Karakul Lake

Karakul Lake is about 190 kilometers away from Kashgar City, Xinjiang. It is one of the highest lakes in the world. Renowned for its magnificent scenery as a plateau lake and mysterious legends, it is a landmark landscape of the Pamir Plateau.

Highlights of Karakul Lake

Karakul Lake

Karakul Lake

At an altitude of 3,560 meters and covering a total area of about 10 square kilometers, it is the highest lake in Xinjiang. The lake is renowned for its deep, dark waters, with a depth of more than 30 meters, hence the name "Karakul". In the Kirgiz language, "kara" means "black" and "kul" means "lake", together translating to "Black Lake". However, as its water changes color with the seasons and time, it is also known as the "Color-Changing Lake". It is a high-mountain glacial erosion and moraine lake. The water surface mirrors the majestic and mysterious Muztagh Ata, creating a captivating landscape.

In front of the lake lies a vast grassland. During spring and summer, the grassland is dotted with herds of cattle and sheep, while waterfowls and wild ducks glide gracefully on the lake's surface. Occasionally, swans can also be seen foraging here. Many tourists and photography enthusiasts gather on the meadow in front of the lake to admire and capture the stunning scenes where the majestic snow-capped mountains and the deep blue lake set each other off perfectly.

Muztagh Ata

Muztagh Ata

To the east of the lake stands Muztagh Ata, known as the "Father of Glaciers", with an altitude of 7,546 meters. It is closely connected with Karakul Lake, and its majestic figure can be clearly seen from the lakeside. The straight-line distance between the two is only about 10 kilometers. Mountaineering enthusiasts can experience the challenge of climbing snow-capped mountains here.

The climbing route of the west ridge of Muztagh Ata is very mature, with a relatively gentle slope. It is a primary technical peak. Every year, a large number of climbing enthusiasts go to climb it. It is an excellent choice to experience Himalayan climbing.

Educational Value

The formation of the basin of Karakul Lake is closely related to Quaternary glacial activities. Glacial erosion, accumulation, and other processes have shaped its unique glacial lake landform. Through the observation and study of Karakul Lake and its surrounding landforms, you can directly learn the principles of glacial action and the mechanisms of mountain formation, and understand the geological evolution process of the plateau region. This provides practical cases for the study and research of geology and geomorphology.

Activities to do at Karakul Lake

Experience Local Ethnic Customs: Several ethnic groups, including the Tajik people, live in the surrounding area. You can visit their villages, have conversations with them, and experience their lifestyles, cultures, and customs.

Outdoor Exploration: Karakul Lake is an ideal place for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountaineering. You can plan a hiking route that suits you and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Pamir Plateau while hiking.