Kashgar Travel Chartered Car Karakul Lake Route Quotation High Altitude Lake Fee Table Recommended Route Cost and Price
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
Star Recommendation:Customized in-depth tour of Kashgar’s plateau lakes by private vehicle – Explore the twin secret realms of Karakul Lake and Baisha Lake
Detailed introduction to the route or destination
[Karakul Lake] – The “Black Sea Pearl” of the Pamir Plateau
Karakul Lake, located in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Region, sits at an altitude of approximately 3,600 meters. Named “Karakul” (meaning “Black Lake” in Kyrgyz) for its deep ink-blue hue under sunlight, the lake’s mirror-like surface reflects the 7,546-meter “Father of Ice Mountains,” Muztagh Ata. On clear days, snow-capped peaks, blue skies, and the lake form a breathtaking tableau. The area features observation decks and walking trails, allowing visitors to stroll along the shore or take a shuttle bus deeper into the region to experience the serenity and grandeur of the plateau lake. In 2026, the scenic area will be open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with admission priced at 50 RMB per person and shuttle bus tickets at 45 RMB per person (subject to on-site notices).
[Baisha Lake] – The “Desert Eye” Woven in Blue and White
Located beside National Highway G314 between Kashgar and Taxkorgan, Baisha Lake derives its name from the adjacent Baisha (White Sand) Mountain. The lake’s unique Tiffany-blue hue, caused by mineral content, contrasts sharply with the white sand dunes, earning it the nickname “Maldives of Southern Xinjiang.” The area includes observation platforms and photo spots, enabling close-up shots of the sand mountain and lake together. In 2026, Baisha Lake will have no admission fee, but visitors must cooperate with access checks when entering the scenic area. Valid identification is recommended.
[Pamir Plateau Loop] – A Visual Feast Along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway
Departing from Kashgar, travel southwest along National Highway G314 (China-Pakistan Friendship Highway) to admire the Danxia landforms of Aytag Red Mountain Canyon and the snow-capped wonders of Kongur Tiope. The route culminates in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, linking core attractions such as Karakul Lake, Baisha Lake, Muztagh Ata, and the Stone City Ruins. This itinerary represents the essence of Southern Xinjiang’s natural and cultural landscapes.
Sample Itinerary (3-day, 2-night plateau lake loop as an example)
Day 1:Kashgar City → Aytag Red Mountain Canyon → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Muztagh Ata Viewpoint → Taxkorgan (overnight stay)
Star Recommendation: Customized in-depth tour of Kashgar’s plateau lakes by private vehicle – Explore the twin secret realms of Karakul Lake and Baisha LakeKey Arrangements:
Morning:Depart Kashgar and drive approximately 2 hours along G314 to Aytag Red Mountain Canyon for photos of Danxia landforms framed by snow-capped peaks.
Noon:Dine near Baisha Lake scenic area and savor special hand-pulled rice pilaf from local ethnic groups.
Afternoon:Tour Baisha Lake, then proceed to Karakul Lake for distant views of Muztagh Ata and photos of snow-capped reflections.
Evening:Arrive in Taxkorgan, check into a local hotel, and experience the tranquility of a plateau night.
Day 2:Taxkorgan → Golden Grassland Sunrise → Stone City Ruins → Panlong Ancient Road → Bandir Blue Lake → Kashgar (overnight stay)
Key Arrangements:
Early Morning:Photograph sunrise at Golden Grassland and enjoy wetland scenery bathed in morning light.
Morning:Visit Stone City Ruins to learn about the history of ethnic groups along the ancient Silk Road.
Noon:Traverse Panlong Ancient Road and check in at the road sign: “Today, I’ve traveled all the winding paths; from now on, life will be smooth sailing.”
Afternoon:Tour Bandir Blue Lake and capture its unique plateau lake blue.
Detailed introduction to the route or destinationEvening:Return to Kashgar and check into a hotel.
Day 3:Free activities in Kashgar City (optional)
Key Arrangements:
Morning:Explore Kashgar’s Old Town, visit century-old teahouses and artisan bazaars, and experience traditional ethnic handicrafts.
Afternoon:Tour the Fragrant Concubine’s Garden to learn about her historical legends and architectural art.
Evening:Stroll through Kashgar Night Market and sample specialties like grilled stuffed buns and pot-cooked mutton.
Pricing Notes (Reference for 2026)
[Vehicle Types and Daily Fees]
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency offers a variety of compliant tourist vehicles. Fees include vehicle usage, fuel, tolls, parking, driver services, and basic insurance (carrier liability insurance ≥ 5 million RMB). Reference prices below (subject to change based on travel dates; confirm via contract or on-site verification):
7-seat business vehicle (e.g., Buick GL8, Maxus G10):
[Karakul Lake] – The “Black Sea Pearl” of the Pamir PlateauLow Season (November–April):800–1,200 RMB/day
Peak Season (June–September):1,500–2,300 RMB/day
14-seat minibus:
Low Season:1,200–1,800 RMB/day
Peak Season:1,800–2,500 RMB/day
19-seat minibus:
Low Season:1,800–2,200 RMB/day
Peak Season:2,200–3,200 RMB/day
[Plateau Route Subsidy]
Travel to plateau or border regions like Taxkorgan and Muji Volcano requires an additional plateau subsidy of 200–500 RMB/day due to complex road conditions, high altitudes, and multiple border procedures.
[Driver Accommodations]
Karakul Lake, located in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Region, sits at an altitude of approximately 3,600 meters. Named “Karakul” (meaning “Black Lake” in Kyrgyz) for its deep ink-blue hue under sunlight, the lake’s mirror-like surface reflects the 7,546-meter “Father of Ice Mountains,” Muztagh Ata. On clear days, snow-capped peaks, blue skies, and the lake form a breathtaking tableau. The area features observation decks and walking trails, allowing visitors to stroll along the shore or take a shuttle bus deeper into the region to experience the serenity and grandeur of the plateau lake. In 2026, the scenic area will be open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with admission priced at 50 RMB per person and shuttle bus tickets at 45 RMB per person (subject to on-site notices). Driver accommodations are typically covered by tourists at a standard of approximately 150–200 RMB/day (including 80–120 RMB for meals + accommodation subsidy), or negotiated as part of the total price.
[Scenic Area Admission and Shuttle Buses]
Karakul Lake:Admission: 50 RMB/person; Shuttle bus: 45 RMB/person
Baisha Lake:No admission fee
Fragrant Concubine’s Garden:Admission: 30 RMB/person
High Platform Residential Complex:Admission: 20 RMB/person
How to Book
Book through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for detailed itineraries and real-time quotes. Reserve 7–10 days in advance; popular vehicle types are in high demand during peak season (June–October).
Fee and Service Notes
Standard quotes include:Vehicle usage, fuel, tolls, parking, driver services, and basic insurance.
[Baisha Lake] – The “Desert Eye” Woven in Blue and WhiteExclusions:Tourist accommodations, meals, admission tickets, personal travel accident insurance (recommended at ~30–50 RMB/day), plateau-specific services, aerial photography equipment rentals, and other value-added items.
Border Pass:A Border Management Area Permit is required for Taxkorgan. Apply in advance via the WeChat mini-program “Border Management Area Permit” (select “Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County”) or have the travel agency assist.
Itinerary Changes:Reasonable changes may be negotiated if weather, road conditions, or policies disrupt plans.
Solo Travelers:We will coordinate room-sharing when possible; special cases require separate negotiation.
All services, pricing, and itineraries are subject to the signed contract. Actual consultation and contracting apply.
Plateau Travel Tips
Document Preparation:Bring valid identification; verify information in advance for border passes.
Altitude Sickness:Taxkorgan’s high altitude requires avoiding strenuous activity upon arrival. Oxygen tanks are available in towns along the route.
Clothing and Gear:Kashgar has large temperature variations; bring windproof, warm clothing. High UV levels necessitate sunglasses and sunscreen.
Respect Customs:Avoid photographing others without permission in crowded areas like old towns and bazaars, especially ethnic residents.
Road Conditions:Southern Xinjiang’s attractions are scattered with long drives; prepare snacks, water, and motion sickness medication.
From Kashgar Old Town’s lively charm to the Pamir Plateau’s sacred snow peaks, from Baisha Lake’s blue-and-white dreamscape to Karakul Lake’s inky depths, this route transcends time and space to reveal Southern Xinjiang’s diverse allure. Choose Xinjiang Pathfinder’s compliant customized vehicle services, where professional drivers and comfortable vehicles ensure a memorable plateau lake exploration!
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.

