Kashgar Winter Itinerary: 5 Days in the Old City

Kashgar in winter? Most travellers skip it — they think it's too cold, too remote, not worth it. I've been guiding trips here for a decade, and winter is actually my favourite season. The crowds vanish, the ancient alleys become peaceful, and the snow on the Pamir mountains creates a backdrop you can't photograph any other time. If you only take one thing from this guide: plan to spend at least 5 days in the Old City, and bring a down jacket rated for -10°C. The real magic happens in the morning when the tanneries and markets open.

Kashgar Winter Itinerary: Why You Should Still Go

Winter in Kashgar is a sensory experience. The air is crisp, the streets are quieter, and the famous Sunday Bazaar takes on a more local flavour. Temperatures range from -5°C to 5°C, so it's not Siberia — but it's still cold. The dry climate makes it feel more bearable than the damp cold of Shanghai or Beijing.

But the real reason to come now? You get the place essentially to yourself. In summer, the Old Town is packed with tour groups from all over China. In winter, you can wander into a mosque courtyard without anyone around. The locals also have more time to chat. I once had a tea maker invite me into his shop to warm up by the stove — something that never happens in the rush of peak season.

Now, let me save you some pain: many online guides will tell you to spend just 1-2 days in Kashgar. That's a huge mistake. The city deserves at least 3-4 days, and with the cold and possible flight delays, I recommend 5. You'll want buffer time to handle winter weather.

5-Day Kashgar Winter Itinerary: Day-by-Day

Here's a realistic plan that balances sights, food, and rest. I wrote this with a 30-something photographer in mind, but you can adapt it. Each morning starts early — you'll want to make the most of the daylight, which runs from about 9am to 6pm.

Day 1: Arrival & Old Town Orientation

Your first day is about getting your bearings without exhausting yourself. You'll likely arrive by flight from Xi'an or Urumqi. Take a taxi from Kashgar Airport to the Old Town area — the ride is about 20 minutes and costs around 30 RMB. Drop your bags at your guesthouse, then head out for a gentle stroll.

• 11:30am - Walk along Alakir Road (the main artery of the Old Town). Stop for a pot of pomegranate juice and watch the locals play chess.
• 1:00pm - Have a big lunch at Grand Café (a courtyard restaurant near the eastern gate). Try the polo and the meat-stuffed naan.
• 3:00pm - Visit Id Kah Mosque (open until 4pm in winter). It's free to enter the courtyard, but prayer rooms are for Muslims only. I always remind clients to dress modestly.
• 5:00pm - Explore the East Gate Bazaar before it shuts. Look for the copperware and ceramics sections.
• 7:00pm - Dinner at Kurdan Kebab Garden, where the lamb skewers are grilled over a charcoal brazier.

In the evening, the temperature drops quickly. Keep your evening plans short, and don't forget to buy some super-thick socks at the bazaar — your feet will thank you.

Day 2: Old Town & Artisan Streets

Today is all about the maze of narrow alleys. Hire a local guide for 100 RMB for a 2-hour walk — the Tourism Office in the old town offers English-speaking guides in winter. Or simply download the AMap app and follow the blue dot.

• 9:00am - Start at the Mugam Hall (a large courtyard where musicians sometimes gather). Then wander towards the Id Kah Mosque street for morning tea.
• 11:00am - Visit the Vartani Yurt, a traditional house with a stunning winter garden. The owner will show you around if you buy a cup of tea.
• 1:30pm - Lunch at Yiak Pigeon Restaurant (basement level, famous for pigeon soup).
• 3:30pm - Walk to Roof of the World viewpoint for the classic photo of the endless flat roofs.
• 6:30pm - Evening at the Kashgar Night Market near Id Kah. Try the fried pigeon and bors noodles.

Here's the catch: the alleys look identical. Use your phone's GPS, and save the location of your hotel. The first time I got lost, it took me 45 minutes to find my way out — and I was horrified.

Day 3: Day Trip to the Karakoram Highway

This is the day that separates a tourist from a true traveler. Rent a car with a driver for about 500 RMB (ask your hotel to arrange it, or find one at the Old Town taxi rank). You'll head south towards the Pamir Plateau.

Bring your passport. There are security checkpoints where you'll need to show it. Most visitor hotels can make a packed lunch for you — I always ask for some nan, dried goat meat, and a thermos of hot tea.

Return to Kashgar by 6pm. If you get back early, book a Uyghur music performance at the old theater on Uysal Street.

Day 4: Abakh Hoja Tomb & Local Sights

You'll step back into the 17th century today. Take a taxi to the Abakh Hoja Tomb (about 10 minutes from the center). The ticket is 30 RMB, and it opens at 10am. Spend an hour exploring the blue-tiled mausoleum and the large courtyard garden.

• 12:00pm - Visit the Mor Pagoda, a 250-year-old minaret that marks the entrance to the old town's Shule district. The view from the top is worth the climb.
• 2:00pm - Stroll through Shule Street and taste local sugar cane and dates. Ask for the “brown sugar” — it's unrefined and fudgy.
• 4:00pm - Stop at People's Square to see the massive Mao Zedong statue.
• 6:30pm - Warm up with a hotpot at Uyghur Kitchen. The lamb and herb broth is a winter lifesaver.

Pro Tip: Buy a takeaway chai (milk tea) from the stall outside the tomb. It's the best $1 you'll spend all day.

Day 5: Shopping & Departure

Save your souvenir shopping for the last day. Head to the East Gate Bazaar again, but this time, go straight to the dried fruit section. Prices for apricots, walnuts, and raisins are lowest here (about 20 RMB per kg).

• 10:00am - Buy local honey and handmade rugs. Haggle — it's expected.
• 12:00pm - Have a final lunch of Lamian (hand-pulled noodles) at a small shop on Asman Street.
• 2:00pm - Transfer to the airport (30 mins). Give yourself extra time for security, which can be slow in winter.

If your flight is late, don't panic. There are plenty of cafes in the Old Town where you can sip tea and watch life go by.

How to Get Around Kashgar in Winter

Getting to Kashgar is easier than you think. You can fly directly from Urumqi, Xi'an, or Beijing — check Trip.com for flight deals. Alternatively, take the train from Urumqi (about 18 hours) or from Golmud. Book train tickets on the official 12306.cn website, or use Trip.com's English interface for a small fee.

Here's the thing about navigation: Google Maps doesn't work in China. It's blocked and often inaccurate. I tell all my clients to download AMap (the Chinese mapping app, which has an English mode) before they arrive. Apple Maps works for basic directions, but AMap has the most reliable walking routes.

Where to Stay in Kashgar in Winter

I've slept in almost every guesthouse in the Old Town, and here's how I'd break it down:

My pick is Gula's Home. The rooms are warm, the owner speaks some English, and they have a courtyard with a heated pavilion. The breakfast — homemade jam, warm nan, and fresh eggs — is the best in town. Make sure the guesthouse has stable Wi-Fi and a heater that works. Also, ask if they offer laundry in winter; not all do.

What to Eat in Kashgar in Winter

Kashgar is a food lover's paradise, and winter adds a comfort-food twist. Here are the must-tries:

• Polo (lamb pilaf): Fragrant rice cooked in lamb fat and carrots. Try it at Grand Café or any local teahouse.
• Kawap (lamb skewers): Grilled over charcoal with a touch of cumin and salt. The best ones are at the Night Market, stalls run by old Uyghur men.
• Nan (flatbread): Fresh from the tandoor. Eat it warm with tea.
• Bors (noodles): Hand-pulled noodles in a peppery lamb broth — pure winter medicine.
• Fried pigeon: A Kashgar specialty, crispy outside and tender inside. Available at the East Gate Bazaar.

I always recommend the Yiak Pigeon Restaurant for a sit-down meal. A full dinner costs around 50 RMB per person. Bring cash — they don't accept cards.

Essential Tips for Foreigners in Kashgar: Payment, Navigation & Booking

Payment in Kashgar

Cash is still king in the Old Town. While larger shops and hotels accept Alipay or WeChat Pay (even with foreign cards), many tiny stalls accept cash only. Keep at least 200 RMB in small notes. Your international credit card will work at major hotels and banks, but don't expect it to work at a tea stand.

Getting Around (Navigation)

Download AMap (English version) and a good VPN before your trip. Google Maps won't get you far. If you need a taxi, show the driver the Chinese address from your hotel's business card. I also recommend writing down the Chinese characters for your hotel in case your phone dies.

Booking Attractions & Tours

For any sights that require reservations — the Id Kah Mosque, the Abakh Hoja Tomb, and the performance theater — you need your passport. Use Trip.com or Klook to book in advance, or ask your hotel's front desk to book for you. The official Chinese apps are in Mandarin, but they're easy to navigate with a translator.

VPN & Connectivity

You absolutely need a VPN to access Facebook, Instagram, and Google. Set it up before you land. For offline translation, download the Baidu Translate app (works offline) and the Chinese-language pack for Google Translate.

Kashgar Winter Packing List

Winter here is dry and cold, but the sun can be strong. Here's exactly what you need:

• Thermal underwear (merino wool is best)
• Fleece mid-layer
• Down jacket rated for -10°C or lower
• Wool hat, gloves, and a scarf
• Waterproof boots with good grip (ice is common)
• Lip balm and hand cream — indoor heating dries out your skin
• Power bank (your phone will drain fast in the cold)
• An empty water bottle to fill with hot tea from your hotel
• Small camera with a long battery; cold reduces battery life dramatically

I also recommend a neck gaiter — it's more comfortable than a scarf when you're walking into the wind.

FAQ: Kashgar Winter Itinerary

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