Kashgar Region Travel

Xinjiang Kashgar — Pearl of the Silk Road, Western Frontier Charm. Explore thousand-year-old city ruins, admire the magnificent Pamir Plateau scenery, and experience the blend of diverse ethnic cultures.

2100 Years
City History
3
5A-Level Scenic Spots
4000m+
Average Altitude
12
Indigenous Ethnic Groups

Kashgar Travel by District/County

Kashgar Region Five-Day Four-Night Highlight Tour

Wander through ancient city lanes, explore plateau scenery, experience diverse cultures

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Main Destinations
Kashgar Old City, Pamir Plateau, Shache
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, photography lovers
Budget per Person
¥2000-¥3000
01
First Impressions of the Old City
Kashgar Old City · Id Kah Mosque · Century-Old Teahouse
Highlights

Arrive in Kashgar City, check into hotel, then visit Kashgar Old City, tour the Id Kah Mosque, and experience the folk customs at the century-old teahouse.

Attractions
Kashgar Old City
One of the world's largest surviving raw earth building complexes, with maze-like streets perfectly preserving the medieval Western Regions cityscape.
Id Kah Mosque
The largest mosque in Xinjiang, with magnificent architecture, symbolizing Kashgar's religious culture.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Kashgar Hotel
  • Old City Guesthouse
  • Chiniwa International Hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Baked Stuffed Bun
  • Jar Braised Meat
  • Handmade Ice Cream
Travel Tips
  • Best explored on foot in the old city
  • Dress modestly at the mosque
  • Experience folk customs at the old teahouse
02
Plateau Journey
White Sand Lake · Karakul Lake · Muztagh Ata Peak
Highlights

Drive along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway to the Pamir Plateau, visit White Sand Lake and Karakul Lake, and gaze at Muztagh Ata Peak in the distance.

Attractions
White Sand Lake
A magical lake on the Pamir Plateau, with white sand mountains reflecting off the azure blue waters, creating a picturesque scene.
Muztagh Ata Peak
Iconic peak of the Pamir Plateau, standing at 7546 meters with year-round snow cover, known as the "Father of Icebergs".
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Border pass required
  • Approx. 300 km total distance
  • Recommended to charter a car or join a local tour
Highland Tips
  • Altitude above 3000m
  • Avoid strenuous exercise
  • Pay attention to sun protection and warmth
Travel Tips
  • Prepare extra camera batteries
  • Respect Tajik customs
  • Protect the plateau environment
03
Taxkorgan Charm
Stone Fortress · Golden Grassland · Tajik Home Visit
Highlights

Visit the Stone Fortress ruins in the morning, stroll through the Golden Grassland wetlands. Experience a Tajik home visit in the afternoon and learn about eagle flute culture.

Attractions
Stone Fortress Ruins
A Tang Dynasty ancient city site, once the capital of the Puli Kingdom among the 36 Western Regions states, with remaining city walls and government offices.
Golden Grassland
A wetland in the Taxkorgan River valley, with golden grass in autumn contrasting with the snowy mountains — a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Practical Info
Featured Experiences
  • Tajik Song and Dance Performance
  • Eagle Flute Making Experience
  • Yak Buzkashi Viewing
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Taxkorgan Welcome Hotel
  • Highland Homestay
  • Starry Sky Tent
Important Notes
  • Respect ethnic customs
  • Cold at night on the plateau
  • Protect cultural relics and historic sites
04
Shache Culture
Shache Royal Mausoleum · Twelve Muqam · Intangible Heritage Expo Park
Highlights

Head to Shache County, visit the Shache Royal Mausoleum, enjoy a Twelve Muqam performance, and tour the Intangible Heritage Expo Park in the afternoon.

Attractions
Shache Royal Mausoleum
Royal mausoleum complex of the Yarkent Khanate, featuring Islamic architectural style and showcasing the superb artistry of ancient Western Regions architecture.
Twelve Muqam
A classical Uyghur musical suite, hailed as the "Pearl of Eastern Music" and inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • About 4 hours drive from Taxkorgan to Shache
  • Recommended to book performance tickets in advance
  • Hands-on crafts available at the Expo Park
Ticket Info
  • Royal Mausoleum: 45 yuan
  • Intangible Heritage Expo Park: 60 yuan
Travel Tips
  • Muqam performances have fixed schedules
  • Respect the performance venue
  • Ethnic handicrafts available for purchase
05
Return & Shopping
Kashgar Grand Bazaar · Departure
Highlights

Visit the Kashgar Grand Bazaar in the morning to shop for specialty handicrafts and dried fruits. Depart in the afternoon according to flight/train schedule.

Attractions
Kashgar Grand Bazaar
The largest marketplace in Central Asia, with a dazzling array of goods — an ideal place to buy Xinjiang specialties and handicrafts.
Practical Info
Shopping Recommendations
  • Yengisar Knife
  • Atlas Silk
  • Dried Fruit Specialties
  • Ethnic Musical Instruments
Bargaining Tips
  • Negotiation is acceptable in the market
  • Compare prices at multiple stalls before buying
  • Pay attention to product quality
Departure Tips
  • Arrive at airport 2 hours early
  • Knives must be checked in
  • Allow sufficient time

Must-Try Foods in Kashgar City

Baked Stuffed Bun

A Kashgar specialty, dough wrapped around lamb filling and baked on the inner wall of a tandoor oven — golden and crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside.

Jar Braised Meat

A traditional Uyghur dish, slow-cooking lamb, carrots and other ingredients in an enamel jar — tender meat with rich broth.

Tajik Yak Meat

A specialty of the Pamir Plateau, with firm-textured yak meat suitable for stewing or grilling — unique flavor and rich nutrition.

Kashgar City Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • May-October: Pleasant climate
  • September-October: Golden poplar season
  • Avoid winter cold
Must-Try Experiences
  • Street Photography in Old City
  • Plateau Lake Photography
  • Tajik Folk Experience
  • Specialty Food Tasting
Border Pass Requirements
  • Border pass required for Taxkorgan
  • Apply in Kashgar with ID card
  • Confirm open areas in advance
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How to prevent altitude sickness? → Adapt in advance, avoid strenuous exercise
  • Best photo spots in the old city? → Sky Garden, Craftsman Bazaar
  • Essential gear? → Sunscreen, sunglasses, warm clothing
  • Best time for photography? → Morning and dusk offer the best light