Xinjiang Group Tour One Day Trip to Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake Southern Xinjiang Highlights + Price Recommended Itinerary Cost and Fee
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
Explore the Pearl of Southern Xinjiang:In-depth One-Day Tour of Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake
(I) 🌄【Route Highlights:Visual Feast of the Pamir Plateau】
As a representative route for tourism in Southern Xinjiang, the one-day tour of Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake connects two core landscapes of the Pamir Plateau, forming a three-dimensional ecological picture of “snow-capped mountains, lakes, and wetlands.” The itinerary covers the area from Bulunkou Township, Akto County, to the foot of Muztagh Ata, with opportunities to observe geological wonders such as the Ayiqtag Red Mountain and Bubble Canyon along the way. Visitors can also get up close to the “Three Heroes of Kunlun”—Kongur Peak (7,719 meters), Kongur Tibe (7,530 meters), and Muztagh Ata (7,546 meters).
Baisha Lake is renowned for its unique phenomenon of “coexisting sand and water.” The lake’s surface is at an altitude of 3,300 meters, with white fine sand deposited at the bottom forming continuous sand dunes under the action of wind, creating a striking visual contrast with the azure blue water. Karakul Lake, known as the “Color-Changing Lake,” displays black, blue, and green hues as the light changes. Its surface is at an altitude of 3,600 meters, and it is a typical alpine glacial erosion and moraine lake. Both lakes belong to the alpine wetland ecosystem, where rare birds such as black-necked cranes and ruddy shelducks can be observed in summer.
(II) 🚌【Itinerary Planning:In-Depth Experience with a Scientific Pace】
Based on the latest schedule for June 2026, the tour uses a 7-seater business vehicle or a 19-seater midibus, departing daily at 09:30 from the assembly point at People’s Square in Kashgar. The specific itinerary is as follows:
09:30-10:00 Obtain border passes (non-Xinjiang residents need to apply on-site; Xinjiang residents need to apply in advance in their place of residence)
10:00-12:30 Travel along National Highway 314 (China-Pakistan Friendship Highway), passing by the Ayiqtag Red Mountain Geopark (15-minute photo stop) and the Gaizi Canyon Viewpoint
Explore the Pearl of Southern Xinjiang: In-depth One-Day Tour of Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake12:30-13:30 Enjoy a simple meal in Bulunkou Township (recommended to try the special hand-pulled rice of various ethnic groups)
13:30-15:00 Tour Baisha Lake Scenic Area (including 1 hour of free time; yak riding and photo opportunities available)
15:00-16:30 In-depth tour of Karakul Lake Scenic Area (including a 40-minute stop at the Muztagh Ata Viewpoint)
16:30-19:00 Stop at the Karasu Port Viewpoint on the return journey (subject to border control policy changes)
19:00 Arrive at the disbandment point in Kashgar city
The itinerary features a specially designed “off-peak touring” mechanism: Baisha Lake is prioritized for photography in the morning (with soft light), while Karakul Lake is visited in the afternoon to avoid the harsh midday sunlight, ensuring optimal photography conditions. The entire journey is equipped with medical oxygen cylinders, alpine emergency medications, and experienced drivers from various ethnic groups who also serve as guides.
(III) 💰【Fee Explanation:Transparent Consumption System】
Reference price system for June 2026 (subject to actual consultation and contract signing):
Standard adult price:299 RMB/person
(I) 🌄【Route Highlights: Visual Feast of the Pamir Plateau】Child price (ages 3-12):199 RMB/person (includes seat and insurance; admission not included)
Fees include:
Transportation:Round-trip air-conditioned vehicle from Kashgar city to the scenic areas (including fuel surcharge)
Admission tickets:First admission tickets for Baisha Lake Scenic Area and Karakul Lake Scenic Area
Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance (coverage of 500,000 RMB) + travel accident insurance (coverage of 200,000 RMB)
Services:Professional guide services, portable oxygen cylinders, mineral water
Fees do not include:
Border pass application fee (free, but valid original documents required)
Secondary consumption items within the scenic areas (yak riding: 50 RMB/time; ethnic costume rental: 30 RMB/set)
As a representative route for tourism in Southern Xinjiang, the one-day tour of Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake connects two core landscapes of the Pamir Plateau, forming a three-dimensional ecological picture of “snow-capped mountains, lakes, and wetlands.” The itinerary covers the area from Bulunkou Township, Akto County, to the foot of Muztagh Ata, with opportunities to observe geological wonders such as the Ayiqtag Red Mountain and Bubble Canyon along the way. Visitors can also get up close to the “Three Heroes of Kunlun”—Kongur Peak (7,719 meters), Kongur Tibe (7,530 meters), and Muztagh Ata (7,546 meters). Lunch (recommended to bring your own dry provisions or opt for a simple meal at the scenic area, standard 25 RMB/person)
Price fluctuation explanation:Prices may increase by 10%-15% during the peak tourist season of July-August. Reservations are required 15 days in advance during the National Day Golden Week. Current availability can be inquired by contacting Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
(IV) 📝【Registration Instructions:Professional Service Guarantee】
Registration can be made through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, requiring the following materials:
1. Scanned copies of valid documents for all participants (foreign tourists need to provide passports + valid visas)
2. Copies of children’s birth certificates or household registration books
3. Health commitment letter (signed to confirm no history of altitude sickness)
Service standards:
Group formation guarantee:Minimum 6 people to form a group, maximum 15 people (small group operation)
Baisha Lake is renowned for its unique phenomenon of “coexisting sand and water.” The lake’s surface is at an altitude of 3,300 meters, with white fine sand deposited at the bottom forming continuous sand dunes under the action of wind, creating a striking visual contrast with the azure blue water. Karakul Lake, known as the “Color-Changing Lake,” displays black, blue, and green hues as the light changes. Its surface is at an altitude of 3,600 meters, and it is a typical alpine glacial erosion and moraine lake. Both lakes belong to the alpine wetland ecosystem, where rare birds such as black-necked cranes and ruddy shelducks can be observed in summer.Vehicle configuration:Each vehicle is equipped with a first aid kit, car charger, and thermometer
Meal arrangements:Meal options are provided; vegetarians need to notify in advance
Special care:Participants aged 70 and above need to sign a health waiver and be accompanied by family members
(V) ⚠️【Precautions:Civilized Travel】
Altitude adaptation tips:
Take Rhodiola capsules 3 days in advance (recommended dosage:2 times a day, 2 capsules each time)
Avoid taking showers, drinking alcohol, and engaging in strenuous exercise on the first day of arrival
The scenic areas are at high altitude; it is recommended to bring down jackets, sunscreen (SPF50+), and sunglasses
Document requirements:
(II) 🚌【Itinerary Planning: In-Depth Experience with a Scientific Pace】Border passes must indicate “Tashkurgan County”
Children without valid documents need to bring original household registration books
Foreign tourists need to submit materials 3 working days in advance
Ecological protection regulations:
Do not throw stones or damage vegetation in the lake areas
Drone flights must be reported to the scenic area in advance
Garbage must be sorted and disposed of at recycling points
(VI) 📞【Contact Information】
For information on the latest schedules, availability, or customized itineraries, contact Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Staff will provide personalized solutions based on your needs and assist with value-added services such as border pass reservations and alpine insurance purchases.
This route, which combines geological wonders with ecological experiences, is suitable for photography enthusiasts to capture changing light and shadows, as well as for family tourists to engage in nature education. With the guarantee of a professional team, you can fully immerse yourself in this visual feast of the Pamir Plateau and feel the grandeur and mystery of the “Ancestor of All Mountains.” Specific itinerary details and contract terms are subject to the official documents provided by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
