Karakul Lake

The Karakul Lake (means "black lake") is a lake located 196 km (122 miles) from Kashgar on the Karakoram Highway, before reaching Tashkurgan, the Khunjerab Pass on the China - Pakistan border and Sost in Pakistan.

At an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet), it is the highest lake of the Pamir plateau, near the junction of the Pamir, Tian Shan and Kunlun mountain ranges. Surrounded by mountains which remain snow-covered throughout the year, the three highest peaks visible from the lake are the Muztagh Ata (7,546 meters or 24,757 feet), Kongur Tagh (7,649 meters or 25,095 feet) and Kongur Tiube (7,530 meters or 24,705 feet).

The Karakul Lake is popular among travelers for its fantastic scenery and the clarity of its reflection in the water, whose color ranges from a dark green to azure and light blue. There are two Kirgiz settlements along the shore of Karakul lake, a small number of yurts about 1km (0.6mile) east of the bus drop-off point and a village with stone houses located on the western shores. The well-preserved environment here will give people a breath-taking feel. The crystal water reflecting the surrounding mountains, peaks and blue sky and clouds is stunningly beautiful. Karakul Lake is surrounded by mountains with snow and ice. It is a place which can clean the dusty of people's hearts, tell people the origin face of the earth, and combine the creature of the nature harmoniously.