Conquering World's Tallest Natural Arch in Xinjiang

#traveldiaries #xinjiang #hiking #chinatrip #adventure #monsteronvacay Shipton's Arch, being dubbed as world's tallest arch, is a conglomerate natural arch located in the mountains northwest of Kashgar, Xinjiang. It is known as "Toshuk Tagh" to the local, literally meaning "hole in the mountain". The exact location would be in Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Perfecture west-northwest of Kashgar, near a village of Artux, at an altitude of 2973 meters. The height of the arch is estimated at 1500ft (460m),equivalent to the height of the Empire State Building in New York. The span of the arch is reportedly 180ft (55m). To reach this hidden gem required a challenging yet rewarding trek through Xinjiang's rugged terrain. We went on a winter, basically to avoid the crowd. The winter landscape added a layer of mystery to the journey, with snow dusted mountains and crisp air creating a serene atmosphere. The hike took us through rocky paths and narrow canyons, but the breathtaking views along the way kept us motivated. As we approached Shipton's Arch, the sheer size and grandeur of this natural wonder left us in awe. Framed by a winter sky, the arch look even majestic against the backdrop of snow covered peaks. The cool winter breeze and clear crisp air, made the view even more special, offering unparalleled panoramas of the surrounding valleys. If you are up for an adventure, Shipton's Arch is a must for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike!