China Exploration
  • China Exploration
  • 86-28-86270775
  • info@chinaexploration.com
  • Tour Code Search
  • HOME
  • China Tours
    • Top 10 China Tours
        Top 10 China Tours
    • Classic China Tours
        Classic China Tours
    • Yangtze Cruise Tour
        Yangtze Cruise Routes

        Yangtze Cruise Routes

        Yangtze Cruise Calendar

        Yangtze Cruise Calendar

    • Join-in Group Tours
        Join-in Group Tours
    • Short Stay Tours
        144 hours VISA free tours

        144 hours VISA free tours

        Less than 7 days tours

        Less than 7 days tours

    • Family Tours
        Family Tours
  • Adventure Tours
    • Overland Off-road Tours
        Overland Off-road Tours
    • Culture & Folklore Tours
        Culture & Folklore Tours
    • Wildlife Exploration Tours
        Wildlife Exploration Tours
    • Trekking & Hiking Tours
        Trekking & Hiking Tours
    • Eco-Tour
        Eco-Tour
    • M.I.C.E. & Event
        M.I.C.E. & Event
    • School and Education Tours
        School and Education Tours
  • DESTINATIONS
      BeijingBeihaiChengduChongqingChangshaChaozhouDaliDalianDunhuangDatongEnshiFuzhouGuilinGuiyangGuangzhouHaerbinHangzhouHohhotHulun BuirHongKongHuangshanJilinJiangxiJinanJinggangshanJiuzhaigouKashgarKaifengKailiKunmingLanzhouLijiangLuoyangNanchangNanjingPutuoshanPingyaoQinghaiQingdaoQinhuangdaoSanyaShanghaiShenyangShandongSuzhouShenzhenShangrilaTibetTianshuiTianjinTaiyuanUrumqiWuyishanWutaishanWudangshanWuhanXiamenXishuangbannaXi'anXiningXinjiangXingyiYinchuanYichangYunnanZhangjiajieZhanjiangZhangye Explore All Destinations>>
  • Customized your trip
  • TRAVEL GUIDE
    • Travel to China
    • China Visa and Permit
    • Chinese Attractions
    • Chinese Culture
    • China Nature Reserve
    • China City Guide
    • China Maps
    • China Travel News
    • China Hotel
    • FAQS
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Our Team
    • Our Glory
    • Olympic Torch Bearer
    • Feedback
    • Photo Album
    • Travel Story
    • Travel Video
    • Teams and Condition
    • Insurance Policy
    • Site Map
  • China Tours
  • Top 10 China Tours
  • Classic China Tours
  • Join-in Group Tours
  • Short Stay Tours
  • Family Tours
  • Adventure Tours
  • Overland Off-road Tours
  • Culture & Folklore Tours
  • Wildlife Exploration Tours
  • Trekking & Hiking Tours
  • Eco-Tour
  • M.I.C.E. & Event
  • School and Education Tours
  • Honeymoon Tour
  • DESTINATIONS
  • Beijing Tours
  • Beihai Tours
  • Chengdu Tours
  • Chongqing Tours
  • Changsha Tours
  • Chaozhou Tours
  • Dali Tours
  • Dalian Tours
  • Dunhuang Tours
  • Datong Tours
  • Enshi Tours
  • Fuzhou Tours
  • Guilin Tours
  • Guiyang Tours
  • Guangzhou Tours
  • Haerbin Tours
  • Hangzhou Tours
  • Hohhot Tours
  • Hulun Buir Tours
  • HongKong Tours
  • TRAVEL GUIDE
  • Travel to China
  • China Visa and Permit
  • Chinese Attractions
  • Chinese Culture
  • China Nature Reserve
  • China City Guide
  • China Maps
  • China Travel News
  • Hotel Booking
  • FAQS
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Glory
  • Olympic Torch Bearer
  • Feedback
  • Photo Album
  • Travel Story
  • Travel Video
  • Terms And Condition
  • Insurance Policy
  • sitemap
Home > TRAVEL GUIDE > China Attractions > Xinjiang Attractions
Karakoram Highway
The Karakoram Highway (KKH), also known as the China–Pakistan Friendship Highway, is one of the highest international highways in the world, connecting western China with Pakistan across the spectacular Karakoram Mountain Range. Renowned as one of the most scenic road journeys on earth, the highway attracts adventure travelers with its dramatic landscapes, snow-covered peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes, and ancient Silk Road heritage.
The most popular section of the Karakoram Highway in China runs from Kashgar to Tashkurgan, offering travelers an unforgettable journey through the Pamir Mountains and some of Xinjiang’s most breathtaking natural scenery.
Karakoram Highway Xinjiang mountain scenery
Major Attractions Along the Karakoram Highway
 
Kongur Mountain (Kongur Tagh)
Rising to 7,649 meters, Kongur Mountain is the highest peak located entirely within Xinjiang. Situated north of Muztagh Ata, the mountain can be viewed from the shores of Karakul Lake and has become more accessible since the completion of the Karakoram Highway.
With its massive glaciers, snow-covered ridges, and dramatic alpine landscape, Kongur Mountain is one of the most impressive peaks along the Pamir Plateau.
 
Muztagh Ata Mountain
Known as the “Father of Ice Mountains,” Muztagh Ata stands at 7,546 meters above sea level. Although it is geographically connected with the Pamir region, it is traditionally considered part of the Kunlun Mountains.
Located south of Kongur Mountain, Muztagh Ata is famous for its gentle slopes, vast glaciers, and relatively accessible climbing routes. The mountain’s magnificent icy landscape makes it one of the most iconic natural landmarks along the Karakoram Highway.
 
Karakul Lake
Located about 196 kilometers south of Kashgar along the Karakoram Highway, Karakul Lake is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Xinjiang. Sitting at an altitude of approximately 3,600 meters, it is the highest lake on the Pamir Plateau.
The lake is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the region, including:
* Muztagh Ata (7,546 m)
* Kongur Tagh (7,649 m)
* Kongur Tiube (7,530 m)
The crystal-clear water reflects the snow-covered peaks, creating a spectacular landscape. Camping, photography, and hiking are popular activities around the lake.
 
Tashkurgan Town and Stone Fortress
Tashkurgan, meaning “Stone Fortress” or “Stone Tower” in Turkic languages, is the capital of Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County in Xinjiang.
Historically located along the ancient Silk Road, Tashkurgan was an important trading center connecting China, Central Asia, and South Asia. Today, it remains a cultural center for the local Tajik Karakoram Highway Xinjiang mountain scenerypeople and is known for its traditional markets, carpets, wool products, and ethnic culture.
The Tashkurgan Stone Fortress is one of the region’s most important historical sites. The ruins overlook the surrounding grasslands and mountains, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s ancient history.
 
Khunjerab Pass
Located at an altitude of approximately 4,800 meters, Khunjerab Pass is the highest border crossing between China and Pakistan and the final gateway of the Karakoram Highway.
The pass was once an important route on the ancient Silk Road, where caravans traveled between China and South Asia. Its name is traditionally interpreted as meaning “Valley of Blood,” referring to historical conflicts and bandit attacks along the trade routes.
Today, Khunjerab Pass remains a symbol of China–Pakistan connectivity. The border crossing is generally open from May to October, depending on weather and road conditions.

 

More Attractions

  • Urumqi Attractions
    Urumqi Attractions
    Explore Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. Discover Tianchi Lake, Xinjiang Museum, Silk Road ......
  • Turpan Attractions
    Turpan Attractions
    Explore Turpan, Xinjiang’s famous Silk Road oasis. Discover Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Wells, Gr......
  • Heaven Lake of Tianshan
    Heaven Lake of Tianshan
    Discover Heaven Lake of Tianshan (Tianchi Lake) near Urumqi, a stunning alpine lake surroun......
  • Red Hill Park
    Red Hill Park
    Visit Red Hill Park in Urumqi, Xinjiang. Enjoy panoramic city views, Tianshan mountain scen......

Recommended Tours

3 Days Jiuzhaigou Valley Buellet Train Tours

Classic three days Jiuzhaigou tours of bullet train riding, save budget from Jiuzhaigou air tours, easier and comfortable than traditional bus tours. ......

Mt. Wudangshan Off-beaten Track Tour in Hubei

It is overland tour to Mt. Wudangshan in Hubei province from Xian. Hubei province is located in mid China connecting many provinces in China by convenient transportation of railway, cruise, and flights......

8 Days New Sichuan Tours of Jiuzhaigou,Leshan, Emeishan, Dujiangyan and Chengdu

Classic Sichuan tours cover all of the highlights of Sichuan from culture to nature, including classic Chengdu tours, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong bullet train tours, Emeishan Mountain and Leshan Giant Bud......

The Most Beautiful Sichuan Plateau Tours

Tours to the most beautiful Sichuan Plateau on Tibetan plateau of Western Sichuan, including Kham Tibetan of Ganzi prefecture and Amduo Tibetans of Nagwa prefecture with all highlights as Jiuzhaigou, D......

Jiuzhaigou Private Tours By Train/Air/Car

Provide private tours to Jiuzhaigou valley for tourist both by flights or overland bus tours, and just tell your need, and we will tailor-made a private package for your tour to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglon......

2 Days Leshan Giant Buddha and Emei Mountain Tours

Classic two days tours to west Chengdu, where Leshan Giant Buddha and Mt Emeishan are both world class top tour destinations, and also visit a local old town. ......

Popular China Packages
  • Top 10 China Tours
  • Yangtze Cruise Tours
  • China Short Trips
  • Tibet Tours
  • Sichuan Tours
  • Yunnan Tour
  • Guilin Tour
  • Xiamen Tours
Adventure Tours
  • Overland Off-road Tours
  • Culture & Folklore Tours
  • Wildlife Exploration Tours
  • Trekking & Hiking Tours
  • Eco-Tour
  • M.I.C.E. & Event
  • School and Education Tours
  • Honeymoon Tour
China Travel Guide
  • Travel to China
  • China Visa and Permit
  • China Attractions
  • Chinese culture
  • China Nature Reserves
  • City Guide
  • China Maps
  • China Travel News
  • FAQS
Follow Us
Keep me updated
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest news direct to your inbox.

Address: 35th, Yangguang Business Center, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Zip610065, China
About us | Contact us | Teams and Condition | Customer Center | Site Map
TEL: 028-86270775 E-mail: info@chinaexploration.com
Working hours:9:00AM-6:00PM(GMT+8)),Copyright(2003-2026) 蜀ICP05000963号 China Exploration Tour

  • Email: info@chinaexploration.com
  • Telephone: 86-28-86270775