- China Destination Guide

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China travel and tour destination Shiptons Arch

China Destination Guide - Shipton's Arch

Thought to be the world's highest natural arch, Shipton's Arch, also known as Tushuk Tash (pierced rock in local Uyghur) is a little visited but extraordinary natural feature a few hours drive, much on a 4x4 only road, from Kashgar. The first foreigner to note the arch was Eric Shipton, the British mountaineer and Consul at Kashgar, who wrote about it in his book Mountains of Tartary back in 1947. Don't forget to continue on south to explore the stunning Karakorum Highway region to the south including Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan.

What there is to see...

Slightly underwhelming from a distance it is only when you are practically under the arch that you realise just how high it is or perhaps is! The problem is no one can decide. From the side you approach it is a mere 200 feet tall. Walk a few meters under it and the ground drops away a staggering and sheer 900 feet. This is not a place to run around aimlessly! To reach the arch there are sets of ladders to help you over the difficult bits as you climb up the valley. All in all not a destination for those with issues about heights but a wonderful and unique adventure for everyone else.