You can arrange your three-day travel route in Kashgar as follows:
Day 1: Exploration and Food Experience in Kashgar Old City
Morning: Depart from Kashgar city and head to Kashgar Old City. First enter the west district of the old city through the West Gate to visit popular photo spots like Rainbow Alley and Cloth Bag Alley, and feel the unique ethnic customs of the old city.
Noon: Taste local specialties such as kebab and stuffed buns in the old city, and visit the shop called “Grandfather’s Grandfather’s Father’s Nang” to buy internet-famous nang bread and experience authentic Xinjiang flavor.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the old city, where you can enjoy a quiet afternoon at Muchai Coffee or taste rose tea at the Century-Old Tea House while watching Uyghur elders play music and sing.
Evening: Sample various snacks at Khan Bazaar Night Market in the eastern district of the old city, such as grilled meat and handmade yogurt, and experience the nightlife of Xinjiang.
Day 2: Journey of Natural Scenery
Morning: Set out for Aytak Red Mountain to admire the magnificent red mountain scenery, which is also a great place for photos.
Next: Head to Baisha Lake, known as the prototype of the Flowing Sand River in Journey to the West, where the lake water, sand dunes, and snow-capped mountains intertwine to form a beautiful landscape.
Afternoon: Visit Karakul Lake, a plateau lake with deep and dark waters that clearly reflect the surrounding mountains, and feel the grandeur of the plateau.
Evening: You can choose to stay in Taxkorgan County to prepare for the next day’s itinerary.
Day 3: In-depth Exploration and Return Journey
Morning: Depart from Taxkorgan County and traverse the盘龙古道 (Winding Dragon Ancient Road), a spectacular highway with breathtaking scenery along the way.
Next: Explore Bandier Blue Lake and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the lake.
Afternoon: Visit the Muztagh Glacier Park to experience the grandeur and mystery of the glaciers. If time permits, you can also climb Glacier Park No. 4 of Mount Muztagh to enjoy even more extreme plateau scenery.
Evening: End your three-day journey in Kashgar, southern Xinjiang, and embark on your return trip filled with the charm of the plateau and the grandeur of nature.
This itinerary includes both an in-depth exploration of Kashgar Old City and a glimpse of the magnificent natural scenery of southern Xinjiang, making for an unforgettable travel experience.