Tielimaiti Pass
铁力买提达坂
A high pass and tunnel on the southern section of the Duku Highway that crosses the Tianshan Mountains. With glaciers and snowy peaks close at hand on both sides, it is an iconic stretch on the drive south from Bayanbulak to Kuqa.
Tielimaiti Pass lies on the southern section of the Duku Highway (G217), about 85 km south of Bayanbulak. The highway climbs in switchbacks to the Tianshan ridge at over 3,000 meters, then passes through the Tielimaiti Tunnel into a gorge leading toward Kuqa. Glaciers, scree slopes, and alpine meadows flank the pass, and snow may fall even in midsummer. The tunnel mouth and the consecutive bends around kilometer markers K939 to K940 on the south side are popular spots for self-drivers to stop and take photos. The Duku Highway is open only in summer, with opening dates set each year by Xinjiang's transport authority. Driving is prohibited at night, the bends are sharp and the slopes steep, so observe the speed limits. Dress warmly and watch for altitude sickness. You can spend a night in Bayanbulak, set off early the next morning, and stop at the Big and Small Dragon Lakes on the way to Kuqa.
Opening hours
Daytime travel only while Duku Highway is open (about June–September; night closures)
Nearby sights
- Bayanbulak Town & Great Yulduz Grassland
- Bayanbulak Swan Lake
- Nine-Bend River of Bayanbulak
- Kunes Forest Farm & Kunes Valley
- Aiken Daban Pass