A free and easy trip to Kashgar is an excellent way to explore the customs and natural scenery of southern Xinjiang. Here is a detailed free and easy travel guide to Kashgar:
Transportation:
Kashgar has an airport and railway station, making transportation very convenient. Airfare prices are relatively reasonable during the off-peak season, but tickets leaving Xinjiang are expensive most of the time. It is recommended to plan your route in advance.
Upon arrival in Kashgar, you can choose to visit the city and surrounding attractions by bus, taxi, or rental car.
Accommodation:
It is recommended to stay near Kashgar Old City, which will allow you to conveniently visit the old city and experience the local lifestyle. For example, Best Western Plus Premier Hotel (Kashgar Old City) is a good choice. It is within walking distance to the old city and offers new, clean, and hygienic facilities.
Tourist attractions:
Kashgar Old City: This is a must-visit attraction. The labyrinthine old city is full of rich ethnic customs. It is recommended to allocate at least three days to deeply explore the alleys and feel the unique charm of the old city.
Pamir Plateau Scenic Area: Includes attractions such as Baisha Lake, Kalakul Lake,盘龙古道 (Winding Ancient Road), and Taxkorgan County. You can choose to carpool, join a tour group, or travel freely. The plateau is at a high altitude, so be cautious of altitude sickness.
Baisha Lake: A perfect combination of sand and lake. The lake water appears milky white under sunlight, and the surrounding white sand is as fine as powder, making it an excellent spot for photos.
Mushtagh Mountain: Known as the ‘Father of Glaciers’, it stands majestically with snow-capped peaks throughout the year, making it a sacred place for mountaineering enthusiasts.
Food:
Kashgar offers a rich variety of delicious food at relatively affordable prices. It is recommended to find food within and near Kashgar Old City, as you are unlikely to encounter any disappointments.
Specialties include hand-grabbed rice, kebab, meat in a pot, baked eggs, baked stuffed buns, etc. Also, the local naan and pomegranate juice are delicious treats that should not be missed.
Other suggestions:
It is recommended to visit the ancient city before 1 PM or after 6 PM. The sun is not too intense at these times, and from 7 to 9 PM, you can also see the joyful scenes of children after school.
When driving to Taxkorgan County, there are multiple speed monitoring sections on National Highway 314, so drive carefully.
There are not many gas stations, so remember to fill up with gas before departing and refill in Taxkorgan County on the way back.
The free and easy tour in Kashgar will take you to experience the unique customs and magnificent natural scenery of southern Xinjiang. I hope this guide can add more fun and convenience to your trip.