Kashgar 3-Day Itinerary: Old City, Pamir, and Surroundings

Kashgar is the gateway to Southern Xinjiang. Three days isn't a lot of time, but with proper planning, you can explore the Old City, visit the bazaars, and reach the Pamirs. The key is to avoid rushing long distances on day one; instead, focus on sorting out your permits and setting a comfortable pace.

Day 1: Old Town & Tea House

Enter the ancient city through the East Gate in the morning to watch the opening ceremony (schedule subject to on-site announcements). Walk along the main street toward the Id Kah Mosque. For lunch, enjoy pilaf or hand-pulled noodles. In the afternoon, explore Craftsman Street and visit a century-old tea house.

Head to the high ground in the Old Town at dusk for sunset, then enjoy dinner around the Ancient City in the evening. Day 1 focuses on walking to get into the rhythm. You can refer to this layout for navigating the Old Town.How to explore Kashgar Old Town。

Day 2: Pamir Day Trip

Depart in the morning for Pamir. Along the way, visit Bosten Lake and Karakul Lake; on clear days, you can see Muztagh Ata Peak. Return to Kashgar in the afternoon. The entire journey covers approximately 300 kilometers with a long drive.

Confirm your border pass and bring your ID card before departure. Ascend gradually; move slowly after getting off the vehicle. The round trip is tiring; if time permits, consider staying one night in Taxkorgan. For a two-day itinerary in the Pamirs, refer to the suggested plan.How to plan a 2-day itinerary for the Pamir Plateau。

Day 3: Bazaar & Surroundings

If a bazaar is open, visit the cattle and sheep bazaar in the morning, return to the city center for lunch, and explore the International Bazaar or Xiangfei Garden in the afternoon. On days without bazaars, visit Artux Heavenly Gate or Aytak instead.

Set aside time in the afternoon for nuts and souvenirs, then head to the airport in the evening. For bazaar timings and locations, refer to {0}.How to explore the Kashgar Cattle and Sheep Bazaar。

Documents & Transportation

A border permit is required for the Pamir region; it can typically be obtained in Kashgar with your ID card. The airport is about 30 minutes from the city center, and taxis are readily available. Within the city, combine walking with taxi rides.

Avoid renting cars, private transfers, or local day tours for the first three days. These options offer a more stress-free experience. Confirm the private transfer cost in advance, including fuel and driver meals. Airport transfer details are provided below.Kashgar Airport to City Center and Tashkurgan。

Accommodation and Dining

Stay near the Ancient City for easy walking and lively evenings. If you prefer quiet, choose the New City—just a 10-minute taxi ride. Rates rise during peak seasons; book early.

A wide variety of foods to enjoy: roasted buns, pilaf, tossed noodles, yogurt rice dumplings, and skewered meats. Restaurants around the Old City offer better value than those in tourist areas. For a food tour itinerary, see below.One-Day Kashi Culinary Tour。

Note

The Old Town is a residential area; please ask for permission before taking photos. Dress modestly and observe visiting hours when touring the mosque. Pamir Plateau has high altitude; bring water and common medications.

Don't pack the three-day itinerary too tightly; the Pamir day will be exhausting. Get some rest early on the second night so you have energy for the third day. The overall route in Southern Xinjiang can be referenced as follows:Southern Xinjiang Tour Itineraries。

Sunset in Kashgar is later than in inland China, so dinner time is also later. Shops in the Old City open late; it's best to visit after 10 a.m. For day trips to the Pamirs, leave before 7 a.m. Get your Border Travel Permit one day in advance—don't wait until the last minute. Arrive at the airport two hours early for security checks. When buying dried fruits, buy by weight and taste first. Parking near Old City homestays is difficult; if driving yourself, confirm parking options beforehand.

Three days is just enough to cover the basics of Kashgar. I'll come back next time to explore the details.

Place Pamir in the middle, with the Old Town at the start and end for a smoother pace.

The old town is quiet in the early morning with soft light—ideal for photos. Most shops don't open until 10 AM, so arriving earlier means you'll only see closed doors and windows. If you want tea, come in the afternoon when the teahouses are bustling.

Pack plenty of food and water for the trip to Pamir; restaurants along the route are scarce. If returning after dark, ask the driver to go slowly—the mountain roads have many curves.

Kashgar has a distinct time lag: the streets are quiet until 8 AM and only get lively after 10 AM. Plan to head out later; no need to wake up too early.

On Day 3, if your flight is in the afternoon, we'll only explore the Old Town in the morning—no distant sites—to ensure you have enough time to reach the airport.

Many homestays in the old town feature rooftop terraces. At dusk, capturing views of the rooftops and distant mosque minarets from above offers more depth than shooting from street level.

If your third-day flight is early morning, stay in Xincheng the night before—it's close to the airport and avoids traffic.

Return from Pamir late that day; keep dinner light. Don't schedule an early bus the next day—allow time to rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is three days enough to visit Tashkurgan?Same-day return is possible but rushed. Staying overnight requires four days.

Where can I get a border pass?Typically handled at Kashi service points; bring your ID card. Specific locations are subject to local announcements.

Kashgar is an ideal starting point for a three-day Southern Xinjiang itinerary. A schedule can be arranged based on flight times.Online SupportSpecify arrival time.

All destinations mentioned are within Xinjiang. Before departing, please verify your itinerary based on current road conditions, opening hours, and reservation requirements for the season.

Editor's Note: Travel itineraries in Kashgar and southern Xinjiang are highly seasonal. This article has been verified by China International Travel Service (Xinjiang) based on current conditions. For confirmation of itinerary pacing and vehicle arrangements, please contact our local travel consultant or explore more Xinjiang travel guides on this site.