The Cool Symphony of Glacial Lakes and Volcanic Wetlands

## Pamir Plateau Summer Escape Guide in Southern Xinjiang: **Key Highlights:** Natural air conditioning at 3,000+ meters above sea level, pristine land surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lakes, immersive plateau ecological experience, staying at the stargazing camp by Karakul Lake. **Best Time:** June - September (15-25°C, sunscreen needed during sunny days, warm clothing required for cool nights) **Recommended Itinerary: 3 Days & 2 Nights In-Depth Experience (Stay at least 1 night at Muyun Camp)** * **Day 1: Kashgar -> Baisha Lake -> Karakul Lake (Stay: Muyun Camp)** * **Morning:** Depart from Kashgar, drive along the spectacular China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (G314) towards the Pamir Plateau. Arrive at **Baisha Lake** after about 3 hours. * **Baisha Lake:** The azure lake contrasts dreamily with the pure white sand mountains (entrance fee ~¥40). **Tips:** Best for capturing reflections in the morning light; walk along the wooden boardwalk and admire Kongur Tiube in the distance; **do not step on protective nets**. * **Afternoon:** Continue for about 1 hour to **Karakul Lake** (entrance fee ~¥50). Muztagh Ata ("Father of Ice Mountains") reflects in the lake, with yaks roaming the shore, creating a serene scene. **Check in directly at Muyun Camp by the lake**. * **Muyun Camp Experience:** * Choose a lake-view room or a unique tent with Muztagh Ata right outside your window/door. * Witness the breathtaking **"Golden Mountain Sunset"** as the snow peaks turn golden-red. * At night, the **starry sky** feels within reach (weather permitting). * Enjoy the camp's **yak meat hotpot** or local specialties to warm up. * **Key Tip:** Nights are cold—bring **a thick down jacket/windbreaker**! The camp is well-equipped, but conserve resources. * **Day 2: Karakul Lake -> Muji Volcano -> Tashkurgan Wetland -> Tashkurgan Town** * **Dawn:** Enjoy the ethereal beauty of **Muztagh Ata at sunrise** by the lake. Depart after breakfast. * **Morning:** Drive ~2 hours (partly on dirt roads) to **Muji Volcanic Group** (**Border Permit Required!** Must apply in Kashghar with "Muji Village" included). **Key Tip:** If inaccessible due to policies/road conditions, opt for deeper exploration of Karakul Lake or visit a glacier earlier. * **Muji Volcano:** Explore **colorful volcanic craters** (e.g., Kungai Mountain Crater) beneath the **"Eighteen Arhats Peaks"**, with surreal, alien-like landscapes (free, but protect the environment). * **Afternoon:** Return to the main road and head to **Tashkurgan Wetland** ("Land of Divine Flowers", free). **Tips:** At dusk, the sunset paints the grasslands, streams, and livestock gold. The winding boardwalk is perfect for capturing **panoramic views of Muztagh Ata and the wetland** (~30 mins from Tashkurgan Town). * **Evening:** Arrive in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County (Tashkurgan Town) for rest. * **Day 3: Tashkurgan Town -> Muztagh Ata Glacier Park -> Kezhou Glacier Park -> Kashgar** * **Morning:** Visit **Muztagh Ata Glacier Park** (entrance + shuttle ~¥90). **Tips:** Take the shuttle to the viewing platform for a close encounter with the majestic glacier (altitude ~4,500m, move slowly). Optional horseback ride to touch the glacier's edge. * **Noon:** Return to Tashkurgan Town or have a simple lunch en route. * **Afternoon:** Drive ~2.5 hours to **Kezhou Glacier Park** (Oyitak Glacier, entrance ~¥50). **Tips:** Unlike Muztagh Ata, this park features lush forests and streams, with up-close views of **Qiakelazi Glacier** and seasonal **avalanches** (common in summer)—experience "glaciers coexisting with forests". Easy walks along the boardwalk. * **Evening:** Return to Kashgar, concluding the refreshing Pamir Plateau journey (~3-hour drive). **Accommodation Recommendations:** * **Karakul Lake:** **Muyun Camp** (prime location) - Direct views of snow mountains and lakes. Book early! * **Tashkurgan Town:** K2 International Hot Spring Hotel, Qogori Hotel (better amenities); Tajik homestays (cultural experience). **Transport Tips:** * **Private/Shared Car:** Highly recommended! Local drivers know roads, sights, and border policies. ~¥500-800/day from Kashgar (varies by vehicle/itinerary). * **Self-Drive:** G314 is well-paved, but SUVs/off-road vehicles are needed for Muji’s gravel roads. Observe speed limits, check vehicle conditions, and secure border permits in advance. **Essentials:** 1. **Documents:** ID, **Border Permit (apply in Kashghar, specify "Tashkurgan County", "Muji Village", or "Akto County")**. 2. **Clothing:** **Windproof/warm jacket or thick down coat** (essential for mornings/nights/glaciers), fleece, comfortable pants, hat, sunglasses, **sunshield scarf**. 3. **Sun Protection:** **High-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+ PA+++)**, lip balm (intense UV at high altitudes). 4. **Medication:** Motion sickness pills, cold/flu meds, stomach remedies, **altitude sickness aids (e.g., glucose oral solution, ibuprofen)**, band-aids. 5. **Miscellaneous:** Thermos (hot water helps with altitude sickness), power bank, camera, some cash (weak signals in some areas). **Important Notes:** * **Altitude Sickness:** Acclimatize gradually, avoid strenuous activity, drink hot water, rest well, and stay positive. Muztagh Ata Glacier Park is high-altitude—proceed with caution. * **Border Permit:** Required for Muji Village and Tashkurgan! Apply at Kashghar’s "Kashgar International Self-Driving & RV Camp" or local police stations (bring ID). * **Weather/Roads:** Plateau weather changes rapidly—dress in layers. Check road conditions, especially for Muji. * **Eco-Consciousness:** Pack out all trash, protect the fragile plateau ecosystem, and avoid disturbing wildlife. * **Cultural Respect:** The Tajik people are hospitable—ask for permission before photographing individuals. **Why This Route is a Summer Paradise?** * **High-Altitude Natural AC:** Escape the heat and enjoy cool summer days (~20°C daytime, ~10°C nights). * **Visual Feast:** Snow mountains, glaciers, lakes, wetlands, volcanoes, grasslands... incredibly dense and pristine landscapes. * **Deep Immersion:** Stay by Karakul Lake, experiencing the shifting hues of the lake and mountains under day and night skies. * **Cultural Blend:** Discover the unique Tajik "eagle flute" culture and plateau traditions. **Set foot on the Pamir, let Karakul Lake’s night breeze cleanse your spirit under Muztagh Ata’s gaze, and awaken your senses with the glacier’s chill. This is not just a retreat from heat but a return for the soul.**