A must-visit for self-driving trips, the Pamir Plateau, known as the "ancestor of mountains and source of rivers," is definitely worth it!

The Pamir Plateau is located in the western part of Xinjiang, China, and spans China, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. With an average altitude of over 4,500 meters, the main peaks are all above 6,000 meters. The world's second highest peak, K2, with an altitude of 8,611 meters, and the Mustagh Ata, known as the father of glaciers, are all located on the Pamir Plateau. The Pamir Plateau is composed of several groups of mountains and the wide valleys and basins between the mountains. Five huge mountain ranges—the Himalayas, the Karakoram, the Kunlun Mountains, the Tianshan Mountains, and the Hindu Kush—meet here and twist into a huge mountain knot. Because of this terrain, the Pamir Plateau is known as the "ancestor of mountains." The melting snow of the glaciers forms the source of the three major water systems, namely the Tarim River to the east, the Indus River to the south, and the Amu Darya to the west. Therefore, the Pamir Plateau is also known as the "source of rivers." Between the towering peaks are narrow and deep valleys and basins. After being filled with melted snow, high-altitude lakes are formed in the depressions, basins, and dammed areas, nourishing the lush water plants. This is a paradise for wild animals such as highland goats and a pasture for nomadic people to survive. Driving from Kashgar to the Pamir Plateau is a wonderful journey to witness magical landforms and natural landscapes. We can see the "Quicksand River," the hometown of "Sha Wujing" in "Journey to the West," and the current White Sand Lake. We can also see the "Giant Dragon Pool" Karakul Lake in Tang Seng's mouth, and the "Father of Snow Mountain" Mustagh Ata. There are red mountains in Oytag, no wonder some people say that the essence of the scenery from Kashgar to Taxkorgan is on the road. To appreciate such beautiful scenery, remember to apply for a border pass and bring your ID card. There will be checkpoints on the road, and the speed of passage is still very fast if you cooperate actively~