Last updated on June 7th, 2026
In this travel guide, I’ll walk you through how to plan your visit to Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, including transport logistics, what to expect on the mountain, and travel tips.
Located in the heart of Tashkurgan County in Southern Xinjiang, Muztagh Glacier Park (慕士塔格冰川公园) is an excellent day trip destination from Kashgar or Tashkurgan. Known locally as the “Father of Ice Mountains,” it is celebrated for its massive, accessible glaciers, striking blue ice tongues, and dramatic ice formations. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Muztagh mountain and its lakes, as well as the opportunity to get up close to glaciers that have existed for over 10,000 years.
If you are planning a Muztagh Ata Glacier Park itinerary, we are here to assist you. In this Muztagh Ata Glacier Park Travel Guide, I’ll provide all the information you need to plan a perfect day trip to this incredible destination.
Muztagh Ata Glacier Park Travel Guide
Muztagh Glacier Park (慕士塔格冰川公园) is a national park located at the base of Muztagh Ata mountain (慕士塔格峰). The highest point of the park rises to an elevation of 7,546 meters on the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang, China.
Muztagh Peak is covered in ice and snow throughout the year, giving it the appearance of an ancient figure with white hair adorned with sparkling ice pearls.
The glacier park is one of the most visited mountain peaks in Southern Xinjiang. Within the park, visitors can marvel at colorful and mysterious ice towers and caves, as well as experience the delicate yet harsh beauty of the four-layer ice lakes.
How to Get There
Muztagh Ata Glacier Park is located approximately 215 kilometers south of Kashgar and 61 kilometers north of Tashkurgan. Most travelers visit this park as part of their Southern Xinjiang itinerary to the Pamir Plateau. It is situated along the scenic Karakoram Highway (G314).
You have the option to hire a driver or join a tour from Kashgar to navigate the scenic G314 Highway. The drive takes about four hours. Alternatively, there is a local bus option available, but it takes longer and does not stop directly at Muztagh Ata Glacier Park.
Looking for where to stay: Check for accommodation option at Tashkurgan Country
Important Note: Muztagh Ata Glacier Park is located in a heavily regulated frontier region on the Pamir Plateau, so your journey must be planned carefully in stages. Before departing from Kashgar, you need to obtain a physical Border Defense Permit (边境通行证) to get to the area.
Best Time To Visit
Muztagh Ata Glacier Park is best visited during the daytime, especially in the morning. Still, the environment is extremely windy and freezing year-round. So please prepare for winter clothing.
Note that the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it is possible that you may not be able to access the park if there are adverse weather conditions.
How To Visit the Muztagh Glacier Park
There are two routes you can take to visit Muztagh Ata Glacier Park once you arrive at the mountain base:
Option 1: Glacier No. 4 (The Developed Park) – This route includes a shuttle and a wooden boardwalk, taking approximately 15–30 minutes to reach the main glacier viewing platform at 4,688 meters.
Option 2: Glacier No. 2 (The Wild Blue Ice Route) – This option requires hiring a local Kyrgyz guide with an off-road vehicle to navigate the unpaved 15-minute trail to the base, followed by a trek of roughly 40 minutes onto the ice tongue. It cannot be entered independently.
We opted for Glacier No. 4, as it is the safest option and suitable for our physical fitness level. This is also the standard, commercial park option for general access.
Muztagh Ata Glacier Park Admission Information
If you want to buy tickets for Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, you need an entrance ticket and shuttle bus service. The total cost for standard adult fares is CNY 65.
Muztagh Ata Glacier Park (慕士塔格冰川公园)
Opening Hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM (closed during bad weather).
Admission Fees: CNY 43 for the entry and CNY 24 for the shuttle bus.
Age Restrictions: Children under 3 years old and seniors over 70 years old are not allowed to enter the park due to the high altitude.
Our Visit to Muztagh Ata Glacier Park
The visit to Muztagh Ata Glacier Park is one of the highlights of our trip to the Southern Xinjiang Pamir Plateau.
In the morning, we departed from the hotel and arrived at the Muztagh Glacier Park Visitor Center before the park opening time. Since it was still early, we managed to purchase our ticket package without any hassle.
The glacier park opened on time, and we joined the line to board the official park shuttle bus. Several shuttle buses were busy transporting people from the entrance gate to the hiking base.
The shuttle took us 12 kilometers up a winding mountain road to the start of the trail.
Along the way, we enjoyed the magnificent views of the snowy landscape. The shuttle bus dropped us off at the base parking lot, which is at an altitude of 4,500 meters.
Hike Up to the Mountain Peak
It was time to start our hiking journey to the Muztagh Ata Glacier Mountain Peak!
From the starting point, we hiked 800 meters to 1.5 kilometers along a walkway, which took about 30 to 40 minutes, to reach the main glacier viewing platform at 4,688 meters.
There was also the horse riding option available that would take you along the 1.5-kilometer path to the glacier viewing platform. The ride costs CNY 100 one way for 20 minutes. All prices are clearly listed.
One of our team members chose this horse riding option, while the rest of us decided to hike.
We took in the serene beauty of the snow-covered mountains as we made our way to the summit, pausing along the trail to capture some stunning photographs of the captivating scenery. The road is well-maintain.
The trail was a refreshing and pleasant walk suitable for all skill levels, although the most challenging aspect was overcoming high altitude sickness. We paced ourselves, taking breaks for rest and photo opportunities.
Finally, we reached the peak! It took us less than an hour to hike up to the glacier viewing platform at the summit.
The Peak of Muztagh Glacier Mountain
The peak of Muztagh Glacier Mountain is covered with snow year-round, creating a magnificent landscape. The area is not very large, and there are not many activities to do except enjoy the view.
A stop at the glacier viewing platform is a must, and visitors can walk closer to see the Glacier Cliff and Glacier Park. There are two viewing platforms for travelers to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Take the opportunity to soak up the splendid scenery of the Chinese mountains. Some people were even playing in the snow with friends.
We were very fortunate as the weather was clear and the scenery beautiful. However, the wind at the mountain’s peak is strong, and the temperature is low, so it’s important to dress warmly.
Descending to the base
Descending from the glacier mountain peak to the base is much easier. We waited for the shuttle bus and then returned to the entrance.
Overall, we spent about four hours completing our trip to Muztagh Ata Glacier Park. It was such a memorable visit!
Muztagh Ata Glacier Park Travel Tips
Border Permit: Before traveling to the Pamir Plateau, you must obtain a Frontier Defense Permit (边防证) in Kashgar.
Altitude Sickness: The altitude at the mountain peak reaches 4,688 meters. To prevent acute mountain sickness, carry portable oxygen canisters, move slowly, and stay hydrated.
Clothing: Even in summer, the glacier can be extremely cold and windy. Be sure to bring a heavy windproof and waterproof jacket, thermal layers, UV-blocking sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness), and a thermos.
Food Option: At the base, there are a few stalls selling snacks like lamb skewers, corn, cup noodles, and other quick bites. It’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and hot water. Additionally, you can find sunglasses, oxygen bottles, and warm accessories available for purchase.
Accommodation Tips: If you prefer to start early, it is advisable to stay close by instead of in Kashgar. The nearest town is Tashkurgan County, where accommodation options are limited. Therefore, it’s important to book a hotel in advance. It’s best to choose accommodation that provides heating and oxygen supply.
Check for accommodation option at Tashkurgan Country
Overall: A Trip to Muztagh Ata Glacier Park
All in all, whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just visiting Tashkurgan, Muztagh Ata Glacier Park offers an unforgettable experience. Its enchanting landscapes and breathtaking scenery make it a must-see destination in southern Xinjiang.
While the glacier mountain hike may not be a major tourist attraction, its beauty is truly remarkable. Be sure to add Muztagh Ata Glacier Park to your travel itinerary when visiting the Pamir Plateau in Xinjiang!
Lastly, this Muztagh Ata Glacier Park Travel Guide post is part of our Southern Xinjiang travel blog. Continue reading for more travel stories.
