Journeying Across China — To the Mysterious Pamir Plateau.
From a Childhood Dream to a Real Journey: My Odyssey to China's Western Frontier
The distant lands I once dreamed over in schoolbooks are now chapters I’m truly living.
The westernmost edge of China is no longer just an unfamiliar name on a map —
it’s the road beneath my feet, the vast sky above my eyes.
On this journey,
I witnessed nearly every landscape imaginable:
snow-capped mountains, lakes, deserts, volcanoes, wetlands…
While many say Northern Xinjiang is as beautiful as a fairy tale,
what I found here was a different kind of awe —
wilder, more boundless, and closer to the sky.
If it’s your first time visiting Southern Xinjiang this National Day holiday,
be sure to save plenty of time for the Pamir Plateau!
Fewer crowds, stunning scenery — it rivals the north, and might just leave you even more amazed.
🗓 4-Day Pamir Travel Route
Day 1: Kashgar Old City → Gaotai Traditional Village
Day 2: Pass by Oytak Red Valley → Baisha Lake → Muhe Volcano Crater
Day 3: Muztagh Ata Peak → Taheman Wetland → Panlong Ancient Road (Winding Mountain Route) → Bandier Blue Lake → Eye of the Pamirs → Taxian County
Day 4: Taxian → Karakoram Highway (China-Pakistan Friendship Highway)
⛰ Must-See Landmarks
🔹 Oytak Red Valley
Seen on the way to Baisha Lake — the mountains look dyed in red, like another planet.
🔹 Baisha Lake
A must-visit! Surreal “half white sand, half blue lake” scenery. Best seen in the morning when the water is most vivid.
🔹 Muhe Volcano Crater
Breathtaking from a drone — resembles a mysterious “Devil’s Eye.”
🔹 Muztagh Ata Peak
Glacier No. 1 is for pros; No. 2 has stunning ice forests; No. 4 is now a park — great for an easy visit.
🔹 Panlong Ancient Road
Famous for the saying: “Today I’ve traveled all the winding roads, from now on my life will be smooth.” Over 600 curves — looks like a dragon coiling around the mountains.
🔹 Bandier Blue Lake
Known as the “Blue Eye of the Pamirs” — incredibly beautiful.
🔹 Eye of the Pamirs
Seen on the way to Taxian — an indescribable, awe-inspiring sight right from the road.
💡 Travel Tips
❶ Apply for the Border Permit in advance — available at many spots in Kashgar.
❷ Strong UV + possible altitude sickness — bring oxygen, glucose, and altitude meds.
❸ Rent a car or self-drive — offers the most freedom and flexibility.
❹ Accommodation: Stay near Kashgar Old City for convenience.
I stayed at Jianguo Puyin Hotel (Kashgar Old City Branch) — close to the old town and Gaotai Village, super handy for exploring.
They were even hosting a “New Guochao Cultural Festival” with chess gatherings, tea ceremonies, and beginner classes — a lovely traditional vibe!
Plus, the hotel is smart-tech enabled: robot deliveries, self-service laundry with real-time updates… perfect for easy travel.
I stayed in their “Youhuang Room” — serene, elegant, and designed with Eastern aesthetics.
Breakfast was light and healthy — just right to start the day.
