Karakul Lake


As one of the popular travel destinations in Xinjiang, where you can visit the stupendous natural landscape and experience the ethnic culture. On the Pamir Plateau of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, there is a lake surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Lake Karakul, famous for its colour-changing water and breathtaking views, is a wonderland hidden in the mountains.


Introduction of Karakul Lake:

Karakul Lake, At an altitude of 3,600 m. it is the highest lake of the Pamir plateau, near the junction of the Pamir, Tianshan and Kunlun Mountain ranges. Surrounded by mountains which remain snow-covered throughout the year, the three highest peaks visible from the lake are the Muztag Ata (7546m), Kongur Tagh (7,649m) and Kongur Tube (7,530 m). The lake is popular among travellers for its beautiful scenery and the clarity of its reflection in the water, whose colour ranges from a dark green to azure and light blue. 


What to visit around Karakul Lake?

Karakul lake is one of the well-known scenery in Tashkurgan county, Kashgar. Continue to visit, there are two Kirgiz settlements along the shore of Karakul Lake, a small number of yurts about 1km east of the bus drop-off point and a village with stone houses located on the western shortest.

Lake Karakul's water changes its colour depending on the weather. On a clear day, the blue sky lets the lake appear blue and azure. And a cloudy day makes the water look dark because of the reflection. Besides, different depths of the lake contribute to the different colours.


When is the best time to visit Karakul Lake,?

Every June to October is the best time to travel to Karakul Lake, at this time, tourists can not only enjoy the scenery of Pamir Plateau but also enjoy the fragrance of melons and fruits to name just a few. which is quite suitable for sightseeing and vacation.

Meanwhile, every spring, summer and winter are the best time to go to Karakul Lake for photography, the snowy mountains are quite magnificent, with the different light, the autumn grass in the Subashi grassland is bright and golden. Unlike the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Pamir Plateau is vast and magnificent, photographs can also make people feel more mysterious.


The admission fees: 50 RMB/Person


Opening time: 8.00 AM to 7.00 PM.


  • Karakul Lake
  • Karakul Lake
  • Karakul Lake
  • Karakul Lake