This is a famous ancient city site on the ancient Silk Road within Xinjiang. The castle is built on a high hill, and the terrain is extremely steep. There are multiple layers of continuous or intermittent city walls built outside the city. Among the partition walls, stone mounds overlap and rocks are piled up everywhere, forming a unique Stone City scenery. Here, you can feel the vicissitudes of history and enjoy the magnificent view of the Pamir Plateau scenery with the surrounding snow-capped mountains and grasslands complementing each other, which is very suitable for taking photos.
Golden Grassland (Jin Cao Tan)
It is right at the foot of the Stone City. Because the Taxkorgan River flows through here, the water and grass are lush, and cattle and sheep are everywhere. It forms a beautiful picture with the distant snow-capped mountains, white clouds, and blue sky. The early morning and evening are the most beautiful times of the Golden Grassland. When the sunlight sprinkles on the grassland, the whole grassland turns golden, like a dream. Tourists can stroll here, ride horses, and experience the comfort of grassland life.
Mount Muztagh Ata
It is one of the most charming sceneries on the Pamir Plateau. The majestic mountain peak with an altitude of 7509 meters is called the “Father of Icebergs”. The snow on its peak never melts all year round, and the reflection of the mountain peak in the Karakul Lake at the foot of the mountain is extremely magnificent. Tourists can admire the grandeur of Mount Muztagh Ata by the Karakul Lake, or participate in some professional mountaineering or hiking activities (professional guidance and sufficient equipment are required) to experience its charm up close.
Khunjerab Pass
As a border port between China and Pakistan, it has an important geographical location and special significance. Here, you can feel the solemnity and sacredness of the border, see the grandeur of the national gate and the exotic scenery on the Pakistani side (you need to go through relevant procedures in advance to go to Khunjerab Pass, and whether you can reach the national gate depends on the policy regulations).
Best Travel Season
Summer and autumn seasons (June October) are relatively suitable travel times. During this period, the temperature is relatively comfortable, the grassland is lush with water and grass, and flowers are in full bloom. The scenery under the snow-capped mountains is colorful, and various outdoor activities can be carried out better. However, it is colder in winter, and some roads may be difficult to pass due to snow and other conditions.
Transportation
External Transportation
Airplane: You can first arrive at Kashi Airport, and then take a long-distance bus or charter a car to Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County.
Bus: There are shuttle buses from Kashi City to Taxkorgan, driving along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (Karakoram Highway). You can enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way, but the journey is long.
Internal Transportation
In Taxkorgan county town, you can choose to take a taxi to travel, or charter a car to various scenic spots. Chartering a car allows for a more flexible schedule, making it convenient to stop at any time to take pictures at beautiful spots along the way.
Accommodation Recommendations
County Town Hotels
There are various grades of hotels to choose from, such as the Taxkorgan K2 International Hot Spring Hotel, etc. The facilities are relatively complete, and the accommodation conditions are good, providing a comfortable resting environment. And they are generally close to the county town’s dining, shopping and other places, convenient for travel.
Characteristic Homestays
There are some Tajik-style homestays near the Golden Grassland, which can allow tourists to deeply experience the local folk customs. Living in a homestay, you can taste the homemade special cuisine of the host family and participate in some traditional Tajik family activities.
Food Guide
Special Cuisines
Yak Beef Hot Pot
Introduction: Using fresh local yak beef as the main ingredient, combined with various seasonal vegetables, mushrooms and other ingredients to make a hot pot. The yak beef is tender and nutritious. After stewing, the meat is fragrant, and the hot pot soup base is rich and delicious. Eating a yak beef hot pot in the cold plateau area can not only taste delicious but also warm the body.
Recommended Restaurant: Yak beef hot pot restaurants in the county town, such as the Plateau Yak Beef Hot Pot City.
Tajik Hand-pilaf
Introduction: Different from the pilaf in other areas of Xinjiang, Tajik hand-pilaf usually adds more local characteristic ingredients and spices. The rice grains are distinct, mixed with the fragrance of tender lamb pieces, carrots, yellow carrots and other ingredients, and with unique spice seasoning, the taste is rich and mellow. Eating it with hands is more ethnic.
Recommended Restaurant: Many local small restaurants can make authentic Tajik hand-pilaf, such as some restaurants on the food street of Taxkorgan.
Grilled Mutton Skewers
Introduction: Selected high-quality local mutton, with large pieces of meat and a proper combination of fat and lean. Under the roasting of charcoal fire, the mutton sizzles with oil. Sprinkled with cumin, chili powder and other seasonings, it is fragrant and tastes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside without any mutton smell.
Recommended Restaurant: The grilled mutton skewers stalls at the night market and some barbecue restaurants are worth a try, such as the barbecue stalls near the county town central square.
Yogurt Zongzi
Introduction: This is a traditional dessert with Xinjiang characteristics. Pour thick homemade yogurt on the soft glutinous rice dumplings and then drizzle with honey or syrup, etc. The combination of the sweet and sour of the yogurt and the soft and glutinous of the rice dumplings gives a rich taste and is not too sweet, which is very appetizing and refreshing.
Recommended Place: You can taste it at some dessert shops or street snack stalls in the local area.
Plateau Yak Beef Jerky
Introduction: It is made by traditional craftsmanship through pickling and air-drying, retaining the original flavor of yak beef. The taste is firm and chewy, and it becomes more fragrant as you chew. It is a very suitable delicacy as a souvenir.
Purchase Place: The specialty stores in the county town or some market stalls sell it.
