Kashgar Tour Car Rental Where is Atushi Tianmen Geological Wonder + One Day Itinerary Recommended Route Cost and Price

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation

Exploring the Natural Stone Gateway at the Summit of the Earth:In-Depth Experience of the Atushi Sky Gate, a Geological Wonder near Kashgar
(I) The Birthplace of Geological Miracles:The Past and Present of the Atushi Sky Gate
Deep within the folds of the Pamir Plateau, a natural stone archway, sculpted by wind and time, rises majestically. Known as the “Atushi Sky Gate,” this geological wonder is located 17 kilometers south of Provincial Road 309 in Shang Atushi Town, Atushi City, Xinjiang. Its formation dates back 2.6 million years. When the Indian Plate collided violently with the Eurasian Plate, the Kunlun and Tien Shan mountains converged here. The weakly cemented conglomerate layers, eroded over time by the dry climate, ultimately created this natural stone archway, shaped like a “∩,” with a width of 100 meters and a height exceeding 500 meters. This data was reconfirmed through professional surveying in 2019 and is more precise than the previously estimated 457 meters.
This natural stone gateway, listed by American ADVENTURE magazine as one of the “Global 25 New Adventure Routes,” is not recommended for its scale but for its unique geological features, making it a popular destination for scientific research. The honeycomb-like stone cavities densely covering the right wall produce a wonderful echo when children whisper inside; the abstract-painting-like textures on the left wall remain a focal point of debate among geologists—whether they are traces of ancient water flow or natural patterns formed by weathering. The 2018 CCTV Geography China documentary “The Gate of Heaven,” filmed over half a month, used 3D modeling technology to reconstruct the formation process of this stone archway, allowing viewers to glimpse the mysteries of nature’s extraordinary craftsmanship.
(II) One-Day Itinerary Through Time and Space
07:30 Departure from Kashgar Old City
Starting from the 2,100-year-old Kashgar Old City, head west along the Turpan-Hotan Expressway. As the vehicle enters Provincial Road 309, the vast panorama of the Pamir Plateau unfolds: the snow-capped peak of Muztagh Ata shines in the morning light, while the folds of the red-bed terrain resemble an epic written by the earth.
09:00 Arrival at the Scenic Area Service Center

Exploring the Natural Stone Gateway at the Summit of the Earth: In-Depth Experience of the Atushi Sky Gate, a Geological Wonder near KashgarComplete ticket purchase at the visitor center at an altitude of 3,000 meters (full-price ticket 45 yuan; see below for preferential policies), then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (included in the ticket price) to the core area. Along the way, you can see more than 20 pictographic mountain formations such as the Golden Monkey Guarding the New Year and the Sun and Moon Gate. These natural sculptures, formed by wind and rain erosion, add a treasure-hunting-like fun to the journey.
10:30 Sky Gate Viewing Platform
After a 30-minute hike, arrive at the viewing platform. This stone archway standing in the wilderness appears even more majestic against the blue sky. Standing beneath the “lintel,” look up at the immeasurable thickness of the rock mass. Sunlight filters through the archway, forming natural beams of light. At this moment, every photo taken is an excellent combination of geological wonder and light and shadow art.
12:00 Alpine Meadow Picnic
Enjoy a self-prepared lunch in the meadow area at an altitude of 3,200 meters. The local baked naan with rose petal jam, paired with pomegranate juice brought from Kashgar, creates a unique alpine picnic experience. In the distance, herds of Pamir yaks graze leisurely, forming a vivid ecological scene.
14:00 Geological Adventure Experience
A professional guide leads mild adventure activities: to the best of your ability, experience the rappelling project at the “lintel” of the Sky Gate (an additional 150 yuan equipment fee is required), or explore the echoes along the stone cavities on the right wall. Geology enthusiasts can bring a magnifying glass to observe the bedding of the conglomerate layers and search for traces of ancient biological fossils.
16:30 Return to Kashgar

(I) The Birthplace of Geological Miracles: The Past and Present of the Atushi Sky GateStop at a century-old tea house in Atushi City along the way to taste rose tea brewed with snowmelt from the Tien Shan Mountains, paired with baked buns and yogurt zongzi, and experience the traditional food culture of various ethnic groups.
(III) Cost Analysis for Recent Travel in 2026
Transportation Options:
Custom Vehicle Service:The average daily cost for a 7-seat business vehicle is 1,200-1,500 yuan (including fuel and toll fees), suitable for family trips of 4-6 people. Calculating a round trip of 120 kilometers from Kashgar to the Atushi Sky Gate, with each leg taking about 1.5 hours, custom vehicles allow flexible stops along the way.
Public Transportation:The Kashgar Passenger Transport Station has multiple daily buses to Atushi City (ticket price 9-15 yuan), but after arriving in the city, you need to transfer to a local taxi (about 50 yuan) to reach the scenic area, with a total travel time exceeding 3 hours.
Ticket Policies:
Full-Price Ticket:45 yuan/person (including scenic area shuttle bus)
Preferential Ticket:From March 25 to April 25, 2026, local residents of the Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, long-term residents, students, and aid-to-Xinjiang volunteers can enjoy an 80-yuan package ticket (original price 180 yuan), which must be purchased at the scenic area ticket office with valid identification.

Deep within the folds of the Pamir Plateau, a natural stone archway, sculpted by wind and time, rises majestically. Known as the “Atushi Sky Gate,” this geological wonder is located 17 kilometers south of Provincial Road 309 in Shang Atushi Town, Atushi City, Xinjiang. Its formation dates back 2.6 million years. When the Indian Plate collided violently with the Eurasian Plate, the Kunlun and Tien Shan mountains converged here. The weakly cemented conglomerate layers, eroded over time by the dry climate, ultimately created this natural stone archway, shaped like a “∩,” with a width of 100 meters and a height exceeding 500 meters. This data was reconfirmed through professional surveying in 2019 and is more precise than the previously estimated 457 meters.Special Reminder:Starting from June 2026, the scenic area will implement a timed reservation system, with a daily maximum capacity of 3,000 people. Visitors need to make reservations in advance through the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to avoid queuing on site.
(IV) How to Obtain Professional Travel Services
Customized services can be obtained through the Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which offers three core advantages:
Geological Expert Accompaniment:Optional professional geology guides to deeply interpret the formation principles of the Sky Gate and the geological evolution history of the Pamir Plateau
Emergency Support System:Equipped with高原 (altitude) dedicated oxygen generators, satellite phones, and other equipment to respond to sudden weather changes
Cultural Experience Upgrade:Arrange visits to families of various ethnic groups to learn traditional pottery making and participate in Maxilap dance activities
(V) Service Standards and Liability Definition
Fees Include:

This natural stone gateway, listed by American ADVENTURE magazine as one of the “Global 25 New Adventure Routes,” is not recommended for its scale but for its unique geological features, making it a popular destination for scientific research. The honeycomb-like stone cavities densely covering the right wall produce a wonderful echo when children whisper inside; the abstract-painting-like textures on the left wall remain a focal point of debate among geologists—whether they are traces of ancient water flow or natural patterns formed by weathering. The 2018 CCTV Geography China documentary “The Gate of Heaven,” filmed over half a month, used 3D modeling technology to reconstruct the formation process of this stone archway, allowing viewers to glimpse the mysteries of nature’s extraordinary craftsmanship.Vehicle usage fees, fuel fees, toll fees
Driver service fees and basic insurance
First entrance ticket to the scenic area (special experience projects are at your own expense)
Service Commitments:
The departure time for each day’s itinerary can be negotiated and changed, but the total duration shall not exceed 10 hours
Provide 24-hour emergency contact services
Equip the vehicle with a first aid kit and altitude sickness medication
Special Notes:

(II) One-Day Itinerary Through Time and SpaceIn case of itinerary changes due to weather or geological reasons, both parties can agree to replace it with an in-depth tour of Kashgar Old City or a cultural experience at the Xiangfei Garden after mutual consultation
For single registrants, efforts will be made to coordinate room sharing; if additional fees are incurred, further negotiation is required
All service standards are subject to the “Travel Service Contract” signed by both parties, and prices may change slightly with market fluctuations
(VI) Travel Tips
Optimal Photography Times:Before 10 a.m. and during sunset in the evening, when the light angle is most favorable for showcasing the three-dimensionality of the Sky Gate
Recommended Equipment:Windproof jacket, hiking boots, polarized sunglasses (strong UV rays at high altitude), high-SPF sunscreen
Cultural Taboos:Obtain consent before photographing local residents, remove shoes when entering, and respect folk cultural ceremonies
Ecological Protection:Climbing undeveloped areas is prohibited; garbage must be taken back to the city for disposal
This natural stone gateway, witnessing hundreds of millions of years of Earth’s changes, is both an epic of geological movements and an open-air museum gifted by nature. When you stand beneath the 500-meter-high archway, listening to the ancient melody played by the wind in the rock cavities, you may gain a new understanding of the magnificent imagery of “The Sky Gate breaks open the Chu River”—this is not just the arrival at a geographical coordinate but a geological dialogue through time and space.

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation