The 4-day Xinjiang travel guide recommends southern Xinjiang, Kashgar, and its surrounding areas as the main destinations. Here is a detailed itinerary plan:
Day 1: Kashgar Old City and Lake Tour
Morning: Visit Kashgar Old City to feel the strong atmosphere of the ancient Silk Road. Kashgar Old City is divided into East City and West City. East City is more commercialized, while West City retains more local customs. You can visit historical relics such as巴依老爷的家 (Baiyi Laoye’s House) and the Aerial Garden.
Lunch: Head to the Khan Bazaar Food Street to taste southern Xinjiang specialty dishes, such as large pot pilaf.
Afternoon: Drive to Baisha Lake to admire the beautiful scenery of white sand mountains and deep blue lake water complementing each other. Baisha Lake is a plateau lake with clear water, and the viewing platforms on both the south and north shores are sacred places for taking photos.
Evening: Continue to Karakul Lake to admire the reflection of Mount Muztagh, known as the Father of Icebergs. The color of the lake water changes with the light, and a stroll along the wooden boardwalk feels like entering a fairyland.
Accommodation: Return to Kashgar city and choose a hotel to stay at that you like.
Day 2: Alpine Lake and Legendary Highway
Morning: Head to Bandir Blue Lake (also known as Bandir Lake), a clear lake nestled between high mountains, which is a great place for photos.
Noon: Challenge the Dragon’s Spiral Highway, a winding road that twists and turns like a huge dragon circling over the Pamir Plateau, offering excellent aerial photography opportunities with a drone.
Afternoon: Head to the Wakhan Corridor to admire the snowy mountains and blue sky, and take a photo at the road sign marking the tri-border area and the words “Long Live the Motherland! Long Live the Motherland!” to feel patriotic sentiments.
Accommodation: Choose accommodation in Tajik Autonomous County or nearby areas.
Day 3: In-depth Tour of Tajik Autonomous County and Return to Kashgar
Full day: Explore Tajik Autonomous County and its surroundings in depth. You can visit Tajik households to experience the local customs of the Tajik ethnic group. If time permits, you can also visit attractions such as the Snow Willow Tree Cave and Tahman Wetland.
Evening: Return to Kashgar and prepare for your return journey the next day.
Day 4: Kashgar Old City and Return Journey
Morning: Visit Kashgar Old City again, stroll through the alleys, feel the enthusiasm of Uyghur children, or go to the West City Aitigar Public Security Police Substation to apply for a border pass to prepare for your next border trip.
Lunch: Taste local specialty dishes in Kashgar, such as roast whole lamb, pilaf, and naan.
Afternoon: According to your flight or train schedule, head to the airport or train station to end your pleasant 4-day Xinjiang tour.
This itinerary covers the main attractions of Kashgar and its surroundings in southern Xinjiang, including ancient cities, lakes, mountains, highways, etc., allowing you to fully experience the exotic customs and natural beauty of southern Xinjiang. During the trip, please respect local customs and abide by the regulations of the scenic areas to ensure a pleasant journey.