Kashgar

Kashgar combines the character of an ancient city in the Western Regions with the snow-capped mountains of the Pamir Plateau. It is ideal for a leisurely 4-day, 3-night trip covering both history and culture and highland scenery.

• Kashgar Old City: A national 5A-rated attraction and one of the few earthen old cities in China that still retains its everyday atmosphere. The area is divided into eastern and western sections. The east has an opening ceremony and a livelier atmosphere; the west is quieter and better suited to walking and travel photography.

• Baisha Lake: Located on the Pamir Plateau, the lake has Tiffany-blue water and is surrounded by milky-white sand hills. From the viewpoint beside the road, you can enjoy the scenery of the lake and sand together.

• Karakul Lake: Also called Karakul Lake, its surface shows different colors as the light changes. In the distance stands the snow-covered “Father of Icebergs,” Muztagh Ata. Around sunset, the mountain’s reflection is especially clear.

• Panlong Ancient Path: This mountain road has more than 600 S-shaped bends winding through the high mountains. Whether driving yourself or hiring a car, you can see the road and mountain ridges from different angles.

• Khunjerab Pass Frontier Gate: Located on China’s western border, it sits at an altitude of over 5,000 meters near the boundary marker, with views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. A border pass permit must be obtained in advance.

• Id Kah Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Xinjiang and a landmark of Kashgar, it has a strong Central Asian style. Visitors should observe the relevant religious customs.

Classic 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Kashgar and get an initial feel for the old city
  • Afternoon: After arriving in Kashgar, go to your hotel to leave your luggage. For convenience, consider staying near the old city’s east gate or in the surrounding area.
  • Evening: Visit the western section of Kashgar Old City, stopping at Rainbow Alley, Cloth Bag Alley, and the century-old teahouse. Enjoy fu tea on the teahouse’s second floor and listen to folk musicians play the dutar.

• Night: Visit Han Bazaar Night Market to try red willow grilled meat and yogurt zongzi and experience local nightlife.

• Day 2: One-day trip to the Pamir Plateau (border pass permit required)
  • Morning: Leave Kashgar for the Pamir Plateau. On the way, pass Baisha Lake, where you can admire snow-capped mountains, white sand, and blue water together from the viewing platform or from the car.

• Noon: Continue to Karakul Lake, look toward Muztagh Ata, and wait for the snow mountain’s reflection to appear on the lake.

• Afternoon: After arriving in Tashkurgan County (Taxkorgan), check into your hotel. It is best to choose a room equipped with an oxygen concentrator. In the evening, you can take a stroll around the Pakistan-themed night market.

• Day 3: Explore Taxkorgan in depth, then return to Kashgar
  • Morning: Head to the Khunjerab Pass Frontier Gate. Because of the high altitude, prepare oxygen in advance. Then visit Panlong Ancient Path and look down from the mountaintop at its more than 600 bends.

• Afternoon: Return to Kashgar along the China–Pakistan Friendship Highway, taking in the Pamir scenery along the way. Arrive back at Kashgar Old City in the evening.

• Night: Enjoy the night view from the old city’s east gate, or choose a travel photography studio to try a Uyghur costume photo session.

• Day 4: Cultural experiences and souvenir shopping
  • Morning: Visit the Kashgar Museum. Reservations are required, and it is closed on Mondays. Learn about Kashgar’s thousand-year history through the exhibitions. You can also visit Xiangfei Garden to admire Uyghur architectural styles.

• Afternoon: Visit Kashgar International Grand Bazaar to buy dried fruit, Atlas silk, copperware, and other souvenirs. Check that prices are calculated by kilogram and negotiate where appropriate.

• Evening: Go to the airport or train station according to your departure arrangements.

Must-Try Foods in Kashgar

Kashgar’s cuisine has a strong regional character, so set aside time during your trip to sample local flavors.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Where to stay: First-time visitors can stay near the old city’s east gate or Jiefang North Road. The old city is easy to reach on foot, and night views and dining options are relatively concentrated there. If you have luggage, avoid guesthouses deep inside the old city, as getting in and out by taxi or on foot is inconvenient.

• Getting around the city: Taxis and ride-hailing services are the main options in Kashgar, and costs are relatively low. Walking is best inside the old city. For trips to the Pamir Plateau, hire a car or share one, and avoid unlicensed taxis. The scenery along the way is varied, and a hired car makes it easier to stop when needed.

Things to Know

• Border pass permit: A border pass permit is required for all of Taxkorgan County, including Baisha Lake, Muztagh Ata, Panlong Ancient Path, and Khunjerab Pass. The permit is free; bring your ID card to apply. It is recommended to apply for an electronic permit in advance through the “Immigration 12367” mini-program and print a paper copy as backup, since there may be no signal in the mountains.
• Preventing altitude sickness: Taxkorgan is about 3,100 meters above sea level, and some sections of the Pamir Plateau are higher. On the day you arrive, avoid showering, running, jumping, or drinking alcohol. Prepare oxygen canisters and glucose in advance. If severe altitude sickness occurs, descend immediately to Kashgar city.
• Sun protection and moisturizing: Xinjiang has strong ultraviolet radiation. Bring SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and UV-protective arm sleeves. Southern Xinjiang is dry, so lip balm, body lotion, and nasal spray are also recommended.
• Time difference and daily rhythm: Kashgar uses Beijing Time, but the local pace of life is usually about two hours later. Most shops open after 10:00, night markets are generally busiest from 21:00 to 23:00, and it may not get dark until around 21:00. Plan your sightseeing accordingly.
• Respect local customs: Do not photograph worshippers inside mosques. Do not bring outside food into halal restaurants, discuss pork, or drink alcohol there. Ask permission before photographing older people, children, or craftspeople.
• Bargaining: Shops near the entrance to the Grand Bazaar may charge higher prices, so you can negotiate moderately. Do not bargain casually if you do not intend to buy. When purchasing dried fruit, confirm that the price is calculated by kilogram rather than by jin.