7 ~ Day Best of Kashgar & Pamir Adventure

Overview

Embark on an authentic journey from Kashgar to Tar Village via karakorum highway and Pamir plateau, where every twist and turn reveals a new wonder.

At the same time, the tour uncover the unique and fascinating ethnic culture of South Xinjiang, allowing participants to experience the rich traditions and customs of the region in firsthand.

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

● Natural Wonders: From the fiery Red Mountain to the shimmering lakes, every stop is a feast for the eyes.

● Silk Road History: Follow in the footsteps of ancient traders and explorers along this historic route.

● Marvel at the contrast of colors—rugged cliffs, green meadows, and the endless blue sky.

 

Recommended 7 ~ Day Itinerary

 

Day	Highlights
1-2 Kashgar	Explore rich history: the kashgar old town,Id -Kah Mosque ,Apak Khoja Tomb,livestock market, handcraft street.
3-5 Tashkurgan & Tar village	Admire the towering peak Mt.Muztagh-Ata and Mt.Kongur Tagh and capture unforgettable photos of natural beauty :karakorum highway ,Red mountain,white sand mountain,Karakul Lake, Glacier park,Bander gem lake ,Dragon Road,Ancient silk Road,Pamir plateau.
6 Kashgar	Witness the breathtaking views of karakorum highway where glittering glaciers and rugged peaks create a dramatic and otherworldly landscape.
7  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 are free rest of the day to explore the area around your hotel and get yourself ready for Kashgar adventure.

 

● Day 2: Kashgar city tour

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 explore the exotic livestock market, one of the biggest in the region where a bustling market that 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 – A Journey Through Silk Road Wonders

Attractions: Karakorum highway ,Upal Village, Red Mountain，Red Mountain canyon ,white sand mountain also called Bulungkol , Karakul Lake,Mt.Muztagh Ata (7546 meters) and Mt.Kongur Tagh (7719 meters) Stone fort, golden Grassland,

Hotel:  Over night in Tashkurgan

Tour Details: Meet your guide and driver, Embark on an unforgettable journey to Tashkurgan, a remote and enchanting town nestled in the far west of Xinjiang, where China meets Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan.

Follow the ancient Silk Road as you explore the fiery Red Mountain, the shimmering White Sand Mountain, and the breathtaking Karakul Lake, where the snow-capped Muztagh Ata peak reflects in the crystal-clear waters.

Meet the local Kyrgyz nomads, graze with their herds, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this alpine paradise. Arrive in Tashkurgan and experience the rich Tajik culture, savoring traditional snacks and milk tea while soaking in the town’s unique charm. Spend the night in this peaceful haven, dreaming of the day’s adventures."

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, fueling up for an unforgettable adventure along Karakorum highway .

Karakorum highway renowned as the highest paved border crossing in the World and regarded as one of the World's most beautiful highways.

As you leave Kashgar, your first stop is 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, a striking geological formation with vibrant red hues that glow under the sunlight.

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 ,different formation by rain and water,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.!

 

Continue your journey to the White Sand Mountain : A Desert Mirage where you can take very nice photographs of the lake with stunning reflections of the sand mountains.

Next, arrive at Karakul Lake, a Scenic alpine lake surrounded by the towering peaks of the Pamir Mountains. The lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the snow-capped mountains, creating a breathtaking panorama.

Karakul Lake 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.

Get ready to Take in the majestic views of Muztagh Ata (7,546 meters), known as the "Father of Ice Mountains."

Meet the local Kyrgyz nomads, who graze their herds around the lake and live in traditional yurts.

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the lake shore, soaking in the serene beauty of this remote paradise.

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.

 After the explorations, you will proceed to Tashkurgan for spend the night. 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.  

Arrive to Tashkurgan by late afternoon, a charming town known for its rich Tajik culture and stunning mountain views. Check in to your hotel and freshen up .

After refreshing up Explore the town and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere. 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.

Visit the Tashkurgan Stone Fort an ancient Silk Road site with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

Spend the evening interacting with the local Tajik people, known for their warm hospitality and vibrant traditions. Enjoy a cultural performance in peoples square or simply relax for up coming adventure.

 

Notice: Guests will need to carry their passports with them on this tour as they are required to show these at the Gaz check point with permit. Everybody at this point needs to be registered by the authorities due to its close proximity to many bordering countries.

 

● Day 4: A Scenic Adventure from Tashkurgan to Tar Village or Datong

Attractions: Pamir plateau, Dragon Road ( a winding mountain road known for its dramatic twists and turns ,known as The Dangerous and spectacular Roads in china), Balder blue lake, ancient“Tashkurgan-Yarkand silk Road” Tar and Datong village.

Hotel:  Over night in  home-stay at Tar or Datong village

Tour Details: Meet your guide and driver, set off on a scenic drive along the ancient “Tashkurgan-Yarkand Road”, a historic route that once connected traders along the Silk Road.

"Embark on a remote journey from Tashkurgan to Tar or Datong Village, where every twist and turn reveals a new wonder.

Begin with the “Dragon Road”, a winding mountain route that offers “heart-pounding hairpin turns” and breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and lush valleys.

As you descend from the Dragon Road, you’ll encounter to the “Balder Blue Lake”, a hidden gem where crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks like a mirror.

 

Continue your journey along the ancient Silk Road, passing through remote villages and dramatic landscapes. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the history and nature intertwine.

 

keep driving to Tar Village a charming settlement known for its vibrant landscapes.

Depending on the season, you’ll witness either golden rapeseed fields (from June - July) or pink apricot blossoms (in spring from march 26^th April 10^th ).

 

Drive along the ancient road, passing through remote villages and Exotic landscapes.

Arrive in Tar Village, a peaceful and picturesque settlement nestled in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains and apricot orchards. Check in to your  home-stay, where you’ll experience the warm hospitality of the Tajik people and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this remote village.

After enjoying a traditional Tajik dinner, featuring dishes like plov (pilaf),shashlik (kebabs), and Naan (bread), accompanied by local milk tea.

Spend the evening relaxing under the stars, listening to the sounds of nature, and reflecting on the day’s adventures.

Retire to your cozy room for a restful night’s sleep, dreaming of the breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures you’ve experienced.

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: Scenic venture back to Tashkurgan Along the ancient silk road from Datong or Tar

Attractions: Enjoying local village life,Some part of Yarkand - Tashkurgan silk Road,(Depending on the season:Visit Apricot blossom or golden rapeseed fields) 

Hotel: over night in Tashkurgan

Tour Details:Start your day with a simple breakfast at the guesthouse or home-stay , savoring the flavors of Tajik cuisine and preparing for a day of breathtaking scenery and cultural immersion.

set off on a scenic drive along the ancient Tashkurgan-Yarkand Road, a historic route that once connected traders along the Silk Road.

Wander through the hidden apricot flower valley, where centuries-old trees burst into clouds of delicate flowers, creating a staggering visual feast. Feel the gentle breeze carrying the sweet fragrance of apricot blossoms, as petals drift around you like nature’s confetti. After soaking in the beauty of this magical landscape, embark on a scenic drive back to Tashkurgan along the ancient silk Road.

Stop at breathtaking viewpoints and remote villages, capturing the dramatic landscapes and immersing yourself in the region’s rich landscape. End your adventure in Tashkurgan reflecting on the beauty and serenity of the apricot / rapeseed fields blossoms depending on season ."

 

● Day 6: 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 7: Kashgar Airport See Off

Attractions: Airport See Off

Tour Details:In the morning our guide and driver will take you to the Kashgar Airport in time for your flights home.

End of service!

 

 

 

Tips for the Tour 

①. Dress in Layers: The weather can vary significantly, especially at high altitudes, so bring warm clothing.

②.Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking through villages,canyon and along lake shores, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

③. Take precautions ：It is also recommended to bring sunscreen and mosquito spray if you are an easy target for mosquitoes.

④.Bring a Camera: The landscapes are incredibly photogenic, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone and power-bank.

⑤. Respect Local Customs: The Tajik people are known for their hospitality, so be respectful and open to learning about their culture.