Lake Karakuli

» Kashgar, Xin Jiang

Lake Karakuli Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Situated 3,600 meters above sea level, Lake Karakuli is one of the most beautiful highland lakes in Xinjiang. It is about 1500 kilometers from Urumqi in southwest of Xinjiang.

Lake Karakuli is the largest one among many lakes in the Pamirs. Karakuli means "black sea" in the local dialect, resembling a glittering pearl embedded among the alpine peaks, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains. It is a summer resort for spending a holiday.

What to appreciate

Surrounding scenery

It is an unspoiled natural paradise with breathtaking natural scenery. The crystal water reflects the surrounding snow-capped mountains, blue sky and floating clouds which are stunningly enchanting and in perfect harmony. Such scenery is intoxicating just like it is described in poem and drawing. Rambling along the lake you feel relaxed and serene. It is undoubtedly an ideal place for mountain-seeing and tour. Breathe the fresh air and enjoy the comfortable weather near lakeside.

The grand Mushitage peak, Gonger peak, Gongerjiubie peak invert and reflect in water, the landscape in land and water, the lake, the hills add radiance and beauty to each other. It is very quiet here. There is a grasslands near the lake, the grass grow luxuriantly, shepherd from Kazak and Kerkuzi often station to herd sheep and castle here. There built yurt and wooden house, service center that offer help for mountaineer who sleep in the open.

Mushitage peak

Mushitage peak which Lake Karakuli located is the third highest peak in the Pamirs, called the father of iceberg and the cradle of Chinese mountaineering. It soars 7,546 meters into the clear sky. When looked from distance, the long sweep of snow-napped mountains displays immortal beauty. Under the bright sun, the blue sky, white cloud, iceberg and snow peaks form beautiful scenery just like myth. It is said that Mushitage iceberg changed from a kind-hearted Goddess. The legend shows a happy imagination from Tajike and Kerkuzi minority nationality in Xinjiang.

What to enjoy

Over the years this area has become one of the best destinations for horse-back trekking and mountain climbing. A leisurely walk along the lake is also refreshing and pleasant. There are a few villages nearby. The local people are friendly and hospitable.

Something to remind you

You are reminded considerately to bring warm clothing even in summer because highland weather is changeable and unpredictable. Besides, the area is one of the few unspoiled places in the world, so please protect the natural environment here.

When to visit

The most suitable season of spending holiday is spring, summer and fall, mountaineer, tourists from all over the world come to enjoy the scenery spot, spend their holiday and sleep in the open, mountaineering.

Attractions around » Kashgar, Xin Jiang

Natural Scene

• Lake Karakuli
• Dawakun Desert

Historical Site

• Id Kah Mosque
• Tomb of Abakh Khoja
• Kashgar Old Town

Shopping & Leisure

• Kashgar Bazaar

Lake Karakuli Highlights

Lake & Spring in Great China

• West Lake
• Lake Kanas
• Lake Namtso
• Lake Qinghaihu
• Lake Yamdrok
• Huaqing Pool
• Crescent Spring
• Lake Qiandaohu
• Lake Xuanwuhu
• Lake Taihu
• Slender West Lake
• Lake Hongfenghu
• Lake Dianchi
• Lake Luguhu
• Heavenly Lake
• Butterfly Spring
• Lake Erhai
• Longsheng Hot Spring National Park
• Lake Bitahai
• Lake Shuduhu
• Lake Napahai
• Red Carp Pond
• Hupao Spring
• Black Dragon Pool
• Lake Karakuli
• Tianhe Pool
• Lake Dongtinghu
• Baotu Spring
• Lake Daminghu
• Yuquan Park
• Lake Bosten
• East Lake Scenic Area

Lake Karakuli FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. When is the best time to go?

  Transportation

1. What is the best transportation for cruising around in Kashgar?

  Shopping

1. Where can I exchange money?

  Other Hints

1. How is post communication in Kashgar?
2. Emergency Services
3. Telephone Service

• When is the best time to go?

  The best time to travel is between August and September, when the sky is blue and there is blossom and fruit on the trees.

  The four seasons in Kashgar are very clear. The average temperature for the year is 11.8 degree C, the average temperature of the coolest month of January is -6 degree C, and in the hottest month, July, the average temperature is 27 degree C. Kashgar is a large periods of sunshine and little rainfall, the average rainfall here is only 121mm, but the evaporation capacity amounts to 2162mm, and on average there are 224 days a year without frost here.

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• What is the best transportation for cruising around in Kashgar?

  Hiring a car before arriving to Kashgar will make your trip easy and securely .Book your cheap Kahgar Car Hire and Car Rental securely online with Lonelychina.
  With price discounts of over 15%, you will find that we are amongst the cheapest carhire sites on the Internet. We compare prices from Hertz, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Thrifty and Europcar and quote you the cheapest.

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• Where can I exchange money?

  Money can be changed at Qinibakh Hotel , Wenzhou Hotel (limited to US$, Euro, British Pound, Japanese Yen and HK$) Kashgar Hotel and Seman Hotel. For those who stay in Renmin Hotel and Jindu Mansion , you may change your money at the Bank of China on the North of the Kashgar Peoples Square , it is 5-10 minutes distance on foot (business hours 9:00-16:00, 10:00 - 14:00 Sunday and Saturday). Do not change any money in the street with strangers. If you carry traveler check, you can change it to RMB at the Bank of China , which is not far from all hotels in Kashgar.

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• How is post communication in Kashgar?

  The main post office is located on Renmin Road the center of Kashgar (Ostangboyi end of Handcrafts street), you can send card, letters from the Post Office and your hotels as well. Post cards ,stamps and tourist books can be found in Kashgar Post Office.

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• Emergency Services

  • Police 110
  • Fire 119
  • Ambulance 120
  • Foreigners Section of the Kashgar Security Bureau 2822044
  • Tourist Hotline 2833111
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• Telephone Service

  • Local Telephone Information 114
  • Time Check 117
  • Weather Information 121
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