Pamir Plateau
The Pamir Plateau's scenery is celebrated as one of the most beautiful in the world. Here you will find Tajik villages in Tashkurgan, Karakul Lake (one of Xinjiang's three great lakes),…
Pamir Plateau, Kashgar
Key facts
- Admission
- Free
- Opening hours
- 2026.01.01-2026.12.31 open all day
- Time needed
- 2–3 days
- Getting there
- Take a bus from Kashgar to Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County. Near the county seat are the Stone City and Jincaotan (Golden Grass Beach), which can be explored on foot. After visiting them, charter a car to the Khunjerab Pass port of entry, passing scenic spots such as Muztagh Ata along the way.
- Guidebook rating
- 3 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 895. Open in Google Maps
About Pamir Plateau
The Pamir Plateau's scenery is celebrated as one of the most beautiful in the world. Here you will find Tajik villages in Tashkurgan, Karakul Lake (one of Xinjiang's three great lakes), and a spectacular array of snow-capped peaks: Muztagh Ata (7,546 m), Kongur Peak (7,719 m), Kongur Jiubie Peak (7,595 m) and Qogir Peak (K2) (8,611 m).
Tips from the guidebook
- 1. Border Pass: A border pass is required to enter the Pamir Plateau. Those travelling with a tour group can have the group arrange it. Individuals can apply at the Kashgar Public Security Bureau, which does not process applications on weekends, or at the public security bureau in their place of residence. Applicants must present a letter of introduction from their employer or a similar document. The pass costs ¥10 to produce, plus a ¥10 deposit that is refunded when you return to Kashgar. Foreign travellers may enter Pakistan via the Khunjerab Pass with a valid travel document.
- 2. Oxygen bags: The plateau is cold and the weather changes quickly, and at over 5,000 m altitude it is best to bring an oxygen bag (rentable for ¥50 each). The travel season runs from May to September each year.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Pamir Plateau cost?
Admission to Pamir Plateau is Free, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
What are the opening hours of Pamir Plateau?
Pamir Plateau is open 2026.01.01-2026.12.31 open all day.
How do I get to Pamir Plateau?
Take a bus from Kashgar to Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County. Near the county seat are the Stone City and Jincaotan (Golden Grass Beach), which can be explored on foot. After visiting them, charter a car to the Khunjerab Pass port of entry, passing scenic spots such as Muztagh Ata along the way.
How long should I spend at Pamir Plateau?
Plan on 2–3 days for Pamir Plateau.
Where is Pamir Plateau?
Pamir Plateau is in Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in the Northwest of China. Tizinafu Township, Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
More places in Kashgar
Id Kah Mosque
The prayer hall of the Id Kah Mosque is a vast Islamic-style structure, supported by 158 carved columns outside the hall. As Xinjiang's most important mosque, it welcomes two to three thousand worshippers every day. On Friday, the weekly holy day, attendance exceeds 5,000. Each year during Eid al-Adha, tens of thousands of Muslims gather here to pray, then celebrate in the square with Sama dancing until dawn.
¥45; free for Muslims · 2 hours
Karakul Lake
“Karakul” means “Black Sea.” The lake lies 198 km south of Kashgar, on the Subash Grassland at an altitude of 3,600 m, near National Highway 314 leading to Khunjerab. Its backdrop is Muztagh Ata, known as the “Father of Snow Mountains.” Muztagh Ata rises to 7,509 m and is a famous mountaineering destination. Its majestic, pure and elegant form, along with its beautiful legends, has made it a symbol of pure love for the Tajik people. The lake covers 10 square km and consists of two connected lakes with dark green waters.
¥50 · 2–3 hours
Kashgar Grand Bazaar
The Kashgar Grand Bazaar lies by the eastern gate of Kashgar city and is the largest international trade market in Northwest China. In the past, merchant caravans from Xi'an converged here, whether they travelled the northern or southern routes along the Tianshan Mountains. With more than 2,000 years of history, the bazaar is a great place to find many distinctive local goods.
3–4 hours
Khunjerab Pass Border Port
The scenery here may not be as spectacular as you imagine, but as the final stop on the Pamir Plateau journey, nearly every traveller comes here to pose for a photo by the border marker.
Free · 3–4 hours
Dawakun Desert Scenic Area
The Dawakun Tourist Scenic Area lies in Tielimu Township, Yopurga County, 6 km from Provincial Highway 310 and 110 km from Kashgar city. It is easy to reach and is known as the “Home of China's Desert Scenery Tourism.” The Dawakun Desert Scenic Area is home to a natural flowing lake covering more than 20,000 mu (about 13 square km), surrounded by 2 million mu (about 1,333 square km) of desert, so sand and water meet, with rippling blue waves. Newly built European-style villas, yurts with a distinctive Uyghur flavour, and an ethnic cultural park dot the lakeside.
¥40; shuttle bus ¥20 · 0.5–1 day
Kashgar Old Town
A filming location for parts of the famous film The Kite Runner, Kashgar Old Town is the living embodiment of Kashgar's long history. Its streets and alleys crisscross and wind, making it China's only maze-like urban district with a distinctly Islamic cultural character. The houses lining the roads, built mainly of brick, earth and timber, are simple and elegant, and some have stood for over a century. Wandering its lanes is therefore the best way to understand the customs and culture of the local people.
Free · 4 hours