Karakul Lake

Karakul Lake is located between Kongur Peak, Kongur Jiubie Peak, and Muztagh Ata Peak. The lake surface is at an altitude of 3,652 meters, covering an area of about 10 square kilometers, with an average depth of about 15 meters and a maximum depth of 30 meters. It is one of the oldest lakes on the Pamir Plateau. The name "Karakul" means "Black Lake" in Kyrgyz, referring to the lake's deep and dark waters. Karakul Lake is a glacial moraine dammed lake, situated in the Kongxiwa River basin on the eastern Pamir Plateau, at the intersection of the Kongur Fault and the Tashkurgan Fault. The fault valley formed by fault activity provides its geological structure foundation, and the ancient glacier blocked the flow of the Kuoksayike River, later forming the lake through glacial moraine deposition. Karakul Lake is a color-changing lake; its water color varies with weather and light. On sunny days, it appears turquoise or deep blue; at dawn or dusk, it may turn light yellow or orange-red; when the sky is overcast, it looks ink black. To the east of the lake stands Muztagh Ata Peak at 7,509 meters, whose snow-capped reflection blends beautifully with the lake water. To the west is the Salkor Mountain Range, and to the south lies vast grasslands, lush with water and grass in summer, dotted with white yurts. The lake area is home to precious wild animals such as snow partridges, snow leopards, and argali sheep, as well as rare plants like sand wintergreen and snow lotus. The region is also rich in mineral resources. Folklore tells of poisonous dragons or giant serpents in the lake, with records by the Jin Dynasty monk Faxian and the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang. Additionally, there is a legend about an old Kyrgyz herder and his two daughters, which is why Karakul Lake is also called the "Sisters Lake." ⏳ Visiting time: Tickets cost 45 yuan to enter the scenic area, and the visit typically takes 1 to 2 hours.