Kashgar travel itineraries, how to plan a best Kashgar trip

1-day Kashgar travel itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2-day kashgar travel itinerary

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

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

Desert camping itinerary in kashgar

Day 1: Arrival in Kashgar

Arrive in Kashgar, settle in at your accommodation, and explore the city. Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, and the Kashgar Old Town, where you can see traditional Uyghur architecture and try local cuisine. In the evening, attend a traditional Uyghur dance and music performance.

Day 2: Drive to the Desert

After breakfast, drive to the desert area near Kashgar (around 3 hours). Stop at the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves along the way, a series of caves with Buddhist art dating back to the 3rd century. Once you reach the desert, set up camp and enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, explore the desert on foot, or rent a camel for a ride. In the evening, enjoy a campfire dinner and stargazing.

Day 3: Desert Adventure

Wake up early for a sunrise hike in the desert. After breakfast, try sandboarding or dune-bashing (off-road driving) in the desert. In the afternoon, visit a nearby village to learn about the local culture and see traditional handicrafts. Return to the campsite for dinner and another night of stargazing.

Day 4: Return to Kashgar

Pack up camp and drive back to Kashgar. Stop at the Sunday Bazaar, one of the largest markets in Central Asia, to shop for souvenirs and try local street food. Depart from Kashgar.

4 day Kashgar and Taxkorgan itinerary

Day 1:  Start the day early by visiting the Id Kah Mosque and the Abakh Khoja Tomb. After the mosque and tomb, head to the Kashgar Old City to explore the traditional Uyghur homes and narrow alleys. Visit the Apak Hoja Mazar Market, where you can find a wide range of goods, including textiles, spices, and local handicrafts. Head to the Kashgar Grand Bazaar, where you can shop for traditional Uyghur handicrafts, taste local snacks, and experience the bustling atmosphere of the market. Enjoy a traditional Uyghur dinner at a local restaurant.

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

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

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

Cycling itinerary for Kashgar >>