Kashgar Group Tour How to Get to Karakul Lake High altitude Lake + Quotes Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send your itinerary and quotation.
Icon introduction:✨【Complete Guide to Group Tour of Karakul Lake in Kashgar】 A Pure Journey to the Plateau Lake✨
Detailed introduction to the route or destination
Karakul Lake, a “color-changing lake” nestled on the Pamir Plateau, is a natural wonder not to be missed in southern Xinjiang. It is located in Akto County, Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, adjacent to National Highway 314, with a lake surface elevation of 3,600 meters. The lake water presents various colors such as inky black, deep blue, and golden red due to changes in seasons, light, and mineral content, resembling a shining pearl on the plateau. On the lakeshore, three snow-capped mountains over 7,000 meters high—Muztagh Ata, Kongur Tagh, and Kongur Tiube—stand majestically and are reflected in the lake, forming a breathtaking painting of snow-capped mountains and lakes.
Karakul Lake is not only recommended for its magnificent natural scenery but also for its rich historical and cultural connotations. It was an important node on the ancient Silk Road, where Xuanzang stopped on his return journey eastward, leaving behind many moving legends. Today, Karakul Lake has become a paradise for photography enthusiasts, where the golden glow at sunrise and sunset or the serene beauty of the snow-capped mountain reflections can make people linger and forget to leave.
Simple Itinerary
【One-Day Tour Itinerary】
08:00-08:30 Gather and Depart:Gather at a designated location in Kashgar city and take a comfortable tourist bus to Karakul Lake. During the journey, the tour guide will introduce you to the geographical features and historical culture of the Pamir Plateau, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of this mysterious land.
Icon introduction: ✨【Complete Guide to Group Tour of Karakul Lake in Kashgar】 A Pure Journey to the Plateau Lake✨09:00-10:00 Apply for a Pass:Arrive at the comprehensive service hall of the Kashgar International Self-driving and RV Campground to apply for a border pass to the Pamir Plateau. Please bring valid identification documents to facilitate smooth processing.
10:00-12:00 Traverse the Pamir Plateau: Travel along National Highway 314 (China-Pakistan Friendship Highway), enjoying the Danxia landform of the Oytagh Red Valley, the rugged scenery of the Gez Valley, and the magnificent scenery of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes intertwined. Along the way, you can also make short stops at rest areas to take photos and experience the wonders of nature.
12:00-13:00 Visit White Sand Lake: Arrive at White Sand Lake, a plateau lake surrounded by White Sand Mountain. The clear green lake water reflects the White Sand Mountain and snow-capped mountains, forming a picturesque scene. You can enjoy free activities here, take photos, rest, and appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the plateau lake.
13:00-14:00 Lunch Time:Have lunch at a restaurant near White Sand Lake, savoring local specialties such as pilaf and hand-grabbed meat, and experiencing the charm of the dietary cultures of various ethnic groups.
14:00-16:00 In-Depth Tour of Karakul Lake: Arrive at the Karakul Lake scenic area and purchase tickets to enter. Here, you can stroll along the lakeside trail, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and feel the tranquility and mystery of the plateau lake. You can also overlook snow-capped mountains such as Muztagh Ata and take magnificent photos of the snow-capped mountain reflections. If the weather is clear, you can also choose to take a drone for aerial photography to overlook the magnificent scenery of Karakul Lake from the air.
16:00-18:00 Return to Kashgar:After the tour of Karakul Lake, take the tourist bus back to Kashgar city. During the journey, you can recall the wonderful moments of the day and share the joy of the trip with your companions.
18:00-18:30 Arrive in the City:Arrive at a designated location in Kashgar city and conclude the pleasant one-day tour of Karakul Lake.
【Two-Day Tour Itinerary (Optional)】
Detailed introduction to the route or destinationIf you have more time, you can choose a two-day tour itinerary to deeply experience the beauty and mystery of the Pamir Plateau.
Day 1:
Same as above, visit Karakul Lake and scenic spots along the way.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Taxkorgan County in the evening, savor local cuisine, and experience the tranquility and coolness of the plateau night.
Day 2:
09:00-11:00 Visit Golden Grassland and Shitou City Ruins: Visit the Golden Grassland and Shitou City Ruins in Taxkorgan County to learn about the local history, culture, and folk customs. The Golden Grassland is a wetland grassland on the Pamir Plateau, with lush green grass and herds of cattle and sheep in spring and summer; Shitou City was an important pass on the ancient Silk Road, witnessing the vicissitudes of history.
11:00-13:00 Head to Panlong Ancient Road: Travel along the Tasha Ancient Road to Panlong Ancient Road, which winds and curves like a giant dragon perched on the Kunlun Mountains, making it an excellent shooting location for photography enthusiasts. Here, you can experience the joy of driving and the grandeur of the road.
13:00-14:00 Lunch Time:Have lunch at a restaurant near Panlong Ancient Road and savor local specialties.
Karakul Lake, a “color-changing lake” nestled on the Pamir Plateau, is a natural wonder not to be missed in southern Xinjiang. It is located in Akto County, Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, adjacent to National Highway 314, with a lake surface elevation of 3,600 meters. The lake water presents various colors such as inky black, deep blue, and golden red due to changes in seasons, light, and mineral content, resembling a shining pearl on the plateau. On the lakeshore, three snow-capped mountains over 7,000 meters high—Muztagh Ata, Kongur Tagh, and Kongur Tiube—stand majestically and are reflected in the lake, forming a breathtaking painting of snow-capped mountains and lakes.14:00-16:00 Visit Bandir Blue Lake: Visit Bandir Blue Lake, a plateau lake located deep in the Kunlun Mountains. The clear blue lake water forms a beautiful painting with the surrounding snow-capped mountains and grasslands. You can enjoy free activities here, take photos, and experience the wonders and beauty of nature.
16:00-20:00 Return to Kashgar:After the two-day tour, take the tourist bus back to Kashgar city. During the journey, you can recall the wonderful moments of these two days and share the gains and insights of the trip with your companions.
Price Description
The prices for group tours of Karakul Lake vary depending on the itinerary arrangement, vehicle selection, accommodation standards, and other factors. According to the latest information for 2026, the price range for a one-day tour is approximately 299 to 500 yuan, with the specific price subject to the contract. This price usually includes round-trip transportation, scenic spot tickets, tour guide services, lunch, and other expenses. Some high-end tour types may also include value-added services such as drone aerial photography and special accommodation, with corresponding price increases.
The prices for two-day tours vary depending on the accommodation standards and itinerary arrangements. Generally, the price range for a two-day tour is between 800 and 1,500 yuan, with the specific price also subject to the contract. This price usually includes round-trip transportation, scenic spot tickets, tour guide services, accommodation, meals, and other expenses. Some high-end tour types may also include more value-added services such as special meals and folk experiences.
Registration Method
You can register for the Karakul Lake group tour through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Our customer service manager, Zhang Jing, will provide you with detailed itinerary consultations and registration services. When registering, please provide your name, contact information, valid identification number, and other information so that we can handle relevant procedures for you.
Fee Description and Service Description
Karakul Lake is not only recommended for its magnificent natural scenery but also for its rich historical and cultural connotations. It was an important node on the ancient Silk Road, where Xuanzang stopped on his return journey eastward, leaving behind many moving legends. Today, Karakul Lake has become a paradise for photography enthusiasts, where the golden glow at sunrise and sunset or the serene beauty of the snow-capped mountain reflections can make people linger and forget to leave.Fees Included:
Round-Trip Transportation:Provide comfortable tourist bus or business vehicle transfer services according to the itinerary arrangement.
Scenic Spot Tickets:Include the first entrance tickets to scenic spots such as Karakul Lake and White Sand Lake.
Tour Guide Services:Provide professional tour guide services to explain the historical culture and folk customs of the scenic spots for you.
Catering Services:Provide lunch or dinner and other catering services according to the itinerary arrangement. Some tour types may also include breakfast or special meals.
Accommodation Services (Two-Day Tour):Provide hotel accommodation services in Taxkorgan County and other places. The accommodation standards vary depending on the tour type, with the specifics subject to the contract.
Fees Not Included:
Personal Expenses:Such as shopping, entertainment, and other personal expense items.
Simple ItineraryValue-Added Services:Such as drone aerial photography, special accommodation, and other value-added service items.
：When registering as a single person, if room sharing is unsuccessful, additional fees need to be negotiated separately.
Service Description:
Itinerary Arrangement:Reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made upon mutual agreement. If the itinerary is changed or canceled due to irresistible factors such as weather or road conditions, we will promptly communicate with you and negotiate solutions.
Vehicle Arrangement:Provide tourist buses or business vehicles with good vehicle conditions and experienced drivers for transfer services. Strive to make your journey comfortable.
Tour Guide Services:The tour guide will accompany you throughout the tour of various scenic spots, providing you with professional explanations and services. Strive to make your trip pleasant and fulfilling.
Accommodation Arrangement:According to the itinerary arrangement and tour type selection, provide you with comfortable and clean hotel accommodation services. Strive to ensure your rest quality.
The specifics are subject to actual consultations and contract signing. Before registering, please carefully read the contract terms and understand the relevant fees and service content. If you have any questions or needs, please feel free to contact our customer service manager, Zhang Jing, for consultations.
Karakul Lake, this pure land on the plateau, is waiting for your arrival. Let’s embark on this journey to explore nature and culture together and feel the grandeur and mystery of the Pamir Plateau!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send your itinerary and quotation.
