Muztagh Ata Base Camp Trekking Tour from Kashgar

Kashgar, a border city located in the westernmost of China, is the first destination of your 8 days trekking tour. It is one of the best places to explore the culture of Uyghurs and discover the elapsed civilizations in Xinjiang. Besides, Kashgar is also renowned for its natural beauty, which mixes with the majestic mountains, gorgeous lakes and vast grasslands. 

Upon your arrival at the airport, your local guide will meet and assist you to the hotel. The rest of the day is on your own. We highly recommend you to roam this city and explore its unique charm. 

This day focuses on discovery the Uyghur culture in Kashgar city. The first one is the Abakh Khoja Tomb, which houses the coffins of five generations of the Apak Khoja family. This place is renowned for its outstanding designs, which presents a unique style of the Islamic architectures. Pay special attention to the minarets in the tomb that are decorated beautifully while visiting here. 

Next with a walk around the Sunday Market in search of some really good bargains. It is an ancient market attracts merchants from all over Xinjiang plus many nearby countries such as Pakistan and Kirghizstan. The market is jammed with many small shops for selling numerous commodities, traditional scarves, leathers, clothes, and knick-knacks.

In the afternoon, spend some time to roam the old Kashgar city before you head to the Id Kah Mosque, which is the largest and busiest mosque in China. At midday on every Friday over 10,000 Muslims will gather here to pray and study the Koran. In the evening, return to your hotel for retire.

Enjoy a scenic drive to the Karakul Lake after having breakfast. Along the way there will be many stops for you to capture the breathtaking scenery of Kunlun Mountain Range. First stop at the Opal Village where you can take a short break and explore village life of local Uyghurs. The next stop is the Oytagh Red Mountain, where you will see a valley is surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of multi colored mountains topped by snow capped peaks.

Next, you will ascend to reach the Mount Muztagata, also called as “the Father of Glaciers”. See the beautiful Karakul Lake lying at the foot of these magnificent snow mountains, resembling an enchanting lady. Walk on the grassland with roaming flocks and herds along the shore of the lake. Smell the fresh air mixed with the soil and flowers fragrant. The lake changes its color at different time of the day. With the sunrise, the lake changes its color from purple to golden red and then to pink, presenting a magical sight. Visit a local Kyrgyz family to learn about their custom and culture. This evening you will stay in a local Kyrgyz Yurt.

After breakfast, your guide will introduce you to some camel handlers and help you pack the luggage onto camels. Next, spend about 4 hours to trek ascend from the Karakul Lake to Idara Village. Do not forget to capture the breathtaking scenery which mixed with vast grasslands and majestic mountains along the way. 

As you arrive at the Idara Village in the early afternoon, explore the unspoiled lifestyle in this small village and taste some of their traditional food. Then stay in a local family house for the evening.

The highlight is coming today as you will have a chance to get close to the Mount Muztagh Ata, known as the father of glacier. After having breakfast, pack up all gears and continue trekking along the Jambulak Glaciers to the base camp of Mount Muztagh Ata. The trip takes about 5 hours, you will trek up from 3,800 m. (12,467 ft.) altitude to 4,500 m. (14,764 ft.). The surrounding glacier landscapes will blow your mind and make you completely immerse yourself into the nature.

Upon your arrival at the base camp, your guide will help you find a smooth area to capture the spectacular scenery of Muztagh Ata. Keep your camera ready to take photos around. In the late afternoon, trek downhill to reach Qultumak for the evening. This place is also called as the summer village of Kyrghyz nomads.

After breakfast, say farewell to Mount Muztagh Ata as you will trek back to Idare Village. Upon you arrval at the village, drive to the next destination, Tashkorgan to continue your trekking trip in Xinjiang. The drive takes about 2 hours, as you arrive at Tashkorgan, get settled into a local hotel for retire.

In the morning, drive to the Stone Fort to explore the past cilivizations left along the ancient Silk Road. This ruin was built on the high mound with stone and earth, presenting a unique appearance. Today you still can recognize the remaining city wall, which can be as high as 6 m. (20 ft.). According to the history records, some historic treasures of Tang Dynasty such as the Sanskrit Manuscripts, pottery, Silk fabrics were unearthed here as a sign of its past glory.
 

Afterwards, hike through the boundless Tashkorgan Grassland. Take many photos of the splendid scenery of the surrounding Mount Pamir and Mutzagata. Then drive back to Kashgar along the Karakoram Highway in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, be assisted to the airport and ready for the departure. Wish you have a pleasant journey home. If you have any requirements on this tour, please let us know and we can adjust it to meet all your needs.