Tashkurgan & Karakul Lake
Destination
Asia
Duration
4 days
Travel to China’s far western border and learn more aboutt he Tajik culture by adding an excursion to Tashkurgan Stone ity and Karakul Lake. Enjoy dining with a local family and marvel at the incredible mountain scenery including Muztagh Ata (Father of Ice) and the massive Mt. Kongur.
Itinerary
Day 1 Kashgar to Tashkurgan Stone City
Drive along the Karakorum highway alongside some of the Earth’s highest mountains including Muztagh Ata (24,750 ft) and the 25,318 foot high Mt. Kongur to Tashkurgan (approx. 180 miles). Along the way, stop in Opal to visit the Mahmood Kashgary Tomb. Kashgary was a famous 11th century Uyghur scholar well-known for his “Complete Turkish Dictionary”. Opal is an interesting village and holds a market every Monday. In the village, you’ll buy some fresh bread and fruits and gifts such as pens or pencils for the Kyrgyz children at Karakul Lake. Afterwards, continue the drive to the famous Ghez River towards Kumtag (Sand Mountain). It takes about two hours to reach Tashkurgan, but you can stop for photos as often as you like. You arrive in Tashkurgan in the late afternoon and check in to the best hotel in town.
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Tashkurgan/Tajik Village/Karakul Lake
We will arrange a traditional Tajik breakfast for you with a Tajik family at a nearby village. You’ll then have time to walk around and visit the local mosque there. Afterwards, drive to Karakul Lake where you have a great view of Kongor Peak and Muztagh Ata (Father of the Ice Mountain), which overlook the lake. Lunch will be a traditional Kyrgyz meal at a local family yurt. You spend the afternoon exploring and hiking around the lake before returning to your hotel in Tashkurgan.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
4 star hotel
Day 3 Karakul Lake/Kashgar
You’ll have some time to explore around the lake after breakfast before returning to Kashgar for another overnight.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging
4 star hotel
Day 4 Kashgar/Urumqi
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
None
What to Expect
Duration 4 days
Activity Level
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.