Jian Zhao
I've walked these cobblestone lanes a hundred times with travelers from all over the world. And every single time, Kashgar finds a way to surprise me. You're planning 5 days in Kashgar? Smart move. This ancient Silk Road city packs more history, culture, and mountain drama than most cities do in a month. But here's the thing: without a solid plan, you'll waste hours wandering aimlessly or, worse, get stuck with a guide who shows you only the tourist traps. After years of leading tours here, I've perfected the ultimate 5-day rhythm—one that balances iconic sights with hidden corners, local food, and enough rest so you don't burn out.
Before we dive in, let me save you from the three biggest mistakes foreigners make in Kashgar: relying on Google Maps (it's inaccurate), assuming credit cards work everywhere (they don't), and forgetting to book train tickets in advance. I'll cover all of this and more in the practical tips section.
But first, let's talk about why 5 days is actually the perfect amount of time—and how to make every day count. Here's your honest, field-tested roadmap.
Why Kashgar Deserves 5 Days
Kashgar is not a one-stop destination. It's a region that demands immersion. With 5 days, you can experience the UNESCO-listed old city, the vibrant Sunday Market, the dramatic Pamir Highway, and still have time to sip chai with locals. Most travelers rush through in 2 days and leave exhausted, missing the real soul of the city. I always tell my clients: 5 days is the sweet spot—enough to go deep, not so long that you feel stuck.
The city sits at a crossroads of cultures—Uyghur, Tajik, Kyrgyz, and Han Chinese—all blending in a kaleidoscope of flavors, architecture, and sounds. From the labyrinthine alleys of the Old Town to the crystal-clear waters of Karakul Lake, every corner offers a different piece of the Silk Road story. You need at least five mornings to absorb even a fraction of it.
Practical Tips for Your 5 Days in Kashgar
Payment: Mobile Wallets Are King
You'll need Alipay or WeChat Pay, loaded with your international credit card. Nearly every shop, restaurant, and even some street vendors accept QR code payments. Cash is still handy for tiny purchases or tips, but many places won't change large bills. My advice: set up both apps before you arrive, link your card, and test a small payment at the airport. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside hotels and a few upscale restaurants.
Navigation: Forget Google Maps
Google Maps is wildly inaccurate in China. Use Apple Maps (it's surprisingly useful) or download AMap (高德地图) with the English interface. Even better, always have the address written in Chinese to show your taxi or Didi driver. I always screenshot the Chinese address of my destination before heading out—it saves endless back-and-forth.
Booking: Reserve Flights, Trains, and Hotels Wisely
Most attractions require advance booking, and you'll need your passport number. For domestic flights and trains, use Trip.com or the official 12306 app (which has English). Hotels can be booked on Booking.com or Trip.com. Some smaller attractions, like Id Kah Mosque, may only accept bookings via WeChat mini-programs—ask your hotel receptionist to help if you're struggling. It's a hassle, but totally manageable.
Language & Internet: VPN Is Non-Negotiable
You'll want a reliable VPN to access Instagram, Gmail, and Google. Many international sites are blocked, including Google and Facebook. Download a VPN before you fly to China, and install translation apps like Apple Translate or Baidu Translate—they work offline for Chinese dictionaries. English is spoken only in tourist areas, so have a translation app ready.
Day-by-Day Itinerary for 5 Days in Kashgar
Day 1: Arrival & Immersion in the Old Town
Start your 5 days in Kashgar by diving straight into the maze-like Old Town. Fly into Kashgar Airport (KHG) and take a taxi to your hotel (around 30–40 CNY, 15 minutes). After checking in, head to the Old Town gate near Juma Mosque. Spend the afternoon wandering the alleys, where you'll find artisan workshops, colorful doors, and the famous blue-tiled houses. Don't miss the Id Kah Mosque (ticket ~30 CNY), China's largest mosque, it's a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
By evening, walk to the Handicraft Bazaar and watch old craftsmen work. For dinner, try Eden Garden Restaurant on Jiefang South Road—order the lamb skewers and Uyghur naan. Note that restaurants here are cash-only sometimes, so keep small bills handy.
Day 2: The Sunday Market & Old City Echoes
Today you'll witness the legendary Sunday Market (Pazir Bazaar). If your 5 days include a Sunday, don't sleep in. The market starts as early as 8am and stretches for blocks. It's a frenzy of livestock, spices, carpets, and knife sellers—be prepared for crowds. If it's not Sunday, the smaller daily bazaars are still worth exploring. In the afternoon, visit the Grand Bazaar (near the Old Town) to shop for souvenirs—always bargain starting at 50% of the asking price. I once haggled a silk carpet from 800 to 300 CNY, and my client was thrilled.
For lunch, try Yak Restaurant for a taste of the Pamiri specialty—yak meat. In the evening, catch the famous Kashgar Night Market at the old town entrance. It’s a foodie haven, but beware of drinks labeled 'juice'—they often contain alcohol.
Day 3: The Pamir Highway & Karakul Lake
You can't leave without seeing the Pamir Mountains. Hire a driver for the day (around 800–1200 CNY, depending on fuel) and head south on the Karakoram Highway. The 3-hour drive to Karakul Lake is breathtaking, with stark landscapes and yaks crossing the road. Expect a high-altitude day (3600m), so bring motion sickness pills and drink plenty of water. At the lake, you can walk the shoreline, drink tea with the Kyrgyz herders, and see Muztagh Ata peak reflected in the water. Pack a picnic lunch—there are few restaurants out here.
Return to Kashgar by 7pm. Dinner at Silk Road Restaurant—try the hand-pulled noodles with beef, and don't skip the house-made yogurt.
Day 4: Historical Gems & Local Life
Dedicate today to two historically rich sites. Start with the Abakh Khoja Tomb (ticket ~30 CNY), also known as the Fragrant Concubine's Tomb. The blue-tiled architecture is stunning, and the gardens are peaceful. It's about 15 minutes by taxi from the old town. Next, head to the Gaotai Dwellings (Toghlak Tim), a crumbling cliff-side village that offers a glimpse of ancient Uyghur life. Admission is free, but a guide is recommended—they'll share stories you won't find in any guidebook.
In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Xinjiang at the city center to understand the region's history (free with passport). For dinner, walk the People's Square area and try Urumqi-style grilled fish at a local stall. Remember, the best Uyghur food is the simplest—ask for 'polo' (pilaf) and 'samsa' (baked dumplings).
Day 5: Shopping, Saying Goodbye, and One Last Sunset
On your final day, grab last-minute gifts and soak in the vibe. Start at the Sunday Market if it's open, but also visit the Yak Bazaar off Oghuz Village Road. Then, take a leisurely breakfast at Kashgar Café, a local favorite with the best cappuccino in town. As the afternoon heat fades, climb the Old Town Viewing Tower for a panoramic shot of the city. My pro tip: arrive an hour before sunset—the golden light on the mud-brick houses is pure magic.
End your 5 days in Kashgar with a farewell dinner at Grand Hotel Restaurant, where you can toast to your Silk Road adventure. If you have time, take a stroll along the Dolun River—the quiet reflection of the city is the perfect way to say goodbye.
Where to Stay in Kashgar
Base yourself near the Old Town to maximize your 5 days. Here are my top picks, tested by me and clients:
| Hotel Name | Distance to Old Town | Est. Price (per night) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kashgar Old Town Hotel | 100m walk | 300-500 CNY | First-time visitors, history buffs |
| Silk Road Gallery Hotel | 5-min taxi | 250-400 CNY | Couples, boutique stay |
| 7 Days Inn (Kashgar Branch) | 15-min walk | 150-200 CNY | Budget travelers, backpackers |
| Rujia Inn | 3-min taxi | 180-250 CNY | Families |
All of these have Wi-Fi, hot water, and helpful staff. For luxury options, the Kashgar Grand Hotel (5-star) offers airport pickups and English-speaking staff—ideal if you're tired after long travel.
What to Eat in Kashgar
Kashgar is a food paradise—don't stick to hotel restaurants. Here are my must-tries:
- Lamian (hand-pulled noodles) — Chewy, savory, and perfect after a long day. Try at Yak Restaurant.
- Kebabs (lamb) — Charred outside, juicy inside. Head to Eden Garden for the best.
- Polo (pilaf) — Rice cooked with carrots, mutton, and spices. Get it at Kashgar Café.
- Nan (bread) — Fresh from the clay oven, simple but addictive.
- Raisin Tea — Sweet and comforting, perfect with any meal.
For a unique experience, try Karakul Lake's yak yogurt—it's sour and creamy. Always ask for no-MSG if you're sensitive, and check if the place has an English menu (many do).
FAQ: Common Questions About 5 Days in Kashgar
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