic' , built against the mountains, with snow-capped mountains at the front and spruce at the back, you can enjoy a 180-degree mountain and wilderness view from your room.
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💰2000+
Primitive wooden cabin structure, adopting the wabi-sabi style of ethnic minorities, the room's large floor-to-ceiling windows face the snow ridge spruce and grassland valleys. Travelers can ride horses through the slopes and flower seas, forests and streams, to deeply appreciate the stunning grassland scenery.
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Borui Campsite 💰2000+
A divine wild luxury camping site in summer, where you can sleep comfortably even on the grasslands, stay at the foot of Kafeng, accompanied by the stars and the Milky Way as you sleep🌌, and start your escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Nalati Pastoral Star Valley Starry Sky Hotel 💰1000+
A luxurious scenic hotel within the Nalati scenic area, the hotel adopts independent container-style design, each room is a standalone starry sky room with a skylight for viewing, where you can lie in bed and watch the stars at night.
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Hot Spring Kruger Wild Luxury Campsite 💰4000+
A hidden paradise in the snow-capped mountains and grasslands, pine forest slopes, vast starry skies, snow-capped mountains and clouds... The absolute beauty of Northern Xinjiang is fully displayed here. The campsite rooms have large terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows, push the window to reveal the beautiful scenery📸.
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Zhao Su Yunbao Ranch Wild Luxury Campsite 💰1000+
A representative of the treasure tent hotel! A modern and luxurious stay experience, immersive contact with nature, and you can sit in a rocking chair to watch the sunset and admire the brilliant starry sky, dispelling all fatigue.
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Hemu Youyuan Mountain Homestay 💰1000+
This place is known as 'God's own land', the homestay is situated high, the viewing platform overlooks the entire village, the scenery is open, with independent small courtyards, very quiet and suitable for stargazing✨.
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Kalakule Lake Buzhou Mountain Campsite Park 💰1000+
The campsite is located by Kalakule Lake, facing the 'Father of Ice Mountains' Muztagh Ata and the connected Gongger Jiu Bie Peak, lying in bed you can enjoy this stunning 'two peaks and one lake'.
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🔥Xinjiang Beautiful Stays Customization | 7 Days 6 Nights
D1⃣ Urumqi airport pick-up—Free time
D2⃣ Urumqi—Duku Highway—Nalati
D3⃣ Nalati Sky Prairie—Borui Campsite
D4⃣ Kuerdun—Kuerdening—Qiongkushitai
D5⃣ Qiongkushitai—Teks Bagua City—Yining Kazanqi—Liuxing Street
D6⃣ Yining—Lavender Manor—Guozigou Bridge—Sayram Lake
D7⃣ Sayram Lake—Urumqi airport drop-off
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