Kashgar Tour Car Rental Ayitake Glacier Route Quotes 1 Day Tour Cost Table Recommended Itinerary Prices
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
Explore the “Glacier Eye” of the Pamir Plateau: A Comprehensive Guide to the 1-Day Deep Tour of the Oytagh Glacier from Kashgar
(Icon introduction)✨【Route Highlights】✨
The Oytagh Glacier Park is located in Akto County, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, Kashgar Region, approximately 120 kilometers from downtown Kashgar. It is the most accessible glacier landscape area on the eastern edge of the Pamir Plateau. Here, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, and wetlands converge, earning it the title of “The First Ecological Geological Museum in the Western Regions” by geologists. Recent monitoring data from 2026 indicates that the glacier terminus is recommended to be at an altitude of 2,804 meters, making it one of the lowest-altitude modern glaciers at the same latitude globally. In summer, the spectacular sight of the glacier tongue extending to the edge of the forest can still be observed.
(Detailed introduction to the route or destination)
Core Attractions:
Ayilaniqi Snow Mountain:With a main peak altitude of 6,680 meters, it is covered in snow year-round and has a pyramid-shaped mountain body. The scene of it looming through the morning mist is known as the “Eye of the Pamir” by photography enthusiasts.
Kelazi Glacier:Stretching 25 kilometers in length and covering an area of 120 square kilometers, the glacier surface is covered with ice crevasses and ice towers. Observations in 2026 show that the glacier’s retreat rate has slowed by 12% compared to a decade ago.
Oytagh Primeval Forest:A mixed forest of Siberian larch and Tianshan spruce, with an average summer temperature of 18°C and a negative oxygen ion concentration of 30,000 per cubic centimeter.
Karakul Lake Wetland:A marsh wetland formed by glacial meltwater, it is home to over 20 species of migratory birds such as black-necked cranes and ruddy shelducks (observation data from spring 2026 banding records).
(Transportation and Road Conditions)
Currently, there are two routes available from Kashgar:
Explore the “Glacier Eye” of the Pamir Plateau: A Comprehensive Guide to the 1-Day Deep Tour of the Oytagh Glacier from KashgarRegular Route:National Highway G314 → Oytagh Town → Scenic Area Special Road (total journey about 2.5 hours, with the last 30 kilometers being a mountain road)
Scenic Route:Through the Gez Valley (requires a border pass) → Muztagh Ata Viewing Platform → Detour to the scenic area (total journey about 3 hours, with an optional visit to Baisha Lake)
2026 Transportation Regulations:Vehicles with more than 7 seats must transfer to scenic area sightseeing buses in Oytagh Town (ticket price included in admission), while private cars can be parked in the town center parking lot (free of charge).
(Simple Itinerary)
07:30 Gather in downtown Kashgar (consult customer service for specific meeting point)
08:00 Depart and drive along National Highway G314, passing through the Ethnic Handicraft Street in Shufu County (short stop available to purchase copperware)
10:30 Arrive in Oytagh Town and transfer to sightseeing buses, passing through the primeval forest zone
11:30 Arrive at the glacier viewing platform, where a professional guide explains the formation of glaciers (telescopes provided for observing ice crevasses)
12:30 Enjoy a special lunch in the forest picnic area (including baked naan, pilaf, and fig jam)
13:30 Hike to the glacier terminus (total distance about 2 kilometers, altitude gain of 200 meters, trekking poles available for rent)
15:00 Return to the sightseeing bus starting point and visit the Wetland Science Museum (VR glacier experience equipment added in 2026)
16:30 Return to Kashgar, stopping at the Gez Valley to photograph the sunset (summer sunset time around 21:00)
(Icon introduction)✨【Route Highlights】✨19:00 Arrive in downtown Kashgar and disband
(Price Explanation)
2026 Reference Costs (subject to contract):
Basic Package:680 yuan per person (includes round-trip transportation, scenic area admission, sightseeing bus, lunch, and guide services)
Upgrade Package:980 yuan per person (adds glacier hiking insurance, professional photography follow-up, and a special herbal tea experience)
Child Discounts:Free admission for children under 1.2 meters, but a transportation fee of 200 yuan is required if a seat is needed
Custom Vehicle Rental:5-seat sedan starting at 1,200 yuan per day, 7-seat business vehicle starting at 1,800 yuan per day (includes fuel and driver service fees)
(Cost Explanation and Service Explanation)
Costs Include:
Transportation:Round-trip transportation from downtown Kashgar to the scenic area (vehicle type arranged according to the number of people)
Admission Tickets:Main admission ticket to Oytagh Glacier Park (includes sightseeing bus)
The Oytagh Glacier Park is located in Akto County, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, Kashgar Region, approximately 120 kilometers from downtown Kashgar. It is the most accessible glacier landscape area on the eastern edge of the Pamir Plateau. Here, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, and wetlands converge, earning it the title of “The First Ecological Geological Museum in the Western Regions” by geologists. Recent monitoring data from 2026 indicates that the glacier terminus is at an altitude of 2,804 meters, making it one of the lowest-altitude modern glaciers at the same latitude globally. In summer, the spectacular sight of the glacier tongue extending to the edge of the forest can still be observed.Meals:1 main meal (standard of 8 dishes and 1 soup)
Services:Certified bilingual guide, basic medical kit, bottled water
Costs Do Not Include:
Border pass application fee (free but materials must be submitted 3 working days in advance)
Personal expenses (such as oxygen bottles, souvenirs, etc.)
Costs for itinerary changes due to weather/policy
Special Notes:
Single travelers will be coordinated for shared rooms as much as possible; a supplement of 200 yuan may be required in special cases
Teams of 10 or more people will receive a complimentary travel photography experience in Kashgar’s Old Town (3 refined photos)
Prices may fluctuate depending on the tour date; specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing
(Registration Method)
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency by providing your name, valid ID number, and contact information to complete the booking. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will confirm itinerary details based on real-time availability and recommends registering at least 5 working days in advance to facilitate vehicle arrangements.
(Detailed introduction to the route or destination)(Season and Operating Status)
Optimal Visiting Period:May-October (July-August is the glacier melting period, offering views of ice waterfalls)
Daily Operating Hours:09:00-19:00 (last entry at 18:00)
2026 Special Notes:
The First Pamir Glacier Culture Festival will be held from June 15th to July 15th, featuring folk performances and science lectures
An electronic ticket system will be implemented starting in September, requiring original valid ID for entry
Winter (November-April of the following year) operates on a reservation system with a daily limit of 300 visitors
(Policies and Precautions)
Border Pass:Must be obtained with valid ID at the Kashgar International Self-Drive Campground (free, operating hours 10:00-18:00)
Equipment Suggestions:Sunscreen SPF50+, windproof jacket, non-slip hiking shoes, sunglasses (strong glare from glaciers)
Altitude Sickness:The scenic area viewing platform is at an altitude of 3,200 meters; it is recommended to take Rhodiola in advance and avoid strenuous exercise
Core Attractions:Environmental Requirements:Drones are prohibited for aerial photography; garbage must be taken out of the scenic area
(Itinerary Change Explanation)
In case of extreme weather or road closures, both parties may agree to reasonably change the itinerary. Alternative options include:
Visiting the Xiangfei Garden in downtown Kashgar (adding ethnic song and dance performances)
Visiting the Akto County Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritance Center (experiencing embroidery by various ethnic groups)
Changing to a half-day tour and refunding part of the fee (subject to contract terms)
(Cultural Experience Value-Added Services)
New special projects in 2026 (require advance reservation):
Home Visits to Ethnic Families:Learn to play the komuz instrument and taste kumis (50 yuan per person)
Glacier Scientific Expedition Experience:Collect ice core samples (requires professional guidance, 200 yuan per session)
Astrophotography Class:Photograph the Milky Way at the forest campsite (professional equipment rental available)
(Conclusion)
The Oytagh Glacier is not only a natural wonder but also a living textbook for understanding the ecological changes of the Pamir Plateau. The newly built glacier monitoring station in the scenic area will be open to visitors in 2026, displaying real-time data on the impact of climate change on glaciers. Choosing the deep tour product from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency will provide you with a richer knowledge experience and more flexible itinerary arrangements than a regular tour group. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing immediately to start your glacier exploration journey!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
