The best viewing period for apricot blossoms in Pamir, Southern Xinjiang, is here - miss it and wait a year

Every year from March to April is the apricot blossom season in Pamir. Coming here at this time is definitely the perfect choice for a spring outing! As a local girl from Xinjiang, I'm sharing some flower-viewing tips that only locals know about~ 1️⃣ Blossom period: 📅 Approximately from March 18 to April 10, the blooming period is very short! With the increase in altitude, the blossoms open in succession and only last for two weeks from blooming to falling! Every day is especially important ⚠️ So be sure to plan your route and timing in advance! 2️⃣ Must-visit spots for flower viewing: 🌸 Tashkurgan Town: ▫️ Located in the middle of the Tashkurgan ancient trail ▫️ It's all original Tajik villages and wild apricot trees ▫️ Retains the authentic Tajik customs and allows for a deeper understanding of Tajik culture ▫️ Enthusiastic locals will also lend you their cows and sheep for photos 🌸 Kukshalik Township: ▫️ The place where the blossoms fall the latest ▫️ More modernized, with some artificially planted apricot blossoms ▫️ There is a very popular apricot blossom tent camp here, also a favorite spot for many young people~ 🌸 Happiness No.5 Bridge: ▫️ Located within Tashkurgan Town, it is the essential route to Tashkurgan Town ▫️ An internet-famous spot for flower viewing, an excellent point for viewing and photographing apricot blossoms~ ▫️ Under the bridge flows the Yarkand River, clear as blue glass, with apricot blossoms on both banks 3️⃣ About transportation: ✈️ You need to first arrive in Kashgar The road from Taxkorgan County to Tashkurgan Town is well built, but the latter half of the journey is a bit rugged ⚠️ High demands on both the vehicle and driving skills, so self-driving requires caution! 4️⃣ About accommodation: 🏠 Mostly homestays with Tajik ethnic style~ The only flaw is that locals don't speak Mandarin very well. 5️⃣ About temperature: Around 5-15 degrees Celsius, with a large temperature difference between morning and evening 6️⃣ About food: Not much different from Kashgar, just some grilled meat, baked naan, mixed noodles Local fruits, candies, and dried fruits are very distinctive, like dates, raisins, walnuts, etc. 7️⃣ Other small tips: ▫️ You need to check the border permit in Taxkorgan County, so please apply for it in advance ▫️ The altitude is around 2000m, and it will be higher in Taxkorgan County, so pay attention to rest and avoid running and jumping ▫️ The apricot blossom villages are quite primitive, and some places are still undeveloped. If you want to take photos, please ask in advance and do not disturb the villagers' lives~ ▫️ Respect local ethnic customs and protect the local environment~