travelling in kashgar china

Kashgar Travel Guide - How to Plan a Trip to Kashgar

Kashgar is the westmost city in China . With a history of over 2,000 years, Kashgar served as a main node of communications along the ancient Silk Road, which linked ancient China with Central Asian countries, such as present-day India and Iran, and Europe.

Many people yearn to visit Kashgar not only because of its exotic customs, but also because of the film " The Kite Runner ". Because of the war in Afghanistan, this film was shoot in Kashgar.

A visit to Xinjiang is incomplete without a look at Kashgar. The smells of yoghurt and melons, mutton and naan mix in the air. People in the streets are dressed in ethnic costumes. The streets are lined with exotic houses. Kashgar is the city with the strongest Uyghur culture .

Xinjiang Travel Restrictions : Xinjiang is open to tourism including Urumqi, Kashgar, Kanas, Yining, Korla, and Aksu. Contact us for more details or scan the QR code to check the up-to-date travel restrictions in English of different cities in China.

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Highlights of kashgar, best times to visit kashgar, how to get to kashgar, accommodation in kashgar, local food you may like to try, history of kashgar.

• Recommended Kshagar Tours

Snow-capped mountains, plateaus, deserts, oases, and other magnificent landscapes can be found there. Colorful ethnic customs and lively bazaars make Kashgar a vivacious place to visit.

The hospitable Uyghurs in Kashgar are good at both singing and dancing, and they welcome visitors from all over the world. Their unique musical instruments and clothes are an exotic attraction to visitors.

Kashgar Old City — Where the Kite Runner was filmed

Kashgar Old City is the only labyrinth-style city characterized by Islamic culture in China. Almost all the main streets in the old city lead to Id Kah Mosque, where the voice calling pilgrims and locals to worship resounds in the air every Friday morning.

With winding and secluded alleyways, folk houses with exotic styles, smoke rising from naan shops, the tinkling sound from workshops, old men with white beards drinking tea in the street... Kashgar Old Town shows the authentic Uygur folk life.

Recommended tour: 12-Day South Xinjiang Adventure Tour

International Bazaar

Composed of farmers' markets, flea markets, animal markets, and meat markets, with over 4,000 stalls, the bustling bazaar is packed with distinctively dressed Uyghurs, ambitious Central Asian traders and veiled Muslim women on Sundays. Muslim features are visible throughout the city.

From the 2nd century BC to the 15th century AD, Kashgar maintained a leading position in commercial trade during its long Silk Road history of 1,700 years. Caravans traveling east and west met in Kashgar, making Kashgar the earliest international trade market in western China, which is still preserved today as Kashgar International Bazaar.

Known as the "largest market in Asia" in ancient times, it is now the largest farmers' market in Xinjiang and the largest international trade market in Northwest China.

You will find beautiful and comfortable rugs, elegant earthenware, exquisite and unique Uyghur musical instruments, gorgeous and bright silk, elaborate jewelry, shining Russian bronze mirrors, Pakistani tapestries, Kyrgyz telescopes, and more interesting goods.

Kashgar Livestock Market

This is the largest livestock bazaar in Xinjiang. Cattle, sheep, camels, and other livestock are the main things traded there. Every Sunday, people take their livestock there for trade and shearing. You will hear people bargaining and lots of animal noises.

Karakuri Lake

Located at the foot of Muztagh Ata (second highest peak on the north rim of the Tibetan Plateau) in the northern Pamirs, Karakuri Lake is surrounded by mountains. The Karakoram Highway passes by the lake.

Subashi Grassland by the lakeside is lush in summer and scattered with Tajik yurts, wooden houses, cattle herds, and sheep flocks. Kirgiz herdsmen also graze their livestock there.

On a clear day, silver peaks are reflected in the lake, making it a picturesque scene.

The period from April to October offer pleasanter weather for visiting Kashgar, while the most optimal weather conditions and ripe fruits in that region make August and September the best two months to visit.

Two of the most popular local festivals (the Corban [Eid al-Adha, month 12 day 10 of the Muslim calendar: July 20, 2021] and Lesser Bairam [Eid al-Fitr, month 10 day 1 of the Muslim calendar: May 13, 2021] festivals) currently fall in the high season period, when visitors can enjoy many colorful celebratory activities.

Kashgar has a temperate and continental arid climate with four clearly distinct seasons, featuring a relatively longer summertime and a shorter winter. Summer doesn't feel too hot because of the dryness, and winter averages around freezing, but for the same reason doesn't feel so cold.

Kashgar has a July average daily range of 19–32°C (66–90°F) and a January average daily range of -10–1°C (15–33°F), negligible precipitation of less than 12 mm (½") per month, and 7 hours of sunshine on average per day, averaging over 10 hours/day in July but only around 5 hours/day in winter.

As the transportation hub of south Xinjiang, Kashgar has flights from some major cities such as Beijing (5½ hours), Chengdu (4½ hours), Xi'an (4½ hours), and Lanzhou (4 hours).

Xinjiang's high-speed rail network is incomplete, with only Urumqi, Turpan, and Hami connected by high-speed rail.

Taking a flight or normal train are the main ways to travel to Kashgar from other cities in Xinjiang.

From Urumqi to Kashgar, a flight is recommended, taking about 2 hours. Normal (overnight) trains take 18–25 hours.

From Turpan to Kashgar, it's 13–20 hours by a normal train. A 1–1½-hour bullet train with a transfer in Urumqi (for a flight) is recommended.

In Kashgar, although there are some star-rated hotels, they might not be as good as the same rating of hotels in big cities due to local expectations. Accommodation in the downtown area is best.

To ensure a comfortable hotel experience, we suggest booking 4- or 5-star hotels. They can offer Western-style breakfasts as well as simple English communication.

When booking a hotel by yourself, please make sure the hotel is allowed to accept foreigners.

A wide variety of Muslim food , Central Asian flavors, as well as tastes from other regions can be found in Kashgar. The main staples are wheat flour, corn, and rice. The followings are some typical foods found in Kashgar.

Roasted Meat

Roasted meat is the most popular and commonly seen food in Kashgar. Street stalls cluster everywhere around the city, selling a wide variety of roasted meat. Kabobs are very easy to find.

'Hand-Grab' Rice

'Hand-grab' rice is a popular food at festivals. The main materials are fresh mutton, carrots, onions, vegetables, rice, and raisins. Raisins are boiled with sliced onions, carrots, and small cubes of fried beef. Then they are put on soaked rice and boiled again.

Before eating, the custom is to wash one's hands three times and dry them with handkerchiefs. Sitting cross-legged on cushions, locals serve the rice on plates and eat it with their hands.

There are more than 10 kinds of this rice dish, mainly mutton, chicken, and vegetarian varieties, and the most common is the one using mutton.

This sour dairy product is very popular among the locals. The Muslim population enjoy drinking it all through the year. Kashgar yogurt is highly nutritious, containing a great variety of mineral substances and vitamins.

Kashgar (ancient Shule) was under the jurisdiction of the Huns during the late Qin (221 BC – 206 BC) and the early Han (206 BC – 220 AD) dynasties. Zhang Qian was stationed at Shule on his mission to the Western Regions in the 4th year of the Yuanshou Period (119 BC) of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC – 9 AD), and the Western Regions Frontier Command was established by the Han Empire in 60 BC, officially making Shule a part of ancient China.

Serving as an important military stronghold along the Silk Road during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), Kashgar was controlled by the Qarakhanid Dynasty (999–1211) and then the Liao Dynasty (916–1125) in succession from the Five Dynasties Period (907–960) to the Song Dynasty (960–1279), and it served as the capital of the Qarakhanid Dynasty.

After the great conquests of Genghis Khan prior to the Mongol Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), Kashgar became the feudal estate of Chahetai, the second son of Genghis Khan. It was ruled by Mongol khanates until its conquest by the Qing in 1759. Kashgar Prefecture was established in the 10th year of Emperor Guangxu's reign (1884) during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912).

Tour Kashgar with Us

If you are interested in visiting Kashgar, please see our Urumqi tours below for inspiration. All our tours can be customized.

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Kashgar Travel Guide

Updated May 2024 ,  The Kashgar Travel Guide was originally written in August 2018

Kashgar : The important Silk Road trading post at the junction of the Northern & Southern Routes in the extreme western fringes of China.

Closer to the Middle East than it is to Beijing and a world away. Home to Uyghur people, a suppressed ethnic minority within China, yet the majority in the Xinjiang Autonomous Uyghur Region.

I personally didn’t enjoy traveling in the Xinjiang Region, not because of anything to do with Xinjiang itself, but because of the constant military and police security checkpoints.

With that said, Kashgar seemed to be the most relaxed of the areas I was able to visit in Xinjiang, really bestowing on it the oasis it’s been known to be for the last two millennia.

Learn what to see, where to go, what to eat and where to sleep in this Kashgar Travel Guide.

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What To See & Do

There are a number of things to see in Kashgar. Sadly most of the old town has been removed and replaced by new buildings.

Most mosques have had their minarets taken off and signs with Chinese propaganda hung at the entrances. With that said the Uyghur culture is strong and you can still see important aspects of their lifestyle in Kashgar.

Sunday Livestock Market

About a 30 minute drive outside of Kashgar every Sunday this livestock market kicks off from about 8 am to 6 pm. It’s a great place to see the Uyghur, as well as Hui ( Dungan ), Tajik, Uzbek, Kazakh and Kyrgyz traders from all around Kashgar and the surrounding area come to trade livestock.

You’ll see trucks, carts, and pens full of sheep, camels, horses, cows, and donkeys. Watching the men haggle with their hand gestures is quite interesting. Make sure and get some freshly prepared lamb samsa and chai before you leave.

The Grand Sunday Bazaar

This is the main bazaar in Kashgar that happens every day, however, it’s far more lively on Sundays. Grab some silk, spices, tea, carpets, and doppa caps here.

Kashgar Old Town

Most of the true Old Town has been demolished and some parts re-built in the typical Chinese  let’s-tear-down-and-rebuild-in-a-Disneyified-manner-and-build-a-new-building-that-looks-old , and others built into very Chinese looking characterless big buildings.

In the government’s defense, the structures were dilapidated and had sewage issues. You aren’t allowed to visit what remains of the true Old Town, however, there’s no guard on duty there until about 9am. So get an early start and sneak in and out before his shift starts.

Id Kah Mosque

This is the big yellow mosque in the main square. This is the largest mosque in all of Xinjiang. Non-Muslims may enter outside of prayer times. Entrance is 45 RMB per person.

Abakh Hoja Mausoleum

One of the holiest sites in all of Xinjiang built by the Hoja family in 1640. The architecture is worth coming to visit, and it’s a major pilgrimage site for Muslims around Xinjiang. 30 RMB to enter.

Located in Kashgar’s Renmin Quare there is a massive Mao Statue.  I mean, when in China, right?

Mor Buddhist Pagoda

With only one pagoda remaining from the 7th century, this was where monks came to worship until most of the pagodas were destroyed in the 12th century.

Tomb Of Yusap Khas Hajip

Tomb of the Kashgari poet Yusap Khas Hajip who wrote the famous Uyghur poem  The Wisdom of Happiness and Pleasure.  30 RMB to enter.

Tomb of Mahmud Kashgari

Mahmud Kashgari compiled and created the first Turkic Language dictionary in the 11th century. The tomb is also home to a mosque and sacred spring. 30 RMB to enter. Located in Upal, about an hour drive south outside of Kashgar.

Karakul Lake

A beautiful lake located about a 5 hour drive south of Kashgar. A nice stop if you’re planning to travel between Kashgar and Tashkurgan. Nearby along the Karakoram Highway toward Tashkurgan you can find the turquoise Bulungkol Lake.

Shipton’s Arch (Toshuk Tag)

Likely the highest rock arch in the work at 2,973m in altitude. Located about 2 hours drive west of Kashgar as you drive toward the Irkeshtam border crossing with Kyrgyzstan. A good stop for those bound for or coming from Kyrgyzstan.

Travel Or Cycle The Karakoram Highway

For the adventurous, you can cycle or travel the Karakoram Highway. The Karakoram Highway starts in Kashgar in the north, continues south to Tashkurgan and then heads south to cross the  Khunjerab Pass  into Pakistan’s  Gilgit-Baltistan  and eventually ends in Islamabad in the south.

This is a bucket list trip for many as the KKH is one of the highest paved roads in the world and  Khunjerab Pass  is the highest paved border crossing in the world. Note that to travel south beyond Tashkurgan on the KKH you need a Pakistani Visa which must be applied for from your home country usually.

Read:  Crossing Khunjerab Pass  & The  Gilgit-Baltistan Travel Guide  to plan for the KKH

How To Get To Kashgar

You’ll arrive to Kashgar either by road, train or by air.

By Plane : Kashgar Airport has direct connections to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Internationally there are direct flights to Islamabad, Pakistan. A taxi from the airport to the center of Kashgar will cost around 30 RMB. Many times taxis operate as shared taxis so others may climb in with you and you can split the fare.

By Car & Bus : You can reach Kasher from Urumqi, Hotan, Tashkurgan, Kuqa and more by bus or car. You can also travel by road over the Irkeshtam Pass from  Kyrgyzstan , the  Khunjerab Pass  from Sost, Pakistan, or over the  Qolma Pass  from Tajikistan. Traveling to Kashgar from Sost usually requires an overnight stay in Tashkurgan.

By Train : Kashgar isn’t yet connected to China’s high-speed network. All trains ( much like buses ) will take an eternity. You can reach Kashgar by train from Urumqi,  Turpan , Kuqa, and Hotan. Note that train stations in Kashgar and Xinjiang require you to go through a painstaking number of security checkpoints.

Want To Visit Turpan?

Turpan In One Day Travel Guide: The Hottest Place In China

How To Get Around

Kashgar is small enough that you can get around by foot as most things are not more than 15-20 minutes walk apart. Though some of the outlying sites as well as sites outside the city you may want to get a taxi.

The train station you’ll want to either get a taxi or take bus #28 to reach the center of Kashgar. From the airport grab a taxi.

Where To Sleep

Most accommodations in Kashgar will not accept foreigners at this time. One that has been confirmed to take foreign guests is Ancient City Yashe Hostel.

Where To Eat

Trying traditional Uyghur food is a must in Kashgar. Uyghur cuisine is related to Central Asian cuisine but it tastes 1,000x better.

Make sure and try lagman, plov, samsa, manti, kawaplar, and non. Of course, there are a scattering of Sichuan restaurants around town as well.

Going across Irkeshtam Pass? Check out my  Kyrgyzstan travel guide

Wanna combine China &  Tajikistan ? Read about crossing  Qolma Pass

Not up to sort a trip on your own?

Check out this private Kashgar 2 day tour

Book one of these multi-day Xinjiang and Silk Road tours

Looking to save some money? It’s usually cheaper to book tours once you arrive in Kashgar.

Heading to Kashgar Soon?

Have any questions not answered in the Kashgar Travel Guide? Ask in the comments!

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5 thoughts on “kashgar travel guide: xinjiang’s oasis in the chinese far west”.

Hi! I plan to travel to Kashgar in April. I’m wondering where people stay overnight if most hotels don’t take foreigners? I was in Urümqi in 2018 and was able to book via booking… was the restriction mentioned due to COVID or did it have another reason? Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and respond 🙂

A traveler had emailed this past summer stating that it was difficult to find accommodations accepting foreigners, and I am assuming that this was something related to China finally opening up to travelers again but it could be due to the political situation-I don’t have the concrete details on this. I would look up hotels via booking/google/etc and contact the hotel via email directly and ask.

Any update how to reach in 2022?

As of now it still sounds like China has some really strict entry rules (Covid).

Thank you! I arrived in Kashgar and used your advice here, very helpful!!

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Locked away in the westernmost corner of China, closer to Tehran and Damascus than to Běijīng, Kashgar (喀什; Kāshí) has been the epicentre of regional trade and cultural exchange for more than two millennia.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Shipton’s Arch

This extraordinary natural rock arch (the rather prosaic Uyghur name means simply ‘mountain with a hole in it’) is one of the tallest on earth. The first…

Sunday Livestock Market

No visit to Kashgar is complete without a trip to the Livestock Market, which takes place once a week on Sunday. The day begins with Uyghur farmers and…

Grand Sunday Bazaar

Kashgar’s main bazaar is open every day but really kicks it up a gear on Sunday. Step through the jam-packed entrance and allow your five senses to guide…

Kashgar Old Town

The Old Town is the soul of Kashgar, and as such the government has spent much of the past two decades knocking it down block by block and building a…

Id Kah Mosque

The yellow-tiled Id Kah Mosque, which dates from 1442, is the spiritual and physical heart of the city. Enormous (it's the largest mosque in Xinjiang),…

Abakh Hoja Mausoleum

This 3-hectare mausoleum complex was built by the Khoja family, who ruled the region in the 17th and 18th centuries. Widely considered the holiest Muslim…

At the end of a 45km drive northeast of Kashgar are the ruins of Ha Noi, a Tang-dynasty town built in the 7th century and abandoned in the 12th century…

Kashgar Museum

This regional museum is not as good as some of the other excellent local museums in Xinjiang, but it's free and includes an incredible 6th-century…

Latest stories from Kashgar

May 5, 2017 • 5 min read

The unmoving landscapes of the Silk Road, which passes through the far northwest reaches of China, have enchanted travellers for millennia. Sights along…

Apr 18, 2017 • 6 min read

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Attractions

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Kashgar Travel Guide

Kashgar facts.

Chinese Name: 喀什 (kā shí) Population: 4,633,800 Area: 162,000 square kilometers (6,255 square miles) Location: in the southwest of Xinjiang, northwest China Administrative Division: 1 county-level city (Kashgar); 11 counties (Shufu, Shule, Yengisar, Yopurga, Payzawat, Yarkant, Poskam, Yecheng, Makit, Marabishi, Tajik Taxkorgan Autonomous County) Area Code: 0998 Zip Code: 844000 GDP (2018): CNY 89.012 billion (USD 13.452 billion) Nationalities: Han , Hui , Uygur , Kirgiz , Tajik , Uzbek

An Ancient City Keeping the Strongest Uyghur Customs

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Classical Silk Road : 14 days, Urumqi, Kashgar, Turpan, Dunhuang, Xi'an, Shanghai Trip to Urumqi, Kashgar : 6 days along Silk Road Hiking Adventure

How to Get to Kashgar

Kashgar Airport, located about 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) north of city center, is capable of accommodating incoming and outgoing flights to destinations both domestic and international, including Urumqi, Hotan, Kuqa, Aksu, Kirghizia, Islamabad, Osh, Andijan and Uzbekistan. Kashgar Railway Station, only about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away from the city center, has daily trains running to and from Urumqi. It is also easily accessible by long-distance bus to go to other cities in and around Xinjiang from this city. Traveling around the city, the city-bus and taxi are good options. Shache Airport ia located in  Xianglan’gan Village of Shache County in Kashgar City, 21 kilometers (13 miles) away from the center of county. From Shache Airport, passengers can fly from/to Urumqi, Hotan, Korla and Kashgar.

Mainly a continental climate; long periods of sunshine and little rainfall; vary greatly with topography as plain climate, desert climate and mountain climate; frost-free period of 215 days; short warm winter and long cool summer; vary considerably between day and night; clear four seasons; average temperature: 11.8 C annually with the lowest of -24.4 C and the highest of 40.1 C; rainfall: 61.5 mm annually. The best time to pay a visit is between August and October when the sky is blue and there is blossom and fruit on the trees. It is recommended that you wear a light top with long sleeves and a hat for protection from strong UV radiation.

Kashgar Travel Tips

• 1 Understand
• 3.1 By plane
• 3.2 By train
• 3.3.1 From Kyrgyzstan
• 4 Get around
• 5.1 Bazaars
• 5.2 Old Town
• 5.3 Other sights
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge

Kashgar (Chinese: 喀什 Kāshí ; Uyghur: قەشقەر Qeshqer ) is in the extreme west of China and the southwest extreme of Xinjiang . The city has been an important trading centre since the days of the Silk Road , and still is today; it is said to have the largest bazaar in Asia.

The local population is a colourful mixture of Uyghurs, Han Chinese, Kyrgyz, Tajiks and Uzbeks, with ethnic Uyghurs forming the majority. It is considered by most people to be the main center of Uyghur culture in China.

The Silk Road route from Eastern and Central China branches after Dunhuang ; one route runs along the north edge of the Taklamakan Desert, the other along the south. Kashgar is where the two branches meet again in the western part of the desert. From there, the main route continues west into toward the Ferghana Valley and Samarkand .

Another former caravan trail has now become the Karakorum Highway leading south into Pakistan ; Kashgar is its northern terminus.

Historically, Kashgar has often been the capital of an independent kingdom — Marco Polo mentions one that existed before the Mongol conquest; the most recent was under Yakub Beg (originally from Kokand ) in the late 19th century — and at other times part of various empires including Mongol, Persian and Chinese. It has usually been under Chinese control since the Qing took it in 1759, though there have been several revolts; the last ended in 1934. Today it is China's westernmost city.

Due to its large ethnic Uyghur majority, Uyghur is the main language spoken in Kashgar. That said, younger people who have been to school generally speak Mandarin as well.

Travelling in this area has several options, with a direct relationship between how much you are willing to pay and how fast you want to get to your destination. Trains are the slowest and only leave a few times a day, but are also almost always the cheapest option.

A taxi to the city should cost about 30-¥100 by meter. Shuttle buses leaving from the International Hotel at People's Square are available for ¥10 per person. The airport has its own shuttle bus that goes from the airport into any location in town (just tell the driver where you are going) for ¥15. There is also a public bus that goes to/from the airport to most locations in town, the line 2, for ¥2. To get to the public bus, you must walk straight out of the front entrance of the airport, past the airport gates and turn left. The line 2 buses wait at the side of the street, about 20 metres to the left.

Kashgar Railway Station (喀什火车站; Kāshí Huǒchēzhàn ) is the main railway station in the city. It is on Renmin East Road (人民东路; Rénmíndōnglù ). Although it is east of the town centre, the distance is too far for walking. Bus 28 connects the city including Renmin Square (人民广场; Rénmín Guángchǎng ), to the railway station. From the railway station, walk out and turn right and you will probably see a bus waiting there already. The fare is ¥1 and is paid onboard. If you do not know where you are going, get on bus 28, get off at Renmin Square and figure things out from there; the city centre is walkable and at Xinhua Bookstore (新华书店; Xīnhuá Shūdiàn ), next to the main square, you will be able to purchase the best maps of Kashgar for about ¥5-8 (although these maps are only in Chinese).

From the railway station, Qinibagh and Seman Hotels can be reached a couple of stops after Renmin Square on bus 28 and then walking uphill for about 5 minutes; the people on the bus can probably help you and most people on the street know where these places are.

Kashgar is at the end of the Urumqi-Kashgar line. Destinations of interest include:

• Korla - takes about 13–16 hours
• Kuqa - takes about 9–11 hours
• Urumqi - Fast train K9788 - takes 24 hours, departs at 13:15, Train 7558 - takes 32 hours, departs at 08:15
• Turpan - about 22 hours by the fast train

Kashgar– Hotan Railway has been completed and is now also open. Stops include but are not limited to:

• Yarkand - takes about 4 hours
• Hotan - takes about 10–12 hours

International Bus Station is at 5 Jicheng Road

• Korla - takes about 16 hours
• Kuqa - takes about 11 hours
• Urumqi - takes about 24 hours
• Sost, Pakistan - daily buses, which includes an overnight stay at Tashkurgan required at own expense. In Sost, there are connections from Gilgit .
• Hotan - takes about 10 hours. If you take the night bus, it takes about seven hours, letting you out in front of Hotan's Jiaotong Bingguan (Traffic Hotel) at 3:30am.
• Tashkurgan - takes about 8 hours
• Yecheng - takes about 4 hours
• Ili - takes about 26 hours

From Kyrgyzstan

• To Osh : Two weekly direct sleeper buses (M and F) leave at 10:00 (Beijing time), and the trip takes about 18 hours. The trip is pricey at ¥550 and the buses depart from Kashgar International Bus Station (north of town on the road to the airport).

It is less expensive, and maybe even faster, to get to Osh , or at least to Sary-Tash in Kyrgyzstan using a combination of service taxis and trucks. At Kashgar's International Bus Station, get a taxi around 08:30 (Beijing time) for the 2 hour journey to the immigration point near Wuqia (they'll want 300Y but you can bargain down to 150Y). If you want to take a shared taxi to Wuqia (25Y), go earlier to make sure you're at the immigration checkpoint when it opens at 11:00. From Wuqia, stick to the main road and flag down passing vehicles westwards or get another taxi for the five-minute journey to the immigration checkpoint. There, immigration officers will even help you to get on a truck or into a car - they all go at least to Sary-Tash. Trucks might require a small payment. If you're lucky to get a seat in a car, you may be in Sary-Tash before 17:00. From there, it's only 3 hours to Osh (2000-2500 Som for a private taxi). There is no special permit (other than a Kyrgyz visa) required for this border.

• Bishkek , Kyrgyzstan - You will need a special permit if you're a foreigner. Most foreigners use the services of a travel agency. There is a direct bus, which takes about 16 hours including overnight stay (you must have PSB permit and valid visa for Kyrgyzstan).

The Karakoram Highway runs from Pakistan into China. Kashgar is the nearest major town on the Chinese end.

Most of Kashgar including the bus station, bazaar, main square, downtown (with the notable exception of the animal market) can be reached on foot within 15–20 minutes of each other if you are not carrying huge amounts of baggage. The railway station is too far to walk but is reachable with public bus 28 which, among other places, stops at Renmin Square (人民广场; Rénmín Guángchǎng ), the main square. The international bus station is near the city and walkable.

The old town and narrow alleyways are pretty much only explorable on foot.

Cross streets carefully in Kashgar as no pedestrian crossings are available.

Cycling is an option but the traffic is somewhat dangerous, so only do this if you are experienced with this kind of traffic environment. Bicycles can be rented at major hotels such as Qinibagh for typically less than ¥30/day.

Taking a taxi with Didi or just by flagging one down is the easiest method of traveling around.

• Mor Buddhist Pagoda ( About 40 km northeast of Kashgar city ). Built in 7th century during the Tang dynasty and destroyed in the 12th century. Nowadays only one pagoda is left, next to the pagoda is a platform. The pagoda is the place where the monks in the city to come and do their worship. The Mor pagoda has three square layers, each a little smaller than the one below it. The bottom layer has circumferences of more than forty-eight meters, the second layer forty meters and the third layer thirty-two meters, while the pagoda stands more than twelve meters high. The platform beside the pagoda was one of the central temple structures, and in its side walls were carved niches housing Buddha figurines. But now there aren’t any figures left, and even the niches themselves are barely visible. ( updated Jun 2024 )
• Mal Bazaar ( Take bus 23 from near the international bus station, next to the river. (¥1) ). Sundays . The livestock market, where locals from all the surrounding villages come to town to buy and sell animals. It's held on an open and fenced ground. It's popular with tourists, yet is so big it still feels like (in fact it is) a working bazaar. It changed its location some three years ago; now it's a good 30 minute bus ride north of the city (bus 23, get off with everyone else - you'll know when) or a (¥15-20) metered taxi ride for around 15 minutes.  
• Yengi Bazaar . Daily . The handicrafts, cloths, carpets and anything-else-you-can-expect market. Less crowded on weekdays. Bargain hard!  
• Old Town . The old town used to have warren-like niches and winding streets, home to friendly (if occasionally guarded) residents and delightfully improvised architecture. However, as of 2017, the Chinese government has completely destroyed everything in the Old Town and "redeveloped" it into a dystopia. ( updated Feb 2023 )

Other sights

• Tomb of Yusup Khass Hajip . The tomb of Kashgar's much loved philosopher and poet who wrote the 13,290-line poem The Wisdom of Happiness and Pleasure in the Uighur language. ¥30 .  
• Tomb of Mahmud Kashgari ( About an hour's drive from Kashgar in Upal ). The tomb of an Uyghur scribe, famous for compiling a dictionary of the Turkic languages in the 11th century. This picturesque complex is situated on a hillside and includes a mosque and a sacred spring. Upal has a lively bazaar. ¥30 .  
• Davakul Lake . Davakul Lake is 130 km from Kashgar, on the southeast tip of Taklimakan Desert. Davakul means "curing lake" in Uyghur language. It is one of the nearest places to Kashgar to do one or more days camel trekking in the Taklamakan Desert. ¥30 .  
• Kashgar Silk Road Expeditions tour company , 144 Seman Road . Offers several types of tours in the area, including mountain treks.  
• Kashgar Guide tour company's Shipton's Arch Trekking , 407 Wusitang Boyi Rd . This is a one-day trek done in steeply walled canyons and over Rocky River bed terrain. The arch is 500 metres high and 100 metres wide, and is a little known wonder of the world.  

The price of everything is negotiable in Kashgar, adding to excitement of shopping. Be polite in bargaining , but be mindful that merchants will overcharge you as a foreigner especially if you do not speak Uyghur or Chinese; so bargain hard. Price differences between locals and foreigners can easily amount to several hundred yuan so be careful. Local specialties include kilims (carpets), and colourful Central Asian hats (doppa, kalpak).

There are plenty of good local restaurants and street food.

• Food stalls . For a variety of snacks and dishes, try the food stalls opposite the Id Kah mosque. The stalls start operating during the evening.  
• Sunday Market . The Sunday market also has good things to eat.  

It may be wise to avoid anything with ice as the ice in Kashgar is usually carried in large blocks and frequently placed on the ground so they may not be clean, but there are places around Id Kah where the ice is clean and safe, and well-known all around Xinjiang. During the summer months there are huge heaps of melons and watermelons - cheap, tasty and refreshing. The going price for a hami melon (哈密瓜; hāmìguā ) is around ¥1 per kilogramme, so in total, it costs ¥2-5 per melon depending on the size. Buying, washing and cutting it yourself is probably the most hygienic way to eat these fabulous tasty fruits. It would be wise to have the melon seller to cut the melon for you, as it will be hard to find a knife.

• Altun Orda Restaurant is the local restaurant with reasonable prices. It is not only good place to taste some local dishes but also to see the local architecture of Uighur people. Try the specialty pollo or rice pilaf with raisins. Tel: +86 (998) 2583555
• [dead link] Karakoram Cafe ( 新疆 ), 87 Seman Road ( 新疆喀什色满路87号2822669 ), ☏ +86 998 3422888 . Western style. Quality food, hot drinks and service that speak English, this may be an oasis in the middle of hectic Asia. Prices are a little pricey but if you can afford it, it is worth it.  
• K2 Rooftop Cafe , Rd Nuo'er Beixi ( Right to the North of Id Kah Mosque ), ☏ +86 998 2823376 . Western style. Fine coffee& pizza, iced drinks, dessert and waiter that speaks good English, the terrace that covered with plants has great view of the mosque and the old town. The cafe is within the Kashgar Pamir Hostel.  
• Shawarma ( Continental food ), 110 Seman Road ( Just north of Eden Hotel and Fubar on Seman Road ). Owned and run by a native Pakistani, this is the place to get home-made Pakistani food in Kashgar. Serving mostly daily specials, such as a spicy ground beef platter or curried chicken, the taste of the food is impressive. Ask politely in advance to have delicious falafel or houmous made to order. 10-¥20 .  
• Yasin Kariagim Silk Road Uighur Restaurant , 库木代尔瓦扎路 Kumudaierwazha Road ( Just off the main old city shopping road that runs up the west side of the Id Kah Mosque ), ☏ +86 998 2820008 . Popular among the locals, this place serves very fresh meat. In fact, sometimes they have no more meat to offer because they've sold out. Buy a nan bread fresh out of the oven from one of the many local bakers on the side of the road and bring it with you. Get lamb skewers and liver skewers and enjoy it with your nan bread. 10-¥20 .  

There are not as many places serving alcohol in Kashgar as in other areas of China.

• John's Cafe ( In Qiniwak Hotel (ancient British consulate) ). Offers backpacker hospitality at 1.7 times the price of other locations, and is very popular among single travellers. Managed by Jack who speaks fluent English. Seems to be closed in the off-season.  
• [dead link] The Gallery Cafe ( Gallery Cafe ), Jie Fang Bei Lu ( From DaShiZi, go towards the Idkah mosque and take the first right turn ), ☏ +86 998 2828207 . A little oasis for those looking for home style western food or a cup of coffee. Foreign-owned Gallery Cafe opened in October 2009. The place also acts as a showcase for local artists' oil paintings and a tourist information center.  
• Kashgar Old City Youth Hostel ( 喀什老城青年旅舍 ), NO.233 in Wusitangboyi road ( bus number 28 ), ☏ +86 998-2823262 . A hostel centrally based with dorm beds and shared bathrooms. Beds were previously very hard, but in spring 2012, the hostel purchased new mattresses that are much more comfortable. Enclosed with a central courtyard with eastern styled areas. Seems to be very popular so a booking is suggested. Community Breakfast (10Y), lunch and dinner (20Y) is offered, as well as a kitchen area. April 2016: There are also doubles for 108Y (non-attached bathrom) or 140Y (own bathroom) 45Y/Night .  
• Qiniwak Hotel ( 喀什其尼瓦克宾馆; Kāshí Qíníwǎkè Bīnguǎn ), 144 Seman Road (色满路144号; Sèmǎnlù) ( Occupies the building that used to be the British Consulate, at the cross road with Nuoerbeixi ), ☏ +86 998 2981158 . Offers dorm style bedrooms in the adjacent building. More expensive doubles have free internet. Business centre, currency exchange, gift shop, ticket office, karaoke, massage and sauna available. Chinese and Western Restaurants as well as coffee shop and bar. Dorms ¥50 in a three bed room; discounted rates for doubles ¥160 including breakfast .  
• Kashgar Guest House , Tawaguzi Road , ☏ +86 998 2612360 , fax : +86 998 2614679 .  
• Chini Bagh Hotel , 337 Seman Road , ☏ +86 998 2822103 , fax : +86 998 2842299 . Prices for a double start at ¥60 in the older building .  
• Seman Hotel ( Seman Binguan ), 337 Seman Road , ☏ +86 998 2582150 , fax : +86 998 2582129 . In an old Russian consulate building, the rooms are oddly-shaped with simple bathrooms, common areas have high ceilings and military-themed oil paintings, 300 rooms. Prices for a double start at ¥100. Dorms from ¥40 .  
• Hotel Eden , ☏ +86 13899132103 , [email protected] . The hotel is right on the edge of the old town. Double Rooms are ¥238 per night incl. breakfast.Fantastic yogurt on the ground floor restaurant although served at room temperature. The ground floor restaurant of this hotel is one of the "happening" scenes of Kasghar among locals and is usually packed with affluent local Uyghurs.  
• [dead link] Sultan Hotel ( 苏力旦大饭店 ), no 37 North Liberation Road ( Just south of the Id Kah Mosque ), ☏ +86 09982653333 , [email protected] . A four-star Uigher-run hotel just south of the central mosque. Reasonable price most easily obtained by calling them. ¥240 . ( updated Sep 2016 )
• Kashi Tianyuan International Hotel ( 喀什天缘国际酒店; Kāshí Tiānyuán Guójìjiǔdiàn ), 8 Renmin East Road (人民东路8号; Rénmíndōnglù) , ☏ +86 998 2801111 , fax : +86 998 2802266 . Four star hotel with large rooms with free internet and mini bar. Business center, gift shop, ticket office, karaoke, spa, massage and sauna available. Chinese restaurant coffee shop and room service. The restaurant is not good, but the 24 hour spa, massage and sauna are excellent. Listed rates for doubles ¥780-1,880 including breakfast .  
• Radisson Blu Hotel Kashgar , No. 2, Duolaitebage Rd , ☏ +86 998 268 8888 , [email protected] . Upscale Western hotel with pool, restaurant, and conference/meeting rooms,. ( updated Mar 2020 )
• Karakul Lake - Scenic alpine lake, located on the road to Tashkorgan and Pakistan. A mini bus departs at 11:30 (Beijing time) from the main bus station, costs 35Y & takes 4 hours. However, a permit is required for all non-PRC citizens. This can be very difficult to arrange on your own, but all travel agencies in Kashgar are familiar with the process. Before arranging your own transportation to Karakul Lake (or any location on the Karakoram Highway), make sure you have a permit, as there are checkpoints along the highway. No one without a permit can go past the checkpoints, which are real military checkpoints, complete with armed soldiers. One must show one's permit and passport at the checkpoints. A couple hours past the lake is the tranquil Tajik city of Tashkurgan, which provides beautiful mountain vistas near the border of Tajikistan. Spend the night there before heading back down the Karakoran Highway and enjoy the quiet town and its peaceful pastures.
• Kashgar is also near the border with Kyrgyzstan , which can be accessed via the Irkeshtam and Torugart passes.
• Khunjerab Pass is along the Karakoram Highway , allowing access to India and Pakistan.

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Kashgar - 喀什

Review of paul , our china travel expert on kashgar - 喀什, pictures of kashgar.

At the gateway to the Taklamaklan Desert and at the foot of the Tian Shan highlands, the oasis town of Kashgar is located in the south of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region. Kashgar shares borders with 4 different countries: Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan. The city also serves as gateway to Tibet. At the end of 2010, the population of the city was estimated at just under 4 million. The majority of them are Uyghurs but we find the presence of very different peoples such as Huns, Russians, Mongols or Uzbeks.Kashgar once played a very important role along the Silk Road. Today, tourists are often offered to take a camel or car ride along the road to make them aware of the difficulty of the route. After visiting the Taklamaklan Desert, you will have to head towards Lake Karakul. It is located near Mount Muztagata, at an altitude of 3,600 meters. The dazzling beauty of a poetic landscape still in the wild will delight lovers of nature. The colors of the water vary according to the time of day and bind with the reflections of snow-capped mountains and green grass.If you are lucky, you will meet Kyrgyz and Tajiks. They are very hospitable in the area and may invite you to their home. This will give you an unforgettable insight into a unique way of life. In Kashgar itself, it is essential to spend some time in the big Sunday market. Merchants from neighboring countries come to sell items that you will not find anywhere else. The old town is worth the detour. The Id Kah mosque was built in 1442 and is now the largest mosque in Asia. Along the narrow streets, you will discover some mausoleums and some pagodas.

Visits to Kashgar

The tomb Abakh Hoja Abakh Hoja Tomb is located 5 kilometers north east of the city. It is, however, better known as the “Xiangfei Tomb”, a Uighur woman of the Qing dynasty who was imprisoned and forced to marry Emperor Qianlong. In fact, the grave is her grandfather’s. Xiangfei is a very strong symbol, as much for the Uighurs as for the Han. She is considered a heroine by the Uighurs and as a heroine representing anti-Qing and anti-feudal. Legend has it that Xiangfei committed suicide under the pressure of the shenanigans orchestrated by Empress Dowager.The buildings of the tomb are high and resemble those of a mosque with blue and white colors and a green dome decorated with small minarets. On the dome, a crescent-shaped minaret is drawn. The real Xiangfei Tomb is inside, it is embellished with blue pottery with a beautiful pattern of blue flowers on a white background. The Idkah Mosque The Idkah Mosque is the largest in China and the religious center of Kashgar. The call to prayer echoes throughout the city. The current structure was renovated and extended based on the original mosque built in 1442 for Shakesirmirzha, the leader of Kashgar. The mosque is built in yellow bricks, making it very visible from Id Kah Square.When this is not the time for prayer, tourists are allowed to enter the mosque. However, there must be covered arms and legs, for both women and men. The best time is early in the morning, when there are few faithful. The place is always full of pilgrims who come to pray. Outside the mosque, we can see some pilgrims flogging while dancing energetically, accompanied by musicians. The Sunday market of Kashgar The famous Sunday market has been here for more than 1500 years. The east of the city is transformed into a huge bazaar where peasants, merchants and traders from the regions and neighboring countries meet. There are more than 5,000 stalls and about 100,000 people a day. People come from all over central Asia to do business.The market offers a wide variety of products: crafts, livestock, vegetables, jackets, fabrics, carpets, embroidered blankets etc. You can find handicrafts from Pakistan, scarves from Turkey or dry fruits from Saudi Arabia. Thanks to its mix of cultures, the Kashgar market is a unique experience full of colors and flavors.

Access to Kashgar

There are several possibilities to travel to Kashgar. The train is the least expensive option but also the least fast. Allow more than 10 hours from Korla and Kuqa and at least 20 hours from Turpan. Kashgar airport is connected to Urumqi but also to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. On site, it is better to go to town by car. You can then walk around on foot. For your excursions outside the city, the public bus and the taxi are the practical options.

When to travel to Kashgar?

The climate of the region is a continental climate. Summers are long while winters are much shorter. The hottest month is July with an average temperature around 27 ° C. The period from April to October is the most pleasant with a special mention in August and September. The temperatures are on the one hand very pleasant and the landscapes are on the other hand much more flowery and colored since the season of reason is in full swing. You will find more detailed information on the climate of Xinjiang on the page: Weather Silk Road .

Where to sleep in Kashgar?

Staying in a good hotel is one of the first step to a successful vacation. Indeed, a good accommodation can make your vacation even more exceptional … like a bad one can spoil a stay.The ancient mythical city of the Silk Road, Kashgar is full of places to stay. You’ll get something for every budget, from small B & Bs of incomparable charm to large hotels in the city center, near the main sites to visit, or in the surrounding countryside. That’s why we have selected for you the bests Kashgar’s Hotels , mixing comfort and quality of services.

Kashgar - 喀什 : visits around

Yengisar - 英吉沙

Turpan / Tourfan - 吐魯番

Korla and the Taklamakan desert - 庫爾勒 - 塔克拉玛干沙漠

Urumqi - 烏魯木齊

Karakul Lake - 喀拉库勒湖

Yarkand - 莎车

Kuqa / Kucha - 庫車

Kanas Lake - 喀纳斯 湖

Tianchi Lake - 天池

Shipton's Arch - 阿图什天门

Oytagh - 奥依塔格

Our travel ideas to personalize see all tours.

Self Driving Tour in China – From Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan via Xinjiang (5 days)

Silk Road Tour (11 days)

Our small group tours See all tours

Kashgar Travel Guide

Located in the Tarim Basin region of southern Xinjiang, Kashgar is one of the westernmost cities of China which borders Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in Central Asia. Thanks to its strategic location, Kashgar has been an important junction on the ancient Silk Road for centuries, having been endowed with a splendid history and diverse cultural influences.

The region is embraced by the Tianshan Mountains, Pamir Mountains, and Taklamakan Desert, with the Kashgar River flowing through the city. Today, there are over 782,000 people here, and most of them are Uyghurs who practice Islam, build their houses in Central Asia architectural style, and still retain the region’s cultural heritage to this day. Their traditional handicraft, bazaars, mosques, and neighborhoods all together contribute to the unique character of Kashgar.

Chinese : 喀什 kā shí

Location : Southwest Xinjiang

Population (urban area) : 7,113,000

Why visit Kashgar?

• Explore well-preserved historical and cultural heritages that have witnessed a history of thousands of years.
• Experience the exotic culture and customs in this region. Its Uyghur majority and culture exchange in the past centuries leave Kashgar a charming destination with unique life and tradition.
• Visit the lively and colorful bazaars filled with a variety of goods, from spices, carpets, and handicrafts to livestock.
• Savor local food that is influenced by Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Chinese flavors.
• Interact with local ethnic groups and experience their hospitality and friendliness.

Top Kashgar Attractions

Top things to do in kashgar, visit the kashgar old city.

A top highlight of Kashgar, the over 2,000-year-old Kashgar Old City is a labyrinth-like neighborhood where narrow alleys are lined with mud-brick houses in Islamic and Uyghur styles. Locals decorate their houses with floral patterns and domes and pave the alleys with bricks of different shapes. The bricks of the alleys serve as direction indicators for visitors, for example, the hexagonal bricks lead to the direction to walk out of the town and quadrilateral bricks show that you are walking to a dead end. A walk through the winding alleys will lead you to the daily life in the ancient town with locals wearing traditional clothes, making handicrafts and instruments in the store, enjoying tea and food in ancient teahouses, etc.

Stroll around Kashgar’s Iconic Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar in Kashgar is the largest and busiest of its kind in Xinjiang. Here you may encounter not only local merchants but also merchants from all over Central and Western Asia. It is a paradise for shopping, and also a place showing the splendid culture and life of local Uyghurs. Taking a leisure stroll around the bazaar, you will surely be mesmerized by the endless stalls selling a variety of products, such as spices, teas, silk, dried fruit, carpets, musical instruments, clothing, and local delicacies.

Experience the Kashgar Livestock Bazaar

A popular animal market, the Kashgar Livestock Bazaar takes place every Sunday from  8 am to 2 pm. Here you will get a rare chance to witness local farmers and traders selling and buying livestock, such as sheep, goats, camels, horses, and donkeys, and find many local cuisines. Boasting a history of over 2,000 years, it is not only a place for goods and animal exchange but also a testament to the region’s rich and diverse cultural and religious tapestry.

Admire the Abakh Hoja Tomb

Abakh Hoja Tomb is a masterpiece of Uyghur architecture that serves as the mausoleum for the Abakh Khoja family. Abakh Khoja was once the leader of this region in the 17 th century. The tomb is now one of the holiest Muslim sites for locals, offering a glimpse into the beauty and history of the Uyghur culture and architecture. The tomb chamber is the highlight of the tomb complex, inviting visitors with its big dome of green glazed tiles and the circular edifice with a crescent on top.

Calm Your Spirit at Id Kah Mosque

Id Kah Mosque is the largest mosque in China, covering an area of about 16,800 square meters, with its lecture hall can house over 20,000 worshippers. The mosque was built by the king of this region in 1442 and now stands as a landmark of local Islamic architecture. It impresses visitors with its yellow brick facade, the green tiles-covered dome, and three towering minarets. To have a close observation, you will be enchanted by the delicate wood carvings, ceramic tiles, and Arabic inscriptions which add the grandeur of the buildings.

Kashgar Weather

Kashgar has a temperate continental climate with very hot summers and very cold winters. Due to its distance from the ocean, geographical location, and elevation, the region undergoes a dry and low-precipitation climate, with large temperature differences annually and daily. In summer, the highest temperature can reach up to 40℃. January is usually the coldest month with the lowest temperature dropping to -22℃. The best time to visit Kashgar is from May to September when the weather is pleasant and comfortable, suitable for outdoor activities.

Kashgar Transportation

Kashgar offers multiple transportation options for getting there and getting around the city.

Getting to Kashgar

You can fly to the Kashi Laining International Airport which is located about 8 km from the city center. The airport operates flights to/from 17 domestic cities outside Xinjiang, such as Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xi’an, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, etc. and 13 cities inside Xinjiang, such as Urumqi, Shihezi, Kuqa, Yining, Hetian, Korla, etc.

From the airport to Kashgar city center, a taxi ride will cost about CNY 30 and take about 20 minutes. Or you can take a shuttle bus from the airport, which runs every 30 minutes from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. The shuttle bus ride will cost CNY 10 per person, and take about 30 minutes.

Currently, no high-speed trains are operating in Kashgar, so to arrive by train, you’ll need to take a normal train and arrive at Kashgar Railway Station which offers daily trains to/off many cities in Xinjiang along the Southern Xinjiang Railway and the Kashgar-Hotan Railway. There are also trains to/off other major domestic cities, such as Urumqi, Xi’an, Chengdu, Turpan, etc.

Getting around Kashgar

Taking a taxi is the most convenient way to travel around Kashgar, and the taxi fares are affordable here. The fare starts at 5 CNY for the first 3 km, and then 1.5 CNY per km after that.

Kashgar has a well-developed bus system, making it convenient to get to most attractions by bus. The bus ride is generally CNY 1 per person.

Walking is also a good choice to explore Kashgar, with many of its attractions within walking distance.

Tips for Traveling in Kashgar

• Respect local culture and customs: Considering the diverse ethnic groups and diverse cultural mix in Kashgar, it’s important to respect local customs. For example, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and ask for permission when taking photos of people.
• Prepare for temperature variations: There are large temperature differences annually, monthly, and daily, so it’s recommended to layer your clothing and pack accordingly in case of extreme temperature.
• Prepare for language barriers: English is not widely spoken in Kashgar, most locals speak Uighur or Mandarin. It would be helpful to learn a few basic phrases or download a translation app beforehand.
• Drink plenty of water: Kashgar is extremely dry, it’s important to drink plenty of water and pay attention to maintaining body hydration.
• Protect local heritages: Kashgar is rich in historical and cultural heritages, please be mindful of maintaining a clean environment and avoid making damages to the heritages.
• Pay attention to food hygiene: Try diverse Kashgar snacks and specialties is a can’t-miss when traveling in this area. But, it’s necessary to pay attention to food hygiene and choose clean restaurants or stalls for your meals.

Our Top Kashgar Tours

2 Days Kashgar Local Cultural Tour

3 Days Kashgar Tour with Excursion to Karakuri Lake

4 Days Kashgar In-depth Tour Including Tashkurgan

7 Days Classic Xinjiang Tour from Kashgar

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Far West China

Ultimate Travel Guide to Kashgar in Xinjiang, China

Kashgar China At a Glance

• Chinese Name: 喀什 (Kāshí) or 喀什噶尔 (Kāshígé’ěr)
• Uyghur Name: قەشقەر
• Population: Approximately 1,000,000
• Transportation:  Kashgar China has an international airport, train station and bus service.
• Trivia:  Kashgar was a stand-in for Afganistan in the movie Kite Runner

Visiting Kashgar, China is a chance to travel back in time more than a century. It is a city that epitomizes life during the times of the Silk Road caravans and Great Game struggles despite all of the recent Chinese modernization. Walking the small, mud-brick alleyways of the Old Town is an exciting adventure (even though a good portion of the Old Town is being destroyed ) and the area surrounding Kashgar has a lot to offer.

It is possible to ride a camel in the Taklamakan Desert one day and then be traveling up the Karakoram Highway to the high-altitude pass between China and Pakistan. If at all possible, Kashgar is one city that you  must visit during your travels around Xinjiang.Because of its location at the foot of a major mountain pass (not the Karakoram Highway heading into Pakistan) and along the edge of the world’s 2nd largest desert (the Taklamakan), Kashgar was an important hub of activity for Silk Road merchants. Throughout the centuries, power shifted between many groups including the Mongol, Han and Uyghur people.

–> Traveling to Kashgar? <– Check out the FarWestChina Xinjiang Travel Guide !

Kashgar has been a favorite of many travelers for over 100 years, dating back to ancient explorers like Sven Hedin and Albert von Le Coq. It offers great scenery – access to both the mountains and the desert – as well as many interesting sites to see. Walk through the alleys of the Old Town, visit the Apak Khoja Mausoleum to hear the fascinating story of the Fragrant Concubine, visit the famous Sunday market and of course take a tour of the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in all of China.

Once you venture outside the city limits, you can visit the ancient stone city near Tashkorgan, the newly-discovered Shipton Arch, and the city of Yengisar – home of the famous Uyghur knives.

You could easily spend a week in Kashgar alone, but it’s possible to enjoy most of what the city has to offer in 3-4 days (not including the Karakoram Highway). Make sure to save enough time for Kashgar in your itinerary!

Useful Kashgar China Links

Kashgar Hotels

– Chini Bagh Hotel:   recently renovated –  Taiyuan International : center of town – Seman Hotel : an old favorite

Kashgar Hostels:

– Old Town Hostel : highly recommended –  Pamir Hostel : equally recommended

Kashgar Destinations at a Glance

Kashgar’s Id Kah Mosque

Kashgar’s most popular site and China’s largest mosque.

Kashgar’s Old City

Step back in time and enjoy dirt alleys and mud-brick homes.

The Apak Khoja Mausoleum

Home of the famous Fragrant Concubine and other great stories.

Shipton’s Arch

A natural phenomenon only recently rediscovered.

Other places to visit in Kashgar ▸

Transportation to/from Kashgar, China

Flying to/from kashgar, china.

You can fly the following routes to/from Kashgar (often referred to as “Kashi” for booking sites):

• Kashgar to Urumqi Flights
• Kashgar to Beijing Flights
• Kashgar to Xi’an Flights
• Kashgar to Chengdu Flights
• Kashgar to Yining Flights

Taking the Train to Kashgar

Trains, on the other hand, are not only a cost-effective way to travel to Kashgar, but they also allow you to see much of the south Xinjiang countryside. Make good use of the train schedule below to help plan your trip to Kashgar.

Kashgar City Map

Below is a 2017 city map of Kashgar. If you would like a higher resolution map to download and bring with you on your trip, consider purchasing the FarWestChina Xinjiang Travel Guide or just the Kashgar Chapter . Thank you for your support!

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A Stop Along the Silk Road in Kashgar, China

September 5, 2014 by Silvia 30 Comments

With its lucrative production of silk, China always functioned as the beating heart of the ancient Silk Road, sending goods to places as far away as Europe and Africa. The silk trade was so important to China that the Han dynasty even extended the Great Wall to the western edge of their territory to protect the caravans arriving from Central Asia.

Beijing was a focal point in the trade, with merchants coming from far off lands to visit the city’s markets. However, another Chinese city, while often overlooked in the present day, also functioned as one of the Silk Road’s most important stops: Kashgar .

Getting a visa to China: Kashgar is in China, where most travelers need a visa to visit. I had some massive problems the first time I went to China and tried to get a visa independently, so I highly recommend using iVisa if you want to take the hassle out of it (or if doing it yourself, pay very close attention to all the details of the application and factor in a lot of extra time in case you’re denied at first). Check iVisa rates here

If you’re a Chinese history buff or know a lot about minority conflicts in China, then you’ve probably heard of Kashgar. As for everyone else… it might sound familiar?

Before I started planning my trip through China and Central Asia, I think I had some vague idea that Kashgar was an old trading city somewhere in the Middle East. Clearly I’m no expert in Chinese history or current events. Though actually, in a way I was not actually too far off.

When my friends and I first arrived there last summer , Kashgar looked much like the other Chinese cities we had visited: we walked past elderly Chinese women selling vegetables from small street stalls, tall buildings covered in brightly colored signs, and an impressive bridge covered in neon lights.

However, while we had often found ourselves to be some of the only foreigners in most of the cities we had visited in China, here we were surrounded by plenty of other tourists.

Or… were they tourists? Most of them didn’t speak Chinese and they looked more European than Asian, but they also seemed to know their way around the city quite well.

Eventually, somewhere in my sleep-deprived state (thank you, 72-hour train ride from Beijing ) it hit me: I was in Kashgar, home to a diverse population including Uyghur, Kyrygz, Tajik, Uzbek, and Han Chinese people!

Indeed, while many of Kashgar’s streets seem only to be filled with Chinese staples, a trip downtown to Kashgar’s Old Town feels like entering a new country.

Arabic script replaces Chinese characters on signs, food stalls offer piles of naan bread instead of rice dishes, locals bustle through sporting doppa hats and headscarves, and instead of Buddhist gongs the Islamic call to prayer rings out over the city. The only Chinese you will hear spoken here will be by the handful of Chinese backpackers passing through the city.

Really, Kashgar’s Old Town feels much more like a city in the Middle East than one in China. This may have something to do with the fact that Uyghurs, who make up 90 percent of Kashgar’s population, are a Turkic ethnic group.

Kashgar’s diverse population makes it a fascinating city to visit, however housing such a diversity does not come without problems. As a minority group within China, Uyghurs are constantly struggling to establish and maintain their rights, and conflicts continue to arise between the Uyghurs and dominant Han Chinese in the city, often ending in violent bloodshed .

This does not mean that Kashgar isn’t safe for foreigners to visit, as simply avoiding any demonstrations or riots will keep visitors out of harm’s way, but it has meant that there is a degree of tension between Uyghurs and Chinese in the city.

You can see this tension in the stark divide between Uyghur and Chinese areas of the city. Cross one of the wide streets running along the Old Town’s perimeter and you’ll leave an alleyway filled with piles of rugs and Uyghur antiques for sale and enter a wide square in front of towering Chinese shopping center. It really does feel like a different city. The contrast is bizarre, and raises countless questions regarding Kashgar’s future in China.

While a visit to Kashgar offers an interesting insight into the situation for ethnic minorities within China, the city’s distinct history and culture alone should secure its place on your bucket list of travel destinations. You will find plenty to keep you busy in the city, but be sure not to miss out on the Mal Bazaar, a trip through the Old Town, and a visit to the Gaotai Residences.

Visit the Mal Bazaar in Kashgar

If you’re lucky enough to be in Kashgar on a weekend, you should absolutely check out the animal market held every Sunday a short bus or taxi ride out of the city. The animal market is not only a great place to see tons of animals, ranging from goats and sheep to giant buffalo and bulls, but it is also an ideal place to sample some authentic Uyghur food and take sly photos of leathery-skinned Uyghur cowboys.

Visiting Kashgar’s Old Town

Visit Kashgar’s Old Town to see the bustling center of Uyghur life. The old Uyghur-style architecture is beautiful, and you can also stop by the mosque for a bit of culture. The markets in the old town are overflowing with delicious nuts, fresh figs, freshly baked bread, and surprisingly tasty dishes like lung soup and grilled goat hooves! This is also the perfect place to sit and chat with locals or other tourists, taking in the foreign aromas and high energy of Kashgar’s Old Town.

Bizarrely delicious lung soup

Visiting the Gaotai Residences in Kashgar

Kashgar’s old “mud house slums” are crumbling, but they remain an integral part of Uyghur history and culture in Kashgar. Built over six hundred years ago, these homes continue to function as a center for Uyghur customs, and the residents are always happy to greet some foreign visitors!

The Best Kashgar Hostel and Hotel

If you’re visiting Kashgar as a backpacker you should definitely stay at the Kashgar Old Town Hostel  – it’s right in the Old Town, and the hostel itself is beautiful. It’s also a bit of a gathering place for travelers heading into Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, or back through China. Check current rates and availability here

If you want to stay at a hotel instead, then you’re best choice is the Radisson Blu Hotel, which is the nicest hotel in town but also very affordable. Check current rates and availability here

p.s. Please, please do not forget to get travel insurance for this trip!

After being hospitalized in Beijing  I swear by travel insurance. I use World Nomads , which has by far the best reviews and is really affordable. They helped me find a hospital when I needed, and then when I filed a claim with them all I had to do was send my receipts and I had a check in the mail from them within a couple of weeks. So easy!

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Joella in Beijing says

September 5, 2014 at 6:58 pm

Ooh Silivia did you write this for me? Kashgar has been high on my list of places to go since we moved to Beijing a year ago. Haven’t made it yet but we definitely will. Several of my friends have been there recently and they said it felt perfectly safe as a foreigner too. I feel so sad for the Uygur’s who are extremely marginalised here and blamed for a lot. As you said, it’s more like a Turkish population than a Chinese one. I hope they can come to some kind of agreement some day. I can’t wait to go there someday. Oh and fab photos!

Silvia says

September 8, 2014 at 1:01 pm

I really wonder what’s going to happen to the Uyghurs in China. With new policies paying Han Chinese to marry minorities and to move out west it sort of seems like the government just wants them to eventually become Chinese, which is so crazy considering how distinct they are. It’s incredibly interesting though, and you should absolutely plan a trip out to Kashgar! In fact, I loved it so much I think I’m going to visit again in the spring.

Franca says

September 6, 2014 at 1:37 pm

I love markets a lot, in fact is on of the site I always try to visit when in a new location, but the animal market is breathtaking. I love animals too much to see them sold and not well treated 🙁 I’d skip that!

September 8, 2014 at 1:04 pm

Yeah, it’s definitely a tough place for animal lovers (and vegetarians), but such an interesting insight into the culture. But of course there’s plenty of more animal-friendly things to do in Kashgar too 🙂

Catherine says

September 6, 2014 at 5:28 pm

Wow, this place sounds fascinating, and it certainly looks more like somewhere in the Middle East than somewhere in China! Would love to see the animal market, I bet you’d see some interesting sights there!

September 8, 2014 at 1:05 pm

It really was so interesting! I ended up spending hours and hours just wandering around and sampling all the bizarre foods they were cooking there.

Miriam of Adventurous Miriam says

September 6, 2014 at 7:17 pm

Kasgar truly looks amazing and I love your portrait of the locals! I’ve never heard of it before, but it’s absolutely a place I would visit when I find my way back to China.

September 8, 2014 at 1:06 pm

It’s definitely worth the visit! I still can’t really believe that it’s in China, but that in itself is a really interesting insight into the diversity of minority cultures within China.

Corinne says

September 6, 2014 at 9:17 pm

Silvia, I so want to go to Kashgar…It’s been on my list for a long time. It’s just so difficult to get to. I love your photos…how about that food?

September 8, 2014 at 1:08 pm

Haha you’re right, it’s definitely not the easiest place to get to! But if you were smart and booked a sleeper train in advance (they were sold out when I booked just a few days before so I ended up on a hard seat) it would be a wonderful journey across China from Beijing! Or you could fly to Urumqi and only have a 30-hour train ride (only!). And yes, that food!

Rebekah says

September 6, 2014 at 9:29 pm

I’d love to go there! I’m so interested in the minority cultures of China. Hopefully I can get there from Sichuan in less then 72 hours! Such an interesting post

September 8, 2014 at 1:10 pm

You should definitely make a trip out there if you’re interested in China’s minority cultures! I felt like I learned so much about China just by talking to locals in Kashgar. The journey from Kashgar to Sichuan also covers some really interesting areas!

Theresa says

September 8, 2014 at 10:24 am

Wow, Kashgar certainly doesn’t look like China! I clicked on the article link about violence in the area. I had no idea this was going on, but it is so sad! I would love to see the place for myself. And thanks for the tour recommendation, I love the idea of starting in Beijing and traveling across China.

September 8, 2014 at 1:14 pm

It is crazy what is happening with minority populations in China. And Kashgar offers such an interesting look at that side of China, which we often don’t think about. Honestly, I would love to do the trip from Beijing to Kashgar again, especially if I were part of a tour, which would probably be a lot more comfortable than the long train journey in hard seats, haha. You should go!

Samuel Jeffery says

September 9, 2014 at 2:23 am

This was a fascinating read because I’ve done quite a bit of travel in China but never to this region.

September 10, 2014 at 7:02 pm

I had traveled to China before as well, but Kashgar was a whole new experience of the country! Highly recommended.

September 9, 2014 at 7:24 pm

I didn’t enjoy my time in China all that much but now I can see I should have gone to places like Kashgar. It sounds like my kind of destination! Oh well, at least I have a reason to come back!

Yes, you definitely need to see Kashgar! I’m already planning my next trip there.

Vanessa @ The Travelling Colognian says

September 15, 2014 at 5:44 pm

This is such a great post, Silvia, and intensifies my desire to go there. Fortunately I won’t have to wait too long. If everything works as planned I will be in Kashgar in late October which will be the last destination of my trip along the Silk Road of China. I can’t wait to explore that part of the Middle Kingdom as well, I am so much looking forward to it.

September 16, 2014 at 5:14 pm

Oh that’s so wonderful, Vanessa! I know you will just love Kashgar – it’s such a unique and interesting place.

October 26, 2014 at 1:13 am

Silvia, I am in Kashgar right now. I liked your post about the city so much that I shared it on my Blog’s Facebook page. Tomorrow I will check out the Sunday and the Mal Bazaar and I also hope that I have enough time to visit the Id Kah Mosque and the Gaotai Residences during my stay here.

October 27, 2014 at 1:46 pm

Ahh that’s so exciting, Vanessa! And I’m quite a bit jealous! I hope you’re eating tons of delicious food and taking lots and lots of photos!

October 28, 2014 at 1:22 pm

Oh yes, I haven taken countless photos. I think, I have never photographed as much on a trip as on this journey. Unfortunately I had to leave Kashgar yesterday, one day prior than intended, due to a reschedule of my flight, but however, I managed to visit the Mal and the Sunday Bazaar, the Old town, the Id Kah Mosque and the Gaotai Residences. I really liked the atmosphere of the city, maybe I’ll return someday in the future and start a trip across Kyrgyzstan and/or Tajikistan from there.

October 29, 2014 at 4:12 pm

Haha I felt the same way in Kashgar! It sounds like you saw a lot there. I’m so glad you enjoyed it! And I’m sure you would loooove Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – two of my favorite countries I’ve visited.

Daniel McBane says

October 20, 2014 at 12:35 pm

I love Kashgar! It was probably my favorite part of China, in large part due to the food. I’m glad to read that at least some of the traditional Uyghur neighborhoods remain. When I was there in 2008, the government was tearing most of them down and people told me the plan was to remove them all except for one. And that one would only be kept intact for tourists.

October 21, 2014 at 12:59 pm

Yeah there was only one of the traditional neighborhoods in Kashgar when I visited. It’s so sad what the government is doing to the Uyghurs, and amazing that so few people seem to know about it! But that’s just another reason why everyone has to go to Kashgar, ha.

August 16, 2017 at 5:32 pm

You’ve provided such wonderful information for traveling along the silk road. I’d like to travel from Kashgar to Turpan by road. I’d like to combine this with a trip to India, if possible. Do you have recommendations on how to best do that? I’d be flying from Washington DC.

Ankurman Handique says

March 9, 2018 at 8:36 pm

Nice Post Silvia,

I saw China through your words. But, I would love to visit China one day.

Robert says

January 17, 2019 at 5:27 pm

Hi, I’m planning a visit to Kashgar this summer with my wife and daughter, and your blog post has been terrificly helpful. We want to do a couple of day trips, to Shipton’s Arch and Karakul Lake, but we’re balking at the prices we’re seeing online. Is it easy enough to find a guide to take us once we get to Kashgar? Or should we suck it up and pay a tour guide in advance? Thanks again!

January 24, 2019 at 12:00 pm

I would wait until you get to Kashgar.

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Kashgar Travel Guide, Plan the Best Trip to Kashgar

• 01. Step 1: Where to go in China
• 02. Step 2: When to go in China
• 03. Step 3: How to Visit Tibet in 2021 — Suggestions and

Kashgar is a city located in the westernmost part of China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, near the border with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Pakistan. The city has a rich history dating back more than 2,000 years.

Kashgar was an important trading hub on the ancient Silk Road , connecting China with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The city was a melting pot of different cultures and religions, with Buddhist, Christian, and Islamic influences. It was also home to the Uyghur people, a Turkic ethnic group with a unique language and culture.

In the 10th century, Kashgar was part of the Karakhanid Khanate, a Turkic state that ruled over Central Asia and parts of Iran and Afghanistan. In the 13th century, the city was conquered by Genghis Khan and became part of the Mongol Empire.

During the 16th century, Kashgar was part of the Yarkent Khanate, which was ruled by the Uyghur Sultanate of Kashgar. The city was an important center of Islamic learning and culture, and many scholars and poets lived there.

In the 18th century, Kashgar became part of the Qing Dynasty, and the Chinese government exerted control over the region. During the early 20th century, the city was a hotspot for political and social unrest, with various factions vying for control.

What to visit in Kashgar

Kashgar is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and popular attractions to visit include the Id Kah Mosque , the Kashgar Old Town , the Kashgar Bazaar , the Abakh Hoja Tomb , the Kashgar Livestock Market , the Karakul Lake , the Kashgar Museum , and the nearby Taklamakan Desert .

Top attractions in Kashgar >>

Local food, what to eat

Food in Kashgar is a delicious blend of Chinese and Central Asian cuisine, with influences from the Uighur, Uzbek, and Kazakh cultures, featuring a wide range of flavors and spices, such as cumin, chili, and garlic, and popular dishes include lamb kebabs, hand-pulled noodles, polo (pilaf) with lamb or chicken, and various breads, such as nan and samsa, as well as dried fruits and nuts, making it a unique and exciting culinary destination for food lovers.

Food and restaurants in Kashgar >>

Hotels in Kashgar for your reference

Kashgar offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers including budget-friendly guesthouses like the Kashgar Old Town Youth Hostel , luxurious hotels such as the Radisson Blu Hotel Kashgar , and charming traditional-style accommodations like the Yambu Hotel Kashgar , all of which offer different amenities and experiences while providing convenient access to the city's main attractions, including the Id Kah Mosque, the Abakh Khoja Tomb, and the Kashgar Bazaar.

Best hotels in Kashgar >>

Weather in Kashgar

The best time to visit Kashgar is during the months of April to October when the weather is mild and dry, and the city is bustling with activity. During these months, temperatures range from around 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), and there is little rainfall, making it a comfortable time to explore the city and its surroundings.

The months of June to September are the busiest tourist season in Kashgar, as the city hosts the famous Kashgar Sunday Market, also known as the "Grand Bazaar," which attracts traders and visitors from all over the region. The market is held every Sunday and is a great opportunity to experience the local culture and cuisine.

If you plan to visit Kashgar during the winter months from November to February, be prepared for cold temperatures and occasional snowfall. However, the city takes on a different character during the winter months, with fewer tourists and a quieter atmosphere, making it an excellent time to explore the city's history and culture.

More about the best time to visit Kashgar >>

How to plan a travel itinerary

A recommended travel itinerary for visiting Kashgar would include exploring the ancient city of Kashgar, experiencing the vibrant culture and traditions of the Uyghur people, visiting the bustling Kashgar Sunday Market, admiring the beautiful Id Kah Mosque and Abakh Hoja Tomb, taking a scenic drive to Karakul Lake and the surrounding mountains, and indulging in the delicious local cuisine, etc.

Day 1: Arrival and Sightseeing

Arrive in Kashgar and check-in at your hotel, Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, Explore the bustling Kashgar Bazaar, a lively market selling everything from spices to clothing, Visit the Abakh Khoja Tomb, a beautiful mausoleum of a famous Islamic missionary

Day 2: Scenic Tour

Drive to Karakul Lake, a stunning lake nestled in the Pamir Mountains, Enjoy the stunning scenery along the way, including the famous Karakoram Highway and the Muztagh Ata Mountain, Have lunch with a local Kyrgyz family and learn about their unique culture, Return to Kashgar in the evening

Day 3: Cultural Experience

Visit the Kashgar Old Town, a traditional Uyghur neighborhood with narrow alleys and ancient architecture, Learn about Uyghur culture and history at the Kashgar Museum, Have a traditional Uyghur lunch at a local restaurant, Visit the Kashgar Grand Bazaar, the largest bazaar in Central Asia, and shop for souvenirs, Depart from Kashgar in the evening.

Travel itineraries for Kashgar >>

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A Day in Kashgar – China’s Eclectic Uyghur City

• Last Updated: January 9, 2023

Chanting from the Id Kah Mosque echoes over the city while the smell of sizzling shish kebabs on every street corner drifts through the air.

Vehicles veer around elderly men riding donkeys as they herd their fat-tailed sheep on the wide streets.

Arabic script adorns every street sign and shop window. The women wear hijabs and the men sport Takiyah caps.

Geographically closer to Damascus than to Beijing, the Uyghur city of Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang province is another world away from the rest of the country in every possible way.

Kashgar is an eclectic mix of culture, religion and culinary delights. From the moment we stepped off the train from the provincial capital Urumqi we felt like we had crossed an imaginary border and entered Central Asia.

Our main purpose for arriving in the far south of the province was to trek along the Karakoram Highway towards the border of Pakistan, but we knew instantly that this city deserved some exploration.

Feeling the excitement that came with being in this new foreign city, we chose to make the Seman Hotel our base while in Kashgar, which in itself already brought a taste of history and intrigue to our visit.

Housed in the old Russian Consulate, the Seman Hotel is a curiously-designed establishment with colourful Uyghur décor.

It may be more than a little run-down, but at least it boasts character. It is also where Old Road Tours has set up their headquarters, and we had already organised a city tour of Kashgar with them.

Our Kashgar City Tour

On a gorgeous Sunday morning we met our English-speaking guide Pati and driver Abdul Letip, and didn’t waste any time hitting the road to explore the city’s best sights.

The first destination on our Kashgar city tour was the tomb of Afak Khoja, about 8km from the city centre.

Afak Khoja had the mausoleum built in 1640 after his father Muhammad Yūsuf passed away.

When Apak Hoja also died he was placed inside next to his father. Today 72 members of his family are housed inside the mausoleum, including the legendary Fragrant Concubine – the wife of the Qianlong Emperor who was taken from Xinjiang to Beijing in the 18th century to be an imperial consort.

The Afak Khoja Mazar is the finest example of Islamic architecture in Xinjiang, and its ancient tiles still glisten brightly against the sun’s rays.

Pati showed us all around the property and explained the history of the tomb.

We wandered through the prayer halls and studied the intricate carvings on the supporting pillars.

This was our first taste of true Islamic style since Xi’an, and we were in absolute awe.

Leaving the tomb Abdul Letip took us straight to Kashgar’s most famous attraction, the livestock bazaar.

We had managed to time our arrival to be on the weekend, which would allow us to visit the famous Sunday market.

Here thousands of locals gather to buy, sell and trade a whole range of livestock.

If you are looking to purchase a camel, cow, horse, donkey, yak, goat or fat-tailed sheep, then you have come to the right place!

We weren’t exactly in the market for a donkey or a camel (although I thought long and hard about putting a bid down, much to Lesh’s aghast disagreement), but the livestock bazaar was a fascinating place nonetheless.

Pati gave us a detailed explanation of how the system works, the average price for each particular breed (30’000RMB for a high-quality camel, anyone?) and what to expect as we walked through the bazaar.

He then set us off to our own devices, and we immediately found ourselves in the middle of a frantic and chaotic cow negotiation.

Determined Uyghur men inspected every inch and crevice of the bewildered beast while a middle-man talked prices with the owner.

The group didn’t mind us observing, and many of the men smiled and nodded towards us.

The sale went down and we continued on our way, navigating through the pandemonium.

The bazaar is broken up into different sections. Cows and yaks in one area, goats and fat-tailed sheep in another.

At the far end of the market horses are test-ridden at full gallop through the crowds and donkeys stand around making asses of themselves.

Cries of “Bosh bosh” are called out every few moments as herders bring their livestock charging through the crowds.

Any lapse in concentration could end with being trampled by a cow, so our eyes were constantly darting in every direction trying to avoid untimely death.

Clouds of thick dust billowed eerily. The noise shook us to our bones. It was true mayhem, and it was thoroughly enjoyable.

After two hours we had managed to escape unscathed (and sadly without a donkey) and we headed back to town to visit the ‘normal’ Sunday market.

This one is a much more relaxed affair, and far more colourful. Almost anything you could ever need is for sale inside this enormous bazaar.

Need a new scarf or bolt of silk? You’ve come to the right place. Kitchen utensils? They’ve got you covered. Want to buy a yurt? Well, step right this way good sir.

We wandered around for a while soaking up the bustling atmosphere. Since we didn’t have a donkey to carry a new yurt, Lesh settled for a couple of new scarves and we rejoined Pati in a carpet shop to drink some tea.

Our shopping fix was over and we strolled over to the Kashgar Old Town.

There are actually two parts of the Old Town – the freshly renovated yet still beautiful Areya Street and the dilapidated mud-brick shacks by Donghui Park.

Even though tourists are not officially allowed to visit the original Old Town, no authorities are there to patrol it, so Pati gave us a magnificent tour through its labyrinth-like alleyways.

Many of the homes are collapsing, and the government are forcing the local inhabitants out of their beloved neighbourhood and into new controlled housing.

But for the meantime children dart in and out of shadowed doorways playing games and the seniors relish in the final remains of their historic dwellings.

Areya Street at first seemed to us to be like the Disneyland-esque streets of Lijiang , but it quickly became apparent that despite the modern refurbishments it still retained its authentic charm.

Skilled furniture makers still practice their ageing craft by hand. Blacksmiths hammer away at pieces of iron in darkened rooms on the edge of the clean streets.

Fruit sellers hustle and instrument makers bustle. It is one of the most happening places in the entire city, surrounded by soaring Uyghur design and emotion.

Our final stop for the day was the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China.

Originally built in 1442 but restored many times over the years, the Id Kah Mosque draws thousands of worshippers every week.

During the most important Islamic celebrations such as Ramadan and the Kurban Festival up to 20’000 people can pack the outside square.

During prayer times the mosque is closed to non-Muslims, however the rest of day it is open to visitors for a small fee.

Out of respect, it is asked that women wear a scarf over their head, and luckily Lesh had just stocked up at the market.

Pati gave another superb explanation of the history of the mosque, and a thorough run-down on Islam for us.

The inside of the mosque was strictly practical but the grounds were peaceful to walk around.

The centrepiece inside the prayer hall is an enormous and highly-valued Persian carpet that was gifted to the people of Kashgar from Iran.

After 30 minutes of wandering the holy place we started to make our way back to our accommodation. But not before we gorged ourselves on a few shish kebabs and home-made ice cream.

Our city tour of Kashgar was incredibly interesting and it helped cement the Uyghur town as one of our favourite places in China .

Pati had been an impeccable guide and taught us more about his city and religion than any guide book ever could.

We now looked at Kashgar and its people in an entirely different light. And even though I never got to buy a donkey, it was still a sensational day.

Where to Stay in Kashgar

The accommodation in Kashgar can range from basic dorm beds in a hostel to lovely double rooms in a boutique hotel.

Some of the hostels have great common rooms to chat with other travellers and separate female dorms for your comfort. There are some located in the old town which is a great location for all the best attractions in Kashgar.

If you want to be a little more comfortable for a reasonable price there are nice hotels to choose from. But if you want to splash out and live it up, you can find hotel chains, such as the Radisson there also.

For great deals on accommodation in Kashgar, check out Agoda.com and Booking.com

Update – Visiting Kashgar Today

In recent years the Chinese government has come under scrutiny for their oppression of the Uyghur people, the abhorrent use of concentration camps and removal of religious elements.

For the local population, these threats are real and dangerous. There is no question that these are some of the most horrible violations of human rights happening in the 21st century.

For a general traveller visiting Kashgar or other parts of the Xinjiang province, these atrocities will not be obviously apparent.

Travellers will notice heightened security in Xinjiang, and the Uyghur population may be hesitant to discuss the current political situation with foreigners.

For your own safety when travelling around Kashgar and Xinjiang, we recommend refraining from speaking publicly about the government while you are in the country.

Alesha and Jarryd

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I’m in Kashgar September 13. Reading your blog gave me goose bumps, so excited.

Hope you had a great trip. 🙂

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The Best Kashgar Tour Itinerary

Welcome to Kashgar, an enchanting city on the ancient Silk Road, in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Ideal for first-time international travelers, this destination promises a unique blend of culture, history, and culinary delights. Our Best Kashgar Tour Itinerary is meticulously crafted to offer you an immersive experience, balancing cultural explorations with local gastronomy and leisure. Embark on this remarkable journey and discover the wonders of Kashgar.

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Kashgar

Start your Kashgar adventure at the Id Kah Mosque （艾提尕尔清真寺） a magnificent symbol of Islamic architecture and the largest mosque in China. As you explore, observe the intricate design that adorns its facade and interiors.

Outside, the bustling square becomes a canvas of daily life, echoing the calls to prayer. This experience provides a profound insight into the religious and cultural aspects of the city.

For lunch, delve into the flavors of Uyghur cuisine at a traditional restaurant. Must-try dishes include the aromatic l amb pilaf , rich in spices, and handmade noodles, a testament to the culinary skills of local chefs. These dishes offer a delightful introduction to the regional palate.

Next, wander through the Old City of Kashgar . This area is a living museum, with its narrow alleys and ancient homes.

Visit the famous Handicraft Street, where skilled artisans showcase their crafts, from intricate jewelry to traditional Uyghur musical instruments. Observing these artisans at work offers a window into Kashgar’s rich artisanal legacy.

For dinner, enjoy the local specialty at a kebab house . The succulent kebabs, grilled to perfection, and the hand-pulled noodles offer a flavorful end to your day. These dishes are not just meals but a part of Kashgar’s culinary identity, deeply rooted in its culture.

Conclude your day at People’s Park . Here, the city’s vibrant nightlife comes alive. It’s a place where locals converge to relax and socialize, offering an authentic experience of everyday life in Kashgar. Stroll through the park, enjoy impromptu music performances, and engage with friendly locals.

Day 2: Silk Road History and Local Culture

Begin your second day with a visit to the Afaq Khoja Mausoleum （阿帕克和卓麻扎）, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. This historical site, adorned with blue tiles and intricate patterns, stands as a testament to Kashgar’s rich religious heritage.

Explore the mausoleum’s tranquil gardens and discover the history behind this significant landmark, offering a serene start to your day.

At lunchtime, immerse yourself in Kashgar’s vibrant street food scene. Sample Uyghur staples at the local bazaar, such as savory mutton soup and samsa, delicious baked buns filled with seasoned meat. These street food delights provide a true taste of local flavors.

Spend your afternoon at the bustling Kashgar Bazaar , one of the largest in Central Asia. This lively marketplace is a sensory overload, with colorful stalls selling everything from spices to silk.

It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and observe the dynamic market life. Engaging with local vendors offers a glimpse into Kashgar’s commercial traditions and social fabric.

For dinner, explore a fusion of Uyghur and Western cuisines at a local restaurant. This culinary combination reflects the diverse influences that have shaped Kashgar’s gastronomy, offering an exciting and varied dining experience.

The evening brings a cultural treat – a traditional Uyghur music and dance performance. These performances, rich in history and expression, showcase the artistic heritage of the region. Engaging in this cultural experience provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of Uyghur arts and traditions.

Day 3: A Glimpse of Rural Life and Nature

Your last day begins with an excursion to Shipton’s Arch （阿图什天门） the world’s tallest natural arch. This remarkable geological formation is a bit of a hike, but the panoramic views at the top are absolutely worth it.

The journey itself is an adventure, offering a chance to connect with the natural beauty and rugged landscapes that surround Kashgar.

Enjoy a picnic-style lunch, featuring local fruits and breads, amidst the scenic backdrop. This simple yet delightful meal allows you to savor the tastes of the region while immersed in its serene natural environment, creating a peaceful and memorable dining experience.

In the afternoon, visit a local Yurt village to experience the traditional Kyrgyz lifestyle. This immersive experience provides a glimpse into the rural way of life in Xinjiang.

Interact with the villagers, learn about their customs and daily activities, and witness the harmony of their lives with nature. This visit offers a unique perspective on the cultural diversity and simplicity of life outside Kashgar’s urban center.

Dine at a family-run restaurant, where you’ll enjoy authentic Uyghur cuisine in a more intimate setting. This dinner not only tantalizes your taste buds but also provides an opportunity to connect with local families, offering insights into their culinary traditions and warm hospitality.

End your tour with a leisurely walk around Kashgar’s modern districts. This contrast to the historical and rural parts of your journey showcases the city’s contemporary developments. Observe the fusion of old and new, understanding Kashgar’s role as a bridge between traditional culture and modernization.

This Best Kashgar Tour Itinerary offers a deep dive into the city’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and cuisine. As you reflect on your journey, remember the importance of respecting local customs and traditions.

Kashgar’s unique position at the crossroads of ancient trade routes has cultivated a blend of cultures and traditions, offering travelers a truly unique experience. Carry these memories and respect with you, ensuring a rewarding and enriching visit to this remarkable city.

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Kashgar travel guide

Kashgar in brief Kashgar or rather Kashi in Uyghur, is a city located at the west border of China and southwest part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Considered as the end of China's west frontier, the city is bordering the countries of Kyrgyzstan to the north and Uzbekistan to the west. Situated in a mountainous region, Kashgar is surrounded by many mountains of high renown all over the world especially for its hike features: Tianshan Mountains in the north, Kala Kunlun Mountain and Kunlun Mountain in the south, Pamir Plateau to the west and finally Taklimakan Desert to the east. Kashgar is definitely a place where the humid Yunnan climate will feel like a dream! This city of far west China enjoys a hard desert climate punctuated by hot summers and cold winters starting at -10C (14F) to 32C (89.6F), and is also home to a large Muslim community where Chinese Han represent just a few people. Still, lush vegetations and cultures can be found in the surrounding valleys, astonishing scenery for this part of the country surrounded at the same time by desert. The city of Kashgar is from another world: looking dramatically different from the rest of Xinjiang, Kashgar is just a plac... More information about Kashgar »

Top Attractions in Kashgar

Idgar Mosque, Kashgar

Sunday Bazzar

Abakh Khoja Tomb

Karakuri Lake

Kashgar Old Town

Ancient Art Street, Kashgar

Stone City, Kashgar

Taklamakan Desert

Three Immortals Buddhist Caves

• China tours to Kashgar
• Kashgar Attractions
• Kashgar Weather
• Kashgar Transportation
• Kashgar Cuisine

Quick Questions

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Travel to Kashgar – The Ancient Oasis of West Xinjiang

What brought me to Kashgar, in Xinjiang, was the desire to experience the culture, cuisine, and architecture of this part of China, which has few resemblances with East China.

Forget chopsticks, red lanterns, and ideograms.

In Xinjiang half of the population belongs to the Muslim Uyghur minority. Also, there are other ethnic groups as the Kazakh, the Kyrgyz, and the Tajik. Here the Han people – that is the ethnic group that constitutes 92% of China’s population, – are the real minority and Mandarin is the second language (the first is the Uyghur).

Kashgar , an ancient oasis located between the Taklamakan desert and the Karakorum mountain range, was one of the busiest stops along the Silk Road. The European, Arab and Asian dealers of silk and spices used to meet here and exchange their goods. Today the Silk Road is gone but the markets are still there.

Get lost into the Old Town

September is the best month to come to Kashgar: you’ll get to see the hami gua (the green melon typical of Xinjiang) sellers, the figs dealers and the bakers that prepare the naan on their portable ovens.

You’ll find peaches, grapes, watermelons, bananas, pumpkins, and, why not, sheep entrails. But what I find especially fascinating is observing the customers. They are all men, they all wear the doppa – the traditional Uyghur hat, – and most of them display a long beard.

To reach the old town just jump into a taxi and tell the driver “ Id Kah .” When you get to the Id Kah Mosque take the small alley on your left and follow the walnut’ stands behind the mosque till you reach a small street on your right. If you follow the noise you’ll arrive at the fruit market.

Shopping at the night market

If you come back to the Id Kah Mosque and cross Jie Fang Bei Road you’ll reach the Night Market. You can have dinner there: sheep kebabs, sheep soup, noodles with sheep meat and green peppers, sheep hot pot, sheep leg or sheep wings (no, just kidding). If you are still hungry after the sheep you can always resort to the omnipresent sellers of melon.

Following Jie Fang Bei Road you’ll see the entrance to the clothes market, an underground maze that occupies a good part of the city center. Silk shawls, wedding dresses, Uyghur tunics for boys and girls of all sizes, pliable doppas, burqas, ermine fur hats, colorful curtains, and fabric are the most popular items.

Want to buy a sheep?

The Livestock Market opens every Sunday. Even if you are not going to buy a sheep or a horse, it’s interesting to see how the local people bargain with the Kazakh and the Kyrgyz traders. Here it’s easy to meet the local artisans selling their goods.

If you decide to buy a knife keep in mind that, if you are going to travel by train, you will have to ship it to your next destination or, better, to your home country.

The Market is on the outskirts of the town and the easiest way to get there is by taxi (about twenty RMB from the city center, that is three USD). You can show a piece of paper with the characters 牛羊巴扎 ( niúyáng bāzhā , which literally means “Cow Sheep Bazaar”) to the driver.

Taste some street food at the Sunday Market

I suggest you check the Livestock Market in the morning. That way in the afternoon you’ll still have time to take bus number 23 and visit the Sunday Market. But unless you are planning to send a hoe to your uncle, do not expect to find postcards or souvenirs for your family and friends at the Sunday Market. Here you’ll mainly find working clothes, trinkets, cattle and street food .

I recommend you to try the dumplings with sheep meat, which I only saw in this part of China.

Get a pic of the Abakh Khoja Tomb

From the Sunday Market, you can take bus number 20 to reach the Tomb of Abakh Khoja, who was the Islamic leader of West Xinjiang during the seventeenth century. This is one of the best-preserved Islamic architectural complexes of Central Asia. The ticket costs 30 RMB.

The other option is to cross the river and visit another part of the old town. This neighborhood is quite big and only contains traditional houses built with mud. In theory, the zone is closed to the tourists but you can enter the complex anyway (there were at least ten Chinese tourists walking around while I was there).

Ride a camel at the Da Wa Kun Desert

In order to reach the desert, you can either take a taxi (250-300 RMB if you bargain hard) or go to the South Bus Station, take a bus to Yue Pu Hu (14 RMB) and then a taxi to the Da Wa Kan desert (50 RMB one way). The ticket costs 20 RMB and a forty minute camel ride is 70 RMB (we tried to cut the price for the camels but there was no way to bargain with the cowboys).

The best time to arrive at the desert is one or two hours before sunset as it’s not so hot anymore and you’ll have better light for photos.

If you choose public transportation you must consider that the bus only leaves when it’s full. So you may have to wait at the station for up to an hour. Once the bus leaves, it takes one and a half hours to get to Yue Pu Hu and another half hour to reach the desert by taxi.

Also, if you stay in the desert till the sunset, when you come back to Yue Pu Hu the bus station should be closed (on Summer the sunset is about 10 p.m., Beijing time). To come back to Kashgar just cross the street in front of the station and take a private minibus (10 RMB) or car (which is faster but costs 50 RMB per person).

In any case, remember to bring your passport as the police’s checkpoints are quite frequent in Xinjiang.

Drive along the Karakorum Highway

Kashgar is the departure point of the Karakorum Highway, the highest paved international road in the world, which connects Pakistan and China.

Unless you are planning to go to Pakistan, two days are enough to visit this region. Unless you are Chinese you don’t need any special permit to travel to Tashkurgan (about 300 km South of Kashgar). You still need to bring your passport.

There are three ways to travel along the Karakorum Highway:

• By bus (50 RMB for a one way ticket). There is a bus that departs every morning and takes about six hours to get to the Karakul Lake and eight to reach Tashkurgan. The downside is that you’ll spend all day in the bus. So you’ll see the mountains, lakes and valleys only from the bus, which I find pointless. This trip is about the journey, not the destination!
• Hitch-hiking. If you are lucky enough you can travel for free although usually the drivers will charge you some money and you’ll end up spending more than with the bus. Also, even if you can get off the car whenever you want, it may be time-consuming.
• Renting a car (1,400 RMB for two days). This is the best solution if you only have two days but you still want to stop every now and then to take some photos, bargain with the Kyrgyz stone dealers, or enjoy the view and the fresh air. The downside is the price. If you are traveling alone you can always join some other travelers in order to share the cost of the car. I was staying at the Pamir Youth Hostel and the owner helped me to find the car and the travel mates.

Accomodation in Kashgar

Click here to learn more about the best hotel and hostels in Kashgar.

Photo Credits: Photos by Sapore di Cina

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Kashgar to Tashkurgan: China’s Most Scenic Road Trip

A road trip to rule them all: The Karakoram Highway from Kashgar to Tashkurgan is the most scenic road in China

Looking for the most epic road trip in China (or the entire world, for that matter)? The drive between Kashgar and Tashkurgan along the Chinese side of the Karakoram Highway is OUT OF THIS WORLD and will literally take your breath away!

The Karakoram Highway is often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, and this road that runs between Kashgar in China and Islamabad in Pakistan is what road trip dreams are made of.

It is one of the highest paved roads in the world, which cuts through the Karakoram mountain range and reaches a maximum elevation of 4,714 m.

We recently travelled along the Chinese side of the Karakoram Highway as part of our Xinjiang trip . If you, too, are planning on taking the high road, here is our guide of the best things to see between Kashgar and Tashkurgan.

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).

The Karakoram Highway in China

The total length of the highway is 1 300 km, known as the Karakoram Highway on the Pakistan side and the  China-Pakistan Friendship Highway  on the Chinese side. 

The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway runs for 414 km between Kashgar and Khunjerab Pass on the border with Pakistan. Due to Covid 19, it was only possible to travel up to Tashkurgan when we visited. 

From Kashgar to Tashkurgan, the road goes through some of the most dramatic scenery in China for 290 km and reaches an elevation of just over 4 000m. 

How to Travel from Kashgar to Tashkurgan

Self-drive:  If you want to drive anywhere in China, you must first procure a valid Chinese driving licence. China does not recognize international driving permits, which means you must pass a written exam in China. 

Xinjiang province is infamous for ever-changing policies, countless police checks and other shenanigans, making a self-drive road trip even more challenging than elsewhere in China. 

Taking this into account, it’s most practical to join an organized tour or find a guide in Kashgar to drive you. 

Karakoram Highway Guide in Kashgar : We joined a tour and had a local Uyghur guide in Kashgar who took us to Tashkurgan. Our guide, Sadik, took care of everything, helped us get the necessary paperwork done and arranged a minibus for our group. 

Sadik comes highly recommended, and he can also take you all the way to the Khunjerab Pass or even across the border into Pakistan once borders eventually reopen. 

You can contact Sadik by email at [email protected] or on WeChat: (WeChat ID: wxid_zti16ud7s4i122)

Best Scenery Between Kashgar and Tashkurgan

Red mountain / oytagh canyon.

About 90 km after leaving Kashgar is when the surreal landscapes really start. The aptly named Red Mountain, or Oytagh Canyon, sits right next to the road. 

By the looks of it, this place is quite popular with Chinese campervans, but we’re sure that foreigners won’t be allowed to stay over.

Stop here for a short while to stretch your legs, snap some photos and use the bathroom before hitting the road again. 

After leaving Red Mountain, the drive continues getting more and more spectacular. We went through a police checkpoint where we all had to leave the bus, but Sadik prepared us for it and guided us through the whole process.

Bulongkol Lake / White Sand Lake (白沙湖)

Bulongkol Lake (or White Sand Lake) is the next spectacular stop, and it’s a stunner! Surreal is the only way to describe this gorgeous lake sitting at an elevation of 3300 meters.

The white sand dunes reflecting in the teal-coloured lake and piercing blue skies behind it is unbelievable. Plan to spend a decent amount of time here to enjoy the fantastic scenery and take photos.

Kyrgyz men with their distinguished tall hats have their yaks and Bactrian camels by the shore to pose for photos. You can probably sneak a photo for free, but they ask RMB20 if you want to pose on the animals.

Tip: Remember your sunglasses. There is no shade and the reflecting sun bouncing off the white dunes and water is pretty damn harsh!

Lake Karakul (卡拉库里湖)

The road continues to gain elevation until it reaches Lake Karakul at 3 600m above sea level. Lake Karakul (Black Lake) is the highest lake on the Pamir Plateau, and it’s spectacular.

Snow-covered mountains surround this dazzling Alpine lake, with Muztagh Ata (7 546m) and Gonger Tagh (7 719m) mountains being the most prominent. The snow-capped peaks are genuinely majestic. Yet again, plan to spend quite some time here to appreciate the beauty of the Karakoram highway.

All visitors (including Chinese) needed a special permit to travel beyond Bulongkol Lake during our visit. Due to this, we had the entire shore of Lake Karakol to ourselves.

You can rent a horse from one of the Kyrgyz men on the lakeshore if you feel like a gallop in this incredible scenery. There is also one no-frill restaurant where you can get something to eat.

At Lake Karakul, I started feeling the effect of the altitude and came down with a headache and felt nauseated.

Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County

After Lake Karakul, the road goes over the Shubash Pass at 4081 metres, the highest point on the Chinese side of the Karakoram Highway. The view from the top of the pass down towards Tajikistan (just 20 km away) is unreal!

 After the pass, we reached a colossal sign welcoming us to the Tashkorgan Tajik Autonomous Region. Behind the sign was an equally big police checkpoint we had to go through and do Covid tests. 

In the eastern Pamir Plateau, the Kunlun, Karakoram, Hindukush and Tian Shan Mountains meet, and Tajikistan, Pakistan, Afghanistan and India are all just behind the mountains. It is a sensitive border area with ever-changing regulations. 

• Just after we visited Xinjiang, the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous Region was entirely off-limits for all travellers due to the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.

Taheman Grasslands (塔合曼)

Before reaching the town of Tashkurgan, it’s worthwhile to make a quick stop at the viewpoint overlooking the Taheman Grasslands. After enjoying the peaceful view of the grasslands, winding river and snow-capped mountains, it is just a short drive until reaching Tashkurgan.

We arrived in Tashkurgan just before sunset and booked into our hotel . Tashkurgan dates back almost 2 000 years and is located along the main branch of the Old Silk Road leading from China into Western Asia.

By the time we reached Tashkurgan, most of our group were suffering from the altitude, so we had an early dinner, took some paracetamol and hit the pillows.

The Stone Fort, or Stone City, overlooking Tashkurgan was the seat of the Tajik Kingdom and guarded camel caravans along the Silk Road for aeons.

Some historians believe the Stone Fort to be the  Stone Tower  that Ptolemy mentioned almost 2 000 years ago. Ptolemy’s  Stone Tower  was believed to mark the midway point between Europe and China.

Not much of the Stone Fort remains today, but the top of the walls grants a fantastic view over the grasslands and mountains. 

Entrance to the fort costs RMB 30 and includes the Golden Grasslands at its base.

Golden Grassland

At the foot of the Stone Fort lies the scenic Tashkurgan Grassland (also called the Golden Grasslands). The clear streams, and warm shifting colours of the grass against the cool and dark mountains beyond make for excellent photos.

A series of wooden walkways makes walking in the grassland easy to explore without getting dirty with mud or grass.

Tashkurgan to Pakistan

From Tashkurgan, you will only be allowed onward travel to Khenjerab on the Pakistan border with a valid Pakistan visa. Until borders reopen after Covid, the only way to leave Tashkurgan is to backtrack the same way you came back to Kashgar.

Travelling The Karakoram Highway in China: Q&A

How long to spend between kashgar and tashkurgan.

You will need at least two full days to make the return trip from Kashgar to Tashkurgan. Foreigners are not allowed to spend the night anywhere between the two cities. 

Is it safe to travel the Karakoram Highway in China?

Yes. The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway is in excellent condition. If there is any turmoil in the region, the area will be off-limits to tourists, even if there is no real threat.

The only danger you might face is altitude sickness or camels in the middle of the road. Pack paracetamol, drink enough water and help your driver spot camels on the road. 

Do I need a special permit to travel from Kashgar to Tashkurgan?

Travelling in Xinjiang is tricky, and things are constantly changing. It was possible to go up to Bulongkol Lake without a special permit when we visited. To visit Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan, we needed a special permit. Our guide took care of it all for us in Kashgar before our trip. 

The best advice we can give you is to contact a local tour guide to get the most up-to-date information. Even then, regulations can change at a drop of a hat. 

Recommended Karakoram Higway Tour

We wholeheartedly recommend our Kashgar guide, Sadik, to anyone wishing to travel the Karakoram Highway or anywhere else in Xinjiang. Contact him on [email protected] or on WeChat : (ID: wxid_zti16ud7s4i122)

We put together a customized tour with a local outfit in Shanghai, who arranged everything for us. This tour operator is mainly geared towards ex-pat groups living in China, so individual travellers might like Sadik better. 

Karakoram Highway between Kashgar and Tashkurgan: Final Thoughts

If you’re undecided about whether to embark on this journey: JUST GO! It is an incredible road trip through the most spectacular scenery in China. Travelling the KKH across the Roof of the World is a journey you’ll never forget.

I, for one, can’t wait to return and complete the entire journey all the way to Islamabad!

#openthedamnborders

Hi! The wechat ID you left for Sadik does not exist.. I am wondering if you are still in contact with him? Thanks!

Hi Kas, I still have Sadik on my Wechat and he updates his moments now and then, so he is still around. This is the ID that I see: WeChat ID: wxid_zti16ud7s4i122. Or try his email: [email protected] Hope you can track him down, he is a great man to show you around Xinjiang.

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The Silk Road Travel Guide

Irkeshtam Pass: Osh-Kashgar

The Irkeshtam pass is the easy border crossing between Kyrgyzstan ( Osh – Sary Tash ) and China (Kashgar), and really, it’s not that easy (the landscape is spectacular though). The other border crossing from Kyrgyzstan into China is the Torugart pass . Tajikistan’s crossing with China, the Qolma Pass , is another nearby option.

Many people manage to cross between Kashgar and Osh in one long day, but it is not certain, so stock up on food (there are some dining options at the border, though). The Irkeshtam pass is busy year-round. An early start is recommended.

Reports and questions can be read and posted here for China to Kyrgyzstan , and here for Kyrgyzstan to China .

Table of Contents

Opening hours and border closures

The border operates year-round, but with long closures during Chinese and Kyrgyz public holidays. We recommend you read up about  Chinese border closures . For a summary of other issues facing travelers, both at the border and once in Xinjiang, see our Xinjiang travel guide .

The Kyrgyz checkpoint at the pass operates officially from 9am to 11am and 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday, but it is said they let people in round the clock.

The Chinese borders – the Ulugqat one as well as the factual one – work from 10:00 to 19:45 with a break from 13:00 to 16:00. Note that the hours on the Chinese side are in Beijing time, not Xinjiang time. It’s the summer schedule, and the winter one differs a little bit.

Chinese customs

In China, the new immigration checkpoint is 143km inland at Wuqia/Uluqqat 乌恰. A map showing the correct immigration building (use satellite imagery and ignore the route, which is offset quite a bit as Chinese maps tend to be). The immigration building is called customs clearance area / 口岸 / kou an. All your documents and luggage are checked at the actual border.

The process of passport checks seems to have been streamlined now, so there is less time-wasting, but from the mountain top border to Wuqia, several checks to show your passport are normal. Guards are generally friendly on both sides.

The whole road from Osh to Kashgar has been rebuilt in 2013 and is in a good state. You can exchange RMB into som or US$ and vice versa at the border.

Hide your knife very, very well, or it will be confiscated.

Transport options

If you do not have your own wheels, a shared taxi is the best way to go. There aren’t many options, really.

The flight between Kashgar and Bishkek by Air Manas has been cancelled. The Osh-Kashgar direct bus has been discontinued as well. Updates welcome in the Osh-Kashgar bus forum topic .

If you do have your own car: we gather self-drive crossing reports at the Irkeshtam self-driving forum thread .

From Kyrgyzstan to China

Osh to Irkeshtam takes 4 hours by car, add another 2 hours if you are taking the bus to Sary Tash and hitchhiking to the border. Sary Tash is not a place we recommend to spend a lot of time. Either go to the Sary Mogol area or start early and get to Kashgar in 1 day.

After the first checkpoint on the Chinese side of the border, there is an extra checkpoint at Uluqqat, the main immigration point since December 2011. It is closed from 12am to 4pm! After that, many, many more checkpoints!

Private transport is available through travel agents or shared taxis. Alternatively, finding a ride from Sary Tash early in the morning is not difficult. In this case, you will be put on a truck after the border onwards to the immigration service at Uluqqat, or you will be forced to take a taxi for 100 RMB per person.

Post-pandemic, it seems passports get stamped at the actual border, and there is no more need for travelers to continue to the immigration at Wuqia/Uluqqat. Waiting for more reports.

A bus from Osh leaves daily for Sary Tash for 250som (not in winter). The bus continues to Sary Mogol . It is easy to hitchhike from Sary Tash to the old Chinese immigration. Between the old and new Chinese borders you are only allowed to take organized taxis.

Between Osh and Sary Tash you can also get 4WD taxis for 400 som per seat.

From China to Kyrgyzstan

Kashgar – Osh will take a whole day, start early enough in Kashgar to arrive before the lunch break at Wuqia (12 to 16!). By taxi is much cheaper, quicker and more comfortable than by bus. There are a lot of passport checks on the way.

In winter, you may not find enough other tourists to share the costs of transport, so budget something extra in case that happens, or be prepared to wait in the cold.

By taxi Kashgar – Wuqia/Ulugqat: Leaves from local long distance bus station (喀什汽车客运站) near the train station. Do NOT confuse it with the international bus station, which is in the middle of nowhere. You simply buy a seat on a shared taxi to Wuqia at the ticket counter for 33 yuan. Before 9am Beijing time the place is dead. 1,5h drive to the center of Wuqia 乌恰 (ulugqat). Center of Wuqia to customs (it’s really far from the center): taxi costs 30 RMB. Customs in Chinese is 口岸 (kou an).

Foreigners cannot share rides with Han Chinese, you can only share with other foreigners. Alternatively, a taxi from Kashgar straight to customs: 150-200 RMB.

At the immigration, you need to get in a car to Kyrgyz immigration: 400 RMB for the whole car, which can be split amongst 4 passengers (100RMB/passenger). It’s 2 hours to the Kyrgyz border (there is a canteen if you need to wait). Once you clear all the passport checks, you need to catch a transport towards Sary Tash or Osh. Wait for a free lift or pay for a seat in a shared taxi (100 yuan/1000 som/15$ to Sary Tash, 200 yuan/2000 som/ 30$ to Osh). You will arrive in Osh in the evening 7-10pm.

September 2017: the bus has been discontinued until further notice.

Previously, tickets could be bought 3 days in advance from the international bus station: 570 yuan/90$ one way. The beds were tiny, there was no heating in winter. You arrived in the dead of night. The bus was crappy, packed, and everyone ignored bed/seat allocations. No toilet, no hot water. No food.

Accommodation, food and currency exchange

There is a hotel in Wuqia near the bus stop if you arrive late. There is also a hotel in Umqia. Reviews are welcome.

In Sary Tash , you can find plenty of accommodation. There is a small guest house and cafe in Irkeshtam next to the Kyrgyz check point where one can spend the night.

When you enter Irkeshtam, there is a hotel on the left, about 100m off the road. You can also ask one of the restaurant ladies, who will let you stay in one of the empty containers for 100 som per night per person. These reek of frying oil and are frequented by night owl truckers who have drunken conversations that continue late into the night.

If you prefer to stay in Nura (5 km before Irkeshtam), then  Guesthouse Nur  is a popular address. We have also heard of people camping near the river on the left hand side before crossing the bridge to Nura.

At the border control, there is now food being served on both sides (the chicken gets good reviews). There is also a mini market on the Chinese side to spend your last RMB. Money exchange is there as well.

Currency exchange

There is no currency exchange until Ulugqat (not even in Irkeshtam). Turn right just after the final passport check in Uluqqat which is located just before an intersection, then pick one of the small convenience stores on your right, they will exchange Som and Dollar.

Cycling Irkeshtam Pass

Petrol for a fuel stove (benzin) can be bought in a small village in Kyrgyzstan a few km before the border (in Xinjiang this is difficult to come by). All updates in the cycling Irkeshtam forum topic .

Once past the Chinese border, you cannot cycle until Uluqqat. A taxi to Uluqqat for you and your bicycles costs 300-400 yuan.

To get into Kyrgyzstan from somewhere else, see the other Kyrgyz border crossings .

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• Int'l forum on Xinjiang's history, future held in Kashgar

The International Forum on the History and Future of Xinjiang, China was held on Wednesday in Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, aiming to promote research on Xinjiang's cultural unity in diversity, and to deepen cross-cultural exchange and learning between China and the world.

Pan Yue, director of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, delivered remarks at the forum's opening ceremony. He urged efforts to study Xinjiang based on the history of the community of the Chinese nation, and based on the pluralistic and integrated pattern of the Chinese nation, so that research can fully grasp how Xinjiang's various ethnic cultures are rooted in the Chinese civilization.

Addressing the event, Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of the regional government of Xinjiang, noted Xinjiang's past progress in the preservation and passing down of its cultural heritage. He pledged comprehensive efforts in the future to tap into the cultural values and intellectual connotations of the region's historical and cultural heritage, engage actively in international exchange and cooperation, and break new ground on that front.

Diplomatic envoys of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also delivered remarks at the opening ceremony, praising Xinjiang's role in their countries' cooperation with China.

During a roundtable discussion of the forum, more than 100 experts and scholars from China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Australia, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Mongolia, Russia, the United States and other countries exchanged views on such topics as Xinjiang's archaeology, history and development.

The forum was co-hosted by Minzu University of China, Peking University and Kashi University. 

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• ​The International Forum on the History and Future of Xinjiang, China was held on Wednesday in Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, aiming to promote research on Xinjiang's cultural unity in diversity, and to deepen cross-cultural exchange and learning between China and the world.

Simple Flying

2 new arj21 operated routes link china's xinjiang to central asia.

The launch of the new routes is an example of China's increasingly deepening ties with Central Asia.

• ARJ21 passenger-to-freighter aircraft flies first commercial route between China's Xinjiang and Central Asia to boost trade links.
• Chengdu Airlines' ARJ21 takes off with Kashgar-Khujand flight, expanding operations in Xinjiang for economic growth and connectivity.
• China deepens ties with Central Asia through a landmark railway deal and aviation cooperation, shaping new regional dynamics.

Last week, within just two days, China's self-developed regional jet ARJ21 completed two breakthrough commercial operations linking China's northwestern province of Xinjiang with the Central Asian region.

The first commercial operation of the ARJ21 passenger-to-freighter conversion

First, on June 6th, the ARJ21 passenger-to-freighter conversion aircraft completed its first commercial flight, marking the first time a derivative model other than the passenger version of the ARJ21 program entered commercial operation.

The first commercial operation of the ARJ21 passenger-to-freighter conversion aircraft was by YTO Cargo Airlines, flight number YG9097, which flew from Yining, the capital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang, to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.

Regarding the ARJ21 passenger-to-freighter conversion aircraft completing its first commercial flight, Yang Yang, deputy director of COMAC's marketing center, stated,

“COMAC has achieved model diversification through series development to meet various market demands to the greatest extent. The first ARJ21 passenger-to-freighter conversion aircraft's maiden commercial flight to Central Asia marks a new achievement in the serialization development of China's self-developed commercial aircraft.”

According to information released by YTO Cargo Airlines, it will subsequently use the ARJ21 passenger-to-freighter conversion aircraft to operate regular flights between Yining and Tashkent, supporting the building of an international air route network covering the whole of Asia and reaching Europe.

This ARJ21 passenger-to-freighter conversion aircraft was delivered to YTO Cargo Airlines by COMAC on October 30, 2023. It was also the first delivery of the ARJ21 passenger-to-freighter conversion aircraft to a customer . On the same day, COMAC delivered two ARJ21 passenger-to-freighter conversion aircraft to two cargo airlines, one being YTO Cargo Airlines and the other being Air Central from Henan Province.

COMAC officially launched the ARJ21 passenger-to-freighter conversion project in May 2020. After independently completing the design plan and obtaining the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co., Ltd carried out the conversion work.

The ARJ21 passenger-to-freighter conversion aircraft has a maximum payload of 10 tons and a design range of 2,778 kilometers, positioning it for cargo transportation on domestic routes within China and short-haul international routes.

Chengdu Airlines’ second ARJ21 international route

Then, on June 7th, Chengdu Airlines launched a commercial route using the ARJ21 aircraft from Kashgar, Xinjiang, to Khujand, Tajikistan.

The ARJ21's inaugural commercial passenger flight to Central Asia was operated by Chengdu Airlines' flight EU2977. It departed from Kashgar Laining International Airport (KHG) in Xinjiang and arrived at Khujand International Airport (LBD) in Tajikistan. The total flight distance was approximately 1,628 kilometers, and the flight time was nearly 3 hours.

In June 2023, Chengdu Airlines commenced large-scale operations in Xinjiang. Currently, it has established three operational bases in Xinjiang (Turpan, Yining, and Kashgar), deployed nine ARJ21 aircraft, opened 43 routes, and covered 23 airports in Xinjiang, accounting for 92% of the total 25 airports in the region.

Chengdu Airlines To Launch Flights To Xinjiang With The COMAC ARJ21

Wang Yang, the General Manager of Chengdu Airlines' Xinjiang Operation Base, commented on the new route, saying:

"The launch of this new route will provide more convenient travel options for residents (passengers) of Kashgar and Khujand, further promoting economic and personnel exchanges between Kashgar, Khujand, and surrounding areas, bringing more business opportunities and development prospects to both cities."

Kashgar is a major city in southern Xinjiang and a concentrated area for the Uyghur ethnic group. It is located in southwestern Xinjiang, serving as a node city in the core area of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the starting point of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Khujand is the second-largest city in Tajikistan and a famous ancient city in Central Asia. Both Kashgar and Khujand were important stops along the ancient Silk Road.

The Kashgar-Khujand international route launched by Chengdu Airlines is the second international route it has opened using the ARJ21 aircraft. The first international route connects northeastern China with the Russian Far East, flying between Harbin and Vladivostok.

Since its official entry into service on June 28, 2016, the ARJ21 aircraft has safely carried over 13 million passengers.

China strengthens ties with Central Asia

As Russia increasingly needs China's support in the Russia-Ukraine war, and with China's growing national strength, China's influence in the Central Asian region, traditionally part of Russia's sphere of influence, is deepening.

In May 2023, China held its first China-Central Asia Summit with the five Central Asian nations. This was also the first time in history that China established an independent diplomatic cooperation framework with the five Central Asian countries without Russia's participation.

On the very same day as the first commercial operation of the ARJ21 passenger-to-freighter conversion aircraft, June 6th, another milestone in China-Central Asia cooperation, occurred with the official signing of the agreement for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. The leaders of the three countries participated in the signing ceremony via video link. This railway project has been in planning since 1997, taking 27 years from conception to the signing of the agreement.

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Kashgar Transportation: Get to Kashgar and Travel Around

Kashgar , once a prosperous trading center on the ancient Silk Road and a convergence point of widely varying cultures and empires, is a mysterious land with a multi-ethnic atmosphere. Of course, authentic Uyghur traditional culture is well-preserved as well. It is wildly recognized that northern Xinjiang is famous for nature while southern Xinjiang is attractive with culture. Kashgar is the biggest highlight of southern Xinjiang and also the gateway to other parts (such as Korla, Kuqa, Aksu, Hotan, etc.) of southern Xinjiang. Though the transport system in Kashgar is not as developed as some big modern cities in China, it can be reached conveniently from several major cities, and operates a quick access to some of its neighboring cities. Here we provide you with specific transfer information about Kashgar, including how to get to Kashgar from major gateway cities, such as Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Urumqi etc., as well as how to get around Kashgar. Read our ultimate Kashgar transportation to help you better travel Kashgar in 2024.

8 Days Classic Xinjiang Tour including Urumqi Turpan Kashgar Tashkurgan

Where is Kashgar – Kashgar Location

Lying at the western end of the Tarim Basin, Kashgar Region is the westernmost place in Xinjiang, China’s westernmost province. It is also situated at the foot of the Pamirs where Tianshan Mountain and Kunlun Mountains join. Kashgar Region borders with 4 foreign countries (namely Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Pakistan) in southwest and several other cities in Xinjiang (including Aksu in the north, Kizilsu Kirghiz in the northwest, Hotan Region in the east). It is about 1,470 km (driving distance) from Urumqi, the provincial capital and the transfer hub in northern Xinjiang.

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Get to Kashgar by Flight

Since there is no high speed train operating in Kashgar currently, taking a flight is the most efficient way to reach Kashgar. There are 2 airports in Kashgar Region and Kashgar International Airport is the most frequently-used one.

Kashgar International Airport (喀什国际机场, IATA: KHG, ICAO: ZWSH)

Address: Yinbin Avenue, Kashgar City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 新疆维吾尔自治区喀什地区喀什市迎宾大道

It was open to traffic in 1953 and became the busiest transfer hub in southern Xinjiang. It operates or receives about 24 airlines to/off about 20 cities, including Urumqi (2 h), Lanzhou (4 h), Beijing (4.5 h), Chengdu (4.5 h), Xian (5 h), Nanjing (5 h), Shanghai (8.5 h), Bole (2h), Korla (1.5h), Toumchouq (1), Yining (2h), Aksu (1h), Shache (40 m), etc. etc. Learn more about Kashgar Airport: Location, Flight Schedules, Transportation>

Major Kashgar Flight Schedules:

Shache Yarkand Airport (莎车叶尔羌机场, IATA: QSZ, ICAO: ZWSC)

Address: Zirefuxiati Village of Zirefuxiati Tajik Township, Kashgar Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 新疆喀什地区莎车县孜热普夏提乡

Shache Yarkand Airport serving Shache County (Yarkant) is connected with Korla (1.5h), Kashgar (40m), Urumqi (2h), Aksu (2h), Xian (4.5h), etc. by direct flight. If you want a quick access to Shache for sightseeing, taking a flight is a good idea.

Besides, there is another airport - Tashkurgan Pamir Airport(塔什库尔干帕米尔机场) under construction. When it is open, it will operate flights to some destinations in Xinjiang, such as Kashgar, Shache, Urumqi, Yining, Aksu, etc., and maybe some other big cities like Beijing, Xian, Shenzhen, etc.

Kashgar International Airport

Kashgar Airport Location

Get to Kashgar by Train

For travelers who are interested in a relaxing train journey or a budget transfer, traveling by train is a nice choice. At present, there are only two railways, Southern Xinjiang Railway and the Kashgar-Hotan Railway. These railways link Kashgar with Korla (9.5~16hours), Kuqa (7~12 hours), Aksu (5~9 hours), Shache (2~2.5 hours)and Hotan (5.5~6.5 hours). It is also available to take trains to Kashgar from Urumqi (14.5~24 hours), Turpan (12.5~22 hours), Xian (38.5 hours), Chengdu (48.5 hours) and some other cities through combined railways.

Kashgar Railway Station 喀什站

Address: North Shijie Avenue, Kashgar City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (新疆喀什世纪大道北路)

Kashgar Railway Station is the only railway station serving Kashgar City. It is about 12 km, 20 minutes’ drive to downtown Kashgar and Kashgar Old City; around 13 km, 25 minutes’ drive to Id Kah Mosque; about 15 km, 20 minutes’ drive to Kashgar Livestock Bazaar (Sunday Market); about 8 km, 15 minutes’ drive to Abakh Hoja Tomb; about 300 km, 6 hours’ drive to Tashkurgan; about 200 km, 4 hours’ drive to Karakul Lake.

▶ Kashgar Train Station

• Kashgar Railway Station

Popular Kashgar High Speed Bullet Train & Normal Train Schedules

Urumqi to kashgar train.

• Turpan to Kashgar Train

Xian to Kashgar Train

Dunhuang to kashgar train.

• Lanzhou to Kashgar Train
• Zhangye to Kashgar Train
• Jiayuguan to Kashgar Train

Chengdu to Kashgar Train

• Korla to Kashgar Train
• Kuqa to Kashgar Train
• Aksu to Kashgar Train
• Shache to Kashgar Train
• Hotan to Kashgar Train

Get from Urumqi to Kashgar

Linear Distance: 1,100 km (about 684 miles)

Travel Time: about 2 hours by nonstop flight, or 14.5~24 hours by train

Urumqi to Kashgar Flight

Urumqi is the transfer hub in northern Xinjiang and Kashgar is the transfer hub in southern Xinjiang. Since Urumqi can be reached easily by flight from many big cities in China's mainland, many travelers choose to travel Uruqmi first and then transfer to Kashgar. In order to have a quick transfer between Urumqi and Kashgar, flight is the most recommended way. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport operates more than 25 flights to Kashgar Airport. You can easily catch a flight from 07:00 to 22:30. The flight duration is about 2 hours.

There are over 6~8 daily trains running from Urumqi Railway Station to Kashgar Railway Station, and all of them are normal trains (including K-trains, T-trains and Y-trains). The fastest train takes about 14.5 hours and the slowest train takes about 24 hours. Remember to book your ticket in advance and choose a faster train to save your time. If you want an in-depth Xinjiang discovery, you can have a stop in the midway cities, including Turpan, Korla, Kuqa and Aksu.

▶ How to Get to Urumqi | Urumqi to Kashgar Travel

☛ 8 Days Xinjiang Classic Tour(Urumqi - Turpan - Kashgar) ☛ 6 Days Urumqi to Kashgar Dream Tour - Best Xinjiang Tour for the First-timers

Urumqi Diwopu International Airport

Get from Dunhuang to Kashgar

Linear Distance: 1,600 km (1,000 miles)

Duration: at least 8 hours by connecting flights, or 19.5~23.5 hours by train

Dunhuang to Kashgar Flight

Currently, there are no direct flights operating from Dunhuang to Kashgar. There are only connecting-flights between Dunhuang and Kashgar, and you need to make a transfer in Lanzhou or Xian. The tickets will be a little expensive and the time won’t be short exactly.

We suggest you take a high speed train to Urumqi first, and then take a flight to Kashgar . Liuyuan South Railway Station (about 2 hours’ drive from Dunhuang City) operates 3 daily high speed trains to Urumqi Railway Station, with a duration of about 4.5 hours. It is worthwhile to spend 2~3 days touring Urumqi and its beautiful surroundings (like Turpan and Heavenly Lake).

▶ How to Get to Dunhuang | Dunhuang to Kashgar Travel

Travelers can take a train from Dunhuang to Kashgar, but only normal trains are available. Every day, two daily trains run from Liuyuan South Railway Station and arrive at Kashgar Railway Station on the next day. One train needs about 19.5 hours and the other train needs 23.5 hours. Liuyuan South Railway Station is about 130 km away from Dunhuang City and you can get there by bus or driving.

☛ 10 Days Classic Silk Road Tour (Xian - Dunhuang - Turpan - Kashgar) ☛ 12 Days Silk Road Tour from Beijing (Beijing - Xian - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi - Kashgar)

Liuyuan South Railway Station

Get from Beijing to Kashgar

Linear Distance: 3,400 km (about 2110 miles)

Travel Time: about 4.5 hours by nonstop flight

Beijing to Kashgar Flight

Flight is the most convenient and most efficient way to transfer between Beijing and Kashgar. There are 2~3 daily flights flying from Beijing to Kashgar. Beijing Daxining International Airport runs one nonstop flight and Beijing Capital International Airport runs one nonstop flight and one stopover flight. All the flights arrive at Kashgar International Airport and the nonstop flight takes about 4.5 hours. If you fail to book a direct flight, you can book a connecting flight and make a transfer in Lanzhou or Urumqi.

Beijing to Kashgar Train

Till now, there is no direct train (neither high speed train nor normal train) operating between Beijing and Kashgar. If you insist on a train trip, you can take a high speed train to Xian or Lanzhou first, and then take a normal train to Kashgar. The whole trip needs about 3 days.

▶ How to Get to Beijing | Beijing to Kashgar Travel

☛ 12 Days Silk Road Tour from Beijing (Beijing - Xian - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi - Kashgar)

Beijing Capital International Airport

Get from Shanghai to Kashgar

Linear Distance: 4,200 km (about 2,610 miles)

Travel Time: about 8.5 hours by stopover flight

Shanghai to Kashgar Flight

Traveling between Shanghai and Kashgar, taking a flight is the most recommended way. There are around 3 stopover flights from Shanghai to Kashgar. 2 flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport will take a stop in Urumqi and the other flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport will take as top at Lanzhou. It is about an 8.5 hours' trip.

Shanghai to Kashgar Train

Shanghai does not operate direct trains to Kashgar and you need to make a transfer. It is quite popular to take a high speed train to Xian first and then take a normal train to Kashgar. Because of the transfer in Xian, we suggest you spend 2 or 3 days exploring beautiful Xian.

▶ How to Get to Shanghai | ▶ Shanghai to Kashgar Travel

Get from Xian to Kashgar

Linear Distance: 2,950 km (about 1830 miles)

Travel Time: about 4.5 hours by nonstop flight, or 38.5 hours by train

Xian to Kashgar Flight

Because of the long distance between Xian and Kashgar, taking a flight is most recommended if you want a quick Xian Kashgar trip. Xian Xianyang Airport operates 5~7 direct flights to Kashgar International Airport and 1~2 of them will take an about 45 minutes’ stop in Korla or Aksu. The nonstop flight trip is about 4.5 hours.

There is one daily train running from Xian Railway Station to Kashgar Railay Station. The whole train trip takes about 38.5 hours, and you will depart from Xian at the first night and arrive at Kashgar in the afternoon of the third day. Because of the long train trip, we suggest you book a Hard Sleeper or a Soft Sleeper (better).

▶ How to Get to Xian | ▶ Xian to Kashgar Travel

Get from Chengdu to Kashgar

Linear Distance: 2,720 km (about 1,690 miles)

Travel Time: about 4.5 hours by nonstop flight, or 48.5 hours by train

Chengdu to Kashgar Flight

Just like traveling from other cities far from Kashgar, taking a flight is the best way to get to Kashgar from Chengdu. There are 2 daily flights from Chengdu Kashgar, including one nonstop flight and one flight with an about 1 hour's stop in Urumqi. Both flights depart from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and arrive at Kashgar International Airport. The nonstop flight trip takes about 4.5 hours, and the stopover flight takes about 7 hours.

There is only one daily normal T-train running from Chengdu Railway Station to Kashgar Railway Station. There are 27 mid-way stations and the whole train trip takes about 48.5 hours. Spending more than 2 days on the train, you are suggested to book a Hard Sleeper or Soft Sleeper to enjoy a relatively quieter environment.

▶ How to Get to Chengdu | ▶ Chengdu to Kashgar Travel

Get from Kashgar to Tashkurgan

Distance: 300 km

Travel Time: about 5.5 hours' drive

Tashikurgan is a significant historical town on the ancient Silk Road, which still keeps its old tradition. A Kashgar tour without Tashkurgan is not complete. Since there is no train or flight available at present, driving is the only choice to get to Tashikurgan. The road connects Kashgar and Tashkurgan is National highway 314 which is well-paved and in good condition. During the driving journey, you will see some amazing landscape on the way, including Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata, etc.

▶ Kashgar to Tashkurgan

☛ 5 Days Legendary Pamirs Tour from Kashgar to Tashkurgan

Get from Kashgar to Karakul

Distance: 190 km

Travel Time: about 4 hours’ drive

For travelers seeking for the natural landscape of Kashgar, Karakul Lake is a must. With reflection of the nearby snow-capped peaks, it shows a different side of Kashgar. There is no flight or train Kashgar to Karakul directly, and driving is the best choice. It is available to take a Kashgar-to-Tashkurghan bus and get off at the lake, but it’s not recommended because leaving the lake will be a problem. Traveling with a local travel agency like China Discovery, you will enjoy worry-free transfer and freedom to stop on the way for sightseeing if possible.

Some travelers might get to Tashkurgan first, and then travel to Karakul. The distance between Tashkurgan and Karakul is about 100 km (about 2.5 hours’ drive).

▶ Kashgar to Karakul

Inner Transportation in Kashgar

In Kashgar City, you can easily travel around by using public transfer means like public bus and taxi. Metro is not operated in Kashgar at present.

Public Bus: There are many public buses able to take you to different sites in the city area of Kashgar, such as Kashgar Railway Station, Kashgar Bazaar, Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, etc.

Taxi: If you want to visit some places a little far from the downtown area, calling a taxi will be more time-effective.

Warm Tip: The bus and taxi drivers don’t speak English usually, and we suggest you use the private transfer from a local travel agency like China Discovery.

Kashgar Bus

How to Plan A Kashgar Xinjiang Tour

How to Get to Kashgar: From mainland cities - you can take domestic flights from Beijing (about 6~7 hours), Xian (about 4 hours), Chengdu (about 6~7 hours), Shanghai (about 8 hours), Guangzhou (about 8 hours), Jinan (about 7 hours), Zhengzhou (about 7 hours), etc., or provincial flights from Urumqi (about 2 hours), Korla (about 1.5 hours), Yili (about 1.5 hours). From the borders - you can also get to Kashgar from land border ports, such as Kalasu Port, Irkeshtam Port, Torugart Port, Khunjerab Port. If you need transfer, we can send a tour guide and driver to pick up you from the borders.

Best Time to Visit Kashgar: suitable for travelling all year around, but May to October is most comfortable and beautiful.

Top Places to Visit Kashgar: Kashgar Old City, Karakul Lake, Tashkurgan (Stone City, Golden Grassland), Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar Bazaar

Plus arrival and departure days, you’d better plan at least 4 days for your Kashgar trip . If you want to extend your trip to Tashkurgan , you need at least 5 days. You can spend 2 days exploring attractions in Kashgar city and its old town, such as Kashgar Bazaar, Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Hoja Tomb, Ancient Tea House , etc., then have a day trip to Karakul Lake from Kashgar. If you want to experience something more authentic, Tashkurgan , about 3.5 hours’ drive from Kashgar, is strongly recommended.

☛ 4 Days In-depth Kashgar Tour to Karakul Lake ☛ 5 Days Legendary Pamirs Tour from Kashgar to Tashkurgan

After Kashgar tour, you can take a flight to Urumqi to marvel at the alluring Heavenly Lake and visit the mummy and Silk Road exhibitions in Xinjiang Regional Museum, then keep traveling to Turpan to see the grape valleys, visit historical Jiaohe Ancient City, etc. For an in-depth Silk Road journey, you can travel from Kashgar to Hotan, Kuqa, Taklamakan Desert , etc., which usually need about 8~13 days. If you love landscape, don’t miss out the Kanas Lake in northern Xinjiang.

☛ 6 Days Urumqi to Kashgar Dream Tour - Best Xinjiang Tour for the First-timers ☛ 8 Days Urumqi Turpan Kashgar Xinjiang Tour ☛ 13 Days Xinjiang Silk Road Adventure Tour

Kashgar and Xinjiang regions can also be connected to other Silk Road destinations easily, such as Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, Xian , etc. Qinghai, Tibet, Inner Mongolia are also some recommended extensions of Kashgar Xinjiang trip. Find recommended Silk Road tours here or contact us to tailor-make a trip of your own if you want to discover more destinations.

☛ 10 Days Classic Silk Road Tour from Xian ☛ 11 Days Wild In-depth Silk Road Adventure Tour ☛ 15 Days Classic Ancient China Silk Road Tour with Bullet Train Experience

Travel with China Discovery

Want to enjoy a worry-free Kashgar tour? Traveling with China Discovery is strongly recommended. Our local travel guide and driver will pick you up at the airport or train station as you arrive with an air-conditioned and non-smoking vehicle, and then escort you to your hotel or every attraction listed in your itinerary. Great freedom will be given to you whenever you need to stop for sightseeing and photography. You are sure to enjoy a comfortable, safe and efficient experience.

Far more than that, China Discovery is professional to provide high-quality customizable tour. We have got 3,770+ good reviews on TripAdvisor.com, and 1,910+ China travel reviews from the customers. Before your trip, our experienced travel expert will communicate with you one-to-one and organize everything (accommodation, transfer, itinerary…) well. In your trip, our local travel guide will accompany you all the way and introduce the highlights of every place to you. All the experience can be tailor-made according to your group size, travel time, physical condition, personal interest, travel budget and other needs. Feel free to contact us to start your worry-free private tour now!

Private Transfer from China Discovery

Keep Reading About Kashgar

• Kashgar Tours
• Tashkurgan Tours
• Kashgar Travel Guide
• Things to Do in Kashgar
• Kashgar Weather & Seasons
• Travel from Kashgar to Tashkurgan
• Kashgar Maps
• Kashgar Hotels
• Kashgar Airport and Flights
• Kashgar Silk Road
• Kashgar Old City
• Id Kah Mosque
• Karakul Lake
• Kashgar Century-old Teahouse

Keep Reading About Xinjiang Tours & Travel Guide

• Xinjiang Tours
• Urumqi Tours
• Turpan Tours
• Kanas Tours
• How to Plan Xinjiang Trip
• Xinjiang Destinations
• Xinjiang Attractions & Things to Do
• Xinjiang Weather & Seasons
• Xinjiang Transportation
• Xinjiang Maps
• Xinjiang Tips
• Urumqi Travel Guide
• Turpan Travel Guide
• Shache Travel Guide
• Altay Travel Guide
• Hotan Travel Guide
• Kucha Travel Guide
• Ili Travel Guide
• Taklamakan Desert

Recommended Kashgar Tours

Top 3 Kashgar tours chosen by most customers to explore Kashgar in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

10 Days Classic Silk Road Tour (Xian/Dunhuang/Turpan/Kashgar)

Xian / Dunhuang / Turpan / Urumqi / Kashgar

Urumqi - Turpan - Kashgar - Tashkurgan

6 Days Urumqi to Kashgar Dream Tour - Best Xinjiang Tour for the First-timers

Urumqi / Kashgar / Karakul Lake / Tashikurgan / Kashgar

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China tourist visa scrapped for New Zealand visitors

Sarah Pollok

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New Zealand passport holders can soon visit China on holiday without a visa. Photo / 123rf

Kiwi travellers eager to visit China can cross “get a visa” off their pre-trip to-do list following a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Li landed in Wellington on Thursday for a three-day visit focused on trade . During this time, he announced New Zealand passport holders can now enjoy visa-free entry into China, in a move to strengthen ties and enable more travel between the countries.

“China is ready to discuss with New Zealand to introduce more measures to facilitate two-way travel, and China has extended unilateral visa-free treatment to New Zealand.”

Previously, only 11 European countries and Malaysia have had the privilege of visa-free travel to China. Now, Kiwis can also visit without applying for a tourist visa, however, trips will likely be limited to 15 days, similar to other visa-waiver countries.

The announcement will save future travellers around $140, which was how much a single-entry tourist visa for New Zealand passport holders was.

It is unclear when the visa-free entry will start for New Zealanders. Still, the news was a significant development for New Zealand and China’s tourism industry, said Wendy Wu, the founder of Wendy Wu Tours, a leading China tour company.

“This is fantastic news for all New Zealanders dreaming of exploring China’s rich culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes,” said Wu, adding that the company was “thrilled” about the opportunities this created for customers.

If you’re planning a trip to China, you may (understandably) have many questions such as “ How cheap is it to visit? ”, “How do I get there from New Zealand?”, “What apps can I use?” or “What is the best way to pay for things?”

Fortunately, we took the 12-hour flight to check out the Asian destination and find all the answers for the curious traveller.

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