The travel guide to Northern Xinjiang departing from Kashgar mainly includes modes of transportation, itinerary planning, scenic spot recommendations, and precautions.?
I. Modes of Transportation?
Plane: There are many flights from Kashgar to Urumqi, with a flight time of about 3 hours, which is fast and time-saving. It is recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid ticket scarcity during holidays or peak seasons.?
Train: There are plenty of train schedules from Kashgar to Urumqi, with hard berths taking about 12 hours and soft berths taking about 10 hours. Tickets are relatively cheap, and you can enjoy more scenery along the way, but you need to prepare sufficient food, water, and comfortable clothing.?
II. Itinerary Planning?
Kashgar to Urumqi: Choose a plane or train to arrive in Urumqi, serving as the starting point for your Northern Xinjiang trip.?
Urumqi to various places in Northern Xinjiang: You can choose to rent a car for self-driving, take a train or bus to famous scenic spots in Northern Xinjiang such as Altay, Kanas, and Hemu. Renting a car for self-driving is flexible and free, allowing you to stop and take photos anytime; trains are safe and reliable, with scenery to enjoy along the way; buses have more frequencies and are also flexible.?
III. Scenic Spot Recommendations?
Kanas Lake Scenic Area: Located in the Altai Mountains, the lake is clear and the scenery is mesmerizing. You can climb up to the Fish Viewing Terrace to overlook the beauty of Kanas Lake as a whole, and also stroll along the footpath by the lake to feel the tranquility of nature.?
Sayram Lake: Get up early and visit clockwise, as every place is breathtakingly beautiful. The Guozigou Bridge is also worth visiting.?
Qiaxi Forest Park: It covers various landscapes such as forests, grasslands, streams, and herds of cattle and horses, providing an excellent experience. In particular, the Qiaxi Scroll and Qiata Loop Drive are highlights not to be missed.?
Nalati Scenic Area: Driving is a great experience, especially the Panlong Ancient Road, which is less crowded and scenic. Horseback riding in Nalati is also wonderful, with Kazakh brothers guiding the way, making it feel safe and fun.?
IV. Precautions?
Book tickets in advance: Whether it’s by plane or train, it is recommended to book tickets in advance to ensure a smooth trip.?
Prepare supplies: Long-distance travel requires sufficient food, water, and comfortable clothing, especially when taking a train or driving.?
Understand local customs: Xinjiang has a strong ethnic flavor, tourists should respect local customs and habits to avoid unnecessary trouble.?
Safety first: Pay attention to traffic safety when driving, abide by traffic rules; choose formal transportation, and pay attention to driving safety.?
I hope this travel guide to Northern Xinjiang departing from Kashgar can provide useful reference for your trip.?