Panlong Ancient Trail

🌟 Tashkurgan: The Last Pure Land on the Silk Road 📜 The Millennium Echo on the Ancient Trail In late autumn, Tashkurgan stands isolated from the world, with the Panlong Ancient Trail winding like a giant dragon among the continuous mountains. In this secret realm of the Pamir Plateau, the Tajik people continue their 2,000-year nomadic tradition. The stone-built ancient fortresses have witnessed the footsteps of Xuanzang’s pilgrimage and guard the most captivating slices of civilization along the ancient Silk Road. 🏔️ Panlong Ancient Trail This "Chinese human miracle" was built during the Han Dynasty. The 75-kilometer-long perilous mountain road has over 600 S-shaped bends, with an altitude difference of nearly a thousand meters. When the off-road vehicle winds along the cliffs, you can almost hear the jingling camel bells of caravans from the past brushing past modern travelers. The Tajik guide says every sharp turn hides a story—whether it’s shards of painted pottery left by a Persian merchant caravan or a family letter carved on the rock wall by border soldiers. From the 4,200-meter-high viewing platform, the snow-capped Muztagh Ata Peak is reflected in the surface of Karakul Lake. The noon sunlight dyes the layers of mountains a warm amber color. The mountain breeze carries the melodious eagle flute of shepherds, evoking the awe Zhang Qian once felt gazing westward here. ✨ Insider Tips: 1️⃣ The best photo spot is at the 23-kilometer mark at the sign "Today I’ve walked all the bends." It’s recommended to come early morning to capture the moment when the first ray of sunlight fills the canyon (remember to wear a windbreaker!) 2️⃣ Don’t miss the nomads herding yaks; they often warmly invite you to taste the salty and fragrant yak milk tea. 3️⃣ Arrive at Bandier Blue Lake before sunset to see the Pamir Plateau dyed rose gold by the evening glow. There are no five-star hotels here, but the Tajik smiles shine brighter than the stars; there are no trendy restaurants, but yak milk tea paired with baked buns makes the wildest breakfast. While modern civilization lingers outside the mountains, every grain of sand on the Panlong Ancient Trail still tells the most authentic stories of the Silk Road.