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With Little Chinese Everywhere ... Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan Travel Guide History Attractions Activities Food Transportation Tips History of the Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan The Karakorum Highway, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, is the highest paved international road, connecting China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range. Its construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1979, symbolizing the strong friendship between China and Pakistan. Tashkurgan, located in Xinjiang, China, is an ancient town with a history that dates back over 2,000 years. It was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road and remains a cultural melting pot, inhabited by the Tajik people who have their own distinct customs and traditions. Top Attractions on the Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan 1. Khunjerab Pass The Khunjerab Pass, at an elevation of 4,693 meters, is the highest paved border crossing in the world. It marks the border between China and Pakistan and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and pristine landscapes. The pass is part of the Khunjerab National Park, home to unique wildlife such as the snow leopard and Marco Polo sheep. 2. Tashkurgan Stone City Located in the heart of Tashkurgan, the Stone City is an ancient fortress that dates back to the Han Dynasty. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The ruins are a testament to the region’s strategic importance on the Silk Road and offer insights into the ancient trade routes. 3. Karakul Lake Karakul Lake, situated on the Karakorum Highway, is a high-altitude lake at the base of Muztagh Ata, also known as the "Father of Ice Mountains." The crystal-clear blue waters reflect the towering snow-capped peaks, creating a stunning and serene landscape. 4. Taxkorgan Nature Reserve This reserve covers a large area of the Pamir Plateau and is known for its diverse wildlife, including the rare Marco Polo sheep, ibex, and various bird species. The reserve’s rugged landscapes are ideal for trekking and wildlife photography. Activities to Enjoy 1. Trekking and Hiking The Karakorum Highway and Tashkurgan offer some of the best trekking and hiking opportunities in the world. Explore trails that lead through stunning mountain scenery, pastures, and along ancient Silk Road paths. Popular routes include hikes around Karakul Lake and up the slopes of Muztagh Ata. 2. Experiencing Tajik Culture Tashkurgan is home to the Tajik ethnic group, known for their rich cultural traditions. Visitors can experience traditional Tajik music, dance, and hospitality. Don’t miss the chance to attend a local festival or visit a traditional Tajik yurt. 3. Wildlife Watching The Khunjerab National Park and Taxkorgan Nature Reserve are prime locations for wildlife watching. Keep an eye out for the elusive snow leopard, golden eagle, and other unique species that inhabit this high-altitude region. Local Food & Delicacies 1. Pilaf Pilaf is a traditional dish in the region, made with rice, mutton, carrots, and various spices. It is a hearty and flavorful dish often served during festivals and family gatherings. 2. Naan Naan, a type of flatbread, is a staple in the local diet. It is typically baked in a tandoor oven and served with various dips, meats, and vegetables. It's a perfect accompaniment to most meals. 3. Kebabs Kebabs are popular in this region, with lamb and beef being the most common meats used. They are seasoned with local spices and grilled over an open flame, offering a delicious smoky flavor. How to Get There By Road The Karakorum Highway is accessible by road from both the Chinese and Pakistani sides. From China, travelers can start from Kashgar, while from Pakistan, the journey begins in Islamabad, passing through Gilgit-Baltistan. By Air There are flights to Kashgar from major Chinese cities like Urumqi and Beijing. From Kashgar, travelers can take a bus or hire a car to Tashkurgan. For those coming from Pakistan, flights are available to Gilgit or Skardu, with further travel by road. By Bus Public and private bus services operate along the Karakorum Highway, providing affordable and scenic travel options. Buses are available from Kashgar to Tashkurgan, and from Islamabad to Gilgit and beyond in Pakistan. Travel Tips for Karakorum Highway & Tashkurgan Due to the high altitude, it is essential to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Take it slow and stay hydrated. Check the weather conditions and road status before traveling, as the Karakorum Highway can be affected by landslides and snow, especially during winter months. Carry sufficient cash, as ATMs may not be available in remote areas. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting Tajik communities. Dress modestly and ask for permission before taking photos of people. Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including visas and permits, as this region is a sensitive border area with strict controls.

The beautiful LongQing Xia Scenic Area is located 90 kilometers (55 miles) north-west of Beijing. A great day trip from the city. Besides boating, there are also hiking trails, bungee jumping and zip lines.

As in Tibet, BeiJing (89), and XinJiang, violent separatists have been created, aided and spurred on by the West. Rational protests were hijacked by foreign powers and their proxies. This is all about trying to undermine China, to keep it down. None worked, but now they are doubling down. This is what the US has and still does the world over. Central and south america, Africa and Asia, never allowed to fulfill their potential; coups and wars always snuffing out the possibilities. Even in Europe and the Middle East, as we see today. Fact : Hong Kong people never had the right to vote for their leaders under UK rule; not until China took back the reign from British colonial power. Thanks to the National Security Law, peace has finally returned to Hong Kong after a year of destructive riots and terror that wrecked Hong Kong's international image and economy. To China, the people of Hong Kong are family. To the West, they are just pawns in trying to bring down all of China and its people. With Cyrus Janssen ... YT comment : "The colonizer not only colonizes territory, they also colonize the local people's minds, through promoting their own culture over theirs, and also by devising education systems to inculcate their values into the local children. Even after the colonizer leaves, the minds of the people often remain enslaved and loyal to their former masters. This "colonial mentality" remains predominate in Hong Kong, India, the Philippines and other former colonies. Many in Hong Kong (though not all) tend to have the colonial mentality. Colonial mentality is the internalized perception of ethnic or cultural inferiority felt by people as a result of colonization. Such people tend to display a preference for the cultures of the Anglo-Saxons, while harboring a disdain for any "non-Anglo" culture, including their own! Hong Kong people had to bow to the British and stand for their National Anthem. They were treated as second rate citizens." "'You are free to agree, but not free to differ on the official truth'." "The ultimate hypocrisy is the UK supporting 'democracy' for HK when they never introduced it in all the 152 years of colonial rule. In 1967, HK anti colonial protests ended in the shooting of civilians, and I remember being teargassed in our apartment as a child. Young HK people need to learn from history. Foreign interference is anathema to any country." "'Any country that is not a slave is our enemy' - the US" Bonus films - With Danny HaiPhong ... Ben Norton on the NEW Cold War and Europe's economic suicide ... On the CIA, with Jeffrey Sachs ... With Brian Berletic ...

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