How to spend 3 days in Kashgar: Old City, Bazaars, and Nearby Areas

Kashgar is the gateway to southern Xinjiang and often the shortest stop on many itineraries. 3 days may seem ample, but with its winding old town alleys and scattered attractions nearby, poor planning can leave you stuck in the car all day.

Day 1: Ancient City Main Street & Night Market#

Enter the old town from one side of Id Kah Square in the morning, walk along the main street to Crafts Street. In the afternoon, visit the workshops. Return to the square at dusk to watch the crowds, and head to the night market in the evening. The entire route is 3 to 5 kilometers on foot.

• Soft morning light is ideal for photographing doors, windows, and alleyways.
• The ancient town is inhabited; please ask for permission before taking photos.
• The night market is liveliest after 8 PM.

Day 2: Bazaar and Suburbs#

Morning: Visit the livestock bazaar (opens on local market days; confirm before departure). Afternoon: Tour the Royal Consort's Garden or visit the Mausoleum of Yusup Hasip Hajji. On the way back to town, stop by the perimeter of the Gaotai Old House neighborhood.

• The bazaar has a strong odor; wear shoes you don't mind getting smelly.
• Crowded market days: wear your bag in front.
• Taxis are more convenient for getting around between suburban attractions.

Day 3: One Day on the Edge of Pamir#

Round-trip day tour to Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake via the China-Pakistan Highway. One-way drive takes about 3 hours, with elevation reaching 3600 meters. Limit your stay to under two hours to avoid altitude sickness.

• Apply for the border pass in advance; checkpoints will verify it.
• Windy by the lake. Bring a jacket.
• Day trips can be tiring; avoid scheduling evening activities.

Need more days#

Tashkurgan, Khunjerab, Shache, and Hotan are outside the 3-day range. To explore the Pamirs in depth, you need at least 4 days. You can refer to this 3-day Itinerary for Kashgar.Southern Xinjiang Tourist RoutesFor details of the ancient city, seeOne-Day Itinerary: Kashgar Old City。

Old City Schedule#

Before 10 AM, the alley is quiet with shops just opening and slanted light; in the afternoon, tourist numbers rise and the square becomes liveliest; after 9 PM, the night market hits its peak. Following this rhythm keeps photography and shopping separate and comfortable.

How do I get to the suburbs?#

Taxis are readily available to Xiangfei Garden and Yusufu Tomb, with travel times under 20 minutes each way. The livestock bazaar is located outside the city and operates only on market days; allow at least two hours for a round trip. Booking a car for half a day allows you to visit both sites efficiently, saving time compared to taking multiple taxis.

Day 3: High-altitude itinerary#

Pamir Edge Day Trip: Ascend to 3,600m and stay no longer than 2 hours. Descend immediately if you experience headache or nausea. After returning to the city, avoid hiking or prolonged walking.

Teahouse and Afternoon#

Several old teahouses surround the Ancient City and Old Town. Enjoy brick tea with naan bread and yogurt while spending the afternoon there. Locals chat and play chess inside, and tourists are welcome without disturbance. During the hottest two to three hours of the afternoon, it's better to relax in a teahouse than to walk through the alleys.

Order a pot of tea and some naan at a low cost to witness everyday life beyond tourist spots. Ask before taking photos; most people won't mind, but avoid pointing the lens directly at their faces.

Kashgar moves at a naturally slow pace. Leaving your afternoons free makes it easier to capture the scenes you want to see—rarely do you need to rush in Xinjiang tourism.

Tickets & Reservations#

The ancient city itself is free to enter, though some internal attractions require separate tickets. The Princess of Fragrance Garden and Yusup's Mausoleum each have their own admission fees; you can choose which to visit based on your interests. Scenic viewpoints along the Pamir route are mostly free, but parking must comply with regulations.

Some attractions require advance booking during peak season. Tickets may be unavailable on-site once quotas are filled. Please book via your mobile device one day in advance.

Calculate the ticket budget per person. Children's discounts apply based on height or age; please bring valid ID.

In a three-day itinerary, tickets aren't the main concern—time is. Skip one spot to allow more time for travel; you'll have a better experience.

Kashgar serves as the gateway to Xinjiang tourism. 3 days is ideal for exploring half the city and half the highland edge. If your itinerary needs adjustment based on border pass processing times, please ask.Customer Support。