# Karakul Lake (喀拉库勒湖)

Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region · Northwest, China · Guidebook rating: 3/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/karakul-lake
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** ¥50
- **Opening hours:** 10：00—20：00
- **Time needed:** 2–3 hours
- **Address:** Tar Tajik Ethnic Township, Akto County, Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
- **Getting there:** Located in Tar Tajik Ethnic Township, Akto County; reachable by self-drive along National Highway G314; about 3 h by self-drive from Kashgar city
- **Good for:** Nature

## About 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.

## Tips from the guidebook

- 1. Yurt stay: There are yurts by the lake that offer food and lodging.
- 2. Transport and accommodation: From Kashgar, you can take a bus to the Khunjerab border town of Hongqilafu. The journey to Karakul Lake takes about 6 hours. Here you can enjoy the view of Muztagh Ata and experience the landscape and culture depicted in the film “Visitors on the Icy Mountain.” Local accommodation is basic, so it is recommended to take a two-hour bus ride to the Tashkurgan county seat, which is more convenient and cheaper.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 896. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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