Kashgar In-Depth Exploration
Kashgar, the westernmost city of China, used to be a very important commodity trading and distribution center on the ancient Silk Road. In the eyes of China's central plains civilizations, it was a distant place in the exotic and mysterious western region. To Central Asia civilizations, it was a gateway to the oriental world..
From Kashgar, you can enjoy the snow on the Pamirs and feel the sands of the Taklimakan Desert. There, you can listen to Uyghur music, see Kirgiz yurts, and watch Tajiks herd cattle.
During this 5-day Kashgar tour, you will experience its exotic charm, learn more about the splendid history of the Silk Road, meet the friendly ethnic people, and explore the hidden natural beauty nearby.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Experience Exotic Charm in the Westernmost City of China
Enjoy a relaxing walk in Kashgar Old Town. Taste flavor of the Central Asia in the decorations of the houses. Experience the region's religion in Xinjiang's biggest mosque.
Enjoy a Xinjiang Afternoon Tea with Some Locals
Experience the typical social life of the town as you listen to folk music played by the Uyghur seniors.
Catch a Glimpse of the Great Pamirs
Drive along the China-Pakistan Highway. View the impressive Baisha ('White Sand') Lake and Karakul. Snow-capped Muztag Ata and other very tall mountains look like a row of strong guards protecting this land.
Walk to the 'Sky Gate'
Discover Shipton's Arch, which is probably the tallest arch in the world at 460 meters (1,500 feet) high. It was named after mountaineer Eric Shipton, who failed to get to it, but you can.
"Steal" the Business Secrets of a Livestock Merchant
Experience a bazaar that has existed for centuries on the Silk Road — the Kashgar Livestock Market. Learn how to do successful business the Xinjiang way.
Enjoy a Family Feast with Uyghur People
Visit a Uyghur family in Kashgar old town. Enjoy a tradition meal with them and learn folk dancing with the hostess.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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A Truly Memorable Adventure
We are so grateful to China Highlights for the perfect planning of our trip to Beijing! Our guide, Olivia Tian had deep knowledge of Chinese history and culture, she was adaptable to clients' needs and we really benefitted from her recommendations for restaurants and other activities. With her warm personality she helped us create many happy memories from Beijing. We hope to come back some day and we shall certainly rely on the services of China Highlights again. more
Apr 2024, Rossitza
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The best of Beijing
The Great Wall views were amazing. Shopping in Hutong and Quianmen Street were fantastic and the traditional Chinese restaurants were also fabulous. Thanks to Mark our tour guide who took care of everything we needed!!! more
Apr 2024, Jodie W
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Excellent private tour in Beijing with Ethan as our super guide
Ethan our guide has been super helpful and very resourceful to adapt to new situation like on the day to go to the Great Wall our daughter got sick and he was able when I asked him in the morning to change it to the day after (not easy with all pre booked tickets). His level of English was good and he also good adapt his speeches to our daughter. We really appreciated him and would definitely recommend him as a guide. more
Apr 2024, Christophe
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Meet your local personal guide at Kashgar's airport who will escort you to your Kashgar hotel. Your guide will help you check-in and offer tips on exploring Kashgar according to your interests.
Explore Kashgar Old Town in the morning. Visit the biggest mosque in Xinjiang. Feel the spirit of the local religion. Appreciate the beauty of Islamic architecture in a quiet tomb of a great Uyghur poet and enjoy a quiet moment there.
Visit a Uyghur family in the old town. Learn about their lifestyle and enjoy some traditional Xinjiang food with them. Listen to a piece of Xinjiang music that comes with a dance.
Walk to Handicrafts Street in the afternoon. Go into the shops, touch the semi-finished handicrafts, and test the timbre of exotic musical instruments. Have a break at the ancient teahouse, which has a history of over 100 years.
Kashgar Grand Bazaar is famous throughout Asia. This ancient market attracts locals and merchants from all over Xinjiang and nearby countries, such as Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. If you go there on a Sunday, you will have the opportunity to see the livestock market, which is where people take their livestock for trade and shearing.
Drive along the China-Pakistan Highway. Enjoy the seldom-seen scenery of the westernmost point of China.
You will reach Baisha ('White Sand') Lake before Karalul — 'Black Lake'. Sands from the Taklimakan Desert have deposited on the mountains of the lake shore for thousands of years. The white sand dunes and blue lake create a dreamlike picture.
Then, see one of the best-kept secrets in China: Karakul, a sparkling glacial lake. The scenery and lake will draw out your inner photographer. Snow-capped Muztag Ata and other very tall mountains look like a row of strong guards protecting this land.
On day 4, journey out again to explore a hidden wonder in the mountains on the edge of the Pamirs range. This awesome naturally-formed arch is named after an English explorer who introduced it to the Western world.
Hike in the rocky valley. Enjoy the peaks on the both sides with strange marks formed by the wind eroding the cliffs.
When you get to the arch, the view you will see on the other side of this "heavenly gate" looks like another world.
Alternative: If you are not so interested in Shipton's Arch, you could replace it with a day tour to a desert park in the Taklimakan Desert. There you can enjoy fun activities in the desert, such as camel riding, sand dune slides, and off-road vehicles.
Say goodbye to Kashgar. Your guide and driver will escort you to the airport and help you check in.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Price Includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: xj-10