#Tashiku'erganzhen Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Towns
Address:
Tashiku'erganzhen, Tashkurgan, Kashgar, Xinjiang, China
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
0.5-1 day
Explore the Pamir Plateau→Like & Save
Explore the Pamir Plateau
The only county in China with a Caucasian population
On the Pamir Plateau, there is a county town with an average altitude of over 4000 meters, home to China's only Caucasian population, known as Tashkurgan, or simply Taxkorgan County.
This place borders Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan, and has been rated by National Geographic as the most impressive county town.
It is like a dazzling pearl set upon the Pamir Plateau. Here, you can find snow-capped mountains greeting the wind, herds of cattle and sheep on the Tian Ge pasture, the mysterious and majestic Kunlun mountain range, and the 'Roof of the World' Pamir Plateau, the origin of myriad mountains and rivers.
Within the territory of Taxkorgan County, there are four peaks over 8000 meters high, accounting for one-third of such peaks worldwide, presenting a majestic and spectacular sight that takes one's breath away.
The Karakoram Highway, like a giant dragon, winds through this magical land, with over 100 peaks along the way that rise above 7000 meters.
Glacial meltwater nourishes the lush grasslands, creating a paradise for wildlife and providing pastures essential for the survival of nomadic peoples.
The Tajik people, known as 'the people above the clouds,' not only draw attention with their unique culture and traditions but also shoulder the important mission of guarding the frontier, closely connected to this land.
Let us walk into the snow mountains to feel their majesty and tranquility, follow the Karakoram Highway into Taxkorgan County, and experience the Tajik people's love and dedication to this land.
Follow me to discover the unique beauty of Xinjiang.
The apricot blossoms of Southern Xinjiang mainly refer to those located in Taxkorgan County of Kashgar, Xinjiang. This area is the hinterland of the Kunlun Mountains and also a hidden paradise on the Pamir Plateau.
Every spring, the Yarkand River flows through the high mountain gorges of the Karakoram. Apricot trees on both sides of the river compete to bloom, covering the river channels, farmlands, and the areas in front of and behind houses, creating a transcendental apricot blossom village.
The most commendable aspect is the century-old apricot trees that can be seen everywhere, which cover the sky and bloom proudly on the branches like clouds at sunset. They are particularly spectacular and shocking, and their number is unmatched by any other place!
🌸Best Viewing Time:
The specific blooming period may vary slightly each year due to climate change, usually from mid-March to early April.
In previous years, the apricot blossoms on the Pamir Plateau bloomed between March 15 and March 30, but this year, due to climate reasons, they were delayed by a full 12 days.
🌸Apricot Blossom Viewing Spots
Datong Township: Almost every household in the village has planted apricot trees, with tall and lush apricot trees in front of and behind their houses.
Tashkurgan Township: The most famous Apricot Blossom Island, Happiness No. 5 Bridge, and Apricot Blossom Tunnel are all located here.
Kukexiluke: As it has the highest altitude, it is the last place on the Pamir Plateau where apricot blossoms bloom. The apricot trees here are relatively dense and very beautiful!
🌸Dressing Advice:
At the end of March and the beginning of April, the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang is still covered with ice and snow. The coldest area is Taxkorgan County, at an altitude of about 3100 meters, with an average temperature around zero degrees.
The altitude of Apricot Blossom Village is lower, with most temperatures ranging from 5-15 degrees, and there is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening. It is recommended to bring a hardshell jacket, thin down or fleece jacket, and other thick outerwear. However, when there is sun at noon, the perceived temperature can be quite high, and it is completely fine to wear a beautiful dress without feeling cold.
BRYAN COLON
The autumn in Tashkurgan is more beautiful than the pictures
In October, we went to Tashkurgan. Under the tall and majestic Sarikol Range, on the golden meadow, flocks of sheep are leisurely enjoying the gifts of nature in the autumn sun. The vast meadow and the colorful plateau willows are dressed up in their mature and full colors, making the plateau charming and colorful.
The volcano mouth of Mujin Township is amazing, the eighteen Arhats snow mountain lined up, the river winding around the fragrant fields, the moon shines on the forest like sleet.
Bai Sha Lake is the best time of the day, whether it is the north shore or the south shore, the wind is so strong that it blows away the gathered clouds, and you can see a little sunshine, the lake water is clear.
On a cloudy day, we stayed in a homestay and met Mustagh, through the floor-to-ceiling windows, you can see Gongger Peak and Karakul Lake, and the godfather of glaciers, Mustagh Mountain.
Due to the weather, the Mustagh Glacier Park was closed, so we went to the Taman Wetland, the Taman Tree Hole, and the autumn Toghran Village, watching the little sheep shaking their little butts on the golden beach to eat grass. Although the weather is not beautiful, the golden willow trees are still brilliant.