Karakoram Highway ( Sino-Pakistan Highway ), simply known as KKH, is the highest highway linking the western China and Parkistan across Karakoram Mountain Range which gives the name to the Highway. The highway is a scenic drive, a popular tourist destination sought after by numerous adventure travelers. Traveling from Kashgar to Tashkurgan is the highlight of Karakoram Highway dotted with some magical landscapes and historical sites.
Kongur Mountain (Gonggeer Shan) 公格尔山
Kongur Tagh or Kongkoerh is at 7,649 m the highest mountain wholly within the Xinjiang. It is situated just north of Muztagh Ata and can be seen from Karakul Lake. The construction of the Karakorum has made it more accessible.
Muztagh Ata (Mushitage Shan ) 慕士塔格峰
Muztagh Ata is at 7546 metres. It is often considered as being part of the Kunlun Shan, though physically it is more closely lined to the Pamirs. Muztagh Ata is located just south of Kongur Tagh, the highest peak of the Kunlun Mountain. Muztagh has been respected as the Father of Ice Mountains, well known for its magical world of glaciers.
Karakul Lake
The Karakul Lake or Karakuli Lake is located about 196 km south of Kashgar on the Karakoram Highway. The lake is at 3600 meters, the highest lake on the Pamir plateau. Karakul Lake is surrounded by some snow-covered mountains and three of the highest peaks are Muztagh Ata (7,546 m), Kongur Tagh (7,649 m) and Kongur Tiube (7,530 m). Karakul Lake is a popular tourist destination with much camping activities.
Tashkurgan Town and Tashkurgan Fort 塔什库尔干镇
Tashkurgan, literally Stone Fortress or Stone Tower in Turkic. the main town and seat of Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Xinjiang. Tashkurgan is a market town for sheep, wool and woollen goods, particularly carpets. In Tashkurgan there is a museum that houses a few local artifacts, a photographic display and, in the basement, two mummies.
Khunjerab Pass
The Khunjerab Pass is at the height of 4800 meters, China’s gateway to Pakistan. The pass was used by caravans for centuries along the old silk road. Khunjerab, literally “Valley of Blood”, telling the story of the local bandits plundering caravans and slaughtering merchants. Now the pass is the essential gateway going from China to Pakistan along Karakoram Highway. The border officially opens May to October.