Muztagh Ata Peak

　　Tour Guide        At an elevation of 7,546 meters, Muztagh Ata Peak is located at the border between Aketao County and Taxkorgan County. In Tajik, it means “Father of the Ice Mountains” and is a renowned mountaineering destination. It is also a must-pass spot on the way from Kashgar to the Khunjerab Pass.    Introduction        Legend has it that a snow mountain princess lived on Muztagh Ata Peak. She was deeply in love with the snow mountain prince who resided on the world’s second-highest peak, Qogir Peak (8,116 meters), located across from her. When the fierce Heavenly King learned of their romance, he grew displeased and split the two connected peaks apart with his divine staff, separating the devoted lovers. The heartbroken princess missed the prince so much that her tears flowed endlessly, eventually forming the glaciers we see today. On clear days, the snow-capped peak, along with the glaciers stretching down toward the snow line, resembles the flowing white skirt and long sleeves of the ice mountain princess.

　　      Majestic and solemn, pure and elegant, and due to this beautiful legend, Muztagh Ata Peak is regarded by the Tajik people as a symbol of pure love.    Transportation         Buses traveling from Kashgar to the Khunjerab Pass pass by Muztagh Ata Peak.      　   

　　 Kashgar, Xinjiang