Things to do in Akto

Muztagh Ata truly lives up to its name as the "Father of Glaciers," offering breathtaking views of the glaciers up close. A separate shuttle bus ticket is required, as the high altitude makes hiking strenuous, and strong winds can easily cause altitude sickness. Weather is highly dependent on luck; cloudy days with poor visibility will diminish the experience. For a simpler experience, you can view the sacred mountain from the roadside.

Based on recommendations from online friends, we specifically chose this attraction for our trip. Overall, we had a fantastic experience. The scenic area was beautiful, the air was fresh, the service was excellent, and the facilities were comprehensive. We will definitely recommend it to our friends. We are extremely satisfied with this attraction and give it a five-star rating.

Karakol Lake, like a sapphire set at the foot of snow-capped mountains, has deep and tranquil waters that reflect the majestic silhouette of Muztagh Ata. Surrounded by clouds and mist, it showcases the purity and grandeur of the high-altitude lake, captivating all who behold it.

Arriving at the Pamir Plateau, one truly witnesses the magnificent grandeur of western China's landscape. Starting from Kashgar and traveling along the Karakoram Highway, snow-capped mountains, lakes, and deserts unfold before your eyes in breathtaking scenery—a must-do route in southern Xinjiang. Along the way, you'll stop at White Sand Lake and Karakol Lake, facing Muztagh Ata Peak directly. The pristine snow-capped mountains reflected in the azure lakes create stunning photographs. The winding Panlong Ancient Road offers a unique and immersive experience. Along the way, you can also experience the unique culture and customs of the Tajik people—their simple and honest nature, the vast and tranquil plateau, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, a truly healing experience. This is a border region, so a border permit must be obtained in advance; without it, you will not be able to pass. The overall altitude is very high, mostly above 3000 meters, making altitude sickness a common concern. Slow down your movements and bring oxygen cylinders and glucose. The temperature difference between day and night is significant; even in summer, a thick coat and windproof jacket are essential. The ultraviolet radiation is extremely strong, so sun protection and sunglasses are a must. The scenic areas are far apart and scattered, so driving or hiring a car is more suitable. Cell phone signal is weak in some sections, so downloading offline maps is recommended. The weather on the plateau is unpredictable; one moment it's sunny and clear, and the next it can be windy and snowy. There aren't many commercial facilities, so conditions are relatively basic; those seeking comfort and relaxation should expect that. Seeing the Pamir Plateau in person makes all the travel fatigue worthwhile. For those who love natural scenery, the Pamir Plateau is definitely worth a visit.

The big scene is very good. To see the Devil's Eye, you need to ride a horse across the stream to the deepest part. We didn't go there. We only saw the 1st and 2nd craters. One had water and the other was dry. But the Eighteen Arhats Peak in the distance was very nice.

It's a less crowded scenic area; the tour guide said it hasn't been open long and isn't fully developed yet. It depends on your luck. If there are many clouds, you won't see the glaciers and snow-capped mountains. If the weather is good, you can see relatively high mountains. Its distinctive feature is its "black glacier," caused by carbon black aerosols that have made the rocks completely black. When we went, it was cloudy at first, but the sun came out later. It was pretty good.

This wetland volcano scenic area is definitely worth a visit! The Devil's Eye and the Eighteen Arhats Peaks are truly breathtaking, a testament to the wonders of nature. The staff at the scenic area, including Natsume, were incredibly welcoming. When our car had a flat tire, they proactively helped us find someone to fix it at 10 pm. We were so grateful!

The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway from Kashgar to Tashkurgan County and then to Khunjerab is very easy to drive and the scenery is so beautiful. Watch my video, there are two sections on the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway. If you don't have high sickness when driving, just go up all the way. I went there in March, when the winter snow just started to melt, it was as if people and cars were driving in an oil painting... Come and experience it!

Muztagh Ata stands majestically at the border of Akto County and Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County in Xinjiang, and is an important part of the western section of the Kunlun Mountains. Its body is rounded and broad, and its summit is covered with a layer of permanent limestone hundreds of meters thick.

You can see it on the way to Baisha Lake. The scenery is actually quite similar to the Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye, and the formation is similar as well. It's a good place to take some photos. There are just so many beautiful places in Xinjiang!