Last updated: September 2026 — transport links, international border access, border-area permit rules, accommodation information, and selected historical details have been updated, while our original 2019 travel experience is preserved.
The Silk Road- this famous ancient route system has been connecting two main civilization areas for thousands of years. It has been like a bridge between the West and the East. The West has been known for its highly developed classical empires- Greek, Roman, and the European kingdoms. And the East has been known for its “Subcelestial Empire”, now known as China, and its surrounding smaller kingdoms. But the vast spaces in the middle, between these civilizations, has been always veiled in mystery and legends about giant mountains, deserts, and unknown nomadic tribes. And there, in the middle of this remoteness is Kashgar, an ancient trade center, full of things to reveal. Let’s make a journey to Kashgar and dive into its history and reality.
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Where is Kashgar
Kashgar (Kashi- 喀什) is one of the westernmost major cities in China. Located deep in the interior of Eurasia, it lies at the western edge of the Tarim Basin and has historically been one of the great junctions of the Silk Road routes across Central Asia.
I knew about Kashgar for many years, since I have always wanted to cross Eurasia from west to east. I have looked a lot of maps, and this city was an important point on such a route, just like it has been for the ancient people. Crossing from the plains of Europe, then through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, crossing Pamir and Tianshan, and finally arrive on their eastern side, where Tarim Basin begins, has been always an exciting challenge.
So, let us now start exploring Kashgar. What kind of city is it? What secrets it has to reveal? And since it is an ancient city, where a lot of civilizations have left their traces, let us as usual make a short trip through its history.
History of Kashgar
First, let’s take a look at the physical map of Asia, particularly to its central part. You can see the highest mountains on the Earth, known as “The Top of the World”- Himalaya, Tibet, Kunlun, Karakoram, Hindukush, Pamir, and Tianshan. And Tianshan is more separated from the other mountains of this group, stretching like a horn on the northwest.
Then you can see a large oval between Tianshan and the other high mountains, like a giant yellow eye. This is the Tarim Basin, locked far from any oceans on the Earth, with its vast sandy Taklamakan Desert on its bottom.
But exactly there, on the northern and the southern edges of Taklamakan, there are two fertile oasis chains. The northern one stretches between the desert and Tianshan, and the southern one- between the desert and the Kunlun Mountains. They join together on their western ends into a large oasis land. This is Kashgaria- the land around Kashgar, which is not only located on a very strategic position on the Silk Road (in the middle of Asia) but also on a place with good agricultural conditions.
So, it is not strange that there have been a lot of wars for this piece of land. Many civilizations, kingdoms, and empires fought for Kashgar and left their traces there. As a result, Kashgar has a long history, and it is worth to make a short trip through it.
Ancient period and Shule Kingdom (until 177 BC)
Since ancient times, different peoples and cultures have passed through or settled in the oasis of Kashgaria. They included Iranian-speaking Saka populations and other Indo-European groups, while the linguistic identities of peoples such as the Wusun and Yuezhi remain debated. The first polity around Kashgar clearly described in Chinese historical sources is the Kingdom of Shule.
Han and Xiongnu (177 BC to 150 AD)
During that period, there were constant wars between these two competitors- Han Empire of China and the nomadic Xiongnu Empire. But since Kashgaria is located too far west, its Shule Kingdom remained, sometimes as a vassal of Han or Xiongnu, sometimes fully independent, until the arriving of the Kushans.
Kushan Empire and the White Huns (150 to 552)
The Kushan Empire was a strong formation, stretching from the north of today’s India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan into parts of Central Asia. It gained control over Kashgaria for around 173 years, but then its time has passed. Temporary, during the 4th century, the area was divided between a few local independent kingdoms. And then- the next candidates for Kashgaria arrived- the White Huns (Hephthalites). With some interruptions, they ruled over this place until 552, when most of Central Asia was conquered by the Turks.
Turk Khaganates (552 to 648)
The Turks established their large khaganate from the Caspian Sea to the middle of today’s China. But such a vast nomadic empire couldn’t remain united for a long time and it soon divided into two main parts, as Kashgaria remained under the Western Turk Khaganate.
Tang Empire and the Tibetans (648 to 791)
Two strong empires competed for Kashgaria during that period- the Chinese Tang Empire and the Tibetan Empire, and control over the region changed several times. An Islamic military raid reached Kashgar in 715, but it did not establish lasting Muslim rule; the city was still under Chinese administration and its local dynasty in 788. Soon afterward, it probably came under Uyghur control, before the rise of the Qarakhanids.
Uyghur Khanate (791 to 10th century)
After Tang control weakened, Kashgar probably came under Uyghur rule. Later, the Qarakhanids, a Turkic dynasty with important centers in Balasagun and Kashgar, gained control of the western Tarim Basin.
The Karakhanids (10th century to 1134)
During the 10th century, Islam became established in Qarakhanid Kashgar. The city subsequently developed into an important center of Turkic-Islamic culture and learning, associated with figures such as Yusuf Khas Hajib and Mahmud al-Kashgari.
Qara Khitai (1134 to 1218)
The Qara Khitai, or Western Liao, were founded by the Khitan, a people originating in northeastern Asia who had previously ruled the Liao dynasty in northern China. They established control over much of Central Asia, while Qarakhanid rulers continued to govern Kashgar as their vassals until the early 13th century.
The Great Mongol Empire (1218 to 1348)
Nothing in Central Asia has escaped the invasion of Genghis Khan and his Mongols. He created the largest in-land-area empire ever existed, and Kashgar was a part of it. But since this empire was highly unstable, it soon was divided between the sons of Genghis Khan, and Kashgar remained under the rule of Chagatay’s dynasty.
Moghulistan and the Timurids (1348 to 1466)
The Timurid Empire also extended its influence into the region. In the late 14th and early 15th centuries, Kashgaria acknowledged Timurid suzerainty for a period, while remaining closely connected with the Chaghatayid and Moghulistan political sphere.
The local kingdoms- Dughlats, Yarkent, and the Dzungars (1466 to 1759)
Eventually, the era of the Mongols and their descendants came to an end, and a new period of often changing powers and control over Kashgar began. This period was a period of instability and wars, so Kashgar had to pass through times of destruction and times of rebuilding. The main two powers who controlled Kashgar at that time were Dughlats and the Yarkent Kingdom.
Other pretenders for the power over Kashgaria were the White and Black Khojas, somewhere during the time of Yarkent. During the 17th century, some religious leaders also played a significant role in the political life of Kashgar. The most famous of them was Afaq Khoja, who is today associated with the story (or legend) of the „Fragrant Concubine”. Now his Mausoleum is one of the symbols of Kashgar. Later the next invader came- the Dzungars (which were the last nomadic empire of Central Asia), but Kashgar still preserved its autonomy.
Qing Empire (1759 to 1912)
The Chinese army of Qing conquered the whole Xinjiang, including Kashgar, but there was some local autonomy existed in the area, and the power of the Khojas, descendants of Afaq remained, although under the control of Qing. However, they also often revolted against Qing and there were short periods of independence. Qing rule was interrupted by several major revolts during the 19th century. During the turmoil of the 1860s, Yaqub Beg established an independent emirate centered in Kashgaria in 1865. It lasted until 1877, when Qing forces reconquered the region.
Modern China (1912 until now)
After the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1912, Xinjiang entered several decades of political instability under regional governors, warlords, and competing forces, and Kashgar saw major fighting in 1933-1934. The People’s Republic of China established control over Xinjiang in 1949, and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region was established in 1955. Today Kashgar is a major regional center of southern Xinjiang. Security and identity checks were highly visible during our 2019 journey; current procedures can change, so the descriptions below should be read as our experience from that specific trip.
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Our journey to Kashgar
All of this made Kashgar an attracting place to visit and explore. And we were quite excited to plan a trip to the middle of the Silk Road, in the heart of Asia.
Our journey to Kashgar was a part of a longer Xinjiang itinerary, and we reached Kashgar from Turpan, by train. We arrived at late evening, the railway station was in partial repair and we were really surprised when we got down from the train, that nobody checked us, nobody even checked out tickets (as in every railway stations in China).
We got a taxi and arrived at our hostel, called Maitian, and located near the East Lake (东湖公园) park of Kashgar. It was late for us (around 11:30 pm), but not for the locals, who live at least „two hours later” as in the whole Xinjiang. We planned to stay in Kashgar at least 4-5 days, during which we have included a 2-3 days trip to Tashkurgan, on the Chinese side of the famous Karakoram Highway. But on the next day, our first full day in Kashgar, we had to explore the interesting places within the city.
Places to visit in Kashgar
So, as you can assume, Kashgar should have a lot to see, within the city and around it. You can expect a strong presence of history and culture, and there is indeed such a presence. We visited its main landmarks, and there are more that we couldn’t visit. Anyway, let’s explore Kashgar and see what does it have to present.
Kashgar Old City (喀什噶尔老城)
It is the main and most important place to see in Kashgar. But have in mind that the Old City seen today is not simply an untouched survival of old Kashgar. Beginning in the 2000s, and especially after 2009, large parts of its traditional earthen residential fabric were reinforced, rebuilt or redeveloped.
The official purpose of the project was mainly to reduce earthquake risks and improve living conditions and infrastructure, while researchers and heritage critics have also documented extensive demolition, relocation and transformation of historic urban fabric. So, today’s Kashgar Old City is a mixture of preserved elements, reconstructed traditional architecture, modern tourism infrastructure, and a living residential district.
Despite this complex history, I have to confess that when we explored it in 2019, the Old City was really beautiful, colorful and full of life.
One of the best starting points for exploring the Kashgar Old City is its East Gate (东门). From there you enter another world like it has been hundreds of years ago. Beautiful 2 or 3-storeys houses in old traditional Uyghur style, souvenir, and daily life stock shops, cute cafes, small gardens and decorations- it can be seen everywhere on the streets. You can leave the main streets and enter some narrow alley between the house, and there you can see the life of the locals as it is. And eventually, you will arrive at the old center of Kashgar- Id Kah Square and its Id Kah Mosque.
Id Kah Square and Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔广场清真寺)
Id Kah Mosque is one of Kashgar’s main historical landmarks. Official local information dates its foundation to 1442, while the complex has been expanded and rebuilt over the centuries. Today it covers about 16,800 square meters and is a nationally protected historic and religious site.
These events are part of the site’s modern history, but they should not be used as a current safety assessment. During our 2019 visit, the entrance fee was 30 CNY; current visitor access and fees should be checked locally.
And the square in front of it is one of the favorite places for the locals. There are a lot of other beautiful buildings in old traditional architectural style, including a tower and many bazaars (shops). At the time of our 2019 visit, a nearby Uyghur Museum was closed for renovation.
All this- the Old City and Id Kah area can be explored together, in one tour, since they are in the same city area. But to proceed further your exploration of Kashgar, you have to leave this area. The next very important landmark of Kashgar is Afaq Khoja Mausoleum.
Afaq (Abak) Khoja Mausoleum (香妃墓)
It is something like the „Taj Mahal” of Xinjiang. Built around 1640, it is a tomb of several Afaq Clan’s generations. The tomb is initially built by a Sufi master, who came in the area to spread Sufism, and his son Afaq Khoja was not only a religious leader, but also entered in the political life of Kashgar.
The mausoleum later became closely associated with the legend of Xiang Fei, the “Fragrant Concubine,” a figure often linked with the historical Consort Rong of Emperor Qianlong. However, the historical Consort Rong was buried at the Eastern Qing Tombs near Beijing, not in Kashgar. The connection between Xiang Fei and the Afaq Khoja Mausoleum therefore belongs mainly to later legend and tourism tradition.
Today the mausoleum is incorporated into the larger Xiangfei Garden scenic complex, while it also preserves its historical connection with the Afaq Khoja family and the Sufi history of Kashgar.
Today it consists not only of the Tomb, but a large garden with a pond, and several more Islamic buildings, including a mosque. Thus the whole complex is a beautiful masterpiece of architecture, culture, history and park design. We paid 30 CNY during our 2019 trip; check the current ticket for the larger Xiangfei Garden complex before visiting.
Yusuf Khas Khajib Tomb (玉素甫·哈斯·哈吉甫墓)
Now lets back in time and from the era of Afaq Khoja (17-18th centuries) to jump to 11th century. It was the period of the Karakhanids, ruling over Kashgar and a large part of Central Asia. At that time, there was a man from Balasagun, the capital of the Karakhanid Empire near today’s Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. His name was Yusuf, called also Balasaguni.
Yusuf Khas Hajib was a renowned 11th-century Turkic poet and thinker. He completed his famous masterpiece Kutadgu Bilig- “Wisdom of Royal Glory”- in Kashgar in 1069-1070 and presented it to the Qarakhanid ruler, receiving the title Khas Hajib. Today, a mausoleum in Kashgar is traditionally associated with him. During our 2019 visit, the entrance fee was 30 CNY.
Now, let’s back to our modern time and taste more of the real Kashgar life. Some of the most colorful places in this part of the world are the bazaars- the open-air markets, where you can see and feel the most authentic of the local life and culture.
East Bazaar (东巴扎)
This is the main bazaar of Kashgar, located just east of East Lake Park. We visited it on our way back from Afaq Khoja Mausoleum since it is on the same boulevard. From its north entrance, you can see some beautiful traditional buildings, one of them serving as a gate of the bazaar.
At first sight, it looks just like a normal market, where you can find everything- products for daily use, souvenirs, fruits, spices, decorations…just everything. But what makes it more interesting is the people inside- most of them local Uyghurs, wearing their traditional caps, called „doppa”, women with their specific clothing, and their market behavior of selling and buying. So even you don’t like shopping, it is still really worth to walk inside the bazaar, diving in its unique atmosphere.
Livestock Bazaar
It is another very attractive bazaar. It is for domestic animals- cows, sheep, goats, horses, hens, etc. (no pigs). There you can see a lively trade, sell and buy, and many local people from the city and the nearby villages.
This market is located northwest of Kashgar, near the intersections of roads G314 and X435 (it is its new location). But it is working only on Sundays. So if you visit Kashgar during the other days of the week, you can’t see this bazaar. However, if it is Sunday, don’t miss this opportunity!
Local people, culture, food
Yes, finally, the city and its people are a “must-visit site” themselves. Here you can feel a strange mix of Central Asia with Chinese and Arabic signs on the streets everywhere. You can see the locals, most of which look different than the Chinese. And although there is some hidden tension in the air, all the people live a normal peaceful life.
Cuisine
One of the things that can make you feel the local atmosphere is the food. Since it is influenced by Islam, there is no pork. But you can enjoy beef, lamb, and chicken. There are various dishes, made by these kinds of meat, including a lot of vegetables, spices and other products. Mostly you can enjoy Leghman (Lamian)- a noddle dish, Polu- which is rice mixed with meat and vegetables, Kawaplar (Kebab)- beef or lamb on a skewer with spices, and Dapanji- a big plate with chicken and many vegetables, usually spicy. See more about the Uyghur cuisine here.
There are a lot of restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Uyghur cuisine, but now I would focus on the places where you can eat outside, in an open-air style, which gives you a special unique local feeling. There are two places where you can enjoy that- both in the Old City. The first one is in front of Id Kah Mosque, and the second one- right behind the southern gate of the Old City.
But maybe the most essential for Kashgar and the whole Xinjiang is the fruits. Yes, the best fruits in China come from Xinjiang, and they are some of the best in the world! Watermelons, Hami melons, grapes, peaches, apples, you have to try them in Kashgar. Xinjiang fruits are so delicious, that they became symbols of many Xinjiang cities. The Hami melon is a symbol of Hami, the grapes are a symbol of Turpan. And the symbol of Kashgar is the pomegranate.
How to reach Kashgar
There are several ways to reach Kashgar- by plane, by train, by bus, or by other transport like a car or even bicycle.
By plane
Kashgar Laining International Airport now has a much broader domestic flight network, with direct or one-stop connections to many major Chinese cities; the exact routes change seasonally.
International connectivity has also expanded significantly. In 2026, Kashgar has regular international passenger services including Islamabad in Pakistan, Khujand in Tajikistan, and Osh in Kyrgyzstan. The Kashgar-Osh direct route opened in April 2026 and was increased to two weekly flights in June. Check the current airline schedule because international frequencies can change.
By train
This is how we reached Kashgar. The city is still served by conventional rather than high-speed rail, but there are now multiple daily trains between Kashgar and Urumqi, as well as connections with other cities in Xinjiang. The fastest Urumqi-Kashgar services currently take about 11.5 hours, while many other trains take considerably longer. Check the current timetable through China Railway 12306.
Check your transport options to Kashgar!
By bus
Long-distance buses and road transport also operate within Xinjiang, but for the long Urumqi-Kashgar journey a train or flight is generally easier to plan. Cross-border road transport from neighboring countries depends on the operating status of the relevant land port, visa requirements, and the passenger transport available at the time, so check current border information rather than relying on old bus schedules.
The Khunjerab crossing between Pakistan and China is again an operating international land border for passenger traffic, making an overland journey along the Karakoram Highway possible in principle. However, the border does not operate continuously every day: weekends, public holidays, weather, and operational restrictions can affect opening times. Check the latest official port schedule, visa requirements, and available cross-border transport before attempting this route.
By other transport
Yes, there are other ways to reach Kashgar, most of them usually difficult or even weird. You can reach Kashgar from Urumqi, from Hotan (and the whole southern way from Xining, Qinghai) by car, hiring a driver or even hitchhiking. Yes, you will pass several police check-points, but they will not stop you to proceed, just have to register there.
International land access to the Kashgar region is possible through several official border ports: Torugart and Irkeshtam from Kyrgyzstan, Karasu/Qolma from Tajikistan, and Khunjerab from Pakistan. Passenger opening days and practical transport arrangements vary by crossing, and some ports close on weekends or public holidays. Check the current port schedule, visa requirements, and transport arrangements separately for each border before traveling.
Another adventurous way to reach Kashgar is by bicycle, but again- only from Urumqi or another place inside China. But if you try it from a neighboring country- Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan or Pakistan, or the Tibetan Autonomous Region, currently it would be really difficult (if not impossible).
Accommodation in Kashgar
Foreign travelers can now book accommodation in Kashgar through normal hotel platforms and register with their passport at check-in. Chinese authorities have clarified that hotels should not refuse foreign guests simply because they lack a special “foreign-related” qualification. Individual properties can still change names, ownership, or booking availability, so confirm the current details before arrival. There are two good hostels in the Old City: Kashgar Old City Hostel and Pamir Youth Hostel.
During our 2019 trip, we spent several nights in Maitian Youth Hostel, which was more like a cheap hotel, and some of its rooms are more like normal hotel rooms. And since it doesn’t like so attractive, foreigners usually don’t prefer it, but it is still a good option- at least you can reach it by taxi, while you have to walk to those inside the Old City.
The accommodation market in Kashgar has changed considerably since our trip, especially around the Old City, so use current booking platforms rather than relying on an old list of hotels and hostels. See more in my updated guide to accommodation in China.
Check your accommodation in Kashgar on Booking!
Where the next?
After you explore the city itself, you can “attack” some nearby places. However, many destinations south and west of Kashgar lie within regulated border areas, and a Border Administration Area Permit may be required depending on the destination. Always check the current access requirements before leaving Kashgar.
Tashkurgan and Karakoram Highway
It is the most beautiful and attractive place to see near Kashgar. This is the Chinese section of the famous Karakoram Highway and it passes through really stunning places and landscapes. You can enjoy two fantastic lakes- White Sand Lake (白沙湖) and Karakul Lake (卡拉库勒湖). There you can see two breathtaking snowy peaks. These are the highest peaks of Pamir- Kongur Tagh and Muztagh Ata. And finally, you can explore the local Tajik culture and history of Tashkurgan.
Tashkurgan and parts of the Pamir route lie within a border management area, so a Border Administration Area Permit is required for the relevant sections. Since April 15, 2026, China has used electronic border permits. Foreign nationals are covered by the system but must apply in person at an authorized exit-entry administration or designated police station; the online application channel is for eligible mainland Chinese residents. Check the current local requirements in Kashgar before arranging independent transport or a tour.
Shipton’s Arch
Shipton’s Arch, now developed as the Artux Tianmen Scenic Area, is a huge natural rock arch in the mountains northwest of Kashgar. The scenic area has been substantially upgraded and by 2026 operates as a National 4A attraction, with a cableway and new visitor infrastructure. Because it lies in a sensitive western border region, foreign travelers should still confirm the current passport and permit requirements before going.
Mahmud Kashgari Tomb
This is much nearer to Kashgar and is a historic site. It is located in a small town, called Upal, southwest of Kashgar, but still not in the border area, so you can reach it by yourself. The place is traditionally associated with Mahmud al-Kashgari, the renowned 11th-century Turkic scholar and lexicographer, best known for his Divan Lughat al-Turk (Compendium of the Turkic Dialects).
Mor Buddhist Pagoda
A historic site, located northeast of Kashgar. This is the largest presence of Buddhism in the area. It was built in the 7th century and destroyed in the 12th century during the Karakhitay era. Now only its ruins have left.
Dawakum Desert
This desert is considered a part of the Great Taklamakan Desert. But in fact, it is separated from it, it is only a small “sand island” within agricultural land. That’s why in my opinion it is more proper for tourists, rather than travelers since it is made a tourist attraction, with camels, ATVs and other tourist gluttonies. They get money from the tourists and let them think that they are in Taklamakan Desert. That’s why we skipped this place and chose another desert site, which IS Taklamakan Desert- Maigaiti N39.
Taklamakan Desert- Maigaiti N39 area
This place is further east from Kashgar, some 3 hours by car. And it is really at the edge of Taklamakan Desert. It is called N39 because it is located exactly at the 39th north parallel line of the Earth. Yes, there is now another tourist site, again with camels, ATVs and desert jeeps (which are expensive, and too short in the same time). But this time the desert is more than 1000 km long and 400 km wide, so you can easily just go away from the tourist place and walk alone in the sands (being careful and not penetrating too far inside the desert without preparation, especially in summer, it can be dangerous!).
K2 trekking
Yes, finally, this experience is “the cherry on the cake”. Reaching the K2 area from the Chinese side is a serious expedition into a remote and highly regulated border region. It requires substantial time, advance permits and professional logistical support, and current access rules should be researched separately before planning such a journey.
From the trips around Kashgar, we chose Tashkurgan and Karakoram Highway, then the trip to Taklamakan Maigaiti N39.
Then we left Kashgar, proceeding our Xinjiang trip. We back to the northeast, to Urumqi, from where we planned to explore Tianshan mountains and to reach Taklamakan Desert again from the north. And our journey to Kashgar remained as a very important and unforgettable part of our trip on the Silk Road to the Chinese Far West.
See more about Kashgar here in this video:
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Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.
So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration.
And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality.
Enjoy!
Krasen and Ying Ying
Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually. So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration. And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality. Enjoy!
