Ake Kule Lake (Paradise Lake) in Burqin County, Altay

Akukule Lake (阿克库勒湖): The “White Lake” Hidden in the Kanas Mountains

Deep in the northern wilderness of Xinjiang, inside the Kanas Nature Reserve (喀纳斯自然保护区) in Burqin County (布尔津县), lies one of the most remote alpine lakes in China—Paradise Lake (天堂湖), officially known as Akukule Lake (阿克库勒湖).

This lake sits at around 3100 meters above sea level, surrounded by glaciers, snow peaks, and untouched taiga forests. It is not a place you simply visit—it is a place you reach after days of trekking through the legendary Wusun Ancient Road (乌孙古道).

Locals often call it the “White Lake”, because its water is not deep blue like most mountain lakes, but a soft milky turquoise created by glacier sediment.

The atmosphere here is completely different from any ordinary scenic area. There are no roads, no buildings, no crowds—only mountains, water, wind, and silence.

Where Paradise Lake Is Located in Xinjiang

Akukule Lake (阿克库勒湖) is located in the remote alpine zone of the Altay Mountains (阿勒泰山脉).

It lies:

• About 197 km from Burqin County (布尔津县)
• About 54 km northeast of Kanas Lake Village (喀纳斯湖村)
• Along the mid-section of the Wusun Ancient Road (乌孙古道) trekking route

The lake is completely cut off from vehicle access. There are:

• No highways
• No paved roads
• No public transport

The only access is by:

• Multi-day trekking
• Horseback travel
• Guided expedition groups

This isolation is exactly what has preserved its pristine natural condition.

Basic Facts of Akukule Lake

Paradise Lake (天堂湖) is a glacial-formed alpine lake with impressive scale and purity.

Key details:

• Altitude: ~3100m
• Length: ~6600 meters
• Area: ~8.5 km²
• Shape: Y-shaped lake basin
• Water source: Kanas Glacier (喀纳斯冰川) meltwater
• Temperature: extremely cold year-round (5–10°C in summer)

The lake is part of the upper water system that eventually feeds into Kanas Lake (喀纳斯湖), making it an important ecological source in northern Xinjiang.

Why the Water of Paradise Lake Looks White and Blue

One of the most fascinating features of Akukule Lake (阿克库勒湖) is its constantly changing color.

This is caused by glacier activity in the upper mountains:

• Ice movement grinds rocks into fine mineral powder
• This “glacial flour” flows into the river system
• The particles remain suspended in the lake water

As a result, the lake reflects light differently depending on weather conditions.

You may see:

• Milky white water under cloudy skies
• Bright turquoise blue under strong sunlight
• Deep emerald tones during sunrise and sunset
• Soft gray-blue during rain or snow

This natural color shift is one of the reasons it is called a “living alpine lake.”

Paradise Lake on the Wusun Ancient Road (乌孙古道)

Paradise Lake (天堂湖) is one of the most important landmarks on the Wusun Ancient Road (乌孙古道)—a historic cross-Tian Shan trekking route once used by nomads, traders, and military groups.

The lake sits between two major mountain regions:

• North: Qiongkushitai (琼库什台) grasslands
• South: Heiyingshan (黑英山) desert valleys

In modern trekking routes, Paradise Lake is usually reached on the fourth day of the journey.

For many hikers, this is the emotional highlight of the entire expedition.

The moment you see the lake from above, surrounded by snow peaks and green valleys, it feels like stepping into another world.

Scenic Highlights Around Paradise Lake

Tiger Mouth Cliff (老虎口悬崖) – The Most Famous Viewpoint

On the northeastern side of the lake, a steep cliff known as Tiger Mouth Cliff (老虎口悬崖) offers the most iconic panoramic view.

From here, you can see:

• The full Y-shaped structure of the lake
• Snow mountains surrounding the basin
• Alpine meadows and forests stretching into the distance

This viewpoint is one of the most photographed locations on the entire Wusun Ancient Road (乌孙古道).

Mirror-Like Water Reflections

On calm mornings, the lake becomes perfectly still.

Snow peaks, clouds, and forests reflect on the water surface like a mirror. This creates a surreal double-world effect where sky and land merge together.

Photographers often wait hours just to capture this still moment.

Sunset Over Paradise Lake

At sunset, the entire landscape changes color:

• Snow peaks turn golden
• Lake water becomes orange and blue
• Shadows stretch across the valley

This is one of the most dramatic light transitions in Xinjiang’s mountain scenery.

Night Sky and Milky Way Experience

Because there is no light pollution at all, the night sky here is extremely clear.

At night:

• The Milky Way is visible to the naked eye
• Stars reflect on the lake surface
• The entire valley becomes completely silent

For many travelers, this is the most unforgettable part of the journey.

Camping on the Northern Shore

The northern shore of Paradise Lake (天堂湖) is used as a trekking campsite.

Camping here means:

• Sleeping next to snow mountains
• Waking up to glacier-fed lake views
• Watching sunrise directly over the water
• Experiencing total wilderness isolation

It is one of the most iconic wild camping experiences in Xinjiang.

Best Time to Visit Paradise Lake

The trekking season is short due to high altitude and snow conditions.

June – July

This is the early season:

• Green grasslands
• Strong glacier rivers
• Stable trekking conditions
• Lower difficulty

August – September (Best Season)

This is the peak season:

• Deep turquoise lake color
• Golden alpine meadows
• Clear weather and stable conditions
• Best photography period

Early October

Late autumn conditions:

• Snow begins on peaks
• Fewer travelers
• Cold but extremely scenic landscapes

After mid-October, the route is closed due to heavy snow.

How to Reach Paradise Lake

There is no direct transportation.

Access is only possible through trekking along the Wusun Ancient Road (乌孙古道).

Typical route:

• Day 1: Qiongkushitai (琼库什台) → valley camp
• Day 2: Cross Qiong Pass (3780m)
• Day 3: Kokosu River valley crossing
• Day 4: Arrival at Paradise Lake (天堂湖 / 阿克库勒湖)

Some premium summer expeditions may include helicopter-assisted access from Yining (伊宁) or Tekes County (特克斯县).

Travel Safety and Important Warnings

Visiting Akukule Lake (阿克库勒湖) requires serious preparation.

Important conditions:

• Altitude above 3000m may cause mild altitude sickness
• Water temperature remains near freezing even in summer
• Weather can change from sun to snow within hours
• Entire region has no mobile signal

Safety rules:

• Always travel with a professional guide
• Never travel alone
• Carry offline maps and GPS
• Avoid entering water (risk of hypothermia)
• Use proper trekking and camping gear

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paradise Lake suitable for beginners?

Only partially. Beginners must join guided tours with good physical fitness and multi-day trekking experience.

Can you camp at Paradise Lake?

Yes. Camping is allowed in designated areas on the northern shore, and it is one of the most scenic campsites in Xinjiang.

Do I need permits?

No special border permit is required, but ID checks may occur during the trek.

Why Paradise Lake Is One of Xinjiang’s Most Beautiful Wilderness Destinations

Paradise Lake (天堂湖 / 阿克库勒湖) is not just a scenic spot—it is a full wilderness journey.

It combines:

• Glacier-fed alpine water
• Snow-covered Tian Shan peaks
• Ancient nomadic trekking routes
• Remote untouched landscapes

Reaching it requires effort, endurance, and time—but what you find at the end is one of the purest and most breathtaking alpine lakes in all of China.

For many travelers, Paradise Lake is the moment Xinjiang becomes unforgettable.