Culture & Adventure

Kashgar: Heart of the Ancient Silk Road

Step back in time to the crossroads of civilization - where camel caravans once traded silk, spices, and stories beneath the Pamir Mountains.

Hi, I'm Turgun. I'm a Uyghur guide born and raised in Kashgar. My family has been trading in the Sunday Bazaar for five generations. This guide was last updated in July 2026.

7 Days / 6 Nights
Kashgar, Xinjiang, China
Adventurous Culture Seekers
City + Mountain Excursions
$ - Budget Friendly
May-October (Avoid winter)
Id Kah Mosque Sunday Bazaar Karakul Lake Uyghur Cuisine Old City Karakoram Highway

Important Note: Kashgar is in Xinjiang, China. All foreign travelers need a Chinese visa and a Xinjiang PSB permit for certain areas (your hotel can arrange this). Photography etiquette is essential - always ask permission before photographing Uyghur vendors, especially at the Sunday Bazaar. Be respectful of local customs and religious sensitivities. Carry cash (RMB) as cards are not widely accepted in the Old City and bazaar areas.

Why This Journey is Extraordinary

Living Silk Road

Kashgar is the only place where the Silk Road still feels alive - camels, traders, spices, and centuries-old traditions continue uninterrupted

Uyghur Hospitality

Uyghur culture is deeply hospitable. Expect to be invited for tea, share a meal of polo rice, and hear stories of the ancient trade routes

Unforgettable Flavors

Laghman noodles pulled by hand, lamb kebabs over charcoal, polo rice with carrots and lamb, and samsa baked in a tandoor - Uyghur cuisine is world-class

Pamir Mountains

The drive to Karakul Lake along the Karakoram Highway is one of the most spectacular mountain roads on Earth, with views of Muztagh Ata (7,546m)

Daily Journey Inspiration

1

Kashgar Old City & Id Kah Mosque

Wandering the labyrinth of Uyghur heritage

Morning
Kashgar Old City Exploration
Start your journey in the Kashgar Old City, a maze of winding alleys lined with traditional Uyghur houses built from sun-dried mud bricks. The architecture is distinctive - wooden balconies, intricate carved doors, and shaded courtyards with grapevines. The Old City underwent a massive renovation in the 2010s, but the traditional character remains. Wander without a map - getting lost is part of the experience.
Photography etiquette: Always ask before taking photos of residents. A smile and a nod usually works. Never photograph people without permission, especially women and elders.
Afternoon
Id Kah Mosque
Visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China with a capacity of 20,000 worshippers. Built in 1442, the mosque features a stunning yellow-tiled facade, a massive courtyard shaded by ancient poplar trees, and intricate Islamic geometric patterns. Non-Muslims can visit the courtyard and prayer hall outside of prayer times. The Friday noon prayer is the largest gathering, with worshippers spilling into the square.
Timing: Visit between 10 AM and 2 PM when the mosque is open to visitors. Dress modestly - shoulders and knees covered. Women may be asked to cover their heads.
Evening
Uyghur Dinner at Edginess Restaurant
Dine at Edginess Restaurant (also known as Qehwa or Kaola), one of the best Uyghur restaurants in the Old City. Order the laghman (hand-pulled noodles with stir-fried lamb and vegetables, 25 RMB), lamb kebabs (3 RMB each), and a bowl of polo (lamb and carrot rice, 20 RMB). Finish with a cup of Uyghur milk tea and fresh naan bread.
2

The Legendary Sunday Bazaar

The biggest, most chaotic, most incredible market in Central Asia

Morning
Livestock Market
Arrive at the Kashgar Sunday Bazaar by 8 AM when the livestock market is at its peak. This is the most authentic experience - hundreds of sheep, goats, cows, camels, and donkeys being traded by Uyghur farmers in traditional attire. The bargaining is intense, with traders slapping hands to seal deals. Watch the sheep auctions where farmers check teeth and feel the wool. The dust, the noise, the smells - it is overwhelming in the best possible way.
Best time: The Sunday Bazaar is only on Sundays! Go early (7-9 AM) for the livestock market. The general goods market continues until late afternoon. Bring cash in small denominations.
Afternoon
Handicraft & Food Sections
Explore the handicraft section of the bazaar, where Uyghur artisans sell copperware, silk, traditional Uyghur knives (watch carefully - they are beautiful but may be restricted for transport), embroidered caps, and carpets. The food section is a feast - giant woks of pilaf, skewers of lamb sizzling over charcoal, fresh naan coming out of the tandoor, and colorful dried fruits and nuts piled high.
Bargaining: Bargaining is expected. Start at 50% of the asking price and negotiate from there. Be friendly and smile - it is part of the cultural experience.
Evening
Old City Night Market
As the sun sets, head to the Old City Night Market near Id Kah Square. The streets come alive with food stalls, music, and the aroma of grilled meat. Try samsa (baked lamb pies, 3 RMB), grilled whole fish from the local river, and fresh pomegranate juice (5 RMB). The atmosphere is festive and family-friendly.
3

Apak Hoja Tomb & Kashgar Bazaar

Tombs of royalty and the art of the deal

Morning
Apak Hoja Tomb (Xiangfei Tomb)
Visit the Apak Hoja Tomb complex, a 17th-century Islamic mausoleum that houses the tomb of the legendary Xiangfei (Incense Concubine). The complex includes a massive domed tomb, a mosque, and a beautiful garden. The tilework is stunning - blue and green geometric patterns cover the entire surface. The site is also a pilgrimage destination for local Muslims. Entry is 30 RMB.
The legend: Xiangfei, also known as Iparhan, was said to emit a natural fragrance of musk. She was taken to the Qing imperial court in Beijing. Her story is a symbol of the connection between Xinjiang and China.
Afternoon
Kashgar Grand Bazaar (Handicraft District)
Explore the Kashgar Grand Bazaar's dedicated handicraft area. Watch coppersmiths hammering trays and teapots, silk weavers at their looms, and knife makers crafting traditional Uyghur knives (engraved with intricate patterns). This is the best place to buy authentic Uyghur crafts. A handmade copper teapot costs 80-150 RMB, silk scarves from 30-60 RMB, and embroidered caps (dappa) for 15-25 RMB.
Shipping: Most vendors can arrange shipping for larger items. Get a receipt and the vendor's contact information. For knives, check airline and customs regulations before purchasing.
Evening
Uyghur Music & Dance Performance
Experience traditional Uyghur music and dance at the Old City performance hall. The Muqam, a UNESCO-recognized Uyghur musical tradition, combines poetry, dance, and song. The performances are energetic and colorful, with women in vibrant dresses twirling to the beat of the dutar (long-necked lute) and dap (frame drum). Tickets are 50 RMB.
4

Karakul Lake & Pamir Mountains

Journey to the roof of the world

Morning
Drive to Karakul Lake
Depart early (6 AM) for the 3-hour drive to Karakul Lake along the legendary Karakoram Highway. The road climbs through dramatic mountain scenery, passing through the Ghulja Pass with views of snow-capped peaks. Arrive at Karakul Lake (3,600m elevation), a stunning turquoise alpine lake nestled beneath the massive Muztagh Ata (7,546m) and Kongur Tagh (7,649m) peaks. The reflection of the glaciers on the still water is breathtaking.
Altitude warning: Karakul Lake is at 3,600m. Acclimatize in Kashgar (1,300m) for a few days first. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. Bring Diamox if you are prone to altitude issues.
Afternoon
Kyrgyz Yurt Stay & Lake Walk
Spend the afternoon walking along the shores of Karakul Lake. The local Kyrgyz community offers yurt stays - traditional felt tents with warm bedding and home-cooked meals. Take a guided horseback ride around the lake (100 RMB per hour). The wildflowers in summer are spectacular, and marmots whistle from the rocky slopes. Visit a Kyrgyz family's yurt for fermented mare's milk (kumis) and yak butter tea.
What to bring: Warm clothing - even in summer, temperatures drop to near freezing at night. Sunscreen is essential at this altitude. A good camera with a zoom lens for the mountain views.
Evening
Kyrgyz Dinner & Stargazing
Enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz dinner inside your yurt - lamb stew, fresh naan, and yak butter tea. After dark, step outside for some of the most incredible stargazing you will ever experience. With zero light pollution at 3,600m, the Milky Way stretches across the entire sky. The silence is profound - broken only by the wind and the occasional yelp of a marmot.
5

Return to Kashgar & Uyghur Cooking Class

Learning the secrets of Uyghur cuisine

Morning
Scenic Drive Back to Kashgar
Drive back to Kashgar along the Karakoram Highway, stopping at viewpoints along the way. The Opal town area has excellent photo opportunities of the mountain range. Stop at a roadside stall for fresh naan bread baked in a tandoor - watch the baker slap the dough onto the hot clay wall. A fresh naan costs just 2 RMB and is delicious warm.
Mountain passes: The road can be rough in sections. Hire a reliable 4WD vehicle with a driver who knows the route. The total journey takes about 3.5 hours including stops.
Afternoon
Uyghur Cooking Class
Join a cooking class at a local Uyghur home in the Old City. Learn to make authentic laghman noodles - the process of pulling, stretching, and twisting the dough into noodles is mesmerizing. Also learn to make polo (lamb and carrot rice) and samsa (lamb pies). The class costs 150 RMB per person and includes a full meal. You get a recipe card to take home.
Hands-on: The noodle-pulling is harder than it looks! Expect to make a mess. The instructor is patient and will guide you through each step. The meal at the end is incredibly satisfying.
Evening
Naan & Tea at a Local Home
Visit a Uyghur family's home for tea and freshly baked naan. Uyghur homes are centered around a large courtyard with grapevines providing shade. The family will serve you naan, milk tea, and dried fruits (raisins, apricots, figs). This is a chance to learn about daily life in Kashgar - ask about the grape harvest, the local school, and the traditions of the Uyghur people.
6

Karakoram Highway & K2 Views

Driving toward the world's second-highest peak

Morning
Karakoram Highway Drive
Take a day trip south along the Karakoram Highway toward the Pakistan border. The highway is an engineering marvel, built through some of the most rugged terrain on Earth. Stop at the K2 Viewpoint, where on clear days you can see K2 (8,611m, the world's second-highest mountain) in the distance. The road passes through dramatic canyons, past turquoise rivers, and alongside traditional villages.
Border crossing: You cannot cross into Pakistan without a pre-arranged visa. The border crossing at Khunjerab Pass is at 4,700m elevation and is only open May-November. The viewpoint is worth the drive even without crossing.
Afternoon
Tashkurgan Town & Tajik Culture
Continue to Tashkurgan, a Tajik-majority town near the border. The Tajik people are distinct from the Uyghurs - they speak a different language and have their own customs. Visit the Tashkurgan Stone Fort, a 2,000-year-old fortress on a hilltop. The views of the surrounding Pamir peaks from the fort are spectacular. Try Tajik-style polo and yogurt soup at a local restaurant.
Permits: You need a Frontier Pass (available through your hotel in Kashgar) to travel beyond Karakul Lake. Your guide can arrange this. It takes 1-2 days to process.
Evening
Return to Kashgar
Drive back to Kashgar in the late afternoon (3 hours). Stop at a roadside naan bakery to watch the sunset over the mountains. For a farewell dinner, head to Tarbagatay Restaurant for a celebration feast featuring whole roasted lamb, fried rice, and Uyghur-style yogurt drinks.
7

Final Morning & Farewell to Kashgar

Last tastes and final bargains

Morning
Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping
Visit the Kashgar Dry Fruit Market for your final shopping. Xinjiang is famous for its dried fruits - raisins, apricots, figs, dates, and walnuts. Prices are incredibly low (15-30 RMB per kg). Pick up Uyghur spices (cumin, chili flakes, Sichuan pepper), a traditional embroidered cap (dappa), and a small packet of Xinjiang black tea. These make excellent gifts and are easy to transport.
Packing tip: Dried fruits and spices can be packed in checked luggage. The embroidered caps are lightweight and make great souvenirs. Buy extra naan from a local bakery - it keeps for days and is a taste of Kashgar to enjoy at home.
Afternoon
Final Uyghur Feast
One last Uyghur meal at Siniq Kona (Old City Restaurant) near Id Kah Square. Order the dapanji (big plate chicken, 45 RMB), a Uyghur-Chinese fusion dish of chicken, potatoes, and peppers in a rich sauce served with hand-pulled noodles on the side. Order a side of grilled lamb kidneys and a cold glass of local beer (Xinjiang Black Beer, 8 RMB). The meal is a fitting end to an unforgettable week.
Farewell: Kashgar will stay with you. The taste of naan, the sound of the call to prayer, the sight of camels at the Sunday Bazaar. Take a moment at Id Kah Square before you leave. Xosh amedi - goodbye in Uyghur.
Evening
Departure
Transfer to Kashgar Airport (Kashi Laining International Airport) for your flight. There are direct flights to Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. Allow ample time for security checks. The Old City is 30 minutes from the airport. Taxi fare is 40-50 RMB.

Practical Tips

Getting There

Fly to Kashgar Kashi Airport (KHG) via Urumqi (1.5 hours from Urumqi). Direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Xi'an. Train from Urumqi takes 24 hours but is a scenic journey across the Taklamakan Desert.

Transportation

In Kashgar, use taxis (10 RMB minimum) or hired drivers (200-300 RMB per day). For Karakul Lake and the Highway, hire a 4WD with a driver (500-800 RMB per day). The Old City is walkable.

Visa & Permits

All foreigners need a Chinese visa. For travel beyond Kashgar (Karakul Lake, Tashkurgan), you need a Xinjiang PSB permit and a Frontier Pass. Your hotel or tour operator can arrange these. Allow 2-3 days for processing.

Cultural Sensitivity

Kashgar is a conservative Muslim area. Dress modestly (no shorts or tank tops for women). Do not drink alcohol in public. Always ask before photographing people. Avoid discussing religion or politics. Respect local customs during Ramadan.

What to Pack

For the city: light clothing, sun hat, comfortable walking shoes. For Karakul Lake: warm jacket (even in summer), thermal layers, waterproof shoes, sun protection at altitude. A reusable water bottle and basic toiletries.

Health & Safety

Kashgar is safe. The tap water is not drinkable - buy bottled water. Food hygiene at busy stalls is generally fine but be cautious with raw vegetables. Altitude sickness is a real concern at Karakul Lake (3,600m). Acclimatize properly.

Photo Gallery

Kashgar Old City street
Karakul Lake and Pamir Mountains
Uyghur food - laghman noodles
Kashgar Sunday Bazaar livestock market
Id Kah Mosque courtyard
Karakoram Highway mountain view

Traveler Reviews

Elena V.

Elena V.

Moscow, Russia | June 2026

★★★★★

The Sunday Bazaar is the most incredible market I have ever experienced. The livestock section alone is worth the trip to Kashgar - thousands of sheep, camels, and donkeys being traded by Uyghur farmers in traditional dress. The dust, the noise, the smells... it felt like I had stepped back in time 1,000 years. I bought a handmade copper teapot for 120 RMB and the artisan even engraved my name on it.

Mike R.

Mike R.

Denver, CO | May 2026

★★★★★

The drive to Karakul Lake was the most spectacular road trip of my life. The Karakoram Highway winds through these massive gorges and then suddenly you see Muztagh Ata rising above the turquoise lake. We stayed in a Kyrgyz yurt overnight and the stargazing was unreal - the Milky Way was so bright I could see it reflected in the lake. The yak butter tea is an acquired taste though!

Sarah L.

Sarah L.

Melbourne, Australia | April 2026

★★★★★

The cooking class was the highlight of my trip to Kashgar. Learning to hand-pull laghman noodles from a Uyghur grandmother in her home kitchen was an experience I will never forget. She laughed at my attempts to stretch the dough but was so patient. The polo we made together was the best I ate in Xinjiang. The recipe card is now a treasured souvenir.

Thomas K.

Thomas K.

Berlin, Germany | June 2026

★★★★★

Kashgar feels like the last true Silk Road city. The Id Kah Mosque is stunning - the courtyard filled with poplar trees and the yellow tilework is beautiful. I spent hours wandering the Old City alleys and every turn revealed something new. The Uyghur music performance at the Old City hall was incredibly energetic. The Muqam music is hauntingly beautiful.

Aiko M.

Aiko M.

Osaka, Japan | May 2026

★★★★★

The Apak Hoja Tomb complex was unexpectedly beautiful. The blue and green tilework is intricate and well-preserved. The story of Xiangfei, the Incense Concubine, was fascinating - our guide explained the history and the legends. The tomb gardens are peaceful and a good place to escape the heat of the bazaar. The dried fruit market near the Old City is a must - the raisins are like nothing I have tasted in Japan.

James W.

James W.

London, UK | April 2026

★★★★★

The Karakoram Highway drive to the K2 viewpoint was the climax of the trip. Seeing the world's second-highest mountain in the distance was a bucket-list moment. The road itself is an engineering wonder - carved through impossible terrain. Our driver grew up in the region and knew every bend. The lamb kebabs at a roadside stall near Tashkurgan were the best I have ever eaten.

Nadia P.

Nadia P.

Paris, France | June 2026

★★★★★

I was nervous about traveling to Xinjiang as a solo woman, but I felt completely safe in Kashgar. The Uyghur people were incredibly welcoming. A family invited me for tea in their courtyard and we communicated through gestures and smiles. The naan bread fresh from the tandoor is the best bread I have ever eaten. The Old City at sunset, with the call to prayer echoing through the alleys, was magical.

David S.

David S.

Toronto, Canada | May 2026

★★★★★

The Tashkurgan day trip was a highlight I did not expect. The Tajik culture is distinct from the Uyghurs and the Stone Fort at sunset was spectacular. The views of the Pamir Mountains stretching to the horizon were unforgettable. The local Tajik restaurant served a yogurt soup that was surprisingly delicious. The Frontier Pass process was smooth - our hotel handled everything in two days.

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