8 ~ Day Kashgar & Pamir Discovery

Overview

Experience the mystical beauty journey from the vast deserts to the high plateaus, featuring hidden gem lakes and glaciers that blend natural beauty with cultural immersion and historical exploration. travelers will witness breathtaking natural beauty at every turn.

At the same time, the tour uncover into the unique and fascinating ethnic culture of South Xinjiang, allowing participants to experience the rich traditions and customs of the region. Whether you are marveling at the natural wonders or engaging with the local heritage, this tour promises to be a memorable and enriching experience, leaving you with unforgettable memories of both the beauty of the land and the warmth of its people.

 

 Highlights

● Adventurous experience in the world's second-largest shifting desert, historically known as the "sea of death."

● witness the breathtaking views of karakorum highway，colorful local culture, perfect blend of adventure,  and enrichment With its combination of stunning natural beauty

 

Recommended 8 ~ Day Itinerary

 

Day	Highlights
1-2 Kashgar	Discover the vibrant culture and history: kashgar old town,Eid Kah Mosque,Apak Khoja Tomb,  handcraft street and Roam freely through bustling livestock market
3-5 Tashkurgan & Pamir Plateau	Peaceful retreat of natural beauty :karakorum highway ,Red mountain,white sand mountain,Karakul Lake,Mt.Muztagh-Ata (7546 meters) and Mt.Kongur Tagh (7719 meters), Glacier park,Bander gem lake  The Dragon Road,Pamir plateau.
6 Yarkand	Immerse Yarkand's rich history as an one of ancient capital of Silk Road station adds to its charm.
7 Shipton's Arch	Navigate the arch in valley to rich breathtaking and surprising revelation that leaves the observers in awe.
8   Departure

 

 

● Day 1:  Arrival to Kashgar

Attractions: Kashgar Airport or Train station to hotel transfer                               

Hotel: Over night in Kashgar

Tour Details: Our guide and driver will meet you at Kashgar airport or train station then transfer you to your comfort hotel.You will free rest of the day to explore the area around your hotel and get yourself ready for Kashgar adventure.

● Day 2: Kashgar | Exotic Kashgar

Attractions:old town, livestock market, handcraft street, Grand Eid Kah Mosque , Abakh Khoja Tomb                        

 Hotel: Over night in Kashgar

Tour Details: guide and driver will meet you at front of lobby for Kashgar city tour.

Start your Kashgar city tour by visiting Mausoleum of Abakh khoja tomb also known as the "fragrant concubine tomb in mandarin,whom was the wife of Emperor Qianlong of Qin Dynasty.",it is an ancient building complex and a cemetery of five generations of famous Sufi masters were buried.

Next we will Roam freely through the exotic livestock market, one of the biggest in the region where traditional trading methods are still used.

After the livestock Market, you will have your lunch in a Uyghur restaurant then we will wander through the winding narrow streets of the historic Kashgar Old Town rubbing shoulders with friendly Uyghur residents.

 Located at the spiritual heart of the Old Town is Eid Kah Mosque, one of the largest mosque in China. We will go inside and learn about more about its architecture and religion.

After our visit to the Mosque, we will stroll down Handicraft Street, viewing pots being hammered,wood craftsmen at work and traditional musical instrument workshops.

After the tour, you will be brought back to your hotel.

● Day 3: Kashgar to Tashkurgan | Venture the breathtaking Pamir

Attractions: Karakorum highway ,Upal Village, Red Mountain，Red Mountain Canyon ,white sand lake & white sand mountain also called Bulungkol , Karakul Lake,Mt.Muztagh Ata (7546 meters) and Mt.Kongur Tagh (7719 meters) Pamir plateau

Hotel: Over night in Tashkurgan

Tour Details: After your breakfast at the hotel,you will meet with our guide and driver for Karakorum highway adventure .

Embark on one of the most extraordinary road journeys on earth - the Karakorum Highway - into the Pamir Plateau, the "Roof of the World" and the deepest section of the ancient China Silk Road;  the mountainous road between Kashgar and Pakistan is Xinjiang's unequivocal highlight.

We will see the following on our drive: Upal Village, an-hour drive from Kashgar, is a good location to take photos of village life and traditional activities like bread making and Uyghur food stalls. There is a village market here on Monday's.

Half an hour's drive from the village we arrive at Oytagh Red Mountain. The mountain valley is surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of multi-colored mountains to topped by snow-capped peaks.

Our driver will find safe spot to pull over the car by Karakorom Highway for short hike in red mountain canyon ,you will have to walk for 10 -15 minutes in order to reach canyon entrance.

Canyon is formed during gemological movement and you will find breathtaking natural erosion , formation by rain and water and wind. you can hike and wonder inside canyon for an hour to an hour half then continue your journey on KKH.

Notice:  this canyon is not a tourist scenic spot . For your own safety don not climb mountain.! 

After permit check point we will arrive to white sand Lake and white sand mountain also called Bulungkol in local language,it is a tranquil shallow lake where you can take very nice photographs of the lake with stunning reflections of the sand mountains.

Next stop is Karakul Lake,which is 3600 meters above sea level. It is located between Mt.Muztagh Ata (7546 meters) and Mt.Kongur Tagh (7719 meters), said to be 2 of the 6 most beautiful mountains in the world.

Karakul Lake, a shimmering alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The reflections of the mountains on its glassy surface create a surreal and tranquil atmosphere. Take a moment to soak in the serenity and capture some stunning photos.  

We can visit local Kirghiz yurts before heading to Tashkurgan. For your lunch,you can either have a lunch in a Kirghiz yurt or bring your own fruit and bread from Upal Village and picnic by the lake.

 you can do short hike by the lake on foot or rent a camel or horse and ride around the lake. After the tour, you will proceed to Tashkurgan for spend the night.

● Day 4: Tashkurgan | Explore the hidden gems of Pamir

Attractions: Pamir plateau,The Dragon Road, Balder blue lake, Stone City, Tashkurgan Grassland, Tashkurgan Cultural and Custom Museum,Tajik family visiting

Hotel: Over night in Tashkurgan

Tour Details: After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, set off on exploring Pamir plateau adventure.

As you wind your way along the highway, prepare to be mesmerized by the “Dragon Road” (Panlong Road in Chinese and Wacha Road in local language ), a serpentine marvel carved into the mountainside. Known as one of the most beautiful and dangerous roads in China, this engineering masterpiece offers jaw-dropping views at every turn. Feel the thrill as you navigate its hairpin bends and soak in the panoramic vistas of rugged cliffs and endless skies.

 Tashkurgan is a small town on the Pamir Plateau, that was once extremely isolated until the rebuilding of the Karakorum Highway in 1987. Even today, the local community, reached by this single road from Kashgar, continues to live a traditional way of life.

This region is known to be part of the primary route of the "Old Silk Road" connecting China and Western Asia.

We will start our Pamir adventure by driving towards to Pakistan then take left turn to well-known legendary  “Dragon Road,” a winding masterpiece that snakes through breathtaking mountain landscapes, offering unparalleled views and thrilling twists and turns.

After driving down from Dragon Road then we will encounter Blue lake Called Blader (in Chinese Bandier also known as Xiabandier Reservoir , was originally a river formed by the melting of glacial snow).

Discover the hidden gem of Lake Blader, a pristine alpine lake nestled in Pamir. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding beauty like a mirror, creating a picture-perfect setting for photography and quiet contemplation. Take a leisurely short walk along its shores and breathe in the pure mountain air.

Continue your journey through charming local villages, where time seems to stand still. Immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the locals, learn about their traditions, and perhaps enjoy a cup of traditional tea.  

By the time we make our way back to town it will be afternoon and then we explore Stone Fort and golden grassland which is next to the Stone Fort. Tashkurgan Grassland is where you can visit free grazing sheep, goat, yak,and horses.

The prime attraction here is the Stone Fort, with a history of more than 2000 years.

The fort had once served as the central palace of the Tajik Kingdom. In summer, locals put up tents and serve lunch and dinner for tourists. Last but not least,

Last but not least you will visit Tashkurgan cultural and custom museum that is where you can learn about Tajik culture and customs.

Once you have enjoyed your visit then we call it for the day and prepare for next day adventure.

 

Notice: ①Dragon Road is not for the faint of heart or anyone prone to motion sickness.②This road can be closed due to heavy rain，landslide or snow for visitors since it could be dangers to drive on it due to bad weather or insecure road condition. Itinerary for this part may have to be canceled in case of any conditions occur mentioned above.

● Day 5: Tashkurgan to Kashgar | Marvel at the authentic glacier of Mt.Muztagh Ata

Attractions: Pamir plateau,Karakorum highway, Tagharma grassland ,Subash pass, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata glacier Park or Oytagh Glacier forest Park

Hotel:  Over night in Kashgar 

Tour Details: After a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Tashkurgan, bid farewell to this historic Silk Road town and begin your scenic drive back to Kashgar.

Today’s journey promises a blend of natural wonders, and unforgettable vistas. As you traverse the rugged landscapes of the “Pamir Plateau”, make your first stop at the Tagharma grassland , one of the biggest grasslands in Tashkurgan on foot of snow-capped peaks.

The highlight of the day awaits at the Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, a place of raw, untouched beauty. Here, you’ll come face-to-face with the towering Muztagh Ata Mountain, standing tall at 7,516 meters (24,659 feet), and its majestic glacier. Known as the "Father of Ice Mountains," Muztagh Ata’s icy slopes and glistening glaciers are a sight to behold. marvel at the glacier’s sheer size, and feel the cool breeze from the icy peaks. This is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike!  

The scenery along the way to Park includes some of the best views of the Karakorum Highway and Kunlun Mountain Range,you may make stops at picturesque spots as you wish.

Upon arrival to Check into your hotel and unwind after an exhilarating day.  

● Day 6: Yarkand tour | Discover the hidden treasures of the Taklamakan Desert

Attractions: Yengisar Knife , Golden Graveyard , cultural heritage center, Yarkand  Old Town. Taklamakan Desert Camel Riding and Desert Trekking. 

Hotel:   Over night in Kashgar

Tour Details: Our Day Tour to Yarkand and the Taklamakan Desert is a combination tour which is designed to include the local heritage and cultures as well as the natural scenery of Yarkand and the Taklamakan Desert. You will wander through the Yarkand Old Town and ride a camel in the Taklamakan Desert.

We will start our tour after breakfast. On our way to Yarkand , one hour East of Kashgar, we will make a stop in the county of Yengisar is the most famous town in Xinjiang for making traditional Uyghur knives.

 

You will have chance to visit one of the knife workshops, view the making process and purchase as souvenir if you wish to.

Next stop a further two hours down the road will be Yarkand .

In Yarkand, we will first visit the Golden Graveyard.Golden Graveyard dates back to 17th Century and is the burial place of Royal family member of the Yarkand  Kingdom, therefore local people name it as "Golden Graveyard" as a respect to the Kingdom.

Just Next to the Golden Graveyard is the mausoleum of Amannisahan,This mausoleum commemorates a 16th-century Yarkand Uyghur queen and musician who helped compile the Twelve Uyghur Muqam  muqam music.

She is most renown for her transcription of the  Uyghur Twelve Muqam of famous traditional Uyghur music. She brought together local musicians, the majority of which were farmers, from the region and put their music to paper and also composed one of the Uyghur Twelve Muqam of her self.

We will then walk through the Old Town in Yarkand where we will visit the lively local market.

Here it is possible to see wood and metal craftsmen in action and sample traditional food which is sold on small carts along the street. Yarkand was once the capital of the Uyghur Kingdom in ancient times, and it was an important station on the Ancient silk road with a history of more than 2000 years.

 

Before leaving Yarkand we can visit a local restaurant where we will enjoy a delicious traditional Uyghur lunch, of  noodles and kebabs.

(Alliteratively you can have a late  picnic lunch of fruit and bread in the desert )

after lunch we will drive for around an hour to reach the oasis village of Karasu on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert from the village you can look out onto endless sand dunes stretching away before you.

Taklamakan Desert is the second largest shifting desert in the World, covering an area of 337,600 square km.

 

Taklamakan Desert is known as the "sea of death" by the silk road traders that used to cross it in their caravans in times gone by. many traders entered the desert lost their way and were never to be seen again. There is the option to experience ancient desert transportation by riding a camel over the dunes. You may also trek in the desert for up to an hour.

 

 

 

● Day 7: Shipton's Arch Tour | Discover the world’s Tallest Arch

Attractions: Shipton's Arch

Hotel: Over night in Kashgar

Tour Details: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Kashgar. Savor the local flavors and energize yourself for the adventure ahead.

Set off on an exciting journey to Shipton's Arch, the world's tallest natural arch. The drive from Kashgar takes approximately 1.5 hours, offering stunning views of the rugged landscape and the majestic Tien Shan Range.

Upon arrival at the parking lot, prepare for an unforgettable trek. The round hike to Shipton's Arch and back takes between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and the time spent admiring the scenery.

As you approach the arch, you'll be awestruck by its sheer size and grandeur. Standing at an estimated 1,200 feet, Shipton's Arch is as tall as the Empire State Building and holds a place in the Guinness Book of Records for its exceptional height.

enjoy a packed lunch in the stunning natural surroundings. Take a moment to relax and soak in the beauty of the arch and the surrounding landscape.

After Spending some time exploring the area around the arch. Capture the awe-inspiring views with your camera and take in the serene atmosphere of this natural wonder.

Begin your hike back to the parking lot, retracing your steps through the rocky gorge and steps.

Soon After reaching the parking lot, board your vehicle for the drive back to Kashgar. Reflect on the day's adventure and the incredible natural beauty you've witnessed.

Return to your hotel in Kashgar. Freshen up and enjoy a well-deserved dinner, reminiscing about your unforgettable journey to Shipton's Arch.

Tips for the Hike:

Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes: The trek involves uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is essential.

Bring Water: Stay hydrated throughout the hike.

Pack Snacks: Energy bars or light snacks can keep you fueled during the trek.

It is also advisable to bring warm clothes as temperatures here can be colder than those found in Kashgar.

 

● Day 8: Kashgar Airport See Off

Tour Details:After your breakfast at the hotel, our guide and driver will take you to the Kashgar Airport in time for your onward flights to your next destination.

End of service!

 

Trip Notice: ①Guests will need to carry their passports with them on this tour as they are required to show these at the Gaz check point .

②Everybody at this point needs to be registered by the authorities due to its close proximity to many bordering countries.

③It is also advisable to bring warm clothes as temperatures here can be colder than those found in Kashgar.

④It is also recommended to bring sunscreen and mosquito spray if you are an easy target for mosquitoes.

⑤ The red Mountain canyon is off the beaten track scenic spot , For your own safety Travel with local guide and don not climb mountain.!