Muztagh Ata

Introducing Muztagh Ata (from Wikipedia & CGTN)
On the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region’s Pamir Plateau lives a mountain famed for its beauty. It is the second highest (7509 metres) of the mountains which form the northern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.It is sometimes regarded as being part of the Kunlun Mountains. It is also one of the relatively easier 7,000 m peaks in the world to climb, due to its gentle western slope and the comparatively drier weather of Xinjiang, though a thorough acclimatization period and a very strong physical condition are crucial for success.

Muztagh Ata Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Mu Shi Ta Ge Feng 慕士塔格峰
• Best Time to Visit: June to August
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 day
• Things to Do: Photography, Mountaineering, Hiking, Adventure
• Opening Hours: All day
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Akto County, Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

What to expect at Muztagh Ata
The Muztagh Ata, which is famous for snow-covered scenery and glaciers, attracts many mountaineers. The Muztagh Ata comes from the Uygur language, which means “the Father of Ice Mountain,” referring to the scenery of the snow-capped peak and inversion of glaciers resembling the white hair and whiskers of an old father. The climate of Pamir Plateau is dry and cold, thus precipitation primarily consists of solids, which can benefit the development of glaciers. On the Muztagh Ata, there are 128 modern glaciers constituting an area of 377.21 square kilometers. These glaciers make the mountain area one of the most important glaciation areas in the Tarim Basin. The main peak of Muztagh Ata is 7,509 meters above sea level. Since its terrain is relatively easy to climb compared with other peaks that have the same sea level, the Muztagh Ata is very popular every June to August as it attracts a lot of mountaineers, like an old father welcoming his children.

How to get to Muztagh Ata
• Muztagh Ata is approximately 215 km away from Kashgar.
• There is no direct bus from Kashgar to Muztagh Ata.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Kashgar to Muztagh Ata.

Additional travel advice on Muztagh Ata
• Prepare some food and enough drinkable water.
• Please wear comfortable hiking shoes and clothes. Prepare other climbing equipment if necessary, such as gloves, trekking poles, head torch, etc.
• Warm jackets are necessary as the temperature on the mountain is low.
• When hiking without local guides, be sure to remember the route, so as not to get lost when you return.
• Don’t walk on the sparkling ice under the snow to avoid falling into the water.