Shipton’s Arch 天洞 Travel Guide

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 4×4 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.

An easy side trip from Kashgar and an interesting journey to reach the arch make for a classic day out in this remote region.

Slightly underwhelming from a distance it is only when you are practically under the arch that you realise just how high it is or, more accurately, 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.

A must to add in to any trip in this area and the rewards on reaching the arch are both surprising and unforgettable.

There is no accommodation at the arch itself and the closest viable options are in Kashgar, the city from which a visit here is normally a day trip.

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By Phil Stanley & Headseast – TCTC Destination Expert.