Kashgar itinerary for first-timers: Bazaars & deserts

Why Kashgar is Worth the Journey

Let me be honest with you: Kashgar is not a polished tourist town. It is dusty, loud, and sometimes chaotic. But it is also one of the most intoxicating places in China. For centuries, it was the crossroads of the Silk Road, where traders from Europe, Persia, and Central Asia met Chinese merchants to swap silk, spices, and stories.

Today, that legacy is alive in the Old City (Kashgar Old City), a sprawling maze of mud-brick houses, turquoise tiles, and carved balconies. I have led groups through here countless times, and I still get lost. But that is exactly the point. In the alleys, old Uyghur men sit on benches drinking tea, children playing football, and coppersmiths hammering intricate designs on plates. You will smell naan baking and roasted lamb long before you see it. This is not a museum; people live here.

Kashgar also acts as the gateway to the Pamir Highway and the ethereal Karakul Lake, where the snowcapped Kongur Tagh peak reflects in azure water. That combination of ancient city life and dramatic mountain scenery makes this region truly unique.

How to Plan Your Kashgar Itinerary for First-Timers?

Planning your Kashgar itinerary for first-timers does not have to be stressful. Here is what you need to know before you book anything.

When to Visit

The sweet spot is April to June and September to October. Summers (July and August) are scorching, with many tourists. Winters are cold and beige. My favorite months are late April and early October — the light is golden, and the crowds are thin. If you come in spring, be ready for sandstorms; pack a scarf.

How Much Time Do You Need?

For a comfortable first visit, plan at least 4 to 5 days. If you only have 3 days, you can skip the Karakul Lake trip, but honestly, that would be a shame.

Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, if you plan to leave the city to visit Karakul Lake, Lake Karakul or Tashkurgan, you need a border permit. This is required for foreign passport holders. I always advise my clients to book a day trip through a local agency or their hotel; the agency will handle the paperwork, which is tricky and often only in Chinese. Alternatively, you can apply yourself at the Kashgar Public Security Bureau — just be prepared for a long queue and minimal English.

Getting to Kashgar

The quickest way is to fly into Kashgar Airport (KHG), which is well-connected to Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, and a few other major Chinese cities. Urumqi to Kashgar is about a 2-hour nonstop flight. There is also a long train ride from Urumqi (about 15 hours), but unless you are craving a bunk bed and instant noodles, I would fly.

Getting Around

Inside the Old City, walking is your best option — and your only real option, because the alleys are too narrow for cars. For trips to the Sunday Bazaar or the airport, use DiDi (the Chinese Uber) or a local taxi. Taxis are cheap (starting at 8 RMB), but make sure the meter is running. Many taxi drivers do not speak English, so have your destination written in Chinese.

The 5-Day Kashgar Itinerary (Day by Day)

Here is the exact Kashgar itinerary I use for first-timers. I have adjusted this over the years to avoid the tourist waves and to let you see the best parts without rushing.

Day 1: Arrival and Your First Steps into the Old City

Arrival is the only item on the agenda. After landing, take a taxi from the airport to your hotel near the Old City. It will cost around 30–40 RMB and take about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Once you drop your bags, head straight to the West Gate of the Old City (Pigeon Gate). This is the most formal entrance, but if you wander a block north, you will find a less touristy alley. I suggest starting at the Id Kah Mosque square, then diving into the lanes behind it. Get lost for an hour. Stop for a cup of thé in a local teahouse. Try a naan from a bakery. The whole point is to acclimatize to the pace — slower, but richer.

In the evening, join the locals at the night market near the Id Kah Mosque. It is small, but you will find delicious grilled lamb skewers and fresh pomegranate juice. Pro Tip: Eat the skewers while they are sizzling, and do not worry about being messy. It is part of the fun.

Day 2: Id Kah Mosque and the Craftsmen's Streets

Start your second day early (around 9 AM) to beat the heat and the tour groups. The Id Kah Mosque is the largest mosque in China, and it is still an active place of worship. Non-Muslims can enter the courtyard but not the prayer hall. Admission is about 20 RMB for adults and less for students; keep in mind that 15RMB is the typical price, but it may differ — always have some cash on hand. The mosque is closed for visitors during Friday prayers (around 1–3 PM), so plan your day accordingly.

After the mosque, walk west along Jiefang North Road to the famed handicraft street. You will see coppersmiths hammering bowls, instrument makers crafting the rawap and dutar, and felt sellers rolling colorful mats. I always tell my clients to look for the workshop where the owner is hammering with his son — that is the real thing. Photograph, but always ask first. It is respectful.

For lunch, stray into Old City's small alley restaurants. Point at what looks good. My rule is: if it is crowded with locals, it is good. One classic spot is on Azal Road, near the east end of the Old City, but I don't want to lead you to a tourist trap. Ask your hotel for a recommendation — they know the best street snacks.

Day 3: The Great Sunday Bazaar and Livestock Market

If you have arranged your trip to include a Sunday, this is the day you cannot miss. The Sunday Bazaar is a massive open-air market on the north side of Kashgar. It is not just for tourists — local farmers, traders, and families come here to buy everything from spices to electronics. The adjacent Animal Market is even more interesting: sheep, cattle, and donkeys are auctioned off with fierce handshakes and shouting. It is raw, chaotic, and phenomenal.

Insider Advice: Go before 10 AM. The animals are at their liveliest, and the temperature is still mild. You can take a taxi from the Old City; it will take about 15 minutes and cost 15–20 RMB. There is no entrance fee for the animal market, but you will be surrounded by livestock and dust — wear closed-toe shoes and keep your wallet in your front pocket.

If you are not in Kashgar on a Sunday, do not be disappointed. The Old City bazaar runs daily, and the Deliwa bazaar near the Id Kah Mosque also operates throughout the week, albeit with less theatrical flair.

After the bazaar, take a midday break. Many locals stop for tea and a game of chess at the Century Old Teahouse (Batur Khan Teahouse). It is touristy now, but for good reason. A pot of tea costs about 15 RMB, and you can watch spontaneous music performances.

Day 4: Karakul Lake and the Pamir Highway

This is the most dramatic day of your Kashgar itinerary. Karakul Lake is about a 4-hour drive from Kashgar, along the breathtaking middle segment of the Karakoram Highway (also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway). The route passes through vast, sun-bleached deserts, the ice-blue Lake Baisha, and the towering Kongur Tagh peak (7,719 meters).

How to go: You can join a group tour (around 300 RMB per person) or hire a private car (around 700–900 RMB for the day, depending on your negotiation skills). Your hotel can arrange this. Make sure you have your border permit ready — there are several checkpoints where you will need to show your passport and permit. The permit is typically issued for one day, and the tour operator usually processes it for you.

At the lake, you will be standing at an altitude of about 3,600 meters. The water is a surreal turquoise, set against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains. It is cold even in summer, so bring a jacket and a hat. You will probably get a mild headache — drink water, don't overexert yourself. I always carry a small oxygen bottle, but you can also buy one at the Kashgar pharmacy.

This trip is exhausting but unforgettable. If you have limited time or hear that the weather is bad (cloudy), consider swapping it for an extra day in the Old City. Weather is king here.

Day 5: Slow Morning and Departure

On your last day, savor the rhythm. Rise late and visit a traditional Uyghur breakfast — I suggest a bowl of thick yogurt with honey and a stack of warm naan. Then wander over to the Tower of the Old City (if it is open) or just sit in the square and watch the city wake up. Before you head to the airport, stop by the flower and bird market on the edge of the Old City. It is not a tourist attraction, but it is full of life and great for a final photoshoot.

What to Eat in Kashgar? A Local's Guide

Kashgar's cuisine is a fusion of Uyghur, Chinese, and Central Asian flavors. Here is what I always make sure my guests try:

• Polo (Catching Rice) — a hearty rice pilaf with carrots, onions, and chunks of lamb, often served with a whole lamb leg on special occasions. The best version is cooked in a large iron pot over an open flame.
• Kawap (Lamb Kebabs) — simple but perfect: threaded on metal skewers, seasoned with cumin, salt, and chili flakes, then grilled over charcoal. Buy from the busiest grill, not the one with the most elaborate menu.
• Samsa — a baked stuffed bun, filled with lamb, onion, and a kick of cumin. It is golden, flaky, and best eaten hot.
• Laghman — hand-pulled noodles in a thick, tomato-based sauce with peppers and meat. It is comfort food in a bowl.
• Chongur — a simple soup made of noodles, yogurt, and herbs; great if your stomach needs a break.
• Xinjiang yogurt — rich, sour, and thicker than what you are used to. Try it with a spoon.

For a sit-down meal, any lively restaurant on Nurbashi Street is a good bet. If you want to see the tradition of a big pilaf pot, head to the east end of the Old City around 11 AM, when the cooks prepare for the lunch rush. Prices for a full meal with drinks are around 20–40 RMB per person. Most places accept cash only, so keep a wad of small bills.

Where to Stay in Kashgar: Choosing Your Base

For a first-timer, I recommend staying as close to the Old City as possible. You will want to wake up and step right into the atmosphere before the daytime tourists arrive. Here is a breakdown of the main areas:

Pro Tip: If you stay inside the Old City, you will experience evening magic — when the alleys are quiet and lanterns glow, and you may have a rooftop view. But note that many guesthouses are traditional Uyghur courtyard homes, with thin walls and no elevators. If that sounds charming, great. If you prefer a solid wall and a soundproofed window, opt for a standard hotel just outside the gate.

I often recommend hints for booking: use platforms like Trip.com or Booking.com that show reviews from international visitors. Search for 'Kashgar old town' on Trip.com and filter for the '8+ rating.' You will see options with English speaking staff, which can be a lifesaver. Also, verify whether the property has air conditioning and whether it is an elevator access — you may be dragging luggage over cobblestones.

Practical Tips: Payments, Transport, and Language

Payments

This is where a lot of foreigners stumble. Cash is still king in Kashgar's bazaars. Most small vendors do not accept credit cards, and even Alipay/WeChat Pay might not accept your international card if the vendor's account is not set up for foreign cards. My advice: withdraw enough cash from the airport ATM when you land. Withdraw around 1,000 RMB and keep it in small denominations (10s, 20s, 50s). Larger restaurants and hotels will accept your card or mobile payment, but street vendors will appreciate cash.

Getting Around

DiDi is available in Kashgar and works with an international SIM card, but you may need to set it up with a Chinese phone number. If you use a taxi instead, have your hotel write your destinations in Chinese. For the Old City, walking is the only way, but comfortable shoes are essential — the alleys are uneven and dusty.

Language and Internet

You will encounter very little English in Kashgar. The main languages are Uyghur and Mandarin. Download a good translation app before you go — Apple Translate works offline in many languages, and Baidu Translate is better for Chinese-to-Uyghur (though its English is average). For navigation, Apple Maps works reasonably well in Kashgar, but AMap (High German) is more accurate; unfortunately, its English interface is limited. I always tell clients to download a satellite map of the Old City offline, because street signs can be sparse.

And yes, you will need a VPN. Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked without one. Set this up before you arrive, because app stores in China often lack the apps you need. My team uses AstrillVPN, but any reliable one works.

Frequently Asked Questions (with Realistic Answers)

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. Site information is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but prices and schedules can change, so please confirm locally.