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Tashkurgan Travel Guide
Location: Tashkurgan is situated in the east of Pamirs, the north of Mt. Kunlun, at the borders with Afghanistan, Tajikstan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir.
Population: 27,8000
Area: 52,400 sq km
Nationalities: Han, Tajik
History: During the Han Dynasty, Tashkurgan was known as Puli; during the Tang Dynasty, it was a protectorate of the Parthians; during the Yuan Dynasty, it was part of the Chaghatai empire. Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County was created in 1954 and is part of the district of Kashgar.
Climate: Its average temperature is 3.3¡æ, with summer maximums around 32¡æ and winter minimums around -39¡æ. Average precipitation is 68.3 mm.
Transportation: The county is served by Karakoram Highway, which runs through Tashkurgan Town.
Major Attractions:
Ruins of Stone City ¨C The Stone City was built on a precipitous hillock. Outside the castle were broken city walls which were built with huge rocks. These walls stretch around 1,300 meters along the city. On the four corners of the wall there originally watching towers but they all collapsed. With mound of 20 meters high (about 67 feet high), all that remains of the the old fortress today is unique with bizarre-shaped stones littering everywhere. At the southeast of the city is a temple ruin where once pottery, Tang coins, stuff weaved with silk were excavated. However you can still enjoy the view of the ruined city, the surrounding snow-crowned mountains, grasslands, rivers and even the flavor of national traits of the Tajik people.
Khunjerab Pass - The Khunjerab Pass is the highest paved border crossing in the world and the highest point on the Karakoram Highway. The roadway across the pass was completed in 1982, and has superseded the unpaved Mintaka Pass and Kilik Pass as the primary passage across the Karakorum Range.
Travel Tips:
1. In Kashgar Stone City, please apply for border permit
2. The recommended time of the Stone City for a visit: 30 minutes
3. Please respect the local's tradition and pratices while there;
4. Prepare some small gifts for children who are always eagerly waiting for a small gift from travelers.
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