Karakul Lake lies 200 kilometres south of Kashgar on the Karakoram Highway (G314). Shared taxis from Kashgar's International Bus Station leave in the morning when full, taking 3–4 hours. The Kashgar–Tashkurgan bus also passes the lake. A direct day trip by taxi from Kashgar is straightforward and gives you 3–5 hours at the lake before the return journey. Foreigners need a valid permit for this section of the Karakoram Highway; check current requirements in Kashgar before setting out.