Chalachigu Valley


Chalachigu Valley or Karachukur Valley is a valley in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, China. It borders Afghanistan to the west, Tajikistan to the north and Pakistan to the south. It borders Taghdumbash Pamir to the east, Gojal to the south, and Little Pamir to the north and west. The name of the valley is from Kyrgyz meaning "black cave".
The valley is part of the Taxkorgan Nature Reserve. The protected Marco Polo sheep is only found around this area. The Chalachigu River or Karachukur River flows through the valley and is a tributary of Tashkurgan River. The region is often referred by Chinese as the Chinese portion Wakhan Corridor. There is an ethnic Kyrgyz village call Bayik
The entire Chalachigu Valley is closed to visitors; however, local residents and herders from the area are permitted to access.
In March 2017, CCTV-7's Documentary for Military program produced a mini-series covering the numerous border outposts in Chalachigu Valley.

Mountain Passes

The valley was a significant thoroughfare of the Silk Road during ancient times. Around the valley are numerous passes connecting to other countries:
Of the above passes, it is believed that the famous Chinese Buddhist pilgrim Xuanzang traveled through Wakhjir Pass on his return trip back to China around 649 AD. Some Chinese historians argue that he also used Beyik Pass on his way to India.