The Top 7 Kashgar Tours

Kashgar is a city that offers more than just a pass-through point on the Silk Road; it’s a vibrant place where history, culture, and stunning landscapes collide. The region’s incredible diversity makes it a prime destination for various tours, whether you’re after a quick scenic trip, a deep dive into local traditions, or an epic cross-border journey. Among our favorites is the 2 Days Tashkurgan Private Tour from Kashgar with Accommodation, which combines breathtaking scenery with cultural highlights, perfect for travelers wanting a compact yet immersive experience. We also love the Best of Kashgar tour with Karakoram Highway, a 5-day adventure that explores the rugged mountains and key Silk Road sites, offering both natural beauty and local color. For those interested in history and architecture, the Xinjiang Best Classic Silk Road Tour with Locals provides an extensive 11-day exploration of the region’s ancient trade routes, mosques, and desert landscapes. Each tour offers a different way to experience Kashgar and its surrounds, whether you have a weekend or a full vacation to spare.

Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these standout options, with practical insights to help you choose the right experience for your interests, schedule, and travel style.

1. 2 Days Tashkurgan Private Tour from Kashgar with Accommodation

At number one, this two-day private trip is a smart pick for travelers short on time but eager to see one of the most stunning parts of Xinjiang. The tour begins with a scenic drive along the China-Pakistan highway, offering spectacular views of the Pamirs. Highlights include visiting Karakul Lake, famous for its reflective surface and snow-capped backdrop, and gazing at the distant Muztagh Ata. You’ll also visit the ancient Stone Fortress in Taxkorgan, an impressive site that’s steeped in history and surrounded by grasslands, snow mountains, and rivers. The tour includes private transportation with good AC and a 4-star hotel in Taxkorgan, making this a comfortable way to experience remote Xinjiang.

Travelers particularly appreciate the balance of scenic exploration and culture. The guide is professional and friendly, sharing insights into local Uyghur traditions and natural features. The itinerary is flexible enough to allow for spontaneous stops or longer visits at favorite sites. The tour is best suited for those with limited time but a desire for an authentic, scenic adventure that highlights the rugged beauty of the Pamirs. Costing around $589 per person, it offers excellent value for a private, guided experience with all logistics taken care of.

Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, impactful taste of the Pamirs and traditional Uyghur culture, with the comfort of private transport and hotel accommodations.

2. Best of Kashgar tour with Karakoram Highway

Number two brings a five-day journey that explores Kashgar’s highlights along with the legendary Karakoram Highway. This route is renowned as the highest paved international road in the world, crossing through glaciers and towering peaks like Muztagh Ata and Konggur Tagh. Your adventure begins with soaking in Kashgar’s lively atmosphere, visiting the Sunday livestock market and Abakh Hoja Tomb, a beautifully preserved shrine from the 17th century. Over the subsequent days, you’ll travel along the highway, enjoying views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers, and visiting key sites like Baisha Lake and Tashkurgan Fortress.

This tour excels in combining natural splendor with cultural sights, including Uyghur markets, mosques, and scenic landscapes. The itinerary is flexible, allowing you to stop for photos, hikes, or local meals. The journey is well-suited for travelers with a few extra days who want a comprehensive look at the region’s geography and communities. Priced at about $925 per person, the value is high considering the extensive sightseeing, transportation, and accommodations involved.

One reviewer notes, “The scenery on the highway was simply unforgettable, and the guide’s knowledge made it even better.” This tour is ideal if you’re interested in mountain landscapes, high-altitude roads, and crossing into Pakistan’s border regions.

Bottom Line: A superb choice for travelers wanting an expansive, scenic adventure that combines iconic landscapes with culture over several days.

3. Xinjiang Best Classic Silk Road Tour with Locals

Number three is an 11-day private guided tour that walks in the footsteps of Marco Polo along the historic Silk Road, starting from Kashgar. This extensive journey takes you from the bustling Kashgar Old Town and the Sunday livestock market to the Thousand Buddha Caves, Hotan, and the vast Taklimakan Desert. Travel is in comfort, with air-conditioned vehicles and sleeper trains providing a relaxing way to cover the region’s enormous distances. The itinerary includes visits to spectacular sites like the Karez Wells, Heavenly Lake, and Jiaohe ruins, with stays in a mix of 3- and 4-star hotels.

What makes this tour stand out is the depth of exploration and the inclusion of all permits and entrance fees—a significant convenience. The tour is rich in history, architecture, and natural beauty, making it perfect for travelers with a keen interest in the Silk Road’s legacy. The guide provides insights into local Uyghur culture, history, and religion, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

Guests have praised the tour for its comprehensive coverage and the guide’s knowledge. It’s best suited for those with ample time and a desire to explore Central Asia’s cultural tapestry in detail. Pricing at $3,524 per person reflects the extensive itinerary, accommodations, and guided expertise.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for history buffs and culture seekers ready for an immersive, multi-week adventure through Xinjiang.

4. From Kashgar: Karakul & White Sand Lake Private Tour

Number four is a private day trip that offers a taste of the Pamir Plateau’s stunning landscapes. Starting in Kashgar, you’ll visit White Sand Lake, with its shimmering sands and snow-white dunes, and Karakul Lake, famed for its mirror-like surface reflecting snow-capped peaks like Muztagh Ata. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a scenic escape without the commitment of multiple days.

The highlights include capturing photos of the serene lakes, wandering around the dunes, and learning about the area’s geology and nomadic traditions. The trip is flexible, allowing stops for hiking or simply soaking in the views. Priced at $289 per person for about 8 hours, it offers a good balance of comfort, scenery, and cultural insight.

While it’s a shorter trip, the landscapes are genuinely breathtaking, and the guide can tailor the experience to your interests. However, it’s worth noting that this is more of an overview than an in-depth exploration.

Bottom Line: A great option for a day of scenic photography and gentle adventure—ideal if you’re tight on time but crave natural beauty.

5. Kashgar Private Tour: Mosque, Concubine’s Garden & Old City

Number five is a full-day private tour focusing on Kashgar’s cultural and architectural highlights. You’ll visit the Id Kah Mosque, one of the largest in China, and the Fragrant Concubine’s Garden, which tells stories of local legends. The tour also covers the Old City, with its maze of alleyways, traditional Uyghur homes, and bustling markets.

What makes this tour appealing is the personalized experience, with a private guide and driver handling logistics. Guests often enjoy walking through the historic streets, absorbing the atmosphere, and learning about Kashgar’s rich past. The guide’s insights make the visit more meaningful, especially at sites like the mosque, where understanding its significance enhances the experience.

Priced at $249 per person, this tour offers good value for travelers wanting a cultural deep dive without a long itinerary. It’s suitable for those interested in architecture, history, and traditional city life.

Bottom Line: An insightful, culturally rich tour perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts wanting to see Kashgar’s main sites at a leisurely pace.

6. 2 Day Tour to Tashkorgan with Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake

Number six offers a two-day, flexible tour that includes visits to Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and the Tashkorgan Fortress. The trip is lauded for its flexible schedule, allowing you to control your time and stops. The scenery along the Karakoram Highway is breathtaking, with the stunning Baisha Lake’s blue waters and the snowy peaks of Muztagh Ata as highlights.

Guests appreciate the personalized service of licensed drivers and the lack of hidden fees or forced shop visits. The trip includes stops at natural and historical sites, with plenty of time for photos, hikes, or simply soaking in the views. The $299 price per person provides a good value considering the remote locations and scenic landscapes.

Ideal for travelers who prefer a custom pace and want to explore the region’s natural beauty without rushing. The tour is especially suited for those interested in mountain scenery and cultural landmarks like Tashkorgan Fortress.

Bottom Line: Perfect for flexible travelers keen on scenic mountain landscapes, historic sites, and personalized pacing over two days.

7. Private Full-Day Tour to Dawakun Desert from Kashgar

Last on our list, this full-day desert tour takes you to the Dawakun Desert, located just outside Kashgar. Starting at 9:30 am, you’ll ride in a private vehicle for about two hours to the desert’s edge, where you’ll see vast sand dunes, old multi-leaved trees, and a nearby lake. The trip offers a taste of desert life and the opportunity to photograph striking landscapes.

While the itinerary is straightforward — viewing the dunes, trees, and lake — it provides a quiet, contemplative escape from the city’s bustle. The tour costs $219 per person and includes all admissions. It’s most suitable for travelers looking for a half-day adventure, especially if you’ve already explored more cultural sites.

Since this tour is new and has no reviews yet, it’s worth noting that it’s ideal if you want a relaxed morning or afternoon among the sands without a multi-day commitment.

Bottom Line: A simple, scenic desert experience best suited for those wanting a quick outdoor activity near Kashgar.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When selecting the best tour in Kashgar, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. For a quick scenic escape, the Karakul & White Sand Lake Private Tour offers stunning landscapes in just a day. If you’re after an in-depth journey through the Silk Road, the Xinjiang Best Classic Silk Road Tour is your best bet, though it requires a full two weeks. Those with a few days and a love of mountain scenery will appreciate the Best of Kashgar with Karakoram Highway, which combines natural wonders and local markets.

For cultural enthusiasts, the Kashgar Private Tour: Mosque, Garden & Old City provides a focused look at Kashgar’s rich history and architecture. Meanwhile, travelers seeking a quick, relaxed desert outing might prefer the Dawakun Desert tour.

Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons in spring and fall, to secure your preferred dates and accommodations.

Kashgar offers a wide range of tour options—from scenic mountain drives to cultural explorations—that can suit any schedule or interest. Whether you choose a quick day trip or a comprehensive Silk Road journey, be prepared for authentic experiences, breathtaking views, and the kind of stories you’ll talk about for years. Happy planning, and don’t forget to book early—these adventures are worth the wait!