How to Explore Kashgar: Old City, Xiangfei Garden, and Surrounding Itineraries

Kashgar is the gateway to southern Xinjiang and a key destination for many travelers. Two to three days are enough to explore the Old City and its surroundings; use the remaining time to extend your journey toward the Pamirs or the desert.

How to spend two days in the city

Day 1: Enter the Old City via the East Gate, walk along the main street to Id Kah Mosque, explore the handicraft street and bazaar in the afternoon, and return to the Old City at dusk to enjoy the night lights. Day 2: Visit the Afandi's Mausoleum and Gaotai Village, then head to the night market in the evening.

The old town has many narrow alleys. Explore them by section to avoid backtracking. Visit in the morning when it's less crowded and the light is ideal for capturing architectural details.

How to choose merchandise

Head southwest toward the Pamir Plateau: Bosten Lake, Karakul Lake, and Muztagh Ata lie on a single route, typically requiring two days. Head southeast to Hotan (farther distance). Head north to Aksu and Kuqa.

• Pamir Route: 2 days; border permit required.
• Khotan Direction: 3+ days, focused on the desert and jade markets
• Kucha: 2 days to explore the caves and old town
• Tashkurgan Direction: Can be combined with Pamir; note the high altitude.

Documents & Transportation

A Border Management Area Permit is required to visit border counties and cities such as Tashkurgan. You can obtain this permit at local government service windows. Carry your ID card with you and present it for inspection at checkpoints.

Kashgar has direct flights to multiple cities in mainland China. Flights are limited during peak season, so we recommend booking in advance. Taxis are readily available in the city; for trips to nearby attractions, we suggest hiring a private car.

Schedule and Diet

Kashgar is in a different time zone than inland China. In summer, daylight persists past 10 p.m., so dinner is served later. Afternoons are very hot; indoor rest is recommended for comfort.

The diet features BBQ, pilaf, hand-pulled noodles, and naan, with a wide variety of options at night markets. For flavor profiles and ordering tips, seeXinjiang Food Route。

帕米尔方向的一日安排

从喀什出发走帕米尔，一天可以到白沙湖与喀拉库勒湖，再视时间前往塔县方向。海拔上升快，出发前保证睡眠，途中不要剧烈运动，出现头痛恶心及时下撤或吸氧。

这条线需要办理边境通行相关手续，出发前确认证件与办理点。路上补给点少，带足饮水与食物，返程预留时间，避免夜间在高原路段行车。

市区打车方便，老城周边道路窄，步行往往比开车快。去机场与火车站的路上预留堵车时间，早高峰不算严重，但检查站可能排队。饮食上先清淡后重口，连续吃烤肉后安排一顿汤饭，肠胃会更舒服。

老城的巷子容易迷路，认准几座地标建筑与主干道方向即可。走累了在茶馆坐一会儿，比对着导航硬找出口轻松。傍晚老城的光线柔和，适合再走一圈拍建筑。

路线与途经点见喀什到塔县路线；高原反应的应对见帕米尔高原注意事项。

Related reading

• How to Explore Kashgar Old City: Alleys, Bazaars, and Handcraft Experiences
• Pamir Plateau Route: Taxkorgan, Baisha Lake, and Muztagh Ata
• Travel Documents and Security Checks for Xinjiang: What to Bring
• View Southern Xinjiang Routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days are recommended for a trip to Kashgar?

The old town and main attractions can be explored in 2–3 days. Add another 2–3 days for the Pamir region, or extend further if visiting Hotan or Kuqa.

Do I need to obtain a permit in advance for the trip to Taxkorgan?

To obtain a Border Management Area Pass, visit the local government service window or an authorized location in Kashgar. Before departure, confirm the destination area and required documents.

补充说明：本文由新疆中国国际旅行社（新疆国旅）线路顾问整理，围绕喀什的南疆旅游与新疆旅游信息会随季节和路况更新，行程节奏与用车安排可在线咨询本地旅行社顾问。