Exploring the Majestic Glaciers of the Pamir Plateau: The Father of Glaciers, Muztagh Ata

When visiting southern Xinjiang, you must see the Father of Glaciers—Muztagh Ata. Muztagh Ata, located at the border of Akto County and Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County in Xinjiang's Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, sits on the eastern side of the Pamir Plateau and is part of the Kunlun Mountains, with an elevation of 7,546 meters.

Although Muztagh Ata is not the highest peak, it is called the "Father of Glaciers." From the moment you enter Akto and all the way to Tashkurgan, you can gaze up at its massive presence.

It feels very close—you can get all the way to the base of the glacier. Yet it is also quite far, located in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County in the Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, which borders three neighboring countries: Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

The Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture is usually shortened to "Kizilsu" due to its long name, and Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County is often referred to as "Tashkurgan."

The gate of Muztagh Ata Glacier Park sits at an elevation close to 4,100 meters. From the entrance, the peak seems right before your eyes, making it hard to believe it rises to a towering 7,546 meters.