Day trip to Karakul Lake and Baisha Lake

Activities: Drive along the KKH, Stop at Opal Village, Oytagh Kunlunshan Colorful mountain range, Gaz Valley and check point, Bulungkol Valley (Baisha Lake white sand mountain), Karakul lake
Details:We start our journey from Kashgar and drive along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (also known as the Karakoram Highway). After about 50 Kms, we stop at Upal Village. Here, buy some fresh fruits, nang (a kind of local bread) and other food for the journey. Meanwhile, you can also taste some local snacks like baked buns and experience the atmosphere of the local village market.
Then continue to drive to the Oytagh Red Mountain and stop for taking pictures to record the wonderful moment and feel the amazing power of nature and the grandeur of the Kunlun Mountains.
Keep driving to White Sand Lake (Baisha Lake). The lake water is clear and blue while the sand dunes are snow-white, forming a unique landscape. Walk along the lakeside, enjoy the beautiful view of the lake and mountains, and take pictures.
Then continue to visit Karakul Lake (3600m above sea level). The lake sits at the foot of the notorious, Muztagh Ata (7546m) and Gongur (7719m) mountains. ‘Muztagh Ata’ means Father of the Ice Mountain and is one of the most beautiful and mysterious mountains in the world.
You can take a break by the lake, admire the magnificent reflections of Muztagh Ata and nine peaks of Kongur Mountains.
Lunch will be at the lake side restaurant as your like and then return to Kashgar whenever you are ready.

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.

Day trip to Karakul Lake and Baisha Lake