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5 Days Pakistan-China-Xinjiang-Kyrgyzstan Motorbike Tour from Konjerab to Irkeshtam

5 Days Pakistan-China-Xinjiang-Kyrgyzstan Motorbike Tour from Konjerab to Irkeshtam

Tour Overview

Embark on a thrilling 5-day motorbike journey from Khunjerab Pass (Pakistan-China Border) to Irkeshtam (Kyrgyzstan), passing through the spectacular landscapes of Pakistan, Xinjiang (China), and Kyrgyzstan. This high-altitude adventure...

Code of Tour: CDT0000090087

Length of Travel: 5 Day

Destinations of Tour: (Pakistan) – Khunjerab – Taxkorgan – Karakuli Lake – Kashgar – Irkeshtam – (Kyrgyzstan)

Departure City: Kashgar

Price of Tour: Request

Type of Tour: Private

Features of Tour:

More Map & Picture

Embark on a thrilling 5-day motorbike journey from Khunjerab Pass (Pakistan-China Border) to Irkeshtam (Kyrgyzstan), passing through the spectacular landscapes of Pakistan, Xinjiang (China), and Kyrgyzstan. This high-altitude adventure offers a unique combination of rugged terrain, cultural immersion, and breathtaking scenery. Traverse the famous Karakoram Highway, explore ancient cities, discover serene lakes, and experience the rich cultural heritage of Tajik, Uyghur, and Kyrgyz peoples along the way. From the highest border crossing in the world to the historic Silk Road city of Kashgar, this tour promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience for motorbike enthusiasts.

Tour Highlights

Khunjerab Pass (Pakistan-China Border)

Highest Border Crossing: Start your adventure at Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved international border crossing in the world. Enjoy panoramic views of the Karakoram Range and make your dramatic entry into China.

Taxkorgan (China)

Tajik Culture and Scenic Landscapes: Explore Taxkorgan, a remote town rich in Tajik culture, nestled in a rugged mountain valley. Visit the Stone City Ruins and immerse yourself in the local traditions of this frontier town.

Karakul Lake (China)

Serenity at High Altitude: Ride to Karakul Lake, located at the foot of Mountain Mustagh-Ata. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the lake offers tranquil views and photo-worthy moments, reflecting the grandeur of the Pamir Mountains.

Kashgar (China)

Historic Silk Road City: Arrive in Kashgar, an ancient Silk Road hub with a vibrant market, historic architecture, and cultural depth. Visit the bustling Sunday Market, the iconic Id Kah Mosque, and the Tomb of Abakh Hoja to uncover the city’s rich heritage.

Irkeshtam (Kyrgyzstan)

Gateway to Kyrgyzstan: End your journey at Irkeshtam, a border crossing that offers spectacular views of surrounding mountains. The crossing serves as your gateway into Kyrgyzstan, where the Tian Shan Mountains and vast steppes await.

General Information

Diverse Landscapes: Experience a range of landscapes from the high mountain passes and rugged terrain of the Karakoram to the tranquil beauty of Karakul Lake and the steppes of Kyrgyzstan.

Cultural Encounters: Immerse yourself in the distinct cultures of the regions you traverse, from Pakistani mountain communities to the Uyghur and Tajik cultures in Xinjiang and Kyrgyz traditions.

Tour Destinations:
(Pakistan) – Khunjerab – Taxkorgan – Karakuli Lake – Kashgar – Irkeshtam – (Kyrgyzstan)

Entrance Customs into China: Khunjerab
Exit Customs from China: Irkeshtam
Enter China from (Land Name): Pakistan
Leave China to (Land Name): Kyrgyzstan

Itinerary

Day 1: Khunjerab Pass to Taxkorgan

Distance: 130 km | Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours

Route Overview:

Start Point: Khunjerab Pass (Pakistan-China Border). The pass is situated at 4,693 meters (15,397 feet) above sea level.

Road Conditions:

Paved roads at the beginning. Expect winding mountain roads with some sharp curves and steep ascents.
The road is narrow in some sections, and altitude may affect breathing and motorbike performance.
As you descend into Taxkorgan, the roads become less winding, though still high-altitude terrain.

Activities & Attractions:

Khunjerab Pass:

The highest paved international border crossing in the world. The pass offers breathtaking views of the Karakoram Mountains and the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which is famous for being one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Take time to photograph the pass and enjoy the crisp mountain air.

Taxkorgan:

A remote town nestled in the Pamir Plateau, Taxkorgan is known for its Tajik culture.
Visit local Tajik homes, made of stone and mud, with traditional roofs.
The Pamir Mountains offer stunning vistas, and you can interact with the locals who still follow traditional customs.

Accommodation:

Hotel: Stay at Beileixin Hotel in Taxkorgan (2-star). Simple, yet comfortable for a good rest.

Day 2: Taxkorgan – Stone City Ruins – Karakuli Lake – Kashgar

Distance: Approx. 280 km

Route Overview:

Start Point: Taxkorgan. The road from Taxkorgan to Karakuli Lake is initially paved, but becomes gravel as you approach the lake.

Road Conditions:

Gravel roads near Karakuli Lake, with some sharp turns around Mustagh-Ata Mountain.
The road conditions improve closer to Kashgar, where you rejoin paved highways. However, there are high-altitude passes where the roads might be narrow.

Activities & Attractions:

Stone City Ruins (Taxkorgan):

Located in Taxkorgan, the Stone City is an ancient ruin site that was a Silk Road caravanserai. Wander around the stone structures, imagining the bustling activity from centuries ago.

Karakuli Lake:

A stunning high-altitude lake, situated at the foot of Mustagh-Ata Mountain (7,546 meters/24,757 feet). The clear blue waters are a perfect reflection of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.
Stop for a peaceful lunch by the lake or just enjoy the quiet landscape and perfect photography opportunities.

Kashgar:

Head towards Kashgar, an ancient Silk Road city.
After a long ride, enjoy the local Uyghur cuisine and unwind for the evening.

Accommodation:

Hotel: Stay at Barony Hotel, Kashgar (4-star). A comfortable hotel offering modern amenities for relaxation after the ride.

Day 3: Kashgar – Motorbike Check & License Issuance

No Riding | Rest & Administrative Activities

Activities & Attractions:

Motorbike Inspection & Licensing:

Spend the day at the motorbike check center in Kashgar to ensure your vehicle is up to Chinese standards.
You will receive your temporary license plate and driving license required for the remainder of the trip within China. This may take a couple of hours.

Kashgar Old City:

Explore the Old City, filled with mudbrick houses and ancient bazaars.
Walk around the Uyghur Bazaar, one of the oldest in China. Shop for spices, textiles, carpets, and handicrafts.

Id Kah Mosque:

Visit Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, built in the 15th century.
Photography is permitted, so take the time to admire the intricate architecture and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Tomb of Abakh Hoja:

Pay a visit to the tomb of Abakh Hoja, a significant site for the Uyghur Muslim community.
The tomb’s architecture reflects the Central Asian style, with intricate designs and carved tombstones.

Accommodation:

Hotel: Second night at Barony Hotel, Kashgar (4-star).

Day 4: Kashgar City Sightseeing

Distance: Approx. 70 km (Local City Riding)

Route Overview:

Road Conditions:

Easy city riding within Kashgar, primarily on paved roads. Expect light to moderate traffic during peak hours.

Activities & Attractions:

Kashgar Bazaar:

Spend the morning exploring the vibrant local market, where you’ll find a mix of local products from textiles to saffron, pistachios, and carpets.
Visit the handicraft shops and enjoy bargaining for local goods.

Kashgar Old Town:

Discover the old quarters with their narrow alleys, mud brick homes, and lively markets.
Learn about Uyghur culture and history in the old city.

The Grand Bazaar:

Visit one of the largest bazaars in the world where you can shop for spices, dry fruits, and traditional Uyghur snacks.

Id Kah Mosque and Abakh Hoja Tomb:

Revisit the Id Kah Mosque and explore its surrounding gardens.
Visit the Abakh Hoja Tomb and delve deeper into Uyghur culture.

Accommodation:

Hotel: Third night at Barony Hotel, Kashgar (4-star).

Day 5: Kashgar to Irkeshtam (Kyrgyzstan)

Distance: 234 km | Duration: Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes

Route Overview:

Start Point: Depart early from Kashgar, heading toward Irkeshtam at the China-Kyrgyzstan border.

Road Conditions:

The first part of the road is paved with wide highways.
As you near the Irkeshtam Border, the roads become narrow and winding, with some gravel sections. Expect sharp curves and steep ascents before the border.
The border area has high-altitude conditions, and sharp curves near the mountain passes.

Activities & Attractions:

Scenic Views:

The route to Irkeshtam offers dramatic mountain views of the Tian Shan range. The road will take you through rugged terrain, with snow-capped peaks and vast plains in the distance.
Stop along the way to capture the majestic scenery of Central Asia’s mountains.

Irkeshtam Border Crossing:

The Irkeshtam border marks the end of your China leg and the beginning of your entry into Kyrgyzstan.
Complete customs procedures at the border to enter Kyrgyzstan.
Enjoy a final view of China’s mountains before crossing into Kyrgyzstan.

End of Service:

Tour Conclusion: The motorbike tour ends at Irkeshtam Border. You have successfully completed the tour from Pakistan to China and now enter Kyrgyzstan.