Kashgar Karakul Lake: An Alpine lake in the Pamir Mountains

Karakul Lake Kashgar: Magical Black Lake with Color Transformations

Thanks to the altitude of Karakul Lake, which stands at 3,600 meters, it is the highest lake on the Pamir Plateau and a stunning jewel in any Xinjiang tour. With white-capped mountains encircling it, its waters shift color with the wind, from deep blue to spine-chilling black, captivating the heart with every glance. Situated high above the mountains, it is a resting haven for mountaineers and an awesomeness for all visitors. It is not scenery; it is a journey to the soul.

The setting of Karakul Lake is no less breathtaking. Desert meets mountain landscape, resulting in an out-of-this-world environment. There are grazing pastures in the background, tended by Kyrgyz shepherds, to add some local flavor. When being here, there is plenty to observe and experience. Remember, Karakul Lake, adjacent to Tajikistan, might be equally famous too, but the one in Kashgar, Xinjiang has its own tale to tell. It’s not to be missed by any traveler to the region.

Lake Karakul Facts

Location: Found in the Pamir Mountains, Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Xinjiang, China.
Area: Spanning a surface area of approximately 380 square kilometers.
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Features: Marvel at the blue water, snow-capped mountains, and the strange cultural heritage of the area.
Ideal for: Nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers will adore karakul lake of kashgar as a place to visit.

What to Visit and Do in Karakul Lake

Karakul Lake provides a variety of attractions and activities for tourists. Among the best things to see and do are:

Lake View

Standing along Karakul Lake, one will be amazed at the beautiful scenery of its clear blue waters reflecting the far-off snow-covered mountains. It’s a peaceful place where one can really absorb the beauty of Karakul Lake.

Snow Mountain Viewpoint

Ascending to the viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of Karakul Lake and the towering Muztagh Ata. It’s a heaven for photographers, with panoramic scenery of the white-capped mountains and serene lake.

Prairie Stroll

Strolling along the lakeside prairie path at Karakul Lake at ease reveals the unique charm of the plateau grasslands, feeling the beat of nature everywhere.

Photography Souvenir

For shutterbugs, the Karakul Lake and adjacent snow peaks and lush green pastures form the perfect landscape. Such panoramic beauty defines the Xinjiang plateau.

Tashkurghan Stone City

Do visit the Tashkurghan Stone City in the course of a Xinjiang travel. Housed in the vicinity, the ancient location carries a trove of history and culture to contribute depth to Karakul Lake experience.

Xinjiang Tashkurgan Stone City — Tashkurgan Stone City

Karakul Lake Trekking

Begin from the reception center at Karakul Lake and trek for 6 hours to Kangxiwa, or the Kirgiz Village (this part is close to Karakul Lake). It’s another 5-hour walk to Kuziekerzi Village. For the more adventurous, trek 6 hours from the foot of Muztag Ata to Subash Village.

For a closer view of the mountains, make a 3-hour trip to Jiangbulak, the Mountaineer Base Camp, and trek another 3 hours to reach a monument known as 204, then go back to Karakul Lake by vehicle.

For kashgar tour itineraries, it must be noted that such hiking trails are best enjoyed during July and August, especially when visiting the natural wonders surrounding karakul lake of kashgar.

Karakul Lake Best Time to Visit

Karakul Lake in Xinjiang possesses charm that is put on show throughout the year, but the ideal time to go there is between May and October. Karakul Lake is best visited during these months since the weather is pleasant and the snow-capped mountains are reflected on its surface, forming breathtaking scenery. The color of the lake varies with karakul lake weather: sunny weather turns its surface into a mirror-like finish, and storms turn it darker.

To those organizing kashgar tours, note that Kashgar City, which is located in the southwest of Xinjiang, has an arid climate with clear-cut seasons—long hot summers, short cold winters, and large temperature fluctuations between day and night. And then, naturally, there is Karakul Lake, perched on top of the Pamir Plateau at 3,600 meters, inviting all with its unparalled natural scenery.

Karakul Lake Accommodation

There are various accommodations in Karakul Lake in Xinjiang:

In Kashgar, especially around the old city, transport is easy, and there are plenty of hotels, ranging from 4-star to 3-star, as well as guesthouses. For those visiting Karakul Lake during a travel to Kashgar, this is an appropriate base.

The Takan County Panoramic Starry Sky Hotel is phenomenal with its perfect location, looking over the Jincaotan Wetland. Karakul Lake views from its spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows are simply amazing.

For a more outdoor experience, Karakul Lake’s Buzhoushan Camping Park is only a 1-2 minute walk from the lake, with some private spaces where one can have the beauty of the lake to themselves. Another great choice near Karakul Lake.

How to Get to Karakul Lake

To reach Karakul Lake in Xinjiang:

Land in Kashgar:

Kashgar is accessible by air from other inland cities such as Beijing (6-7 hours), Xi’an (4 hours), Chengdu (6-7 hours), Shanghai (8 hours), Guangzhou (8 hours), Urumqi (2 hours).

No high-speed rail, only normal trains which are too long.

Alternatively, travel to Kashgar by land border crossings like Karasu, Irkeshtam, Torugart, and Khunjerab.

Transport means from Kashgar to Karakul Lake:

Distance and travel time:

About 191 km to Kashgar, 4 hours’ drive.

Alternatively, approximately 200 km in terms of overall closeness.

Bus: Regular buses that depart daily and travel in 6-7 hours. Price is approximately 80-100 RMB per person.
Shared Taxi: Preferred option. Available at Kashgar Bus Station. Cost is approximately 150-200 RMB per person.
Self-Drive: Taking a private car with driver is the most comfortable and convenient choice. Suitable for those who want to discover at their own pace with more flexibility. Can be rented from travel agencies or car rental companies in Kashgar.

Attractions Near Karakul Lake

Muztagata Glacier:The Muztagata Peak, which is 7,745 meters high, is the “Father of Icebergs,” making a visit to karakul lake and its majestic neighbor more charming.
Tashkurgan Stone City:It is a relic of cultural heritage. Ancient stone gates, walls, towers, and other architectural remains narrate history and render it an imperative destination for travelers on a china silk road travel
Karakoram Highway:It is a renowned self-drive destination. Its breathtaking mountain and valley landscape makes it one of the most popular routes for adventure enthusiasts, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences along the way.

Lake Karakul Facts