Baisha Lake (Bulunkul)
白沙湖
Turquoise lake water and snow-white sand dunes on the Pamir Plateau, the most photogenic stop on the Karakoram Highway.
Baisha Lake lies in Bulunkou Township, Akto County, about 170 km south of Kashgar, at an altitude of about 3,300 meters. It is the first high-plateau landscape encountered on the G314 Karakoram Highway between Kashgar and Tashkurgan. The lake itself is the Bulunkou Reservoir, whose glacial meltwater from the Gez River gives it a clear blue-green color.
Across the lake stretch sand dunes more than 10 km long. High-plateau winds blow fine sand from the river valley up the slopes and pile it into snow-white dunes. Together with the lake and the distant snowy peaks, they create a contrast of blue, white, and brown, and in good light the scene looks like an oil painting.
By the highway is a parking area called the 'Baisha Lake–Muztagh Ata Viewpoint,' where you can get out to take photos or walk to the water's edge. Local Kyrgyz villagers lead yaks for photos (about 10–20 yuan). There is no admission fee. A stop of 30–45 minutes is enough. It is usually paired with Karakul Lake and is a regular stop for chartered drivers.
Notes: the altitude is already above 3,000 meters, and climbing from Kashgar raises your altitude quickly, so do not run. The plateau has strong winds and intense UV, so bring a jacket, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Mornings are best for the dunes, which are lit from the east, while afternoons are backlit. This is a border management zone, and the checkpoint ahead will check your ID and border permit.
Opening hours
Open all day (roadside viewpoints)