Drive the Karakoram Highway, stop at Upal Village and Oytagh Colorful Mountains, visit and hike around Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake beneath Muztagh Ata
We set out along the legendary China–Pakistan Karakoram Highway, with our first stop at Upal Village, a charming Silk Road settlement just outside Kashgar. Here, you can experience authentic traditional rural life, watch local bakers prepare fresh naan bread straight from a tandoor oven, and pick up supplies for the journey ahead.
Continuing onward, we make a brief stop at the striking Oytagh Colorful Mountains, where the vibrant mineral-streaked hills offer a stunning preview of the dramatic landscapes to come. As we ascend onto the Pamir Plateau — often called the “Roof of the World” — the scenery becomes increasingly breathtaking.
After a few hours of driving, we arrive at Baisha Lake, a mesmerizing turquoise lake framed by vast, pure white sand dunes. We explore the quieter, non-touristic northern shore before continuing to Karakul Lake (3,600 m above sea level). Nestled at the foot of the iconic Muztagh Ata (7,546 m) and Kongur (7,719 m), Karakul Lake offers one of the most spectacular settings in the Pamirs. Muztagh Ata, meaning “Father of the Ice Mountain,” is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful and mysterious peaks.
The Karakul Lake area provides excellent opportunities for hiking, allowing you to experience the incredible scenery from multiple perspectives. After exploring, we drive back to Baisha Lake for your overnight stay.
🚗 Driving distance: Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Baisha: ~380 km round trip
⏱️ Driving time: ~7–8 hours (including stops and lakeside hiking)
🏨 Overnight in: Baisha Lake (lakeside guesthouse / camp)
🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Cross Subash Pass, visit Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, then continue to Tashkurgan; explore the ancient Stone Fort and Golden Grassland
Enjoy a peaceful morning near Baisha Lake before continuing along the Karakoram Highway. Our first stop is Subash Pass (4,100 m), followed by an extended visit to the Muztagh Ata Glacier Park. Here, you have the chance to trek near the base of the mighty Muztagh Ata, with panoramic views of its glaciers, Kongur Mountain and the surrounding Subash Valley.
After approximately three hours of exploration, we resume our drive to Tashkurgan, a historic Silk Road town near the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Upon arrival, we visit the 2,200-year-old Stone Fort, stroll through local Tajik neighbourhoods, and enjoy a visit with a Tajik family.
🚗 Driving distance: Baisha Lake → Muztagh Ata Glacier Park → Tashkurgan: ~120 km
⏱️ Driving time: ~4–5 hours (including glacier park visit)
🏨 Overnight in: Tashkurgan
🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive the dramatic Panlong Ancient Road, visit Bandir Blue Lake, then return along the Karakoram Highway to Kashgar
After breakfast, we 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. We continue to the serene Bandir Blue Lake before stopping for lunch.
Afterward, we begin the scenic drive back to Kashgar, taking time to reflect on the extraordinary landscapes and cultural encounters of the past few days. We arrive in Kashgar in the evening and check into your hotel.
🚗 Driving distance: Tashkurgan → Panlong Road → Bandir Lake → Kashgar: ~440 km (including Panlong detour)
⏱️ Driving time: ~8–9 hours (including sightseeing)
🏨 Overnight in: Kashgar
🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Working Hours
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.
Apak Hoja Tomb Mausoleum (the Fragrant Concubine’s tomb)
The permit is available at the office near the Apak Hoja Tomb Mausoleum (the Fragrant Concubine’s tomb). You can apply for it while visiting the attraction—just do it by the way. If you can’t find the permit office, simply ask at the ticket office, and they’ll help you
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.
