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The western end of the Silk Road, Kashi, with its maze-like old town, Id Kah Mosque and the Pamir Plateau, full of Western Regions charm.
Kashgar, known in Chinese as Kashi (喀什), is the westernmost city in China and the cultural heart of the Uyghur people. Situated in the Tarim Basin at the foot of the Pamir Mountains, it has been a vital oasis on the Silk Road for over two thousand years. Its name evokes caravans, spices, and the mingling of civilizations. The old city, with its labyrinthine alleys, mud-brick houses, and bustling bazaars, offers a glimpse into a way of life that has endured for centuries. Despite modern development, Kashgar retains a distinct Central Asian atmosphere that sets it apart from any other city in China.
Kashgar is administratively a county-level city within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and it serves as the seat of Kashgar Prefecture. The urban area is divided into several districts: the historic Old Town, the central Id Kah area around the mosque, the newer eastern lake district, and expanding residential and industrial zones to the north and south. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010, is the spiritual and touristic core, while the East Lake area offers modern amenities and parks. The city's layout reflects its oasis origins, with the Tuman River to the south and the Pamir foothills rising to the west.
For travelers, Kashgar is a sensory adventure. Mornings begin with the call to prayer from the Id Kah Mosque, followed by the lively Sunday Livestock Market, where farmers and traders from across the region gather. The Grand Bazaar, or 'Middle Kingdom Bazaar', is a treasure trove of carpets, silk, jade, and spices. Foodies can savor hand-pulled laghman noodles, lamb kebabs, and freshly baked naan. Beyond the city, excursions to the Karakul Lake, the Taklamakan Desert, and the Kyrgyz border at Torugart Pass offer breathtaking landscapes. Kashgar is not just a destination; it's a journey into the heart of the Silk Road.
Kashgar covers an area of approximately 555 square kilometers and has a population of around 700,000, with a majority Uyghur population. The city is divided into several districts, including the historic Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As the westernmost city in China, Kashgar is a vital cultural and economic hub on the Silk Road.
Old City · Id Kah · Xiangfei Garden · Pamir First Glimpse
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Old Town · Intangible Cultural Heritage · Museum · Old Teahouse
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Bazaar · Night Market · Old Teahouse · Local Street Life
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Pamir · Snow Mountains · Lakes · Red Bed Canyons
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Old Town Treasure Hunt · Hands-on Crafts · Relaxed Pamir
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| Fleet | Airport pickup & drop-off | Chauffeur by the day | Intercity transfers |
|---|---|---|---|
 Economy | from $84Book → | from $280Book → | from $170Book → |
 Comfort | from $134Book → | from $448Book → | from $272Book → |
 Luxury | from $202Book → | from $672Book → | from $408Book → |
 Special vehicles | For groups of 7+, please contact our trip designer for a quote | ||
prices may vary by date & route
Kashgar is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern development. The Old Town, with its winding alleys and traditional Uyghur architecture, is a living museum. The Id Kah Mosque, the largest in China, dominates the central square. The Sunday Livestock Market is a spectacle not to be missed. Kashgar's strategic location has made it a melting pot of cultures, evident in its language, cuisine, and customs.
Kashgar is accessible by air from major Chinese cities via Kashgar Airport (KHG). Trains connect Kashgar to Urumqi and other cities in Xinjiang. Within the city, taxis, buses, and walking are the main modes of transport. The Old Town is best explored on foot. Bicycles can be rented for a more independent experience.
Kashgar's cuisine is a highlight of any visit, reflecting its Uyghur heritage and Silk Road influences. Must-try dishes include hand-pulled laghman noodles, lamb kebabs, samsa (baked dumplings), and pilaf. The food streets around the Id Kah Mosque and the Old Town are perfect for grazing.
Shopping in Kashgar is an adventure in itself. The Grand Bazaar (also known as the Middle Kingdom Bazaar) is a sprawling market where you can find everything from carpets and silk to jade and spices. The Sunday Livestock Market is a unique experience, though not for the faint-hearted. For souvenirs, look for handcrafted instruments, Atlas silk, and dried fruits.
Kashgar's nightlife is more subdued than in major Chinese cities, but there are still options. Enjoy an evening stroll through the Old Town, where the atmosphere is magical with lanterns and the aroma of grilled food. Some hotels and restaurants offer traditional Uyghur music and dance performances. For a local experience, visit a tea house and sip on herbal tea while listening to live music.
The best time to visit Kashgar is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot, with temperatures reaching 35°C, while winters are cold, often dropping below freezing. Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring the outdoors and enjoying festivals.
| Period | Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Mar–May | 6-22°C | Spring is mild with occasional dust storms; ideal for sightseeing. |
| Jun–Aug | 20-35°C | Hot and dry; best to avoid midday sun. |
| Sep–Nov | 5-25°C | Autumn is cool and comfortable; the best time to visit. |
| Dec–Feb | -10-5°C | Cold with occasional snow; dress warmly. |
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Most travellers spend 3 days in Kashi, though many stay longer once they arrive. If you want to combine Kashi with other cities — pandas, mountains, food streets — our consultants design one private itinerary at your own pace.
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Kashi is best known for StrollingKashi Old Town, wander through maze-like earthen-yellow alleys. The recommended itineraries below cover these highlights with smart timing to beat the crowds.
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