How to Apply for a Border Pass for Group Tours in Kashgar Complete Guide to Costs for Taxkorgan Routes Recommended Routes and Price Details
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send your itinerary and quotation.
✨ 【Ultimate Guide to In-Depth Travel in Kashgar and Taxkorgan:Permit Processing + Route Costs + Practical Tips】✨
Travelers planning to visit Kashgar and Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County (referred to as “Taxkorgan”) in Xinjiang often hesitate due to issues such as permit processing, route planning, and budgeting. This article combines the latest 2026 policies and on-site information, starting with “permit processing and route design,” to provide a detailed analysis of recommended knowledge for traveling to Taxkorgan, helping you easily plan your itinerary.
1. Why is a permit required? Which places necessitate it?
According to Xinjiang’s border management policies, a valid permit is required to visit border areas such as Taxkorgan, the Pamir Plateau, and Baihabha Village. Those without a permit may be turned back, affecting their travel plans.
Main areas requiring a permit:
Southern Xinjiang:Entire Taxkorgan area (including Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata, Panlong Ancient Road, Khunjerab Pass, etc.), Wuqia County in Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture (Western Extremity).
Northern Xinjiang:Habahe County in Altay Prefecture (Baihabha Village), Jimunai Port.
Other areas:Khorgos Port, certain sections of the G219 Xinjiang-Tibet Highway.
Regular scenic spots not requiring a permit:
Non-border areas such as Urumqi, Turpan, Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, and Kanas Scenic Area (excluding Baihabha Village) allow entry with valid identification.
2. Guide to Permit Processing (Latest 2026 Edition)
Online Processing:10-Minute Quick Issuance
Starting from April 15, 2026, electronic border management area permits will be issued nationwide, with paper permits being discontinued. The processing steps are as follows:
Application Platform:Through the “Immigration 12367” APP or by searching for the “Immigration 12367” mini-program on WeChat or Alipay.
✨【Ultimate Guide to In-Depth Travel in Kashgar and Taxkorgan: Permit Processing + Route Costs + Practical Tips】✨Steps:
Enter your valid identification number and complete facial recognition verification;
Select “Application for Border Management Area Permit” and fill in your destination (e.g., “Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang”);
Choose “Tourism” as the reason and submit. The system usually completes the review within 10 to 30 minutes, and the electronic permit is pushed to the mini-program.
Key Reminders:
The destination must be precise to the county level! For example, to visit Taxkorgan, the full name must be filled in. Recommendations like “Kashgar” or “Pamir Plateau” will be rejected;
The electronic permit is pushed in PDF format. Be sure to download and save it to your phone’s gallery in advance and print a paper copy as a backup (required when signal is poor in mountainous areas);
Both the original valid identification and the electronic permit’s QR code must be presented during customs clearance. Screenshots are invalid.
Offline Processing:Alternative Options in Kashgar
If you haven’t processed it online in advance, you can apply at the following locations in Kashgar:
Kashgar International Self-Drive and RV Camp (beside G314 National Highway):Summer: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, off-season until 7:00 PM;
Kashgar Prefecture Government Service Center (No. 16 Tiannan Road):Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, weekends recommended for morning office hours.
Required Materials:Original valid identification is recommended. After on-site facial recognition, an electronic permit is issued immediately, usually valid for 7-15 days.
3. Classic Itinerary Design for Taxkorgan (5 Days, 4 Nights)
Combining the latest 2026 road conditions and scenic spot opening information, the following itinerary is recommended:
Travelers planning to visit Kashgar and Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County (referred to as “Taxkorgan”) in Xinjiang often hesitate due to issues such as permit processing, route planning, and budgeting. This article combines the latest 2026 policies and on-site information, starting with “permit processing and route design,” to provide a detailed analysis of recommended knowledge for traveling to Taxkorgan, helping you easily plan your itinerary.Day 1:Kashgar → Aytak Red Mountain → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan
Highlights:
Aytak Red Mountain:Danxia landform framed by snow-capped mountains, ideal for photography;
Baisha Lake:Milky-blue lake water contrasts with white sand dunes. Recommended stay: 1 hour;
Karakul Lake:Excellent spot for capturing the reflection of Muztagh Ata. Admission fee: 40 yuan.
Transportation:Customized vehicle or carpooling. Total distance: approximately 300 km, travel time: 6 hours (including stops).
Accommodation:Comfortable hotel in Taxkorgan, altitude approximately 3,200 meters. Oxygen-supplied rooms are recommended.
Day 2:Taxkorgan → Stone City → Golden Grassland → Panlong Ancient Road → Bandir Blue Lake → Taxkorgan
Highlights:
Stone City:Ruins of the ancient Puli Kingdom. Admission + shuttle bus: 51 yuan;
Panlong Ancient Road:Over 600 S-shaped bends. Take a photo with the sign “After walking all the bends today, your life will be smooth sailing from now on”;
Bandir Blue Lake:Gem-blue lake water, free admission.
Transportation:Customized vehicle for the entire journey. Total distance: approximately 200 km, travel time: 5 hours.
Tips:Panlong Ancient Road has密集 (intensive) bends. Those prone to carsickness should take medication in advance.
1. Why is a permit required? Which places necessitate it?Day 3:Taxkorgan → Tahman Wetland → Muztagh Ata Glacier Park → Kashgar
Highlights:
Tahman Wetland:High-altitude wetland landscape, free admission;
Muztagh Ata Glacier Park:Altitude: 4,688 meters. Admission + shuttle bus: 92 yuan. Walk slowly to prevent altitude sickness.
Transportation:Return to Kashgar. Total distance: approximately 300 km, travel time: 6 hours.
Day 4:In-Depth Tour of Kashgar City
Highlights:
Kashgar Old Town:Explore century-old tea houses, Id Kah Mosque, and experience pottery making;
Xiangfei Garden:Learn about the history of Xiangfei and watch ethnic song and dance performances (admission: 120 yuan);
Kashgar Grand Bazaar:Shop for dried fruits and handicrafts. Remember to bargain.
Day 5:Free Time → Departure
Arrange your time freely according to your flight schedule. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance.
4. Cost Breakdown (Reference Range for 2026)
Transportation Costs:
Customized Vehicle:5-day business vehicle (including driver and fuel) costs approximately 4,000-6,000 yuan. Shared among 6 people, the per capita cost is 660-1,000 yuan;
According to Xinjiang’s border management policies, a valid permit is required to visit border areas such as Taxkorgan, the Pamir Plateau, and Baihabha Village. Those without a permit may be turned back, affecting their travel plans.Carpooling:If choosing carpooling, the per capita cost is approximately 800-1,200 yuan.
Accommodation Costs:
Kashgar City:Comfortable hotels cost approximately 400-600 yuan per night;
Taxkorgan:Oxygen-supplied hotels cost approximately 600-1,000 yuan per night, while ordinary guesthouses cost approximately 300-500 yuan per night.
Based on a 5-day, 4-night stay, the total accommodation budget is approximately 2,000-3,000 yuan per person (shared based on double occupancy).
Admission Fees:
Karakul Lake: 40 yuan, Stone City + Golden Grassland: 51 yuan, Muztagh Ata Glacier Park: 92 yuan, Xiangfei Garden: 120 yuan, totaling approximately 300 yuan per person.
Dining Costs:
Lunch and dinner cost approximately 60-100 yuan per meal per person. The 5-day dining budget is approximately 900-1,500 yuan per person.
Total Budget Reference:
Economy:Transportation by carpooling + ordinary accommodation costs approximately 3,500-4,500 yuan per person;
Comfort:Transportation by customized vehicle + oxygen-supplied accommodation costs approximately 5,000-7,000 yuan per person.
Specific costs are subject to actual consultation and contracting and may fluctuate based on the travel period.
5. Registration Methods and Service Descriptions
Main areas requiring a permit:You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which provides the following services:
Itinerary Planning:Customize routes based on your needs and coordinate permit processing;
Vehicle Arrangement:Provide formal tourist transport vehicles with drivers familiar with high-altitude road conditions;
Accommodation Reservation:Secure accommodation in Taxkorgan during peak season in advance to avoid the risk of no availability;
Insurance Purchase:Complimentary high-altitude travel accident insurance to safeguard your trip.
Cost and Service Descriptions:
Included Costs:Transportation, accommodation, admission fees, tour guide services, and insurance;
Excluded Costs:Round-trip major transportation, personal expenses, and self-funded items;
Single Registration:Every effort will be made to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation;
Policy Changes:If the itinerary needs to be changed due to uncontrollable factors such as weather or road conditions, reasonable changes can be made after mutual agreement.
6. Practical Tips
Permit Pitfalls:Incorrect destination filling may result in being turned back. Be sure to verify up to the county level;
High-Altitude Reaction:Taxkorgan has a high altitude. Avoid strenuous exercise and consider taking Rhodiola in advance;
Respect Customs:Obtain consent before photographing local residents, especially the elderly and children;
Consumption Reminder:Prices for dried fruits and handicrafts at Kashgar Grand Bazaar are transparent. Be cautious when purchasing jade due to its complexity.
Consult Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, for more real-time information. Let a professional team escort your South Xinjiang journey!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send your itinerary and quotation.
