Kanas Lake tickets and travel permit for Tashkurgan

Question

Hi, I have 2 questions that I hope the community can help answer. We’re foreigners and travelling free and easy. Thanks.

1. What are the ways to pre-buy online tickets to Kanas Lake and Hemu? Or is the only way to buy after arriving?

2. How do we apply for a travel permit for Tashkurgan? karakul Lake requires special permit. Can we do so at the police station after arriving in Kashgar?

Answer

Visiting Kanas Lake, Hemu, and Tashkurgan in Xinjiang as a foreign traveler requires some planning, especially regarding tickets and permits. Here is a detailed guide.

1. Kanas Lake and Hemu tickets

Tickets for Kanas Lake and Hemu are generally required, especially during peak tourist season (May to October). There are two main approaches:

Pre-purchase online: Some official tourism websites and third-party Chinese platforms allow foreigners to book tickets in advance using a Chinese ID or passport. Websites may be in Chinese and require mobile payment via WeChat or Alipay.
Purchase on arrival: Many travelers simply buy tickets at the entrance. For Kanas Lake, the main ticket office is located near the parking and bus transfer points. Hemu Village tickets can usually be bought at the village entrance. Arriving early is advised, especially in summer, to avoid long queues.

Note: Tickets usually include entrance plus the internal shuttle bus. Check if a separate ticket is needed for boat rides or certain scenic spots.

2. Travel permit for Tashkurgan / Karakul Lake

Foreigners require a special permit to visit certain border areas in Xinjiang, including Tashkurgan and Karakul Lake:

The permit is called the Aliens Travel Permit (边境通行证 / Border Travel Permit). It is mandatory for visiting Tashkurgan, Karakul Lake, and surrounding border areas.
These permits cannot usually be obtained at local police stations in Kashgar on the spot for foreigners. The standard procedure is:

Apply via a local travel agency in Kashgar that handles foreign permits. They prepare the necessary paperwork and submit it to the Public Security Bureau.
Processing usually takes 1–2 business days. You will need your passport and travel itinerary.
Once approved, you will receive a permit specifying allowed dates and locations.

For Karakul Lake, a separate permit may be required since it is very close to the border. Some agencies include this in a combined Tashkurgan/Karakul permit.

Tips for planning:

Book Kanas and Hemu tickets in advance if traveling during peak season to secure availability.
Use a local travel agency in Kashgar to handle border permits; this is the most reliable method.
Carry copies of your passport, travel plans, and hotel bookings when applying for the permits.
Check transportation options—Kanas and Hemu require internal shuttle buses; Tashkurgan is best accessed via a guided tour or private car due to permit restrictions.

In summary, while Kanas and Hemu tickets can sometimes be bought online, it’s often simpler to buy on arrival. For Tashkurgan and Karakul, permits must be arranged ahead of time via a local agency; they cannot be reliably obtained at the police station upon arrival.

Kanas Lake tickets and travel permit for Tashkurgan

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