Karakul Lake
Karakul Lake means “black lake” in both Uyghur and Kirgiz languages. It is 196 km from Kashgar, located in Aktu county of Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture on the Karakorum Highway.It is 3600m above sea level and has an area of 10sqkm and a depth of 30m. It is the highest lake of the Pamir plateau, and is situated near the junction of the Pamir, Kunlun and Tianshan Mountain ranges. Karakul Lake is famous for its scenery and clarity, especially the reflections in the water.
Melting snow from the Muztagh Ata (meaning “Father of Ice Mountain”, 7546 m) which is covered with snow throughout the year, is the main source of water for this lake. Muztagh Ata is also the source of irrigation water for Kashgar . Water for drinking in Kashgar and surrounding areas is pumped from underground.
Karakul Lake
Since Karakul Lake is so high above sea level, weather can get quite cold even during the summer months. Therefore, you should bring adequate warm clothes even if you are travelling in hot weather in Kashgar. Temperatures can change drastically. Temperatures may drop dramatically over night, so extra warm clothing is essential for those staying for the night.
There are around 3000 Kyrgyz people living around the lake. They are nomads, and they make their living by raising animals such as sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, yak, and cattle. Since they are nomadic, they live in a Yurt when travelling but their fixed residence is built of stone and mud.
Karakul Lake
Permits are required for both Chinese or foreign nationals at the time of preparing this information. However, this depends on the security of the area at a given time and changes without giving notice are possible. For the most “up to date” information, we encourage you to ask the travel agent in Kashgar or do more research from travel forums.
There are camels and horses which you can rent to ride around the lake or to the village next to the lake. Prices vary depending on the tourism season and the number of travelers at the lake, so be prepared to bargain for the best price.
Note:
. You must bring your passport with you on this trip, as registration of passports by the frontier military at Gaz Check point is compulsory.
. You are advised to bring enough extra warm clothing.
. If you intend to sleep over night at the lake, be prepared for high altitude sickness. Tablets to relieve your headaches or other altitude problems are advised.
. There are mosquitoes at the lake, so those staying overnight or doing some trekking, are recommended to bring repellant.
