There are various ways to travel from Urumqi to Kashgar, with self-drive being a popular choice, and different route planning options are also available.
Self-drive travel is a flexible and highly autonomous way of traveling. Depending on the specific itinerary arrangement, there are multiple route options for a self-drive trip from Urumqi to Kashgar. For example, you can choose to pass through罗布人村寨 (Lop Nur Village of罗布人, literally ‘Lop People’), Korla, Lop Nur Populus Euphratica Forest, Kuqa, Alar, Hotan, and finally arrive in Kashgar. Such an itinerary takes approximately 8 days.
Additionally, there are routes that pass through places like Turpan, the Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan, Aksu, etc. Such itineraries may be slightly longer but equally capable of showcasing the diverse scenery of southern Xinjiang.
Besides self-drive travel, you can also choose package tours or other transportation methods to get to Kashgar. However, self-drive travel, due to its freedom and flexibility, better meets travelers’ needs for in-depth exploration and personalized experiences of southern Xinjiang’s scenery.
During your travel, consider visiting some must-see attractions and trying recommended cuisine. In Urumqi, you can visit scenic spots like Tianshan Heavenly Lake and Hongshan Park, and taste delicacies such as lamb skewers and big plate chicken.
When in Kashgar, you must not miss historical and cultural sites such as Kashgar Old Town and Id Kah Mosque, as well as authentic local cuisine like Kashgar baked buns and roasted whole sheep.
Furthermore, before traveling, be sure to make adequate preparations, including planning your itinerary, booking flights or hotels (if needed), and preparing necessary travel supplies. At the same time, pay attention to weather changes and road condition updates to ensure a safe and smooth trip.
Overall, traveling from Urumqi to Kashgar is an unforgettable experience, whether by self-drive or other means, which will allow you to appreciate the unique customs and natural scenery of southern Xinjiang.