Two small settlements of Kirghiz (Kyrgyz or Kirgiz) nomads lie by the side of Lake Karakul high up in the Pamir Mountains. Visitors can stay overnight in one of their mobile homes or yurts - Kirghiz men will approach travellers as they arrive at the lake and offer to arrange this accommodation. The Kyrgyz form one of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China. There are more than 145;000 Kyrgyz in China.

The Zhongba Gonglu or Karakoram Highway is an engineering marvel that was opened in 1986 and remains the highest paved road in the world. It connects China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range; through the Khunjerab Pass; at an altitude of 4;693 m/15;397 ft.