The travel guide from Yili to Kashgar mainly covers modes of transportation, itinerary planning, recommended scenic spots, accommodation, and dining.
I. Modes of Transportation
Self-driving: The distance from Yining City in the Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture to Kashgar City is approximately 1,200-1,300 kilometers. Along the way, you can enjoy Xinjiang’s rich geographical landscapes and local customs. Depending on road conditions and rest stops, the self-driving journey will take more than 24 hours.
Airplane: Flying from Yining City to Kashgar takes about 2 hours and is a faster way to travel.
Train: Taking the train from Yili to Kashgar takes approximately 20 hours and is suitable for travelers who enjoy the scenery along the way.
II. Itinerary Planning
The self-driving tour itinerary can be flexibly arranged, for example: starting from Yining City on the first day to visit Nalati Grassland; on the second day, heading towards Bayanbulak Grassland along the Duku Highway; on the third day, continuing south along the Duku Highway to arrive in Kuqa County; and finally heading to Kashgar, with stops to visit scenic spots such as Red Rock Forest along the way.
You can also choose a more compact itinerary, as mentioned in the 12-day self-driving tour guide from Yili to Kashgar, including visits to Yining, Sayram Lake, Qiaxi, Kuerdining, Xinyuan, Kashgar, and other places.
III. Recommended Scenic Spots
Nalati Grassland and Bayanbulak Grassland: Enjoy the beautiful grassland scenery and experience grassland culture.
Duku Highway: With magnificent scenery along the way, it is an excellent choice for self-driving tours.
Kuqa County: Visit the Kuqa王府 (王府 refers to a prince’s mansion, but specific historical context may vary) to learn about local history.
Kashgar Old Town: Experience the historical charm of this important city on the Silk Road.
Scenic spots in Taxkorgan County and its surroundings: such as the Aoyitake Red Valley, Tahman Wetland, Baisha Lake, etc., with unique natural scenery.
IV. Accommodation and Dining
Along the way, places such as Yining, Kuqa, and Kashgar offer a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels. It is recommended to book in advance.
In terms of food, you can taste local specialties such as grilled meat, mutton, spicy chicken with pepper and numbing sauce, as well as local special drinks like apricot jam yogurt.
When planning a travel itinerary from Yili to Kashgar, you can flexibly arrange your schedule according to your time and preferences, while also paying attention to safe driving and local customs and habits.