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5-Day Kashgar & Tashkurgan: Old City, Karakul Lake & the Pamir Highway

Xinjiang Tours 5 Days From $1,890
5-Day Kashgar & Tashkurgan: Old City, Karakul Lake & the Pamir Highway

Tour Overview

This 5-day private tour explores China’s far west, where the Silk Road meets the Pamir Mountains. Begin in ancient Kashgar: wander its living old town, Apak Khoja Mausoleum, Id Kah Mosque and iconic Sunday livestock market.
On Day 3, drive the breathtaking route to Tashkurgan past Oytagh, Baisha Lake and 3,600m Karakul Lake. Visit Tashkurgan Stone City and golden Jincaotan grasslands. Return via winding Panlong Ancient Road and Bandir Lake for superb mountain shots.
Private vehicle, driver & English guide. Premium accommodation in Kashgar and Tashkurgan, with authentic Uyghur and Tajik cuisine. Perfect for travellers craving comfort, genuine culture and dramatic highland scenery.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore the labyrinthine lanes of Kashgar Old City
  • Visit the Id Kah Mosque and Apak Khoja Mausoleum (Xiangfei Garden)
  • Wander the Sunday Livestock Bazaar and Khan Bazaar night market
  • Drive the Pamir Highway to Tashkurgan, stopping at Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake
  • Walk the ancient Stone City and golden grasslands of Jincaotan
  • Cross the dramatic Panlong Ancient Road with its 600 hairpin bends
  • See the deep blue waters of Bandir Lake
  • Enjoy a private guide and driver throughout

Daily Itinerary

Day1

Day 1: Arrive Kashgar — Gateway to the Silk Road

Meet and greet at Kashgar Airport Private transfer to hotel Evening stroll in the old town (optional)

Activities

Meet and greet at Kashgar Airport
Private transfer to hotel
Evening stroll in the old town (optional)

Details

Your guide will meet you at Kashgar Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city centre. After check-in, take a gentle walk through the nearby old town lanes, where the evening light softens the mud-brick walls and the smell of baking naan drifts from street ovens. If you have energy, visit the bustling Khan Bazaar night market for a first taste of Uyghur street food — grilled lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and sweet melons.

Hotel

4-star hotel in Kashgar city centre

Meals

Dinner

Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5

Price Includes & Excludes

Inclusions

  • Private English-speaking guide
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
  • 4 nights in 4-star or best available hotels
  • Daily breakfast
  • Entrance fees to all listed sites
  • Airport transfers in Kashgar
  • Bottled water during drives
  • All government taxes and service charges

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • China visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches and dinners not mentioned
  • Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, souvenirs)
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Optional activities

Accommodation

In Kashgar, you stay in a comfortable 4-star hotel in the city centre, within walking distance of the old town. In Tashkurgan, accommodation is the best available in town, a simple but clean hotel with heating and private facilities. All rooms are en-suite, and Wi-Fi is available in the lobbies, though speeds can be slow in the mountains.

Travel Notes

Best season: May to October, when the Pamir roads are clear and the weather is mild. Tashkurgan sits at 3,100 metres; Karakul Lake is 3,600 metres. Take it easy on the first day at altitude, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol. Evenings in the mountains are cold, so pack layers, a windproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. Photography: the light is best in the early morning and late afternoon; bring a polarising filter for the lakes. Cash is essential in markets and small shops; ATMs are scarce outside Kashgar. Internet access can be limited in Tashkurgan; download offline maps and translation apps. A small daypack is useful for the long drive days.

Frequently Asked Questions