Kashgar
Step into Central Asia at the Crossroads of Ancient Civilizations
Why Visit Kashgar
Legendary Bazaar
Experience the Kashgar Sunday Market — one of Central Asia's largest and most authentic bazaars. Thousands of merchants trade everything from carpets and spices to livestock and silk, just as they have for millennia.
Living History
Lose yourself in Kashgar's Old City, a maze of mud-brick houses, narrow alleyways, and ornate Uyghur architecture. Artisans still practice traditional crafts — copper-working, pottery, instrument-making — in their homes.
Karakoram Highway
Drive one of the world's highest paved roads along the ancient trade route to Pakistan. The journey to Karakul Lake passes through dramatic mountain scenery with views of Muztagh Ata (7,546m) and the Pamir Plateau.
Cultural Crossroads
Kashgar has been the meeting point of Chinese, Central Asian, Persian, and Turkic cultures for over 2,000 years. Few places on earth offer such a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and cuisines in one city.
Top Attractions
Kashgar Sunday Market
The beating heart of Kashgar and a photographer's dream. Arrive early to watch the livestock section come alive with donkeys, sheep, and camels being traded. Then explore the sprawling goods market for carpets, hats, knives, spices, and silk — bargaining is expected and part of the fun.
Id Kah Mosque
China's largest mosque, built in 1442, anchors the city's spiritual life. Its yellow-tiled facade and minarets dominate the central square. During Eid, up to 100,000 worshippers gather here. Non-Muslims are welcome outside prayer times — dress modestly and remove shoes.
Kashgar Old City (Gaotai)
The Gaotai ancient residential area features earth-built homes stacked on a loess cliff, some over 400 years old. While much has been renovated, wandering the alleyways reveals traditional courtyards, baking tandoor ovens, and kids playing in the lanes — timeless scenes of Uyghur daily life.
Abakh Khoja Tomb (Fragrant Concubine Tomb)
This magnificent 17th-century mausoleum complex is the holiest Muslim site in Xinjiang. The turquoise-tiled dome, intricate geometric patterns, and tranquil gardens are a masterpiece of Uyghur-Islamic architecture. The legendary Fragrant Concubine of the Qing emperor is said to be buried here.
Karakoram Highway & Karakul Lake
Drive the fabled KKH, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World. The 4-hour journey from Kashgar to Karakul Lake (3,600m) passes through stunning gorges and the Kunlun Mountains. The turquoise alpine lake at the foot of Muztagh Ata is an unforgettable sight.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Apr-May)
Mild temperatures (15-25°C), blooming apricot and peach blossoms, and pleasant walking weather. The market buzzes with spring activity. Occasional dust storms in April — pack sunglasses and a scarf.
Autumn (Sep-Oct)
The golden season — clear blue skies, comfortable temperatures (12-25°C), and the grape and melon harvest in full swing. Golden poplar leaves along the Karakoram Highway create spectacular photo opportunities. The Sunday Market is at its most vibrant.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Warm days (25-35°C) and cool nights. The long daylight hours are perfect for exploring. June-August is the best window for the Karakoram Highway when the pass is fully open. Pack layers — temperatures drop dramatically at altitude.
Winter (Nov-Mar)
Cold (-10 to 5°C) with occasional snow. The Karakoram Highway may be impassable. However, the Old City takes on a quiet, atmospheric beauty, and you'll have attractions virtually to yourself. Hotels offer significant discounts.
Sample Tours Featuring Kashgar
13-Day Silk Road Group Tour
Join a small group tracing the entire Silk Road from Xi'an to Kashgar. Experience the Terracotta Warriors, Mogao Caves, Turpan Oasis, and culminate at the legendary Kashgar Sunday Market — the Silk Road's most authentic finale.
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11-Day Kashgar to Kanas Adventure
Combine the Silk Road oasis of Kashgar with northern Xinjiang's stunning Kanas Lake and Altai Mountains. Markets, mosques, and mountain lakes — this tour shows Xinjiang's incredible diversity in 11 unforgettable days.
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Private Kashgar Experience
Design your own Kashgar adventure — sunrise at the livestock market, lunch with a Uyghur family in the Old City, private photography tour, and a personal driver along the Karakoram Highway to Karakul Lake.
Plan My TripMeet Kashgar Before It Meets You
The Sunday Market awaits, the Karakoram Highway beckons. Let us craft your perfect Kashgar journey.
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