This natural rock arch (the Uighur name means ‘mountain with a hole in it’) is reputedly the tallest on earth. The first Westerner to describe it was the British mountaineer and last British consul-general in Kashgar, Eric Shipton, during his visit to the region in 1947. Successive expeditions attempted to find it without success until a team from National Geographic rediscovered the arch in 2000. The arch, located 80km northwest of Kashgar, is a half-day excursion from Kashgar.
The first part of the trip involves an hour’s drive towards the Irkeshtam Pass, followed by another 20km ride and then a 30-minute hike. At times you'll be scrambling through the narrowest part of the gorge over small ladders. Kashgar-based tour operators can arrange a day trip with guide for ¥600 to ¥800 per car plus ¥400 for the guide. Bring sturdy shoes, a fleece, snacks and water.
