Kashgar Travel Itinerary, 2 Days, 3 Days, 4 Days and more according your requests

Kashgar is the westernmost frontier city of the country and a major commercial hub on the ancient Silk Road, with a recorded history of more than 2,100 years. It is located on the southwestern edge of Xinjiang, in the western part of the Tarim Basin, bordering the Taklamakan Desert to the east, the Karakoram Mountains and the Nagri region of Tibet to the south, and the Pamir Plateau to the west.

Before the opening of maritime routes in the 15th century, Kashgar was a world-renowned crossroads and transportation hub of the southern, northern, and central routes of the ancient Silk Road. It has long-standing trade ties with Central Asia, South Asia, West Asia, and even Europe, and has consistently been an international trading port where merchants from far and wide gathered, enjoying a reputation both at home and abroad.

The Silk Road

While all itineraries are flexible, we've provided a recommended itinerary to help you. If you need a customized Lhasa itinerary, please contact us.

1-Day Kashgar Itinerary

The Ancient City of Kashgar

If you have only one day in Kashgar, we recommend focusing on the city's most representative historical and cultural site—the Ancient City of Kashgar. The old city is the soul of Kashgar, preserving a rich Uyghur culture while embodying the profound legacy of the ancient Silk Road, making it an absolute must-see when visiting the city. If exploring only the old city is not enough, Kashgar also offers other attractions with strong local character, such as the Gaotai Uyghur Residences, the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine, and the Livestock Bazaar.

8:00 am: Start your day by visiting the famous Kashgar Bazaar, which is one of the largest markets in Central Asia. Here you can find everything from food and spices to carpets, fabrics, and handicrafts. The bazaar is open every day, but it's most lively on Sunday mornings.

10:00 am: From the bazaar, head to the Id Kah Mosque, which is the largest mosque in China and one of the most important Islamic sites in the region. The mosque was built in the 15th century and features a beautiful courtyard and intricate decorations.

12:00 pm: For lunch, try some local Uyghur cuisine, such as lamb kebabs, hand-pulled noodles, or pilaf. You can find many small restaurants and street food vendors around the bazaar area.

1:00 pm: After lunch, visit the Abakh Khoja Tomb, which is a mausoleum of the Islamic saint Abakh Khoja and his family members. The tomb is also known as the Fragrant Concubine Tomb and is a popular tourist attraction in Kashgar.

3:00 pm: From the tomb, head to the old town of Kashgar, which is known for its traditional Uyghur architecture and narrow alleys. You can wander around the old town, visit some local shops and cafes, and admire the intricate wood carvings and colorful tiles.

5:00 pm: End your day by watching a traditional Uyghur dance and music performance at the Apak Hoja Mazar, which is a complex of mausoleums and a cultural center. The performance usually starts around sunset and lasts for about an hour.

7:00 pm: For dinner, try some more Uyghur cuisine or sample some Chinese dishes at a local restaurant. You can also visit some bars or tea houses to relax and socialize with the locals.

2-day or 3-day Kashgar Itinerary

Pamir Plateau

The two main tourist areas in Kashgar are the urban area of Kashgar City and the Pamir Plateau (Tashkurgan), making them very suitable for short trips. However, the Pamir Plateau has an average elevation of over 4,500 meters, so it is not recommended for people with weaker physical condition or elderly travelers to visit without proper preparation.

Day 1: Start the day early by visiting the Id Kah Mosque, which is the largest mosque in China and an important center of worship for Muslims in Kashgar. After the mosque, head to the Abakh Khoja Tomb, the resting place of a prominent Uyghur family and a significant pilgrimage site for Muslims. Visit the Kashgar Old City, a maze of narrow alleys and traditional Uyghur homes. This is a great place to experience the city's unique culture and try local foods. Head to the Apak Hoja Mazar Market, where you can find a wide range of goods, including textiles, spices, and local handicrafts. Finish the day with a visit to the Kashgar Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest bazaars in Central Asia. Here, you can shop for traditional Uyghur handicrafts, taste local snacks, and experience the bustling atmosphere of the market.

Day 2: Start the day by taking a taxi to Karakul Lake, which is located about 200 km from Kashgar. This stunning lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is a popular spot for hiking, horse riding, and boating. On the way back, visit the Stone Fort, an ancient military stronghold located on a hilltop overlooking the city. After returning to Kashgar, visit the Sunday Market, which is held every Sunday and is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world. Here, you can find everything from livestock to traditional crafts and food. End the day with a visit to the Kashgar Central Asian Music Hall, where you can watch a traditional Uyghur music performance and learn more about the region's musical heritage.

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4-day or 5-day Kashgar Itinerary

Abakh Khoja Tomb

Four to five days is generally enough for an adventure from Kashgar City to the Pamir Plateau. This highway brings together many shining gems, including White Sand Mountain and Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and the Muztagh Ata Glacier. Of course, the Kashgar region is not limited to the Pamir Plateau—heading toward Yarkand, you will reach the world’s second-largest shifting desert, the Taklamakan Desert.

Day 1: Start the day early by visiting the Abakh Khoja Tomb. After the tomb, head to the Kashgar Old City to explore the traditional Uyghur homes and narrow alleys, and visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, gatherings of tens of thousands of people on major occasions.

Day 2: Take a drive to Karakul Lake, located about 200 km from Kashgar. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the lake and surrounding mountains. On the way back, visit the Stone Fort, an ancient military stronghold located on a hilltop overlooking the city. Visit the Kashgar Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the region. Take a walk around People's Park to relax and people-watch. Drive  to Taxkorgan.

Day 3: Arrive in Taxkorgan and check into your hotel. Visit the Stone Fort in Taxkorgan, which is similar to the one in Kashgar but smaller. Visit the Tajik Village and learn about the local Tajik culture. Take a walk around the Karakoram Highway and enjoy the scenery. Enjoy a traditional Tajik dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Drive back to Kashgar. Visit the Sunday Livestock Bazaar, which is held every Sunday and is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world. End the day with a visit to the Kashgar Central Asian Music Hall, where you can watch a traditional Uyghur music performance and learn more about the region's musical heritage.

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7-day Kashgar Itinerary

Panlong Ancient Road

If you have more time, you can try experiences that are unique to the Kashgar region. For example, you could drive an off-road vehicle across the Taklamakan Desert, learn to make copperware in Kashgar Old City, or even attempt the challenge of the world's second-highest peak, K2. Of course, you can also choose a more relaxed pace by visiting Jinhuyang Forest Park, the Bachu Red Sea, or the Dawakun Desert.

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Customize Your Unique Kashgar Old City Tour

If you are interested in one of the Kashgar itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Kashgar Tour, please visit our Kashgar Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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