【The embodiment of a road movie】72-hour immersive driving experiment on the plateau highway

### **1. Best travel time** - **Spring (late March to mid-April)**: Wild apricot blossoms bloom, creating a sea of pink flowers along the Tashkurgan Valley, perfect for photography and visiting Tajik villages. - **Summer (June to August)**: Mild climate (20–25℃ during the day, around 10℃ at night), ideal for self-driving on the Pamir Plateau, but watch out for sandstorms. - **Autumn (September to October)**: Golden grasslands and snow mountain reflections intertwine, rich autumn colors, and comfortable temperatures. - **Winter (December to February)**: Stunning snowy scenery, but some roads are closed due to snow accumulation, so choose carefully. --- ### **2. Key attractions and experiences** **1. Natural and cultural landscapes** - **Khunjerab Pass**: - The world’s highest border crossing at 4,733m, the end point of the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, with views of the border gate and snow mountains. Confirm opening policies in advance; unauthorized entry into the guard post area is prohibited. - **Stone City Ruins**: - One of China’s three major stone cities, built on a high hill overlooking the Alar Golden Grassland, best photographed at sunrise and sunset. Enter through the back gate to avoid the entrance fee. - **Alar Golden Grassland**: - A wetland on the Pamir Plateau with herds of cattle and sheep, and picturesque snow mountain reflections. Covered in silver in winter and lush green in summer. - **Muztagh Ata Peak and Karakul Lake**: - “Father of Ice Mountains” Muztagh Ata (7,546m) and the color-changing Karakul Lake (3,560m elevation) complement each other, a paradise for mountaineering and photography. **2. Self-driving and ancient trail adventures** - **Pamir Panlong Ancient Trail**: - The popular “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns” road, resembling a giant dragon winding from the mountaintop, recommended for drone photography (advance approval required). - **Tasha Ancient Trail**: - The route of Xuanzang’s eastward return, 420 km long, crossing the Kunlun Mountain Gorge, passing apricot blossom villages and ancient settlements; the terrain is dangerous and requires a professional guide. - **China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (Karakoram Highway)**: - One of the world’s top ten most dangerous roads, connecting Muztagh Ata, Baisha Lake, and other scenic spots, accompanied by snow mountains throughout. **3. Apricot blossom villages and Tajik culture** - **Kukosilug and Tar Townships**: - Traditional stone houses hidden among apricot blossoms in spring, villagers wearing kulata hats warmly invite visitors for tea to experience Tajik life. - **Datong Township**: - Known as the “Land of Beautiful Jade,” hosting a grand bazaar during apricot blossom season where you can buy jade and dried apricots, and explore the starting point of the Tasha Ancient Trail. --- ### **3. Suggested itinerary planning** **Classic 5-day tour** - **Day 1: Kashgar → Taxkorgan** - Travel along the China-Pakistan Highway to visit Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and Muztagh Ata Peak; overnight in Taxkorgan (3,200m elevation, watch for altitude sickness). - **Day 2: In-depth Taxkorgan tour** - Morning: Stone City + Golden Grassland sunrise; afternoon: Khunjerab Pass (border permit required), return to photograph the Panlong Ancient Trail. - **Day 3: Apricot blossom village exploration** - Self-drive to Kukosilug and Alemalek villages, experience Tajik home visits, stay overnight at a guesthouse in Tar Township. - **Day 4: Tasha Ancient Trail adventure** - Follow the Tashkurgan River through the gorge to Datong Township to admire apricot blossoms and participate in the jade market. - **Day 5: Return to Kashgar** - Visit Yingjisha County to experience traditional pottery and handmade knives (national intangible cultural heritage). --- ### **4. Transportation and accommodation** **Transportation** - **Self-drive/charter**: About 300 km from Kashgar to Taxkorgan; SUV with driver rental (approx. CNY 1,000/day), four-wheel drive needed for complex road conditions. - **Public transport**: Bus from Kashgar Bus Station to Taxkorgan (6–7 hrs), but less flexible. **Accommodation** - **Taxkorgan**: Recommended Friendship Peak Hotel or guesthouses; limited facilities but clean (standard rooms approx. CNY 200–400/night). - **Apricot blossom villages**: Tajik-style guesthouses in Tar and Datong Townships (advance booking required, approx. CNY 150–300/night). --- ### **5. Practical information and precautions** 1. **Document preparation**: - Border permits required for Taxkorgan (can be processed in advance at Kashgar Tourist Center or hotels with ID card). 2. **Altitude sickness**: - Taxkorgan at 3,200m, Khunjerab Pass over 4,700m; avoid strenuous exercise, bring oxygen tanks and medication. 3. **Cultural respect**: - Tajiks practice Islam, pork is forbidden, obtain permission before photographing. Weddings are beautiful but do not force participation. 4. **Recommended gear**: - Sun protection kit (sunglasses/hat/arm sleeves), windbreaker (30℃ temperature difference day and night), cash (some areas have no signal). --- ### **6. Food recommendations** - **Yak meat hotpot**: Specialty of Taxkorgan, fresh and delicious (recommended restaurants near the county center square). - **Tajik family feast**: Freshly brewed milk tea, homemade yogurt, baked naan, paired with sea buckthorn and preserved fruits. - **Azik**: Traditional fried pastry, crispy and sweet, available at apricot blossom season markets. --- ### **7. Cost reference** - **Basic expenses**: Tickets (approx. CNY 200) + car rental (5 days approx. CNY 5,000) + accommodation (5 nights approx. CNY 1,500) + meals (approx. CNY 800) ≈ CNY 7,500 per person. - **In-depth experiences**: Tasha Ancient Trail guide (approx. CNY 1,000/day), intangible cultural heritage handicraft experiences (CNY 50–100 per item).