The Most Hardcore "Gatekeeper" Without a Doubt

Hongqilafu is the world's highest national border gate, surrounded by endless snow-capped mountains. Its pristine polar-like scenery has earned it the reputation of being a "cloud border line." Standing at the gate closest to the sky, gazing at the light on Boundary Marker No. 7, one can feel the illumination of the loneliest watch on the Pamir Plateau. 📕 Basic Information about Hongqilafu ✔ Altitude: 4,733 meters ✔ Coordinates: Xinjiang Kashgar • Tashkurgan County, China-Pakistan Border ✔ Opening Period: Changed to year-round opening starting December 31, 2024 (Policies are subject to frequent changes! Be sure to confirm before traveling.) 🚗 Transportation From Kashgar: Kashgar to Hongqilafu (8.5 hours) From Tashkurgan: Tashkurgan to Hongqilafu (2.5 hours) ⚠️ Key Point: All vehicles can only reach the border checkpoint. From there, you must transfer to a shuttle bus (💰 Ticket: 39.5 RMB/person, Shuttle: 5.5 RMB/person) to reach the national gate! 📝 *Border Pass Application 👉 Apply at your place of residence: Before traveling, apply at the local government service center in your registered residence, specifying "Tashkurgan County." 👉 Apply in Kashgar: Several locations are available, with the most convenient being the Public Security Duty Office at Kashgar Airport T2 Departure Hall, Kashgar Railway Station Police Station, Aitigaer Police Station in Kashgar Old Town, and the Comprehensive Service Hall at Kashgar International Self-Driving and RV Campground (fastest processing). ‼ You must bring the original document + ID card! Children need a household registration book. 💡 High-Altitude Survival Tips 🧥 Clothing: Keep warm; even in July, temperatures can be ≤10°C, and the wind is biting. 💊 Altitude Sickness Prevention: Bring oxygen bottles and glucose; descend immediately if feeling unwell. ⚠️ Prohibited Actions ❌ No drone flying (border military zone) ❌ No photographing soldiers, sentry posts, or checkpoints ❌ Do not cross warning lines or make loud noises On the way to Hongqilafu, don’t miss the "Sky Mirror" of the Pamir Plateau—Tageman Wetland: Location: Search "Tageman Wetland" or "Tageman Wetland Viewing Platform" in navigation. Altitude: 3,050 meters. The viewing platform is free to access! 📸 Must-Visit Highlights 1⃣ Snow Mountain and Wetland Scenery: Muztagh Ata Peak + meandering streams. 2⃣ High-Altitude Ecological Landscape: Yak herds, Tajik villages, with distinct layers of scenery. 🚗 Travel Tips ✔ Self-driving from Kashgar: Take G314 National Highway, about 4 hours. ✔ Self-driving from Tashkurgan: About 30 minutes, en route to Hongqilafu. Besides Tageman Wetland, don’t miss the stunning scenery along the road from Tashkurgan to Hongqilafu. Endless snow-capped mountains, vibrant April willows, and snow mountain sunsets—each view is a breathtaking display of purity and vastness!