Exploring Tashkurgan: Where Cultures Converge

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Travelling to the Town Where China Meets Pakistan 🇨🇳🇵🇰

Alan & Shannon

Aug 4, 2024

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People & Blogs

Journey to Tashkurgan is stunning but challenging

  1. The journey begins from Kashgar to Tashkurgan, the last border town between China and Pakistan.
  2. The bus station is minimal, located on the main road, and the trip is expected to take 6 to 7 hours.
  3. The first checkpoint is completed, but the journey is uncomfortable due to a malfunctioning air conditioner in the minivan, making it very hot with limited airflow.
  4. A stop reveals a stunning landscape with desert ground and snowy mountains, highlighting the dramatic change in air quality and scenery from Kashgar.
  5. The drive is described as the most beautiful ever, with constant photo and video opportunities due to the incredible scenery.
  6. A toilet stop reveals basic facilities, with a hole in the floor, making it challenging to use, especially with long trousers.
  7. The driving team is introduced, and the surrounding landscape is praised as one of the most beautiful places on the planet, with desert and snow-capped mountains.
  8. The driver plays loud music, including some English songs, making conversation difficult but providing some entertainment.
  9. Another police checkpoint is encountered, where only the travelers' passports are checked, not those of Chinese Nationals.
  10. The view from the police checkpoint is breathtaking, but the temperature is extremely cold and the wind is freezing.

Journey to Tashkurgan with food experiences

  1. The travelers are relieved to experience cooler weather after enduring high temperatures for months. They are now one hour away from Tashkurgan and are eager to reach their destination quickly.
  2. They encounter difficulties with payment as the ATM is not working, causing a delay in their plans to eat. This situation is described as torturous, especially since they have not eaten yet.
  3. Finally, they get to a restaurant and are excited about the menu. They decide to order fried noodles and a dish called 'palac,' which they had enjoyed previously.
  4. The service at the restaurant is fast, and they are impressed by the tenderness of the meat in their dish. They compare it to a previous experience in Kashgar, noting that while it is not as good, it is still delicious.
  5. They also try meat pies, which they had seen before but never tasted. The pies remind them of Scotch pies due to the fatty meat, and they conclude that they did not miss out much by not trying them earlier.
  6. The travelers appreciate the vibrant colors and flavors of the fresh noodles, which are thicker and coated with garlic and chili. They find the dish very satisfying and energizing.
  7. After the meal, they express a strong desire to get to their hotel and rest, as they are exhausted from the day's journey and activities.

Travel challenges and Tashkurgan's beauty

  1. The narrator recounts a violent incident at their hotel the previous night, describing it as one of the worst experiences in their life. Shannon was physically assaulted, resulting in an injury.
  2. Despite the exhaustion from the incident, the narrator and Shannon are relieved to be in a new place and are looking forward to resting.
  3. They inquire about room options at a new accommodation, discussing prices and facilities with the staff. They decide on a room and provide their passports for check-in.
  4. The staff mentions a recent big party celebrating the 70th anniversary of the government, noting that the celebration included dancing but no alcohol due to the predominantly Muslim population.
  5. The narrator and Shannon plan to travel to Pakistan but are unsure of their exact departure date. They are informed that the border point is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
  6. The next morning, they oversleep and miss their bus to the Khunjerab Pass, but the narrator expresses gratitude for the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Tashkurgan, especially its stunning mountains.

Exploring Tashkurgan's beauty and cultural experiences

  1. The narrator describes the stunning 360° view in Tashkurgan, highlighting the snowy mountains and sandstone formations.
  2. They encounter a local while trying to exchange Chinese RMB for Pakistani rupees, noting the difficulty in finding a place to change money in the town.
  3. The narrator successfully exchanges money with the help of a local, receiving Pakistani rupees for the first time and noting the favorable exchange rate in border towns.
  4. The temperature drops significantly at night in Tashkurgan, prompting the narrator to wear warmer clothing.
  5. The town square becomes lively at night with crowds and music, indicating a possible dance performance, a common sight across China.
  6. The narrator appreciates the nightly dance performances in China, which include exercise classes and ethnic minority dance routines.
  7. They observe that more men are dancing in Tashkurgan compared to other places in China, noting it as an unusual occurrence.

Tashkurgan is a clean, friendly border town

  1. Tashkurgan, historically known as Sarikol and Shitoucheng, is a town in the far west of China, near the border with Tajikistan.
  2. The town is the seat of Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County in Xinjiang.
  3. The town is noted for its cleanliness and good food, making it a pleasant place to visit.
  4. The travelers met many friendly Pakistanis who provided valuable advice for their trip.
  5. The travelers are concluding their third series of adventures in China and are planning to cross the Khunjerab Pass next.