4-day tours along the Karakoram Highway

4-day tours along the Karakoram Highway

Day 1, Kashgar to Muji Volcano Crater-Baisha Lake

Activities: Drive along the Karakoram Highway, visit Muji Volcano Crater and Baisha lake
Details:After breakfast, you will drive from Kashgar onto the Karakoram Highway, heading into the Pamir Plateau. Your first stop is the Muji Volcano Crater, a fascinating volcanic site with dark red and black rocks contrasting against the white snow. You can walk up to the crater edge for amazing views. Afterwards, you continue to Baisha Lake, a stunning turquoise lake framed by pure white sand dunes. You will stay overnight near Baisha Lake

Day 2, Baisha Lake-Karakul Lake (Hiking)-Muztagh Ata Glacier Park-Tashkorgan

Activities: Keep driving along the KK, visit Karakul lake and Muztagh Ata Glacier Park
Details:After breakfast, you drive to Karakul Lake (3,600m). You will go hiking around the lake, enjoying the reflections of the mighty Muztagh Ata (Father of the Ice Mountain) and Kongur peaks in the clear water. Afterwards, you visit Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, where you can get closer to the huge glacier and icy landscape.
In the late afternoon, you drive to Tashkorgan, the westernmost county of China, for overnight stay.

Day 3, Kunjirap Pass-Wahan Corridor -Tashkorgan

Activities: Visit Khunjirap pass, Wahan Corridor, Stone Fort and Golden Grassland
Details:After breakfast, you first drive to Kunjirap Pass, the China-Pakistan border crossing at a stunning 4,733m altitude.
Next, you explore the Wahan Corridor, a narrow strip of land with spectacular mountain views. Returning to Tashkorgan, you visit the ancient Stone Fort (over 2,200 years old), then walk on the beautiful Golden Grassland next to the fort.
A true highlight is visiting a local Tajik family, where you can experience their warm hospitality and traditional lifestyle. You stay overnight in Tashkorgan.

Day 4, Tashkurgan to Panlong Ancient Road – Bandir Blue Lake – Return to Kashgar

Activities: Drive through Panlong Dragon Road, stop at Bandier Blue Lake and return to Kashgar
Details:After breakfast, head to the Panlong Ancient Road, a dramatic winding route just 30 km from Tashkurgan. Known for its more than 600 S-shaped turns, this scenic drive offers stunning high-altitude views. Continue to the serene Bandir Blue Lake before stopping for lunch. Afterward, begin the scenic drive back to Kashgar, taking time to reflect on the extraordinary landscapes and cultural encounters of the past few days.
Arrive in Kashgar in the evening and check into your hotel.

Important Note

A travel permit is required for this trip. The permit is free of charge, but must be obtained in person at the permit office. Please review the details below to ensure a smooth process.


How to Apply for the Permit

  • Standard Procedure: On the morning of your tour, your assigned driver will take you to the permit office to complete the application before the trip begins.
  • Recommended for Early Arrivals: If you arrive in Kashgar before your scheduled tour date, we suggest applying for the permit in advance. This allows for an earlier departure on the day of your tour.

Permit Office Information

Working Hours

  • Weekdays: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM / 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Weekends: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM / 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Location

Kashgar Financial Service Center
(Chinese address for taxi drivers: 喀什市金融服务中心)

The office is approximately 15 kilometers from downtown Kashgar, near Kashgar Airport. If you are arriving by flight and have time before your tour, you may go directly to the permit office from the airport—it is only about a 10-minute drive away.

What to Bring

  • Passport: Required for permit issuance.
  • For Children Under 16: A birth certificate is required. A copy is acceptable. If you have a photo, you may print it on-site. Please note that the permit cannot be issued without the birth certificate.

Health and Safety Information

The tour area is at high altitude. This trip may not be suitable for individuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or other serious health concerns. Please ensure you are comfortable with high-altitude travel. For your safety, an oxygen tank will be available in the vehicle.

Tour Start Time

  • If you have obtained the permit in advance: Your tour can begin directly between 8:00–9:00 AM (Beijing time).
  • If you need to apply for the permit on the day: Your driver will pick you up at 9:30 AM and take you to the permit office first. Afterward, your tour will proceed with plenty of time to enjoy the day.

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