Distance covered - 586km
It was freezing at night in Tashkurgan, especially since it's around 3000 meters above sea level (I think so?) and winter is settling in soon. Wi-fi in this part of China is very slow and heavily monitored, hence the hotel terminated its wi-fi services, rendering us with nothing but local TV for entertainment.
 |
| Good morning Tashkurgan |
 |
| Russian influence here |
We woke up early as we needed to depart early for our way back to Kashgar. After having traditional Chinese breakfast (hot soya bean soup, fried dough and buns) at a nearby cafe, we proceeded with the itinerary the tour guides had ready for us.
Well, we visited the Golden Plains again, took a few photos (somehow the effect was a bit different in the morning), before we headed back towards Kashgar.
 |
| Stone fort in the morning |
 |
| Morning has broken |
 |
| Preparation for China's National Day |
 |
| Never ending road ahead |
 |
| The warm sun |
 |
| The green plains |
We left Tashkurgan and headed towards Kashgar. Along the way we were accompanied by the sight of Muztagh Ata, as if it was watching over us, guarding us throughout the journey.
 |
| View from the bus |
We made a short stop at the entrance of Muztagh Ata's glacier park. I presume it was off season due to the intense freezing weather, as well as the fact that the ticket counter was empty! Hence, the bunch of us was able to go inside the gate and take a few snapshots. The sight of this gargantuan 7745m high ice giant was simply breathtaking; Muztagh Ata is like a sleeping giant, stoic and solemn, resting quietly yet majestically and anyone who beheld it somehow has this feeling of admiration and veneration inside.
 |
Muztagh Ata how my eyes adored you.
 |
| The father of all glaciers |
|
 |
| Me and Muztagh Ata. |
 |
| Lonely old mountain |
The next stop that we had was at Karakul Lake, translated as Black Lake, another gem of Tashkurgan. Again, since it was off season, there were no swarms of Tajiks touts to welcome us to their yurts. Hence, we had the opportunity to walk around in peace and quiet, until 15 minutes later when the other nearby touts noticed our presence.
 |
| Karakul Lake |
 |
| I'm walking nearer and nearer to you |
 |
I don't think we're alone here.
 |
| Lake Karakul and I. |
|
 |
| All sorts of fruits, both local and imported. |
By 6pm Beijing time, we had arrived in Kashgar and settled back in our warm cozy little hotel. Our flight back too Urumqi would be the following day 2pm, and we had some little time left in this little city, so, we went out again to the local food bazaar for a feast!
 |
| Nasi Briyani |
 |
| Meat, liver, kidney, testicles... everything from a goat |
 |
| Lungs, heart, bladder... everything from a goat |
 |
| Uighur lady spinning noodles |
 |
| More and more innards from a goat.... |
 |
| Local handmade ice-cream. Tastes like frozen yogurt though. |
 |
| Dumplings with minced mutton inside it. |
 |
| Mommy, is he gonna eat anything tonight? |
No comments:
Post a Comment