How to Enjoy Kashgar in Winter: Old City, Bazaars & Pamirs

Winter sees a noticeable drop in Kashgar's visitor numbers. The alleys of the Old City grow quiet, with sunlight warming the earthen-yellow walls—perfect for a leisurely stroll. Temperatures are higher than in Northern Xinjiang; wear a heavy coat during the day, but expect cold mornings and evenings.

How to explore the old town

The opening ceremony takes place in the morning. Afterward, enter through the East Gate and walk along Main Street to Artisan Street to visit pottery, copperware, and woodworking workshops. Residential gateways in the alleys feature unique decorations; please ask for permission before taking photos.

Old Town RouteKashgar Old City Tour Route; Artisan Street visits Kashgar Artisan Street.

Bazaar and Tea House

The Kashgar Livestock Bazaar operates on fixed days, such as Sundays. Even in winter, when crowds are thinner, the atmosphere remains lively. Afterward, head to a teahouse in the Old City for an afternoon of relaxation with tea and naan—the local way of life.

See Bazaar informationHow to explore the Kashgar Cattle and Sheep BazaarSee you at the tea house.How to enjoy a tea house in Kashi Old City。

Winter in the Pamirs

Winter in the Pamir Plateau brings low temperatures, strong winds, and snow on some roads. Due to the high altitude, we do not recommend travel for seniors and young children. If you plan to visit, please verify road conditions and obtain a Border Pass in advance, and allow flexibility in your itinerary.

How to apply for a border pass: see "How to Apply for a Pamir Border Pass". Route: see "How to Travel from Kashgar to Taxkorgan".

How to schedule three days

Day 1: Old City and tea houses. Day 2: Livestock market and surrounding areas. Day 3: Head to Pamir or Atushi Heaven's Gate, depending on the weather. In winter, daylight hours are short; lighting weakens after 5 PM, so plan visits to scenic spots in the morning.

Day trips around Kashgar: see "Kashgar Day Trips"; overall itinerary: seeHow to plan a 3-day itinerary in Kashgar。

Accommodation and Dining

Courtyard homestays in the Old City offer a unique experience; heating varies by property, so confirm during booking. Hotels in the city center provide stable heating at lower rates. Start your day with warming pigeon soup and naan.

See accommodation options in the ancient cityWhere to stay in Kashgar Old TownSee you at breakfast for Kashgar pigeon soup.

Winter Daylight and Daily Schedule

Sunrise in Kashgar during winter is late; it's still gray by 9 a.m., so no need to start your day too early. Midday offers the best light for exploring the Old City. After 5 p.m., light fades—wrap up outdoor activities.

Locals adjust their schedules to daylight: streets come alive after 10 AM, and shops close early. For night markets, head to the old town outskirts or city center for more options.

Fewer tourists in winter means artisans are more willing to chat—feel free to ask questions. No need to rush into haggling; take your time exploring.

Winter Diet and Tea Houses

Nothing beats a bowl of pigeon soup on a cold day—pair it with naan to warm your stomach. In winter, the old city teahouse is quiet; you can sit for hours without being rushed, and they keep refilling your tea all afternoon.

The winter bazaar is smaller, but still offers lamb, dried fruits, and handicrafts. You can browse at your leisure; vendors are relaxed and happy to chat.

The night market opens early and closes early; arrive before 8 PM for BBQ. Watch out for ice on the way back to your accommodation.

In winter, Kashgar feels like time slows down. The alleys of the old city are quiet, with few tourists. Elderly men still play chess in tea houses. Sitting in a corner to sip tea and listen to a song brings you closer to this city than rushing to another attraction. In the cold, human warmth becomes even more apparent.

When traveling from Kashgar to the Pamirs in winter, limit your trip to Tashkurgan for one or two days; avoid going further to remote border crossings. Cooperate with checkpoint checks and keep your documents handy. At high altitude, avoid running or jumping, walk slowly, and descend to lower elevations if you feel unwell.

The old town has many alleys; if you get lost, don't worry. Just take a loop and you'll always find your way back to the main street. If you see an open courtyard gate, ask first—most people will happily invite you in. Winter brings fewer tourists, making it easier to strike up conversations and hear stories you wouldn't normally come across.

Related reading

• Kashgar Old City Tour Route
• How to explore Kashgar
• Southern Xinjiang Tour Itineraries

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kashgar cold in winter?

Milder than northern Xinjiang; daytime temperatures hover around 0°C, with colder mornings and evenings. A down jacket and thick pants are sufficient. Indoor heating is excellent.

Is it safe to visit the Pamir Plateau in winter?

Check road conditions and weather. Some sections may be closed during snowfall. Due to high altitude and low oxygen levels, this trip is not recommended for those with health issues.

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.