From late March to early April, the valleys of the Pamir Plateau near Kashgar in southern Xinjiang enter their short but spectacular apricot blossom season. Hundreds of old apricot trees bloom across the river valleys of Tashkurgan County, creating soft pink and white landscapes framed by snow-covered mountains, traditional Tajik stone houses, and winding rivers. Because the blooming period usually lasts only about ten days and most viewing villages are located in remote mountain areas, planning ahead is important.
Best Viewing Time for Apricot Blossoms in Kashgar, Southern Xinjiang
The flowering period is short, lasting about ten days, with slight fluctuations each year due to temperature changes. According to historical observation data, the best viewing period for apricot blossoms in Kashgar, southern Xinjiang, is concentrated between March 25 and April 5. The flowering time of villages at different altitudes and locations varies:
- Datong Township is the earliest: With a lower altitude, the township enters the initial flowering period around March 20, being the first area to bloom during the annual apricot blossom season
- Ta’er Township follows: It has the densest sea of flowers and reaches full bloom around March 25, with continuous apricot blossoms on both banks of the river valley
- Kukexiluke Township is the latest: Located in the depths of the Pamir Plateau, it has the latest flowering time, with the best viewing period from late March to early April
The flowering period of a single place lasts about one week. You can check the local weather forecast one week before departure, and also obtain real-time blossom updates from travel agencies or homestay operators, whose information is usually accurate.
Apricot Blossoms in Datong Township
Core Viewing Spots for Apricot Blossoms in Kashgar
Apricot blossoms in Kashgar are mainly distributed in several villages within Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County (referred to as Taxkorgan County). These villages are located in the hinterland of the Kunlun Mountains, with the Yarkand River flowing through them. A large number of century-old apricot trees are distributed on both banks of the river valley, forming a unique landscape with the traditional stone houses of the Tajik people.
Datong Township
Datong Township is the most famous apricot blossom viewing spot in Kashgar, where more than 90 percent of the residents are Tajik people. Located deep in a canyon, the township has relatively closed transportation and retains a relatively complete traditional way of life. Apricot trees surround the stone-built residential houses, and local residents can often be seen activity under the trees. The Happy No.5 Bridge at the village entrance spans the river valley, with dense apricot trees on both sides. The petals, flowing water and wooden bridge form a classic picture, making it the main shooting spot.
Ta’er Township
Ta’er Township has a large-scale apricot blossom forest stretching for several kilometers along the river bank. The apricot blossom gully here is connected to the Happy No.5 Bridge, and the river surface reflects the flower shadows on both banks when it enters full bloom in late March. Compared with Datong Township, Ta’er Township has fewer tourists, making it suitable for those who want to avoid crowds.
Kukexiluke Township
Kukexiluke Township is the latest apricot blossom viewing spot on the Pamir Plateau to bloom. The apricot trees in the township are generally of advanced age, with some over 300 years old. The apricot blossom gully distributed along the river valley is about more than ten kilometers long, and you can see a sea of flowers on both sides when driving through it. There are several old apricot trees near the tent camp in the township, which are representative shooting spots locally.
All the above villages are located in the border management area, and a Border Defense Permit is required to enter. Tourists joining group tours or hiring private cars through travel agencies can have the permit processed with the assistance of the travel agencies.
Transportation to Apricot Blossom Areas in Kashgar
Transportation to Kashgar
Aviation is the most convenient way to reach Kashgar. There are direct flights to Kashgar from major domestic cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Xi’an, with a flight time of four to six hours. Late March to early April is the peak season for apricot blossom travel, and flight prices will rise, so it is recommended to book tickets two months in advance.
Railway can be an alternative option. There are direct trains from Urumqi to Kashgar, with a hard sleeper ticket priced at about 400 CNY and a soft sleeper ticket at about 600 CNY, with a travel time of about 22 hours. Trains are suitable for tourists with ample time who want to gradually adapt to the dry climate.
Local Transportation from Kashgar to Apricot Blossom Villages
It is about 300 kilometers from downtown Kashgar to the county seat of Taxkorgan County, with good road conditions on the highway. The roads from Taxkorgan County to each apricot blossom village are mostly gravel roads or mountainous temporary roads, and ordinary cars are prone to bottoming out, so it is recommended to use off-road vehicles or commercial vehicles. Local transportation options mainly include the following:
- Private car hire: The daily rental of an off-road vehicle is 800 to 1200 CNY, which can carry three to four people, costing 200 to 300 CNY per person per day. Suitable for travel in a group of three to four people with a high degree of travel freedom
- Carpooling: Carpool through travel agencies or youth hostels, with fees charged per person at 300 to 500 CNY per person per day, including the driver and fuel costs. Suitable for single travelers or pairs, saving the trouble of contacting vehicles by themselves
- Small group carpooling: Some travel agencies provide small group services with a maximum of six people, including full transportation and accommodation, with a cost of about 3600 to 4400 CNY per person for a seven to eight-day trip. Suitable for tourists who want a one-stop solution for transportation and accommodation
A small number of tourists choose to self-drive, but attention should be paid to the following: the plateau sections have many curves and steep slopes, speed limits are implemented in some areas, and a Border Defense Permit must be processed in advance. Tourists who are not familiar with the local road conditions are recommended to hire a local driver.
Accommodation Options for the Apricot Blossom Trip
The apricot blossom trip involves three types of accommodation with great differences in price and conditions, which need to be arranged in advance according to the trip schedule:
- Accommodation in downtown Kashgar: Travelers usually stay in Kashgar for the first and last two days of the trip. There are a variety of hotel options in the urban area, with budget hotels costing 200 to 300 CNY per night, four-star hotels 400 to 500 CNY per night, and upscale hotels more than 700 CNY per night. It is recommended to choose hotels around the Kashgar Ancient City for convenient evening sightseeing and dining.
- Accommodation in the county seat of Taxkorgan County: Taxkorgan County has an altitude of about 3100 meters, and some tourists stay here for one night to acclimatize to the plateau. There are several moderately conditioned hotels in the county seat, with standard rooms costing 300 to 500 CNY per night, which need to be booked in advance during the apricot blossom season. Catering is mainly Sichuan cuisine and local cuisine, with a per capita consumption of about 50 to 60 CNY.
- Homestays in apricot blossom villages: In recent years, a number of homestays renovated from villagers’ private houses have appeared in Datong Township, Kukexiluke Township and Ta’er Township, providing basic accommodation and catering services. The accommodation conditions are as follows:
- Room types: multi-person rooms or dormitory beds, with public washrooms; hot water is supplied by solar energy with unstable supply
- Price: 100 to 200 CNY per person per night, usually including breakfast and dinner
- Notes: Some homestays do not have bathing facilities, and toiletries need to be prepared by yourself
Choosing a homestay allows you to experience the family life of the Tajik people, but the comfort level is low. If you pursue accommodation quality, you can make a day trip back to Taxkorgan County, but the round trip takes seven to eight hours, which will reduce the blossom viewing time.
Budget Reference for the Apricot Blossom Trip in Kashgar, Southern Xinjiang
The main expenses of the apricot blossom trip in southern Xinjiang include air tickets, local transportation, accommodation, catering and tickets. The following is an estimate of the medium consumption level (excluding shopping) for a seven-day trip, and the actual expenditure can be adjusted according to personal choices:
- Air tickets: 3000 to 5000 CNY for a round trip, with higher prices in the peak season; booking in advance can save expenses
- Local transportation: about 2500 CNY for seven days of carpooling, with higher costs for private car hire
- Accommodation: about 500 CNY for two nights in Kashgar, 800 CNY for two nights in Taxkorgan County, 450 CNY for three nights in apricot blossom villages, totaling about 1750 CNY
- Catering: about 100 CNY per day, totaling 700 CNY for seven days. There are limited restaurant options in Taxkorgan County and apricot blossom villages, so you can prepare a small amount of dry food by yourself
- Tickets: The Kashgar Ancient City is free of charge, the Fragrant Concubine Garden is about 120 CNY, the package ticket for the Pamir Tourist Area is about 200 CNY, and most other natural scenic spots are free, totaling about 300 CNY
- Other expenses: The Border Defense Permit is processed free of charge, but time needs to be reserved for queuing
The total cost is about 8000 to 9000 CNY. If you choose budget accommodation and simple catering, the total cost can be controlled within 7000 CNY; if you require upscale hotels and exclusive private car hire, the cost may exceed 15000 CNY.
March to April is the off-season for tourism in the northwest region, with flight and hotel prices lower than those in July and August. However, the two weeks when apricot blossoms are in full bloom are a small tourism peak locally, with rising accommodation prices and possible booking difficulties, so it is recommended to book two to three months in advance.
Apricot Blossom Valley on the Pamir Plateau
Notes for Viewing Apricot Blossoms in Southern Xinjiang
Border Defense Permit Application
A Border Defense Permit is required to travel to Taxkorgan County. Tourists can apply for the permit at the public security organ in their household registration place with their ID cards, filling in “Taxkorgan County” as the destination. Tourists who fail to apply in advance can make up the application at the local processing point in Kashgar, but time needs to be reserved for queuing.
Altitude Sickness Prevention
Taxkorgan County has an altitude of about 3100 meters, and the apricot blossom villages are slightly lower in altitude. Avoid strenuous exercise when first arriving on the plateau, and it is recommended to carry a portable oxygen cylinder for emergency use. Common plateau medicines such as glucose oral liquid and ibuprofen can be prepared in advance.
Dressing and Sun Protection
The temperature difference between day and night on the plateau is large, with temperatures ranging from minus 5 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius in March to April. It is recommended to dress in layers:
- Inner layer: long-sleeved quick-drying shirt or casual shirt
- Middle layer: fleece jacket or light down jacket
- Outer layer: windproof jacket
The ultraviolet radiation is strong, so it is necessary to equip with sunglasses, sunscreen cream with SPF50+ and lip balm.
Respecting Local Customs
The Tajik people believe in Islam. Please ask for the permission of local residents before taking their photos and keep a polite distance. You may encounter the traditional Tajik festival Xiao Gongbahar Festival (Spring Festival) around March 20, which is a good time to observe local culture.
Communication and Payment
The mobile phone signal is weak in some areas of Taxkorgan County and apricot blossom villages, with China Mobile and China Telecom as the main operators. WeChat Pay and Alipay are the main payment methods, and cash is still needed in remote areas, so it is recommended to carry a small amount of cash for emergency use.
Photography Suggestions
- Best shooting time: 6:00 to 9:00 in the morning and 18:00 to 20:00 in the evening, with soft light
- Recommended shooting spots: There is often cooking smoke in Datong Township in the early morning, suitable for shooting pictures combining humanistic scenes and sea of flowers; the Happy No.5 Bridge is suitable for shooting apricot blossoms and rivers; the Panlong Ancient Road is suitable for drone aerial photography (please confirm the local no-fly regulations)
Drones may be restricted in border areas, so please confirm with local residents or the management department before taking off.
Planning Your Trip to the Kashgar Apricot Blossom Season
Traveling to see the apricot blossoms of the Pamir Plateau is different from visiting typical flower destinations. The blooming period is short, the villages are scattered across mountain valleys, and transportation requires careful planning. Preparing in advance—especially checking blossom timing and arranging transport—can make the journey much smoother and allow travelers to fully enjoy the scenery and local Tajik culture.
For travelers who prefer a more organized experience, China Dragon Travel can assist with transportation, accommodation, and customized routes during the apricot blossom season. With local knowledge and flexible itineraries, it becomes much easier to reach the most beautiful apricot valleys of the Pamir Plateau at the right time.
