Recommended 2-day tour itinerary in Kashgar is as follows:
Day 1: Explore Kashgar Old Town and natural scenery
Morning: First, visit Kashgar Old Town. It is the soul of Kashgar City, with a long history and曲折 streets filled with strong ethnic customs. You can stroll through the alleys of the old town, feeling the labyrinthine city layout and quaint yellow walls, as if traveling back in time to the Western Regions of a thousand years ago.
. The recommended duration for the visit is 5 hours.
Afternoon: Then proceed to East Lake Park. It is a beautiful scenic spot with particularly charming night views, ideal for family leisure. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kashgar City and savor the peaceful afternoon. The recommended duration for the visit is 3 hours.
Evening: After dinner, you might want to return to Kashgar Old Town again to experience its tranquility and mystery at night. The dim lights within the old town and the ancient dwellings appear even more quaint in the night, making it a great place for taking photos as a keepsake.
Day 2: In-depth exploration of the Pamir Plateau and folklore experience
Morning: Leave for the Pamir Plateau early in the morning and first visit Baisha Lake. The lake surface is calm like a mirror, and the white sand is like snow, earning it the nickname ‘Blue Tears’ on the Pamir Plateau. Next, proceed to Karakul Lake, located at the foot of the Father of Glaciers (Mushtagh Mountain). The distant snow-capped mountains are crystal-clear and reflected in the lake surface, creating a charming scenery.
. The duration of the visit to these two attractions can be flexibly arranged according to personal interests.
Afternoon: After lunch, continue to explore the Pamir Tourist Area, including attractions such as Stone City and Jincao Beach. This is the filming location of ‘The Kite Runner’, blending rich historical culture and folklore.
. The recommended duration for the visit is 3-4 hours.
Evening: Return to downtown Kashgar. If you have time, you can choose to visit Gaotai Folk Residence. It is a treasure of the Uyghur nation and an example of ancient folk architecture, showcasing rich folklore. The recommended duration for the visit is 2-3 hours.
During the two-day trip in Kashgar, you can also taste the local specialty dishes such as meat pilaf, vegetarian pilaf, and kebab with naan, to feel the customs and enthusiasm of the Uyghur people.
. At the same time, remember to obtain a frontier defense permit in advance and prepare equipment such as sunscreen, a thin down jacket, and a thick coat to cope with the climatic changes on the plateau.