Karakul Lake Tours
Karakul Lake Tours
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
Day trip to beautiful and natural karakul lake with local professional English speaking Tour guide with Reasonable prace .
Duration: 1-2 hours
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KodoDrummer
Buenos Aires, Argentina70,574 contributions
Oct 2020
Magical high-altitude lake. Karakul Lake is 3,600 meters above sea level. One of my photos includes Muztag Peak, which is shaped like a white-haired old man lying there (in the reflection off the water).
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry H
Portland, OR502 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
The road up there – not so much!
There is a beautiful new highway being built from the plains around Kashgar up over the Karkorum Highway to Pakistan. Karakul Lake is at nearly the top of the pass on this highway. Unfortunately, the highway will not be finished for 2 more years. So, travelers are forced to hop on and off the highway to avoid sections still being built.
The “off-highway” portions are rough, dusty trails that parallel the highway. While I was warned that the trip might take 7 hours from Kashgar to Karakul Lake, on the day I went it was “only” 4 hours. My guide (Elvis Ablimit) said that it is not unusual for the highway to be closed for 1 to 3 hours for construction.
Just prior to Karakul Lake is an equally beautiful lake – “Sand” or “Corner” Lake. This lake is turquoise in color and has beautiful snow-capped peaks around it. The most stunning feature is “Sand Mountain” directly across the lake from the highway. It is literally an expansive sand dune – and at over 11,000 feet elevation. The mountain did not exist until 140 years ago when a large storm dumped huge quantities of sand at this location.
The sand has striations and is very beautiful.
Karakul Lake is the gem, of course. It is located next to the Karakorum Highway and at the base of a series of snow-capped peaks. There are multiple glaciers that reach down to within 1,000 feet of the lake. Muzagh Mountain is at the right end of the lake and is 25,000 feet in elevation. K2 is just a little bit further away.
The day I was there the wind was blowing about 30 to 40 mph. And the temperature was right at freezing. Water along the edges of the lake was frozen. So, pretty cold. If you are going, bring along your long johns, gloves and warm head covering.
I had about 1-1/2 hours at the lake. The clouds were not being helpful and covered the tops of the peaks. The wind was whipping up white-caps, so you couldn’t get a photo with the lake reflection. I took a few pictures and then sat in the lee of a large rock just to enjoy the view.
Many tourists go to Karakul Lake and spend days there. The only accommodation are a series of concrete yurts. They have no windows. So either you sit inside and see nothing, or you bundle up and endure the cold outside. Although I did not see any, there must be some facility for eating.
Those that journey to Karakul Lake must either pay a driver to stay for the length of time they are there, or pay for two of his trips – to drop you off and then come back and pick you up. Round trip fare is 1,000 RMB ($150).
I would strongly advise that you contact your physician before heading up to the lake. It is at 11,000+ feet and many people get altitude sickness. It is not something you can endure – you have to be removed to a lower elevation to mediate the effects. Those with heart issues should avoid altitudes such as this. Your physician can prescribe medication which you begin taking prior to your ascent and during your stay. This medicine aids your bloodstream in taking in more oxygen and prevents altitude sickness.
Karakul Lake is often called the “black lake”. However the water is actually crystal clear. At this high altitude, the sky is a deep blue color – and water is a reflection of the sky. So it looks very dark.
You can make a day-trip to Lake Karakul from Kashgar if you start early AND there are no delays on the highway. The initial road checkpoint is not open until 8:00 am (local time), so you can’t get started before then. And if you do make it up to the lake and are delayed coming back to Kashgar, you may find the checkpoint closed for the evening. There are no hotels, so you would be sleeping in the vehicle until morning.
I was lucky. I left at 8:00 from the checkpoint, spent time at Corner Lake and 1-1/2 hours at Lake Karakul and was back in Kashgar at 5:30 pm.
Be sure to take water and a lunch or two with you.
There is a beautiful new highway being built from the plains around Kashgar up over the Karkorum Highway to Pakistan. Karakul Lake is at nearly the top of the pass on this highway. Unfortunately, the highway will not be finished for 2 more years. So, travelers are forced to hop on and off the highway to avoid sections still being built.
The “off-highway” portions are rough, dusty trails that parallel the highway. While I was warned that the trip might take 7 hours from Kashgar to Karakul Lake, on the day I went it was “only” 4 hours. My guide (Elvis Ablimit) said that it is not unusual for the highway to be closed for 1 to 3 hours for construction.
Just prior to Karakul Lake is an equally beautiful lake – “Sand” or “Corner” Lake. This lake is turquoise in color and has beautiful snow-capped peaks around it. The most stunning feature is “Sand Mountain” directly across the lake from the highway. It is literally an expansive sand dune – and at over 11,000 feet elevation. The mountain did not exist until 140 years ago when a large storm dumped huge quantities of sand at this location.
The sand has striations and is very beautiful.
Karakul Lake is the gem, of course. It is located next to the Karakorum Highway and at the base of a series of snow-capped peaks. There are multiple glaciers that reach down to within 1,000 feet of the lake. Muzagh Mountain is at the right end of the lake and is 25,000 feet in elevation. K2 is just a little bit further away.
The day I was there the wind was blowing about 30 to 40 mph. And the temperature was right at freezing. Water along the edges of the lake was frozen. So, pretty cold. If you are going, bring along your long johns, gloves and warm head covering.
I had about 1-1/2 hours at the lake. The clouds were not being helpful and covered the tops of the peaks. The wind was whipping up white-caps, so you couldn’t get a photo with the lake reflection. I took a few pictures and then sat in the lee of a large rock just to enjoy the view.
Many tourists go to Karakul Lake and spend days there. The only accommodation are a series of concrete yurts. They have no windows. So either you sit inside and see nothing, or you bundle up and endure the cold outside. Although I did not see any, there must be some facility for eating.
Those that journey to Karakul Lake must either pay a driver to stay for the length of time they are there, or pay for two of his trips – to drop you off and then come back and pick you up. Round trip fare is 1,000 RMB ($150).
I would strongly advise that you contact your physician before heading up to the lake. It is at 11,000+ feet and many people get altitude sickness. It is not something you can endure – you have to be removed to a lower elevation to mediate the effects. Those with heart issues should avoid altitudes such as this. Your physician can prescribe medication which you begin taking prior to your ascent and during your stay. This medicine aids your bloodstream in taking in more oxygen and prevents altitude sickness.
Karakul Lake is often called the “black lake”. However the water is actually crystal clear. At this high altitude, the sky is a deep blue color – and water is a reflection of the sky. So it looks very dark.
You can make a day-trip to Lake Karakul from Kashgar if you start early AND there are no delays on the highway. The initial road checkpoint is not open until 8:00 am (local time), so you can’t get started before then. And if you do make it up to the lake and are delayed coming back to Kashgar, you may find the checkpoint closed for the evening. There are no hotels, so you would be sleeping in the vehicle until morning.
I was lucky. I left at 8:00 from the checkpoint, spent time at Corner Lake and 1-1/2 hours at Lake Karakul and was back in Kashgar at 5:30 pm.
Be sure to take water and a lunch or two with you.
Written October 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rapha_y_nici
Zurich, Switzerland5,919 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Karakul lake, located about 190km from Kashgar is the second lake on the way to Tashkurgan after Bulunkou lake which was the real highlight for us. The snow-capped giant Muzthag Ata (chinese Mushitage Feng) with it’s 7546masl (or 7509masl?) behind the Karakul lake offers stunning views. Hopefully there is no wind so this beautiful picture will be reflected within the lake. There is an official view point where they ask for an entrance fee (maybe 50rmb?). Our driver brought us a bit more to the south of the lake where views are also very good and free.
Btw: right now in October, foreigners don’t need a permit to travel the road to Tashkurgan. But this may be subject to changes. There were also several security check points which worked well.
Overall, highly recommended trip with an overnight stay in Tashkurgan if possible. The good hostels in Kashi help to organize a driver.
Btw: right now in October, foreigners don’t need a permit to travel the road to Tashkurgan. But this may be subject to changes. There were also several security check points which worked well.
Overall, highly recommended trip with an overnight stay in Tashkurgan if possible. The good hostels in Kashi help to organize a driver.
Written October 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorah Z
Chaweng, Thailand173 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
If you're around Kashgar, this is a trip worth a visit. It could be done as a day trip, an overnight trip (stopping at Tashkorgan) or a two night trip in summer (staying a night at the lake at a yurt and another night at Tashkorgan). The third option may not be possible anymore due to the political situation.
I suggest going in summer and find a clear day where you will see the reflective surface of the lake. In summer, the nomads would have set up their yurts along the lake which means you will be able to visit the friendly locals. Unfortunately for me, I visited on a cold spring day on a cloudy day. It was still beautiful nonetheless.
Make sure you also pack enough clothes as it is much colder there at 3000m above sea level than the cities
I suggest going in summer and find a clear day where you will see the reflective surface of the lake. In summer, the nomads would have set up their yurts along the lake which means you will be able to visit the friendly locals. Unfortunately for me, I visited on a cold spring day on a cloudy day. It was still beautiful nonetheless.
Make sure you also pack enough clothes as it is much colder there at 3000m above sea level than the cities
Written April 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hafsah A
Johor Bahru, Malaysia40 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
Security is tighter in Kashgar than in other Xinjiang provinces so it can be a great hassle to travel up to Tashkurgan (speed limits, about 8 multiple police checks where you have to get out of the car, no headscarf/head covering is allowed) but it should not deter someone to go through Karakoram and see this beauty. The route is insanely beautiful, you will not want to miss anything. It'd be better if you check the weather forecast because you're day out here is completely at its mercy. In a short time the whole route can be overcast with sandstorm (like in my case) but luckily further up to Karakul the sky clears out. I haggled a bit with the driver and I get 600RMB per car from Old Town Kashgar to Karakul and Bulungkol Lakes (and anywhere else you wanna stop) 8AM - 6PM (it can be shorter but if you're at leisure and stop for lunch and toilets it'd take this many hours plus the security checks). Price can vary so it's always better to go with a group to cut down the cost.
Written April 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stevo9908
Beijing, China8 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
This is an amazing lake. There was a nice guy giving a good price on staying in his home called Habidi. The price included quite a nice meal cooked by his wife. I recommend. His phone number is 13779617293 and his wechat ID is abudi918770364
Written February 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Uncle888
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia302 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
This lake is a bit overrated. I would not travel 4.50 hours to see it. BUT..... on the way to the Karakul Lake, there is a lake called the White Sand Lake or “白沙湖”. This lake is brilliant. I have never seen such a lake. Its different from all the other lakes I've seen before. Absolutely breath taking. This lake alone is worth the 4.50 hours ride. The Karakul Lake is the bonus. Having said this I must add that you have to arrive before noon, have good sunlight and no strong wind. Its the reflection of the surrounding sand mountains, blue skies and white clouds on the water that make the lake "magical".
Leave early, about 8:00am and have breakfast in a place that is about an hour's drive.
Sunset in Kashi is 9:30 pm in September. Avoid toilets, they a bad and that's a compliment. Good luck and bring your passport. No passport no lake.
Leave early, about 8:00am and have breakfast in a place that is about an hour's drive.
Sunset in Kashi is 9:30 pm in September. Avoid toilets, they a bad and that's a compliment. Good luck and bring your passport. No passport no lake.
Written September 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rosli_xia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia49 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Visiting Karakul lake is compulsory if you are in Kashgar. The Karakoram highway towards Tashkorgan is now nearly 100% fully paved with new and repaired roads. Enjoyed the scenes of snow-capped mountains all the way to Tashkorgan. Personally I don't think a night stay at Karakol( in the Yurt) is needed. There is nothing much to be done there unless you intend to do some trekking around the lake. During my visit I notice a newly built public toilet shed but it was terrible (infact the largest s*it-pile I ve ever seen in my life). So visitors to Karakol, be prepared to do your business behind the rocks.
Written May 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
conectvega999
Dubai, United Arab Emirates77 contributions
Feb 2016
The Karakul lake is one of the amazing places to be experienced, i have been there during winter and it was freezing cold , yet the beauty of the lake and the surrounding place is breath taking. The back drop of Muztagh ata mountain is stunning. My trip was total of 10 days , 3 days stay kashi (kashgar) , 3 days in Tulupan (Turpan) and the rest for commuting from one place to another. The road trip from kashgar to karakul lake is awesome, even though its under construction, you will quickly forget the shakes , bumps and so on while viewing the sorroundings , the fresh air, very high snowcapped mountains, rivers ... Etc, i felt the absolutely thrilled while driving in those narrow road ways with stunnings peaks on each side of the road.We reached the lake around
noon and it was a bit cloudy with a frozen karakul lake and awesome Muztagh ata ( father of glaciers in local language) mountain. The first look will stun you. By the time i got there i saw these two horses grazing around in the freezing cold. I felt so lucky and happy and I took that photo which i will remeber for ever. After that we went to meet the local friend's friend and had tea in their home and returned back to the city. The karakoram highway is itself an amazing highway with stunning views. If i can get a chnace i would love to go their in summer as they said its very beautiful in summer because the lake will melt and some of the snow on the mountain will melt giving an awesome view. Overall i felt it was my dream trip.Love it.
By the way you can buy some food in the city and pack It for your way to the lake, even though there are small villages , small restaurants on the way, since you start early morning from the city its better to pack some food.
noon and it was a bit cloudy with a frozen karakul lake and awesome Muztagh ata ( father of glaciers in local language) mountain. The first look will stun you. By the time i got there i saw these two horses grazing around in the freezing cold. I felt so lucky and happy and I took that photo which i will remeber for ever. After that we went to meet the local friend's friend and had tea in their home and returned back to the city. The karakoram highway is itself an amazing highway with stunning views. If i can get a chnace i would love to go their in summer as they said its very beautiful in summer because the lake will melt and some of the snow on the mountain will melt giving an awesome view. Overall i felt it was my dream trip.Love it.
By the way you can buy some food in the city and pack It for your way to the lake, even though there are small villages , small restaurants on the way, since you start early morning from the city its better to pack some food.
Written June 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael D
Brevard, NC353 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
Nightmare journey up and down - 10 hours of bad roads, while the Chinese build a new one (and destroy the old one) and a rail line - Unless you have to go, don't in 2015 or 2016.
Written June 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I am hoping to take the public bus from Kashgar to Karakul Lake but am unclear from the various posts whether I would need to obtain a permit. Can anyone advise what the latest situation is? Thank you.
Written March 25, 2018
I don't know about public buses but van trips are organised daily through hotels and accommodation. Although a permit is not necessary, there are several security checks along the way so you need to always carry your passport. We took a day trip to Lake Karakul from Kashgar which took 12 hours as the first part of the journey has a 40kph limit. Don't be put off - the scenery is spectacular.
Written April 1, 2018
Hi, I'm wondering if the security situation in Xinjiang is a concern, as I'm an ethnic Han Chinese and have plans to travel to Kashgar, Urumuqi, and other tourist parts of Xinjiang. Noted that terrorist attacks with a number of fatalities and wounded still happened in Xinjiang in 2014 and 2015 which is not so long ago. Any comments is appreciated. Thank you!
Written March 16, 2018
The last I heard the terrorist shoot Singapore Han Chinese on sight. 😂
Written March 24, 2018
JeanneGo11
Nevers, France
Hello, the road is difficult but it is dangerous for our life?
Can we spend the night in the yurts?
Tank you.
Written December 7, 2017
I was there last June. The road condition was excellent, no difficulties at all. We were 2 families with six young kids on a mini van. We did not stay there too long as we carried on our journey through the Pakistan border. For night stay except for hygienic issues and perhaps weather in winter I don’t see any other issues. The facilities in the location are quite basic, so be mentally prepared for camping rather than a hotel living.
Written January 4, 2018
Is it true that foreigners are banned from staying overnight? Do you know why? I'm really looking forward to it but if we really can't then I have to rearrange my trip there. Thanks in advance.
Written September 10, 2017
I was there less than a month ago and indeed it was true. No limits on visiting the area, the lake, riding horses and a camel, buying souvenirs and getting a cup of tea in one of the yurts (a local round tent). It is very pretty BUT staying overnight was limited to Chinese citiizens - foreigneres were NOT allowed to stay overnight. Guards were present to see that law and order are maintained.
Tashkurgan, a pleseant Uygur town is maybe 50 km away and is worthy of a visit and an overnight stay. As a popular destination you may book ahead. There is at least one, presumably more, nice hotel, very close to the most wonderful grassland and the ruins of an impressive ancient fortress, both withing walking distance from the hotel or a very short ride from the town center.
I wouldn't cancel the trip only because of the overnight ban at the lake.
Enjoy
Written September 10, 2017
How are Yurts over there? Worth it to stay overnight in a yurt?
Written March 14, 2017
It depends. If u want to experience it, than it is worth to try it. But at night it is very cold. Even with a few layers of quilt, is still very cold.
Written March 14, 2017
hi, is it karakoram highway open all the years? Is it possible to come in April? thanks!
Written January 16, 2017
There was construction and expansion of the Karakoram Highway when we were there in early October 2016. It was never closed so it should be open in April.
Written January 16, 2017
Can we drive into the tashkurgan county as an Alien with an international driving licence ?
Written November 24, 2016
Yes you can drive into the Tashkorgan with your international driver licence , but you should contact any travel agent to get permit for you and for your car
Written November 25, 2016
Can we drive into the tashkurgan county as an Alien with an international driving licence ?
Written November 24, 2016
My understanding, that China does not recognize any international driver licenses, but their own... Better to hire a car with driver who has a valid Chinese license... They are very strict about this.. No joke... really. We did travel to Tashkurgan from Subashi for a day trip thsi summer- a lot of checkpoints, we had a Chinese driver with valid license....
Written November 28, 2016
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