The Pamir Tourist Area is located in Akto County, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in the eastern part of the Pamir Plateau. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area.
The total area of the scenic area reaches 1,500 square kilometers. Here, various natural landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, glaciers, grasslands, lakes, and wetlands are integrated, presenting unique plateau scenery. There are many glaciers in the scenic area, among which the Muztagh Glacier is well-known. At the same time, it also retains the rich customs of ethnic minorities such as the Kirgiz and Tajik peoples. The buildings in the scenic area mostly reflect the traditional characteristics of the local ethnic minorities, such as some ancient dwellings and characteristic post stations.
History and Culture
The Pamir Plateau was known as "Congling" in ancient times and was a necessary passage on the ancient Silk Road. Since ancient times, it has been an important channel for cultural exchanges between the East and the West. In the long history, numerous caravans, envoys, and travelers have passed through here, leaving behind rich historical sites and cultural legends.
Ethnic minorities such as the Kirgiz and Tajik peoples have multiplied here from generation to generation. They have unique languages, costumes, songs, dances, and customs. For example, the Tajik Eagle Dance imitates the movements of eagles, reflecting their worship of eagles and yearning for freedom. The epic "Manas" of the Kirgiz people is a treasure in the cultural treasure house of the Chinese nation, inheriting their history and spirit.
In addition, the Pamir Plateau has also witnessed many historical events and the process of ethnic integration. The culture here has been continuously developing and evolving through exchanges with the outside world, forming a unique and diverse cultural atmosphere.
Main Attractions
Muztagh Peak
Muztagh Peak has an altitude of 7,546 meters and is known as the "Father of Ice Mountains". Its summit is covered with snow all year round, and there are huge glaciers on the peak, with a glacier area of about 275 square kilometers. The scenery around the peak is magnificent, making it a paradise for mountaineering enthusiasts and photography lovers. Tourists can enjoy the majestic snow mountain scenery here and experience the unique charm of high-altitude areas.
White Sand Lake
White Sand Lake is located beside National Highway 314. The lake water is clear and green, and there are delicate white sand mountains by the lake. The area of the lake is about 44 square kilometers, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The reflections of the mountains in the lake form a picturesque beauty. The color of the lake water here will change with the change of light, and different colors can be seen at different times, attracting many tourists to visit.
Karakul Lake
Karakul Lake has an area of about 10 square kilometers and an altitude of 3,600 meters. It is a high mountain glacial erosion and moraine lake. The lake water is deep and blue, and it is surrounded by snow-capped mountains such as Muztagh Peak, Kongur Peak, and Kongur Tiube Peak. On sunny days, the snow-capped mountains are reflected in the lake, and the scenery is very charming. On cloudy days, the lake water will become dark, full of mysterious colors.
Stone City
The Stone City is located on the north side of the county seat of Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County. It was the intersection of the Central and Southern Routes of the ancient Silk Road. It was first built in the Han Dynasty and was once the royal city of the ancient state of Pulika among the thirty-six states in the Western Regions. The existing ruins of the Stone City, the city walls and buildings are mostly piled up with stones. Although it has gone through the vicissitudes of time, the scale and momentum of the past can still be seen. The area of the ruins is about 100,000 square meters, and it is an important relic for studying the history and culture of the ancient Western Regions.
Delicacies
Nang Pit Roasted Mutton
Nang pit roasted mutton is a characteristic delicacy in the Pamir region. Select fresh local mutton, cut it into large pieces, marinate it with seasonings, and then roast it in a nang pit. The roasted mutton has a golden and crispy outer skin, tender and juicy inner meat, and a fragrant smell. Generally, the price of mutton per kilogram is about 80 to 120 yuan, which may vary according to different restaurants and market prices.
Handheld Mutton
Handheld mutton usually selects tender mutton, cuts it into large pieces with bones, and boils it in clean water without adding too many seasonings to retain the original flavor of the mutton. When eating, directly grab and eat it with your hands, and pair it with onions, etc. This simple and bold way of eating allows you to taste the purest flavor of mutton and is a traditional delicacy loved by local residents.
Kirgiz Milk Wine
Kirgiz milk wine is a beverage made by fermenting mare's milk or cow's milk. Its production process is unique, with a low alcohol content, a sweet and sour taste, and rich nutrition. Milk wine is not only a daily beverage for local residents but also a good product for entertaining guests.
Tajik Milk Tea
Tajik milk tea is mainly made from brick tea and fresh milk through boiling and stirring. The milk tea has a rich taste, which can not only quench thirst but also satisfy hunger. In the cold plateau area, it is a favorite beverage of people. Usually, the price of a cup of milk tea ranges from 5 to 10 U.S. dollars.
Nang
Nang is a common traditional flatbread in Xinjiang and is also very popular in the Pamir Tourist Area. It is made by fermenting flour, adding seasonings such as sesame seeds and onions, and baking it in a nang pit. There are various types of nang, such as thin nang and thick nang. It has a crispy taste, is easy to store and carry, and is one of the favorite staple foods of local residents and tourists. The price is generally 2 to 5 yuan each.
Entrance Tickets
The Pamir Tourist Area implements a package ticket system, and the ticket price is 198 yuan per person, including the ticket fees for the main attractions. Among them, the ticket price for the Stone City is 30 yuan per person, and the ticket price for Karakul Lake is 50 yuan per person, etc. For some self-funded projects in the scenic area, such as horseback riding and other activities, the price is determined according to the specific situation. The cost of horseback riding is generally between 50 yuan and 150 yuan.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "帕米尔旅游景区", to obtain the latest news or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The Pamir Tourist Area is open throughout the year from 09:00 to 19:00. However, in winter, due to the possible closure of some roads due to snow or weather reasons, tourists need to pay attention to the official announcements of the scenic area before traveling to understand the specific opening situation.
You can obtain the latest news on the official WeChat public account of the scenic area.
Tour Routes
The recommended tour route is: Starting from Akto County, drive along National Highway 314. First, arrive at White Sand Lake, where you can stay for 1 to 2 hours to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. Then go to Karakul Lake, with a tour time of about 2 hours to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the snow-capped mountains and the lake. After that, go to Muztagh Peak, where you can take photos and tour around for about 2 hours. Finally, arrive at Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County and visit the Stone City, with a tour time of about 1.5 hours. If you have enough time, you can also experience the customs of ethnic minorities in the local villages and feel the local life atmosphere.
Transportation
- By plane: You can first fly to Kashgar Airport, which is about 280 kilometers away from the Pamir Tourist Area. After arriving in Kashgar, you can take a bus from the bus station in Kashgar City to Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County. The bus has fixed daily schedules, and the journey takes about 6 hours.
- By bus: There are long-distance buses from cities such as Urumqi and Aksu to Kashgar. After arriving in Kashgar, transfer to a bus to Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County. You can also choose to charter a car to the Pamir Tourist Area. The charter fee depends on the vehicle type and the number of travel days, generally ranging from 800 yuan to 1,500 yuan per day.
- Self-driving: Starting from Kashgar, drive along National Highway 314 to the Pamir Tourist Area. The road conditions for the whole journey are relatively good, but some sections are at a high altitude, so pay attention to safety when driving. You can stop at any time to enjoy the scenery along the way during the self-driving process.
Must-visit Attractions
- Muztagh Peak: With an altitude of 7,546 meters, it has the reputation of the "Father of Ice Mountains", and the glacier area is about 275 square kilometers. The snow mountain scenery is magnificent, and it is a great place for mountaineering and photography.
- White Sand Lake: With an area of about 44 square kilometers, the lake water is clear and green, the white sand mountains are delicate, and it forms a picturesque scenery with the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
- Karakul Lake: With an area of about 10 square kilometers and an altitude of 3,600 meters, it is a high mountain glacial erosion and moraine lake. The color of the lake water changes with the weather, and the reflection of the snow-capped mountains is charming.
- Stone City: An important relic of the ancient Silk Road, with an area of about 100,000 square meters. It was first built in the Han Dynasty and allows you to feel the history and culture of the ancient Western Regions.
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to spend 2 to 3 days visiting so that you can visit the main attractions more fully and have time to experience the customs of the local ethnic minorities.
- Since the scenic area is at a high altitude, altitude sickness may occur. It is recommended to prepare anti-altitude sickness drugs in advance, such as Rhodiola rosea, and pay attention to rest during the visit to avoid strenuous exercise.
- The ultraviolet rays on the Pamir Plateau are strong. No matter which season you go, you should take sun protection measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, and a sun hat.
- Respect the customs and habits of the local ethnic minorities. For example, when entering the homes of ethnic minorities or participating in religious activities, follow the local rules and taboos.
- If you choose to drive by yourself, check the vehicle condition in advance and prepare equipment such as anti-skid chains, especially in winter or rainy and snowy weather.
Notes
- To enter the scenic area, you need to apply for a border pass, which can be handled at the border pass application point in Kashgar City. Remember to bring a valid identity document.
- Take good care of the environment in the scenic area, do not litter casually, and keep the scenic area clean.
- Activities such as horseback riding have a certain degree of danger. Obey the guidance of the staff, wear safety equipment correctly, and do not ride the horse wildly without permission.
- When going there in winter, pay attention to keeping warm and bring enough thick clothes, such as down jackets, thermal pants, gloves, etc.
- When purchasing goods or consuming in the scenic area, check the prices carefully to avoid unnecessary disputes.