Panlong Ancient Trail and Tasha Ancient Trail
Two popular online routes in the Pamirs: the Panlong Ancient Trail with over 600 bends, including how to walk it and where to take photos, and the current conditions of the Tasha Ancient Trail along with alternative options. The Panlong and Tasha Ancient Trails are part of the Xinjiang travel preparation series: covering practical issues such as seasons and duration, documents and border permits, car rental and transportation, payment and internet, food and accommodation—all explained clearly at once, so you can simply check them off before departure.
Panlong Ancient Trail
The Panlong Ancient Trail from Tashkurgan County to Wacha Township stretches over more than 30 kilometers with over 600 bends, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,200 meters. The observation deck is located at the highest curve, facing the sun in the morning. The trail is paved with asphalt but has dense curves, so braking and steering should be gentle; it is not recommended for beginner drivers. Drivers offering car rental services usually arrange the round trip as a large loop, visiting Wacha Grassland and Xiabangdi Reservoir along the way.
Current Situation of Tasha Ancient Trail
The Tasha Ancient Trail runs along the Tashkurgan River downstream to Shache County. The scenery is pristine, but many sections are narrow and cliffside. During the flood season, passage is often temporarily restricted due to falling rocks and landslides. Always check the latest local road conditions before traveling. For regular tourists, a safer route is to take G314 back to Kashgar and then transfer to Shache.
Documents and Borders
Most areas of the Pamirs fall under border control. A border permit is required for the entire Tashkurgan County (can be processed using the household registration location or in Kashgar, covering "Tashkurgan County"). Branch areas such as Wacha and Datong Township may also require identification checks, so keep your documents on hand.
Pacing Suggestions
Staying two nights in Tashkurgan is most comfortable: visit Hongqilafu or Stone City Jin Caotan on the first day, and take the Panlong Ancient Trail large loop on the second day. When driving on the plateau, allow an extra half-day to avoid driving at night.