Khunjerab Pass Border Gate Tourist Scenic Area is located in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, amidst the ice peaks and snow-capped mountains of the Pamir Plateau. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area features distinct characteristics: as one of the world's highest border gates, it boasts a magnificent border gate structure surrounded by towering snow mountains, presenting stunning natural landscapes. It also carries profound historical and cultural connotations and symbolizes the friendship between China and Pakistan. In terms of architecture, the Khunjerab Pass Border Gate was built with a total investment of 3 million yuan over three years, serving as a gift for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. There is currently no clear data on the scenic area's area available.
History and Culture
The Khunjerab Pass was an important pass on the famous "Silk Road" more than 1,000 years ago, serving as a vital gateway to India, Central Asia, West Asia, and even Europe. Zhang Qian passed through here during his mission to the Western Regions in 119 BC, and Tang Xuanzang returned to China via this route after his journey to the West. "Khunjerab" means "Blood-Stained Passage" in Tajik, a name with a rich historical background and arduous border defense stories. In 1968, the Shuibulanggou Border Checkpoint was established, renamed Khunjerab Border Checkpoint in 1982. On May 1, 1986, the Khunjerab Pass officially opened to personnel from third countries, embarking on an international path. The Chinese Khunjerab Pass Border Gate was completed in 2009. Passenger traffic resumed on April 3, 2023, and the scenic area opened for trial operation to domestic tourists on July 15 of the same year. During the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, China and Pakistan announced the year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass, which will play a more important role in promoting economic and trade exchanges and people-to-people interactions between the two countries.
Main Attractions
Khunjerab Pass Border Gate
Located at the 7th boundary marker between China and Pakistan, it is the endpoint of the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (G314 National Highway) and the core landscape of the scenic area. The border gate structure is magnificent, with a total investment of 3 million yuan and an altitude exceeding 5,000 meters, making it the highest border gate in Xinjiang and a gift for the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.
Pamir Plateau Viewing Platform
It is a natural viewing spot where visitors can take in the magnificent plateau scenery. The distant snow-capped mountains shine holy under the sun, echoing with the nearby plateau lakes, forming a stunning picture.
7th Boundary Marker
As the boundary marker between China and Pakistan, it stands like a loyal guard, witnessing the friendly exchanges between the two countries. It is also a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
Outpost
3.6 kilometers away from the border gate, the border outpost here stands like a resolute warrior, guarding the border security day and night, demonstrating the perseverance and dedication of border defense soldiers.
Food
Tajik Hand-Pulled Mutton
Made from high-quality local mutton, it retains the original flavor of the meat during cooking, with tender texture and delicious taste. It is a traditional Tajik cuisine, usually served with naan.
Yak Hot Pot
Using yak meat as the main ingredient, paired with various fresh vegetables. Yak meat is firm and nutrient-rich. Enjoying a hot yak hot pot in the plateau can not only resist the cold but also taste unique flavors.
Tajik Naan
Made from wheat flour through special baking techniques, it has a crispy outer skin and a soft interior. As one of the local staple foods, it can be preserved for a long time, convenient for tourists to eat during their journey.
Tickets
The ticket price is 39.5 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "帕米尔旅游景区" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Generally, it is open 24 hours a day from May 1 to December 20 every year. However, in case of special circumstances or extreme weather (such as lightning, rain, snow, hail, heavy fog, heavy rain, etc.), the scenic area may be temporarily closed or partially closed. Please refer to the daily announcement for any changes in scenic area activities.
Tour Routes
Visitors must take a sightseeing bus at the Pamir Tourist Scenic Area Visitor Service Center in Taxkorgan County. The route is: Taxkorgan Pamir Tourist Scenic Area Visitor Service Center → Purple Flower Ranch Service Area (toilet) → Outpost → Khunjerab Pass Border Gate → Purple Flower Ranch Service Area (toilet) → Taxkorgan Pamir Tourist Scenic Area Visitor Service Center. During the tour, you can first admire the plateau scenery at the viewing platform, then visit the outpost to experience the life of border defense soldiers, and then take photos at the Khunjerab Pass Border Gate and the 7th Boundary Marker.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Depart from Kashgar and drive about 415 kilometers along the China-Pakistan Highway (G314 National Highway) to reach the scenic area. However, the road from Kashgar to Taxkorgan County is in poor condition. Check the vehicle condition in advance and bring supplies, filling up the fuel tank and preparing an extra barrel for emergencies before departure.
- Public Transportation: Take a scheduled bus from Kashgar to Taxkorgan County first, then charter a car to the Khunjerab Pass. The charter price is about 300 to 600 yuan.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Khunjerab Pass Border Gate: One of the world's highest border gates, magnificent and a symbol of China-Pakistan friendship, with important historical and commemorative value.
- 7th Boundary Marker: As a symbol of the border between the two countries, it witnesses the friendly exchanges between China and Pakistan. Visitors can take photos here to feel the solemn atmosphere of the border.
- Pamir Plateau Viewing Platform: It offers a view of the magnificent plateau scenery, including snow mountains and lakes, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Tour Tips
- The recommended visiting time is half a day to one day, allowing reasonable time to fully experience the charm of the scenic area.
- Due to the high altitude of the scenic area, where oxygen content is less than half of that in plains, prepare anti-altitude sickness medicine and oxygen in advance. Take breaks during the tour and avoid strenuous exercise.
- The scenic area has a cold climate with large day-night temperature differences. Even in summer, carry thick cotton clothes, down jackets, and other warm clothing.
- Respect local religious beliefs and customs, especially the cultural traditions of the Tajik people.
Notes
- To go to the Khunjerab Pass, apply for a border pass at the Kashgar Border Defense Detachment, and after arriving in Taxkorgan Tajik County, apply for a special certificate at the local border defense office.
- The border gate scenic area is a border key area. Visitors must follow the arrangements of on-site staff and must not cross into restricted or prohibited areas.
- Carrying pets into the scenic area is strictly prohibited without permission.
- Take care of the scenic area environment, do not litter, and do not damage natural landscapes or cultural relics and historic sites.