Autumn is one of the best seasons for tourism in Kashgar. At this time, the weather in Kashgar is pleasant and the scenery is charming, especially the autumn colors are breathtaking. Here is a detailed autumn travel guide for Kashgar:
I. Weather and Clothing Suggestions
The weather in Kashgar in autumn is mainly sunny and cloudy, with an average temperature of 13-23°C in September and 5-14°C in October.
Due to the large diurnal temperature variation in Xinjiang, it is recommended to bring long pants, windbreakers, jackets, sweaters, and other clothing. Especially when heading to high-altitude areas such as Tashkurgan, you should also prepare fleece-lined jackets to cope with possible cold weather.
II. Recommended Travel Routes
Five-day Tour of Kashgar:
D1: Kashgar Baisha Lake – Karakul Lake – Tajikistan County
D2: Tajikistan Bandir Lake – Panlong Ancient Road – Kashgar
D3: Kashgar – Yingjisha – Shache Yarkand Palace
D4: Shache – Dawakun Desert
D5: Kashgar – Tianmen Grand Canyon
In-depth Southern Xinjiang Tour:
Day 1: Explore Kashgar Old Town, visit Aoyitake Red Valley and take a panoramic tour of Baisha Lake
Day 2: Visit Mustag Atash Glacier Park, Snow Willow Cave, and Tahman Wetland
Day 3: Visit Panlong Ancient Road and Bandir Blue Lake
Day 4: Visit Colorful Yadan Landform, Shell Mountain, and the Confluence of Tianshan and Kunlun Mountains
Day 5: Visit Zepu Populus euphratica Forest and return to Kashgar
III. Highlights of Attractions
Kashgar Old Town: In autumn, Kashgar Old Town is like a treasured book, quiet and beautiful. The exquisite carved bricks and window lattices, colorful thresholds and carvings are seamlessly integrated with the ancient town.
Baisha Lake: A magical spectacle on the Pamir Plateau, the scenery on both the south and north shores is not to be missed.
Panlong Ancient Road: Like a huge dragon lying across the Kunlun Mountains, the highway and lake scenery are captivating and make people reluctant to leave.
Zepu Populus euphratica Forest: With only a 20-day viewing period each year, the Populus euphratica Forest, which has withstood the elements for three thousand years, adds the most vibrant touch to this desolate land.
IV. Food Recommendations
Kashgar boasts a wide variety of delicious food, which is a treat for foodies. It is recommended to taste the roast meat and various Xinjiang snacks at Haierbag Restaurant, as well as specialty dishes such as roast pigeon at Mukam’s Hometown Restaurant in Shache County.
V. Other Suggestions
The scenery in Kashgar in autumn is breathtaking, but you also need to pay attention to sunscreen and hydration.
Kashgar is rich in folk customs. You can participate in local folk activities, such as the "Xiangfei Welcoming Guests" performance at Xiangfei Garden, to experience the warm hospitality of the Kashgar people.
In summary, autumn is the golden season for tourism in Kashgar. Both the natural scenery and cultural landscapes are captivating and make people reluctant to leave. I hope this guide can provide useful reference for your trip to Kashgar.