Kashgar is a treasure trove for travelers who love deep cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and stories that stretch back centuries. Its position along the historic Silk Road makes it a natural hub for remarkable tours that blend natural beauty with ancient history. We especially enjoy the 2 Days Tashkurgan Private Tour for its scenic journey past Karakul Lake (a highlight for many), and the Kashgar Private Tour that takes you inside the beautifully restored Old City and its iconic Id Kah Mosque. These experiences offer more than just sightseeing—they reveal the area’s soul through landscapes and local life. For a taste of local cuisine and street life, the Kashgar Xinjiang: Old City, Livestock Market, Food & Culture tour is a lively choice.
If you’re interested in adventure-style travel, the 5-Day Silk Road Adventure takes you through Baisha and Karakul lakes, combining natural wonders with a sense of history. For those wanting a more personalized experience, the private tours allow you to explore at your own pace, especially with options like the 2 Day Tour to Tashkorgan with Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find a variety of tours to match different interests and schedules: from short day trips exploring Kashgar’s Old City (Kashgar Private Tour: Mosque, Concubine’s Garden & Old City) to multi-day adventures along the Silk Road (From Kashgar: 5-Day Silk Road Adventure). Whether you’re drawn to scenic drives, cultural sites, or local markets, these options cover the region’s highlights with practical details to help you choose the perfect experience.
1. 2 Days Tashkurgan Private Tour from Kashgar with Accommodation
At number 1 on our list, this private 2-day tour offers a comprehensive journey along the China-Pakistan highway, taking you past Karakul Lake and the Pamirs—a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet. The tour starts with a visit to Karakul Lake, renowned for its shimmering surface and glacier-capped peaks, including Gongger Peak and Muztag Peak. Driving along the Karakoram Highway, you’ll pass Uyghur villages and Kyrgyz yurts, gaining insight into local life. The scenery is truly spectacular, with snow-capped peaks and lush grasslands dominating the horizon.
On day two, you’ll explore the Stone Fortress in Taxkorgan, an ancient site surrounded by snow-clad mountains and grasslands, giving a real sense of history and strategic importance in the Silk Road era. This tour is notable for its private transportation, professional English-speaking guide, and hotel accommodation in Taxkorgan, which makes it comfortable yet immersive. Most travelers find this a fantastic way to combine scenery and culture in a short trip, especially if they’re keen on seeing the Pamir Plateau up close.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-rounded, scenic trip with comfortable lodging, this tour’s combination of landscapes, history, and local culture makes it a top pick.
2. From Kashgar: 5-Day Silk Road Adventure with Accommodation
For those who want to immerse themselves more fully, this 5-day Silk Road tour is a comprehensive exploration of the region’s most iconic sights. It includes visits to Karakul and Baisha lakes, both stunning spots perfect for photos and quiet reflection. The tour also takes you through the Pamir Scenic Area, where rugged mountain scenery dominates the horizon. Cultural highlights include a visit to the largest mosque in Xinjiang and the tomb of a renowned Uyghur poet, showcasing Islamic architecture and local spirituality.
One of the big draws is the chance to share a meal with a Uyghur family—a genuine opportunity to taste authentic local cuisine and hear personal stories. This tour is perfect for travelers looking for depth and variety, combining natural beauty with cultural insights. The reviews praise it for its well-paced itinerary and knowledgeable guides, making it suitable for those with a week to spare and a curiosity for Silk Road history.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a deep dive into the region’s natural and cultural riches, ideal for travelers who want everything from lakes to mosques to local stories—all wrapped into one memorable package.
$1,569 per person
3. Kashgar Private Tour: Mosque, Concubine’s Garden & Old City
One of the most popular ways to explore Kashgar is through this private tour that covers the Id Kah Mosque, the Fragrant Concubine’s Garden, and the Old City. Starting with the Id Kah Mosque, you’ll marvel at its expansive prayer hall, one of the largest in China, and learn about its importance in Uyghur Muslim life. Then, a stroll through the Old City’s narrow lanes offers a tangible sense of history—though recent renovations mean some areas are more modern, the ancient atmosphere remains.
The Concubine’s Garden provides a peaceful contrast with its lush greenery, and the guide will share stories about its historical significance. This tour is especially suited for those with limited time but who want a comprehensive introduction to Kashgar’s cultural and spiritual heart. The personalized nature of a private guide ensures you can focus on what interests you most, whether it’s architecture, history, or local stories.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a focused, personal experience of Kashgar’s key sites without the hassle of navigating on their own.
$249 per person
4. Kashgar Xinjiang: Old City, Livestock Market, Food & Culture
For a vibrant, hands-on experience of Kashgar’s daily life, this tour hits the mark. It combines wandering the maze-like streets of the Old City with visits to bustling markets, such as the lively livestock market where locals purchase and sell sheep, cows, and camels. You’ll see colorful stalls, sample street food, and learn about traditional Uyghur dishes.
Your guide will explain the local customs and history behind the Id Kah Mosque and People’s Square, making the visit both educational and engaging. This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy street-level immersion and want to see Kashgar in motion. It’s a flexible, approximately 9-hour experience that can adapt to your pace.
Reviews highlight the vivid atmosphere and real insight into local lifestyle, making it ideal for curious travelers or first-timers seeking cultural authenticity.
Bottom Line: If you prefer lively markets and street food to museums, this tour offers a dynamic glimpse into Kashgar’s current and past life.
$216 per person
5. 2 Day Tour to Tashkorgan with Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake
This 2-day tour is for travelers eager for a more flexible, self-controlled adventure in the region. Starting from Kashgar, it takes you along the famous Karakoram Highway, with stops at Upal Village—a perfect spot to taste local bread and snacks—and the Red Mountain of Oytagh for photos. The highlight is the visit to Baisha Lake, with its pristine waters and striking sand dunes, plus Karakul Lake, where snow-capped mountains reflect on the water.
What sets this tour apart is its customizable schedule—the driver is happy to stop for photos or short hikes. The driver’s local knowledge and flexibility make this a great choice if you want to explore at your own pace. Although reviews are limited, the emphasis on personalized experience makes it appealing for travelers who dislike rigid itineraries.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a private, leisurely drive through some of Xinjiang’s most scenic spots, with the freedom to linger.
$299.00 per person
6. From Kashgar: Karakul & White Sand Lake Private Tour
Finally, this private tour offers a compact but beautiful exploration of two stunning lakes: Karakul and White Sand Lake. Starting from Kashgar, your guide will take you along the Pamir Plateau, where the landscapes are jaw-dropping. At White Sand Lake, you’ll walk along silvery sands and enjoy the peaceful view of the surrounding mountains. Later, at Karakul Lake, you’ll marvel at its serene waters and snow-capped peaks, a classic photo opportunity.
The tour emphasizes personalized attention and insightful commentary on the region’s geology and culture. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a short, scenic escape with professional guidance, especially if they want to avoid large group tours.
Bottom Line: A great choice for photo enthusiasts and those who want a relaxing day with expert insights into the natural beauty of the region.
$289 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour in Kashgar
Choosing the best tour depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you want a short but scenic trip, the 2 Days Tashkurgan Private Tour offers a blend of landscapes and history with comfortable lodging. For a fuller experience, the 5-Day Silk Road Adventure provides extensive cultural and natural highlights, including local homestays.
If you’re more interested in Kashgar’s urban charm, the private Old City tour (Kashgar Private Tour) is perfect. For street-level immersion, the Food & Culture tour (Kashgar Food & Culture) is ideal. Budget travelers might prefer the shorter 2-day tours, while those seeking adventure and flexibility should consider the self-guided 2-day Tashkurgan trip.
Book early, especially in peak seasons (spring and fall), to secure your preferred dates and accommodations.
Kashgar offers a wide range of tours that cater to adventurers, culture lovers, and those seeking scenic beauty alike. Whether you’re looking for a short scenic drive or a multi-day Silk Road journey, these options help you experience the true essence of this fascinating region. Happy travels—don’t forget to book early and enjoy every moment of your Kashgar adventure!