Traveling to Kashgar in early November is an excellent choice. At this time, autumn is in full bloom, with trees in the city and surrounding areas turning yellow, which complements the ancient city’s architecture and allows you to experience the unique Western Regions’ charm.
In Kashgar, you can explore the mysterious and vibrant Kashgar Old City. The city is large, so it is recommended to spend two days visiting if you have enough time. Every corner of the old city is filled with historical atmosphere. Here, you can admire traditional Uyghur architecture and handicrafts, and taste traditional cuisine such as grilled mutton kebabs, baked naan bread, and hand-grabbed rice.
The opening ceremony is also an experience not to be missed. It is held twice a day, at 10:00 and 18:00 (some say it starts at 10:30), and is very lively.
Besides the Kashgar Old City, you can also visit the surrounding natural landscapes. For example, the Wensu Grand Canyon, where red cliffs and stone pillars form a unique Danxia geological landscape in western China, with red rocks resembling fire and little vegetation growing.
Karakul Lake and Mount Muztagh on the Pamir Plateau are also must-visit attractions. The beautiful lake and spectacular glaciers, located at an altitude of 3,600 meters and surrounded by icebergs, make visitors feel like they are in a mythical fairyland.
For your itinerary, you can refer to the following suggestions: On the first day after arriving in Kashgar, check in and then visit the Kashgar Old City, watch the opening ceremony, and taste local cuisine. On the second day, visit the Id Kah Mosque to experience the religious and cultural atmosphere, and then go to Kashgar Grand Bazaar to purchase unique souvenirs. On the third day, you can head to the Pamir Plateau, enjoying the unique landforms of the Aytak Red Valley along the way, arriving at Baisha Lake to admire its unique scenery of half desert and half lake, and then proceed to Mustag Atash Glacier Park to view the glaciers. Depending on your schedule, you can also challenge the盘龙古道 (Dragon’s Coiled Road) to experience the thrill and excitement of multiple turns.
In terms of accommodation, there are numerous options in downtown Kashgar. You can choose to stay in traditional homestays to feel the atmosphere of the ancient city, or opt for hotels with convenient transportation and well-equipped facilities. Prices are more affordable in the off-season of November, and hotels with underfloor heating are especially cozy choices for winter.
In addition, there are some things to note when traveling. Kashgar has a dry climate, so it is important to drink plenty of water and use moisturizing skincare products to prevent skin dryness. Meanwhile, although sunshine hours in Kashgar in November are relatively shorter, ultraviolet rays are still strong, so sunscreen measures are necessary. When heading to areas such as the Pamir Plateau, be sure to prepare warm clothing such as cotton-padded jackets and winter coats.
In general, traveling to Kashgar in early November allows you to appreciate unique natural scenery and experience rich historical culture, making it an unforgettable travel experience.