A practical guide to the Xinjiang border permit (边防证) for Tashkurgan, Karakul Lake and Khunjerab: where it’s required, how to apply in Kashgar, documents, cost and validity.
The upper Pamir — from Tashkurgan to the Khunjerab Pass gateway — is the roof of Xinjiang. This drive covers the stone city, the border view, altitude strategy, and the season it opens.
Tashkurgan sits at 3,100m and the Khunjerab Pass reaches 4,693m. Here’s how to prepare for altitude sickness, what symptoms to watch for, and where to find help on the Pamir Plateau.