Tasha Ancient Road
塔莎古道
An ancient Silk Road valley route running from Tashkurgan through Bandier and Kukexilugu to Yarkand. A popular off-road self-drive route across the Pamirs.
The Tasha Ancient Road is a branch of the ancient Silk Road from Tashkurgan to Yarkand, traditionally believed to be the route Xuanzang took on his return. Today's route runs east from the county seat past the Panlong Ancient Road, Wacha Township, and Bandier Blue Lake, crosses the deep gorges and cliff sections around Kukexilugu, descends to the Yarkand River valley at Datong Township, and continues on to Yarkand. Along the way, the landscape changes dramatically, from snowy peaks and canyons to Tajik villages and apricot groves in the river valley. The first section is paved, but some stretches still have falling rocks and landslides, and temporary closures due to road work or disasters are common. Check road conditions in advance, travel by off-road vehicle in groups during the day, and obtain a border permit. The full route takes one day, or you can just drive the section from the county seat to Bandier and Kukexilugu and turn back.
Opening hours
Depends on road conditions and access controls