Things to do in Tashkurgan

Arriving at the Pamir Plateau, one truly witnesses the magnificent grandeur of western China's landscape. Starting from Kashgar and traveling along the Karakoram Highway, snow-capped mountains, lakes, and deserts unfold before your eyes in breathtaking scenery—a must-do route in southern Xinjiang. Along the way, you'll stop at White Sand Lake and Karakol Lake, facing Muztagh Ata Peak directly. The pristine snow-capped mountains reflected in the azure lakes create stunning photographs. The winding Panlong Ancient Road offers a unique and immersive experience. Along the way, you can also experience the unique culture and customs of the Tajik people—their simple and honest nature, the vast and tranquil plateau, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, a truly healing experience. This is a border region, so a border permit must be obtained in advance; without it, you will not be able to pass. The overall altitude is very high, mostly above 3000 meters, making altitude sickness a common concern. Slow down your movements and bring oxygen cylinders and glucose. The temperature difference between day and night is significant; even in summer, a thick coat and windproof jacket are essential. The ultraviolet radiation is extremely strong, so sun protection and sunglasses are a must. The scenic areas are far apart and scattered, so driving or hiring a car is more suitable. Cell phone signal is weak in some sections, so downloading offline maps is recommended. The weather on the plateau is unpredictable; one moment it's sunny and clear, and the next it can be windy and snowy. There aren't many commercial facilities, so conditions are relatively basic; those seeking comfort and relaxation should expect that. Seeing the Pamir Plateau in person makes all the travel fatigue worthwhile. For those who love natural scenery, the Pamir Plateau is definitely worth a visit.

The name of this attraction is a bit confusing; it's actually located in Tashkurgan County, specifically at the Stone City and Golden Grassland. The entire attraction can be completed in about two hours. This is an easily overlooked spot, but it's highly recommended. Absolutely recommended! It's right in the county town. A fantastic location for viewing the reflection of Muztagh Ata Peak. We arrived in the morning. The Golden Grassland offers excellent views of the snow-capped mountains or the reflection of Stone City. Drones are prohibited from flying nearby due to the presence of an airport.

Panlong Ancient Road, located in Wacha Township, Tashkurgan County, Kashgar Prefecture, is a renowned scenic highway on the Pamir Plateau. The 36-kilometer-long road winds its way through the Kunlun Mountains, featuring over 600 S-shaped and U-shaped bends, resembling a giant dragon lying across the landscape, hence its name. The road's altitude rises from 3000 meters to 4216 meters, a drop of over 1200 meters. Built along the contours of the mountains, the road is tightly wound and intricate, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Looking around, vast valleys, rolling hills, and distant snow-capped peaks create a magnificent panorama of the plateau. Originally a rural path, the road was paved with asphalt in 2019, greatly facilitating travel for local villagers. The slogan at the exit, "Having traversed all the winding roads today, from now on, life will be smooth sailing," imbues the road with a beautiful meaning, making it a unique and memorable destination for countless self-driving travelers.

After leaving Panlong Ancient Road, we headed back to Kashgar in the afternoon. We visited several scenic spots along the Wuhong Line and National Highway 314, including: Bandir Blue Lake, known as the "blue eyes" of the Pamir Plateau, Taheman Wetland (Figures 6 and 7), and the Red Mountain Canyon of Aoyitak Glacier Park.

The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway from Kashgar to Tashkurgan County and then to Khunjerab is very easy to drive and the scenery is so beautiful. Watch my video, there are two sections on the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway. If you don't have high sickness when driving, just go up all the way. I went there in March, when the winter snow just started to melt, it was as if people and cars were driving in an oil painting... Come and experience it!

For travelers to southern Xinjiang, Tashi County is a good stopover, especially for group tours, which typically require a two-night stay. However, most tour groups don't include a visit to Stone City in Tashi County. However, we recommend exploring Stone City after arriving in Tashi County, especially after dinner. Stone City is steeped in history and boasts stunning scenery. The wetlands beneath the mountains are unique against the vibrant yellow of southern Xinjiang. Evening performances include folk songs and dances, as well as folklore exhibitions. Stone City is particularly easy to explore, and those experiencing altitude sickness can take a leisurely stroll. There's a snack street just outside Stone City.

The description of this attraction is incorrect. The picture shows the "Devil's Eye" of Mount Muji, which is easily misleading to tourists. In reality, this attraction is a huge, eye-shaped mountain that we passed on the way back from Banjier Blue Lake along the Panlong Ancient Trail; it's quite impressive.

Experience Tajik Customs: The surrounding area is primarily inhabited by the Tajik people, known as the "Heavenly People." They are hospitable and have unique cultural practices, such as sheep-grabbing, eagle flute, and eagle dance. Major Attractions: The China-Pakistan Highway from Kashgar to Khunjerab is a magnificent scenic drive, passing through: Aoyitake Forest Park: A combination of grandeur, unique beauty, elegance, seclusion, and peril. Karakul Lake: A high mountain glacial moraine lake, its waters frame the towering Muztagh Ata, creating a captivating scene. Muztagh Ata: Known as the "Father of Icebergs," it is a destination for mountaineering enthusiasts. Stone City Ruins: A renowned ancient city ruin on the ancient Silk Road, steeped in history. Princess Castle: A military engineering site related to traffic safety along the ancient Silk Road, steeped in legends. Travel Permits: Chinese citizens traveling to Tashkurgan County and the Khunjerab Pass area must obtain a border pass in advance in Kashgar. Best Time: Although the border crossing is now open year-round, the plateau region's summer (May-October) offers relatively mild weather and beautiful scenery, making it a more suitable time for travel. Transportation: You can charter a car or take a shuttle bus from Kashgar to Tashkurgan County, then rent a car to reach the border crossing. Road conditions are complex along the way, so it's recommended to hire an experienced driver. Altitude Sickness: The border crossing is at an extremely high altitude, so be sure to take precautions against altitude sickness. Prepare in advance, avoid strenuous exercise, and allow ample time to acclimate. Policy Verification: Border crossing policies (such as the scope of tourist access) are subject to change at any time. Be sure to check with relevant authorities for the latest information before traveling. The Khunjerab Pass is not only a geographical peak, but also a bridge of friendship and a historic passage connecting China and Pakistan.

From the observation deck of Taheman Wetland Park, you can see the beautiful scenery. It is very beautiful and has a wide field of view. It is a good choice, which makes people feel relaxed and refreshed. It is very cost-effective and interesting.