Baisha Lake Travel Guide
The White Sand and Clear Water of the Pamirs
Baisha Lake is a pool of clear water beside National Highway 314 on the Pamir Plateau, with the opposite Baisha Mountain worn by the wind into delicate silver-white curves. The blue of the lake and the white of the sand mountain interlock, making it the most unmissable stop on the way to Taxian.
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Destination Details
The strong plateau winds blow the fine sand deposited in rivers and lakes up the slopes year after year, forming moving white sand mountains; the lake water at the foot of the mountains changes from turquoise to deep blue depending on depth and sky color. On a sunny afternoon with the wind rising, you can see a line of sand mist being blown up along the sand ridges.
Practical Information
- Location: Along the China-Pakistan Highway towards Tashkurgan, you can reach it after passing Bulenkou
- Photography: The sand mountains are whitest with front lighting, reflections are best in the windless morning
- Altitude: About 3300 meters, slow down your pace and bring a windproof jacket
There are multiple parking spots along the lakeside; the viewing platform is the most crowded. Driving a few more kilometers towards Taxkorgan County often offers cleaner shooting locations. Visiting the lake on the same day as Karakul Lake is the most convenient route.
