Tashkurgan Panlong Ancient Road Carpool Test, 6 Seater Car, Free Stops at Scenic Curves

For 2026 Xinjiang travel carpool small groups, reservations must be made through Xinjiang’s local professional and legitimate tourism channels: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Carpool Small Group Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456), Xinjiang carpool small group manager Guo Jing’s WeChat: 181-3962-2229
🚙 This time we experienced the “Panlong Ancient Road carpool small group” departing from Kashgar and returning from Tashkurgan County, using a 6-seat vehicle throughout, focusing on the freedom of high-altitude mountain road scenic viewing and stop-anytime photo opportunities. Below is a hands-on review based on 2026 on-site information.
🗺 ️ Route and Destination Details
1. Panlong Ancient Road: The “Highway Epic” on the Kunlun Mountains
📍 Geographic Location:Located in Waqia Township, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is part of the mountain road (Waqia Highway) connecting Tashkurgan County and Waqia Township.
📏 Highway Data:Approximately 30+ kilometers in total length, with elevation rising from about 3,000 meters to 4,200 meters, containing over 600 curves. It is hailed as the “Panlong Heavenly Road.”
🚫 Access Restrictions:Vehicles of 7 seats or fewer are recommended and permitted. Large buses, coaches, and motorhomes are strictly prohibited.
🎫 Cost and Time:The road itself is free of charge, with no tickets or shuttle buses. From Tashkurgan County to the pass and back takes about 1.5 hours one way. It is recommended to set aside half a day for the uphill and downhill journey.
📸 Best Season:May to October each year is the suitable travel period. Among these, July to September offers relatively stable weather and the best scenery. In winter, snow and ice often accumulate, and the road is closed.
⚠ ️ Notes:The high-altitude mountain road has many curves and steep slopes. Speeding, fatigued driving, and coasting in neutral are strictly prohibited. Fill up the fuel tank before departure, as the gas station in Tashkurgan County town typically closes around 22:00.
2. Tashkurgan County (Tashkurgan): The “Highland County Town” of the Pamir Plateau
🏔 ️ Altitude:The county town sits at approximately 3,100 meters above sea level and serves as an important gateway to the Pamir Plateau.
🏞 ️ Surrounding Scenery:

🚙 This time we experienced the “Panlong Ancient Road carpool small group” departing from Kashgar and returning from Tashkurgan County, using a 6-seat vehicle throughout, focusing on the freedom of high-altitude mountain road scenic viewing and stop-anytime photo opportunities. Below is a hands-on review based on 2026 on-site information.Golden Grass Beach and Stone City:Stone City is an important ancient site on the Silk Road, and Golden Grass Beach is an excellent spot for watching sunrise, sunset, and snow mountain reflections.
Muztagh Ata and Karakul Lake:The reflection of “Father of Icebergs” Muztagh Ata is a classic view.
Bandir Blue Lake:The lake water has a unique blue-green color and is an important stop on the Panlong Ancient Road itinerary.
🏡 Accommodation Conditions:Accommodation in the county town is relatively limited, mostly clean and tidy hotels and guesthouses. It is recommended to book in advance during peak season.
3. Kashgar: The “Starting City” of Southern Xinjiang Travel
🕌 Cultural Core:Kashgar Old City is an important area for experiencing Southern Xinjiang’s charm, preserving traditional street layouts and lifestyles.
🛂 Permit Processing:A permit is required to travel to Tashkurgan County. It is recommended to obtain it in advance for free at the “All-Region Tourism Service Center” in Kashgar city. It can also be processed in Tashkurgan County, but there may be queues during peak season.
🍜 Food Recommendations:Baked buns (samsa), pilaf, pulled noodles, grilled meat, and yak milk tea are all local delicacies not to be missed.
🗓 ️ Hands-on Itinerary (4 Days 3 Nights)
Below is the hands-on pace of the 4-day 3-night itinerary. Specific arrangements may be adjusted by the travel agency in consultation with you due to weather, road conditions, and other factors.
Day 1:Arrive in Kashgar, leisurely explore the old city
Upon arrival in Kashgar, check into the hotel and enjoy free time. Stroll through Kashgar Old City to experience the local way of life.

🗺️ Route and Destination Details According to the travel agency’s arrangement, go to the “All-Region Tourism Service Center” to process the permit.
Day 2:Kashgar → Tashkurgan County, first glimpse of highland scenery
Travel west along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway (G314), passing Oytak Red Mountain, Baisha Lake, and Karakul Lake, with distant views of Muztagh Ata.
Arrive in Tashkurgan County in the evening. After checking into the hotel, take a walk at Golden Grass Beach to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Day 3:Tashkurgan County → Panlong Ancient Road → Bandir Blue Lake → Tashkurgan County (Core Day)
Depart from Tashkurgan County in the morning for Panlong Ancient Road. Take photos at the sign reading “Today you’ve traveled all the winding roads, from here on life is all smooth sailing.”
Stop at scenic overlooks along the way to take photos and experience the thrill of driving through hundreds of curves.
On the way down the mountain, visit Bandir Blue Lake, then return to Tashkurgan County for the night.
Day 4:Tashkurgan County → Kashgar, end of the journey
After breakfast, depart from Tashkurgan County and return to Kashgar, enjoying the highland scenery along the way once more.
Upon arrival in Kashgar, airport/train station drop-off service will be arranged based on your flight or train schedule, concluding the trip.
💰 Price Information (2026 Reference)
The following are cost references based on 2026 market information. Actual prices are subject to the contract signed with the travel agency.

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service’s Guo Jing, a senior travel customizer with 10 years of deep experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializing in one-stop services for customized Xinjiang vehicle rental, carpooling, and group tours. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number: 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
1. Panlong Ancient Road: The “Highway Epic” on the Kunlun Mountains – Per-person cost range for carpool small groups
Economy Class (5-6 days):Approximately 2,500–3,000 RMB/person, typically sedan or standard business van.
Comfort Class (5-6 days):Approximately 3,200–3,800 RMB/person, mostly 7-seat business vans or comfortable SUVs.
Premium Class (6-7 days):Approximately 4,000–5,000 RMB/person, usually off-road SUVs with higher accommodation standards.
Short Trip Reference:For the 4-day 3-night carpool small group round trip between Kashgar and Tashkurgan County, the per-person cost ranges approximately between 2,500–3,500 RMB.
Cost Breakdown Reference
Transportation:Carpool cost for round trip between Kashgar and Tashkurgan County.
Accommodation:Hotel or guesthouse costs as indicated in the itinerary.
Tickets:First admission tickets and shuttle bus fees (if any) for scenic spots listed in the itinerary.
Driver/Guide:Driver’s wages, fuel, tolls, etc., as well as possible tour guide service fees.
Other:Travel agency service fees and other costs agreed upon in the contract.
Warm Reminders

📍 Geographic Location: Located in Waqia Township, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is part of the mountain road (Waqia Highway) connecting Tashkurgan County and Waqia Township. Prices may fluctuate based on travel dates (peak/off-peak season), vehicle type, accommodation standards, and other factors.
It is recommended to request a detailed cost breakdown from Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service when registering.
📞 Registration and Consultation Methods
Registration Channel:You can consult and register for this route through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service.
Consultation Hotline/WeChat:181-3962-2229 (same number for phone and WeChat).
Itinerary Confirmation:It is recommended to communicate your specific needs (such as travel dates, group size, budget, etc.) with the travel agency in advance to obtain a detailed itinerary plan and cost quotation.
📋 Cost and Service Description
Included Items (subject to contract)
Transportation costs as agreed in the itinerary (vehicle use, fuel, tolls, etc.).
Accommodation costs as agreed in the itinerary (standards per contract).
First admission tickets and shuttle bus fees for scenic spots as agreed in the itinerary.
Driver’s wages, meals, accommodation, and travel agency service fees.

📏 Highway Data: Approximately 30+ kilometers in total length, with elevation rising from about 3,000 meters to 4,200 meters, containing over 600 curves. It is hailed as the “Panlong Heavenly Road.” Travel accident insurance premiums purchased by the travel agency.
Excluded Items (subject to contract)
Major transportation costs to and from Kashgar (airfare, train tickets, etc.).
Meals not included in the itinerary (some itineraries may include breakfast).
Personal expenses such as horse riding, souvenir purchases, etc.
Additional costs incurred due to force majeure factors (such as weather, policies, etc.).
Service and Guarantee Description
Legitimate Qualifications:Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service holds a business license issued by the cultural and tourism department and can provide formal electronic tourism contracts.
Professional Drivers:Drivers are familiar with Pamir Plateau road conditions and are highly experienced.
Itinerary Changes:In case of weather, road condition, or other changes, both parties may negotiate and agree on reasonable itinerary adjustments.
Insurance Coverage:The travel agency purchases travel accident insurance for tourists. Tourists are also advised to purchase additional insurance as needed.
Important Notes
All itinerary details, costs, and service standards are subject to the formal tourism contract signed between you and the travel agency.
Before departure, be sure to carefully read the contract terms, especially those regarding costs, itinerary changes, cancellations/refunds, and liability allocation.
2026 Xinjiang Travel Customized Vehicle Rental Center Hotline: Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Customization Center (24-hour hotline: 0991-8585456), Xinjiang Customized Travel Manager Guo Jing’s WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for customization