Second trip to Xinjiang, back again, speaking some harsh truths

Route Planning - Phase One: Kashgar Old Town Cultural Exploration - Depart from Kashgar city center, delve into Kashgar Old Town, and experience the millennia-old Western Regions charm. - Then visit the Gao Tai residences to learn about traditional Uyghur architecture and lifestyle. - Check out various bazaars such as the cattle and sheep bazaar, medicine bazaar, handicraft bazaar, etc., to experience Silk Road trade culture. - Phase Two: Pamir Plateau Scenery and Cultural Journey - Self-drive from Kashgar along the Karakoram Highway, passing by Baisha Lake to admire the stunning contrast of desert and lake. - Arrive at Muji Township to get close to volcanic landforms and enjoy horseback riding to explore the volcanic crater. - Head to Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County to experience the unique Tajik culture and participate in a local wedding. - Visit Bandier Blue Lake (Xiaban Di Reservoir), the Eye of Pamir, and finally challenge the Mustagh Ata Glacier trek. Attraction Information 1. Kashgar Old Town - Highlights: Over 2,000 years of history, a "living fossil" on the Silk Road, architecture full of exotic charm, each door uniquely distinctive, and an opportunity to experience Uyghur street life. - Caution: Although the old town has been renovated, respect local customs and always ask for permission before taking photos~ 2. Gao Tai Residences - Highlights: Traditional Uyghur homes built on high cliffs using mud and branches, retaining a primitive style. - Caution: Some areas are narrow, watch your step, and avoid loud noises inside the residences. 3. Various Bazaars - Cattle and Sheep Bazaar: A place where locals trade cattle and sheep, open at specific times weekly, featuring a unique handshake bargaining custom (shaking hands while saying “okay or not~ okay or not,” negotiating with finger snaps). - Other Bazaars: Medicine bazaar, handicraft bazaar, pottery bazaar, blacksmith bazaar, etc. Choose according to interest, be mindful of product quality, and shop rationally. 4. Karakoram Highway - Highlights: One of the world’s top ten most dangerous roads, with a large altitude range (lowest 1,154m, highest 4,733m), offering breathtaking views of desert, snow-capped mountains, and canyons. - Caution: Some sections have complex road conditions; drive carefully, check your vehicle in advance, and bring motion sickness medicine and oxygen tanks. 5. Baisha Lake - Highlights: Wind-eroded sand dunes and lake create a picturesque scene, with water color changing with the weather. - Caution: The wind is very strong, like knives cutting your face; take wind protection measures, wear a hat, scarf, and sunglasses~ 6. Muji Township - Highlights: Home to the "Eighteen Arhats" snow mountain group, horseback riding to explore volcanic craters, and the fun of crossing rivers on horseback. - Caution: Follow the guide’s instructions when riding, choose gentle horses, and pay attention to your safety. 7. Taxkorgan - Highlights: China’s only Tajik autonomous county, bordering Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Participate in Tajik weddings, experience unique eagle dance culture and the kissing custom (men kiss the back of the hand, women kiss the cheek). - Caution: Learn about customs before attending weddings, respect local etiquette, and ask permission before taking photos. 8. Bandier Blue Lake (Xiaban Di Reservoir) - Highlights: A man-made water conservancy project creating a bright blue lake surrounded by barren mountains, offering a strong visual impact. - Caution: No vegetation by the lake, strong UV rays, take sun protection measures. 9. Eye of Pamir - Highlights: A mountain formation resembling an "eye," very imposing and mysterious. - Caution: Keep a respectful distance when viewing and respect the natural landscape. 10. Mustagh Ata Glacier - Highlights: Close-up experience of the glacier, feeling the grandeur of the plateau glacier. - Caution: Trekking must be done with a professional guide, high altitude requires attention to altitude sickness, bring warm clothing and mountaineering gear. Transportation Guide - City Transport: In Kashgar city, taxis or walking are convenient; walking is best for exploring the old town. - Long-distance Transport: - Self-driving is recommended from Kashgar to Taxkorgan and other places to enjoy the scenery, or local car hire services are available. - For a luxury train experience, choose the "Silk Road Dream" train from Kashgar to Xining, featuring luxurious decor, observation cars, bar, spa, and a train dinner (white-cut chicken, matsutake abalone soup, steak, sparkling wine, etc.). Local Cuisine - Kashgar Food: Lamb skewers, lamb soup (20 RMB), Nang pit meat (10 RMB per skewer), hand-pulled rice (15 RMB), affordable prices, authentic Xinjiang flavors. - Taxkorgan Food: Try Tajik specialty dishes, and enjoy local delicacies at weddings. Tips 1. Respect local customs: Whether Uyghur or Tajik, learn customs in advance and follow local practices, such as asking permission before taking photos and respecting wedding rituals. 2. Wind and sun protection: Southern Xinjiang is dry and windy, especially at Baisha Lake where the wind is very strong. Bring hats, scarves, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 3. Altitude sickness prevention: The Pamir Plateau is high altitude; prepare oxygen tanks and altitude sickness medicine, avoid strenuous exercise, and acclimate slowly. 4. Equipment preparation: For Mustagh Ata Glacier trekking, bring professional mountaineering gear and warm clothing. 5. Transportation tips: Some sections of the Karakoram Highway have complex road conditions; drive cautiously or hire experienced drivers or local car services. 6. In Muji Township, it is recommended to choose rooms with snow mountain views. Some herders’ homes have outdoor toilets, so inquire in advance when booking.