#Karakul Lake Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
#1 of Best Things to Do in Kizilsu Prefecture
Lakes
Address:
Karakoram Highway ,foot of Mushitage Peak | The new road to Karakul lake is compeleted and is now all paved., Kashgar 844000, China
Opening times:
Opens at 10:00-20:00Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
2-3 hour
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】
cassian_steel_86
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
raine_7991
Karakul Lake
🚕 Getting There - hire a private car from Kashgar ancient city - lots of interesting places to stop on the way. about 3 1/2 hours from Kashgar
🏔 Attractions - beautiful views of the lake and snow capped mountains at an altitude of 3645 meters. You can ride a horse or llama for 100rmb an hour if you like. Ticket entry costs 40rmb and there are parking and restroom facilities
🛖 Hotels - I did not see any but I heard that it’s possible to stay in a yurt in the village across the lake
🍽 Food & Restaurants - There are some simple spots to buy chuar and drinks
📿Shopping - There are stones and beaded jewelry for sale
Alicia E M
Xinjiang Uygur wonderful take long time come here but very beautiful #lovechina #chefrangsima #scenicspotguide
#travelinspiration#holidayvacation
lovechina
chefrangsima
_TS***99
Karakul
#travelanywhere Karakul is a high-altitude lake located in the Pamir Mountains of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Situated at an elevation of about 3,600 meters (11,811 feet), Karakul Lake is renowned for its stunning scenery, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, including Muztagh Ata and Kongur Tagh.
The name "Karakul" means "Black Lake" in Turkic languages, referring to the deep blue color of the lake's waters. It is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, pristine environment, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, and photography. The area around Karakul Lake is inhabited by nomadic Kyrgyz herders, adding to its cultural significance and appeal as a travel destination in Xinjiang.
travelanywhere
BernardMC
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
Sofia.Gonzalez.48
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
H@rp3r N3ls0n
Mount Muztagh
👍Most recommended:
Mount Muztagh, Kongur Tagh, and Kongur Tiube stand tall like pillars holding up the sky, situated on the Pamir Plateau. They are the most enchanting sights on the Pamir Plateau. The main peak of Mount Muztagh, Muztagh 1, has an elevation of 7546 meters
In the Uyghur language, 'muz' means ice, 'tagh' means mountain peak, and 'ata' means father. 'Muztagh Ata' (Mount Muztagh) thus translates to 'Father of Ice Mountains'!
✅Must experience: Walking towards Taxkorgan County past the White Sand Lake, you can see Mount Muztagh along the way. The view is spectacular and well worth stopping to fully appreciate the natural wonder
Scarlett_Coleman.48
Southern Xinjiang: Lake Karakul under the Mustagata Peak
✅Filming location:
Taxian: 【White Sand Lake】【Karakul Lake】【Pamir Tourist Area】【Panlong Ancient Road】【Bandir Lake】【Taheman Wetland】(composed of 4 notes)
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✅Date: September 28, 29, 2023
✅Weather: Sunny
✅Route:
28th:
1⃣️Depart from Kashgar at 9:00 in the morning
2⃣️Visit White Sand Lake in Tashkurgan
3⃣️Visit Karakul Lake at Mustagata Peak
4⃣️Visit Pamir Tourist Area
5⃣️Eat at Qishi Square in Taxian, stay in Taxian
29th:
1⃣️Depart from the hotel at 9:00 in the morning, take the Panlong Ancient Road
2⃣️On the way down from Panlong Ancient Road, pass by Bandir Lake and Taheman Wetland
3⃣️Return to Kashgar for overnight stay
✅Transportation: Self-driving
✅Accommodation:
28th: Full View Starry Sky Hotel
29th: Kashgar Yueju Homestay
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✅Tips for playing at White Sand Lake in Tashkurgan: 0.5~1 hour
1⃣️Admission: Free (view along the way)
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✅Tips for playing at Karakul Lake at Mustagata Peak: 1 hour
1⃣️Admission: 45 yuan
2⃣️You can ride horses, camels, and yaks for photos
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✅Tips for playing in Pamir Tourist Area: 1~1.5 hours
1⃣️Admission + shuttle bus: 50.5 yuan
2⃣️Take the shuttle bus for a few minutes to the Stone City, walk to the next bus stop, and then take the shuttle bus for a few minutes to the Folk Park
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✅Tips for playing on Panlong Ancient Road: 2 hours
1⃣️Admission: Free
2⃣️There are more than 600 bends, and the highest altitude exceeds 4000 meters
3⃣️Only seven-seater and below vehicles are allowed
4⃣️No U-turns allowed
5⃣️There are viewing platforms along the way where you can stop for photos
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✅Tips for playing at Bandir Lake & Taheman Wetland: 0.5 hours
1⃣️ Admission: Free (view along the way)
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About drones:
1⃣️White Sand Lake: Free to fly
2⃣️Karakul Lake: Free to fly
3⃣️Pamir Tourist Area: No fly zone
4⃣️Panlong Ancient Road: Free to fly
5⃣️Bandir Lake: Free to fly
6⃣️Taheman Wetland: Free to fly
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📸Shooting equipment: iphone14promax, DJI mini3 pro
Nova_Starthorn
Karaku Lake - The highest lake above sea level
Karaku Lake - The highest lake above sea level
🍀Karaku Lake is a typical plateau lake, located at the foot of Mustag Peak and Gonggeer Peak, with abundant grass and birds by the lake, charming scenery, and the lake water is colorful under the sun. When there is no wind, the surface of the water is like a mirror, reflecting the mountains and snow peaks. One of the best viewing spots of Mustag Peak is also at Karaku Lake. Karaku Lake is named for its deep and dark lake water, hence the name "Karaku", which means black lake in Kirghiz. In Tajikistan across the border, there are also many lakes and place names called Karaku.
🍃It's more photogenic than White Sand Lake! The lake water, hills, snow mountains, daytime and sky are very layered!
⛳Location: Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, Ketao County, Bulunkou, it is located next to the 314 National Road like White Sand Lake, at the foot of the "Father of Glaciers" Mustag Peak.
🎫Ticket: 45 yuan/person. Opening hours: 10:00-20:00.
Accommodation: The local accommodation conditions are poor, you can continue along the 314 National Road for about 2 hours to stay in Tashkurgan County.
🍃The wind in the lake area is strong, so be careful to prevent wind, the plateau ultraviolet rays are strong, do a good job of sun protection, there are mosquitoes in the lake area, bring mosquito repellent.
It is recommended to visit the lake at around 7:00 in the evening, the photo effect is good. There are a lot of tour groups around 3:00 in the afternoon, too many people.
BRYNLEE FOSTER
I saw the first ice tower forest in my life, detailed strategy
Time: The peak season for sightseeing is from May to September, with suitable temperatures. Continuous daylight in July and August is conducive to sightseeing.
Transportation: You can rent a car for self-driving, or there are regular minibuses directly to the scenic spot. Pay attention to the complex terrain and road conditions, and choose a safe car model.
Accommodation: There are several inns in Vik town, which is a 30-minute drive from the scenic spot, and the scenery of the golf resort is beautiful.
Itinerary: Visit the Vik waterfall in the morning and arrive at the Mustag scenic area in the afternoon. Three hours are enough to look up at the glacier and visit the cultural museum.
Equipment preparation: The climate in mild areas changes greatly, prepare underwear, hats, jackets, etc., and carry a telephoto lens.
Pay attention to safety: Do not enter the prohibited area, insist on the guide's instructions, and do not approach the edge of the glacier at will.
Learn more: You can join the exploration team to learn more about geological explanations and appreciate the natural wonders here.
Abide by local laws and regulations, and safely appreciate the beauty of the glacier to leave unforgettable memories.
CraftyCreativity
Xinjiang Tourism | Karakul Lake and Mustag Peak
Departing from Kashgar and heading towards Tashkurgan, the altitude continues to rise along the way, passing by Karakul Lake, panting and admiring. When the intoxicating blue of the lake and the magnificent snow mountain behind it appear in front of you, everything is worth it.
COLE SULLIVAN
Heading west, experience the stunning scenery on the Pamir Plateau
The journey from Kashgar to Taxkorgan, the appearance of the White Sand Lake, also kicks off the scenic journey. The official name of White Sand Lake is "Chakrak Lake", locals also call it "Bulunkou Lake", in fact, it is Bulun Reservoir. In 2012, due to the construction of the Gez River Hydropower Station and damming, it eventually turned into a 44 square kilometer water surface, it is also the first of the 11 reservoirs on the Gez River.
🌟Highlights:
The surface of White Sand Lake is like a mirror, the sand mountain white sand is like snow, in the distance are the continuous snow mountains, the snow light shines on the White Sand Lake, the White Sand Lake reflects the White Sand Mountain, the three reflect each other, the same color up and down, both illusion and reality. The color of the water surface of White Sand Lake varies under different weather conditions, and the lake and mountain scenery is like an oil painting.
✨Tips:
White Sand Lake has two viewing areas, not far apart, the one closer to Kashgar is suitable for distant viewing, the one closer to Taxkorgan is suitable for seeing the white sand, you can take pictures along the way, the scenery is beautiful, but you can't stop the car.
🎫Ticket Information:
Cars can only be parked in the two parking lots on the side of the road, the entrance fee is 40 yuan per person, a plank road has been built by the lake, you can go down to the lake, continue to walk towards Taxkorgan there is a free viewing area, with a wide view, and no ticket is required!
⭐️Karakul Lake:
Continuing from White Sand Lake towards Taxkorgan is the lake, it is located at the foot of "Father of Glaciers" Mustag Peak, because the lake water is deep and dark, hence the name "Karakul", which means black lake in Kirghiz, at an altitude of about 3600 meters.
The lake water is surrounded by mountains, the lakeside is rich in water and grass, often there are Kirghiz herders grazing here. On a clear day, the blue water reflects the silver peaks, the lake and mountain scenery is integrated, the scenery is poetic and picturesque. Here, you can get a close view of Mustag Peak, Gongger Peak, Gongger Jiubie Peak, these three are all over 7000 meters above sea level, they are the iconic snow mountains of the Pamir Plateau.
✅Karakul Lake also requires a ticket, 50 yuan per person.
🚉Travel Strategy:
The two lakes are the main attractions from Kashgar to Taxkorgan, you can take a car from Kashgar to Taxkorgan, get off halfway, but it is very inconvenient, it is best to drive by yourself, or join a one-day/two-day tour group in Kashgar.
AtlasSage20
My favorite off-the-beaten-path destination in Xinjiang, hope you can go and see it too.
My favorite off-the-beaten-path destination in Xinjiang, I hope you can go and see it too. Today, I recommend a Xinjiang off-the-beaten-path travel destination - Kashi County (a brilliant pearl on the Pamir Plateau).
About Taxian County
The full name ID of Taxian is Tashikuergan Tajik Autonomous County, which belongs to Kashgar Prefecture in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Tashkurgan, meaning "stone city" in the Uyghur language, is named after the ancient stone castle located to the north of the city.
Transportation options
Self-driving: Starting from Kashgar, follow the 318 National Highway (China-Pakistan Friendship Road), and the scenery along the way is breathtaking.
Public bus: About 6 hours from Kashgar, with some scenic spots to get off and play and take photos along the way.
Carpooling: flexible itinerary, generally low cost.
Main attractions recommendation
Baisha Lake:
Here the scenery is beautiful, with the water and sky blending into one, the lake surface shining like a mirror, and the white sand resembling snowflakes. Due to being blown by the wind all year round, the white sand accumulates in the lake, so the locals named it "Baisha Lake". Panlong Ancient Road:
Believe that most people know this place, divided into Big and Small Panlong, with many bends on the road! There are sea buckthorn trees and continuous snow-capped mountains along the way.
The scenery is good.
Karakul Lake:
Located at the foot of the "Father of Glaciers" Mustagh Ata, named for its deep and dark waters, Karakul Lake means "Black Lake" in Kyrgyz.
Muztagh Ata Peak:
After passing Bai Sha Lake, you can see them almost all the way. They are not very high, but it's still nice to see round-headed snow mountains that look like steamed buns all the way.
Xintaheman Township:
On Main Road 314, in a small village below the plateau, the golden tree at the entrance will be beautiful in autumn~
Attention!!!
To go to Taxian County, you need a border pass!
Don't run, otherwise you may get altitude sickness. You can bring altitude sickness medicine and oxygen cylinder.
Some roads are difficult to navigate, it is recommended to either carpool or hire a local driver who is familiar with the road conditions.
InternationalJetsetter
Put on the Kirch girl's felt hat
wearing a minority flower skirt
riding a handsome camel
or Ze Ma Yang whip
at the Karakule Lake
Yuan Wang Mu Shita The shadow of Gefeng
I, completely integrated into this piece of heaven and earth
"Kara Kule" means "Black Lake" in Kirgiz, a typical glacier lake, located in Kezhou, Xinjiang Subas village in Blumkou Township, Akto County, distributed on both sides of the China-Brazil Highway, with an elevation of over 3,600 meters.
With the change of seasons and light, the color of the lake changes accordingly. When the weather is fine, the lake is green or blue; when the sky is dark, the lake is black, so it has the reputation of color-changing lake.
The shadow of the "Father of the Snow Mountain" Muztag Peak in the lake, the Kunlun and the beautiful Lake Karakul, showing the power and beauty, becoming the eternal on the Pamirs.
Travel tips:
Drive from Kashgar, pass 314 National Road, pass Baisha Mountain (Baisha Lake), arrive at Blumkou Township and you can reach Kahu (191 km from Kashi). Kahu is a must-see attraction to Tashkurgan (Ta County) and is well worth punching.
Dressing: Kahu is a high-altitude area with climate change, even if it is needed in the summer, if you want to live in the Kirgiz herdsmen at night, you need to bring thicker clothes.
can also participate in a two-day tour of the two-day tour of Tas County in Kashgar.
Enjoyourtrip.
Along the road from Kashgar to Tashkurgan, if you have the best scenery, the most beautiful scenery is the beautiful plateau lake Karakuri. The plateau holy lake is dazzling in the mountains, the lake is rich in water, the cattle and sheep are in groups, and the beautiful pastoral style.
If you come here from the plains, there may be a slight altitude sickness, because the Kalakuli Lake is 3,600 meters above sea level and is a rare plateau lake in the world. Together with the support of the glacier's father, Muztag, it has become a particularly bright pearl.
This lake means "black" in the Kirgiz language, and the white snow-capped mountains make it magical and beautiful. In addition, there are often Kirgiz herders stationed there, forming an exotic landscape.
If the weather is fine, the holy snowy mountains in the distance, the long grassland on the lakeside, are clearly reflected in the lake, the scenery is very beautiful, picturesque and intoxicating.
Around the lakeside, there are some yurt-style dwellings. If you have enough time, you can go there and experience the local ethnic customs. You can make a visit to the nomadic people on the plateau lake, enjoy the beautiful scenery, taste the food, and enjoy the rare world. Pure heaven.
Adam Yue.
Lake Karakul is a plateau lake, and is located at the foot of the Mustag and Gongger Ice Peaks in the Blumkou Township on the Pamirs Plateau in Akto County, in the same place as Lake Blencoule. The distance between the two is only ten kilometers. However, the scenery of the two lakes is quite different.
Krakule Lake has many grassy birds, beautiful scenery, and the legend of the water monster, which adds a touch of glamour to the attraction.
Kala Kule Lake is located at the foot of the Muztag Mountain. When there is no wind, the lake is horizontally like a mirror. It is here that we have encountered about 3, 4 cars and tourists who come here like us during the apricot season. Among them are friends from Vietnam, Wenzhou, and Shanghai, and everyone is full of praise for today's weather.
When the weather is good, you can see the reflection of the lake reflecting the Muztag Peak, very beautiful.