Kashgar
A bustling medieval city, Kashgar was once one of the most prosperous trading towns in Asia. Located in the far west of Xinjiang, China's westernmost province, Kashgar has long been multi-ethnic, with Chinese, Kyrgyz, Uighurs, Uzbeks and Tajiks residing side by side. Because of its long, varied trading history, food in Kashgar, as in the rest of China's west, is flavorful and unique, one of the first true fusion cuisines in the world. Today, the city is home to busy markets, and serves as a hub to Central and South Asia.
Two of Kashgar's most evocative sights are the fascinating Yekshenba Bazaar, filled with wares from across Central Asia, and Kashgar's old city, which once sat at a trade crossroads, and was among the most cosmopolitan enclaves in the world.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Afaq Khoja Mausoleum
Known as the holiest Muslim site in Xinjiang, this is a fine example of Islamic architecture, featuring intricate patterns and a majestic facade at the entrance.
Day Trip to Karakul Lake
Trace the Karakoram Highway, which goes from China to Pakistan, to Karakul Lake. The road trip comes with breathtaking scenery, complete with mountains, camels and yaks. Once arrived, admire the deep blue colors of the lake, surrounded by the scenic snowcapped Kunlun mountain range.
Id Kah Mosque
Visit Kashgar's historic and elegant mosque, Id Kah. The giant structure is China’s largest mosque, measuring more than 55,000-square-feet, and housing 10,000 worshippers every Friday.
Uyghur Cuisine
Savor a dinner of traditional Uyghur food, the main cuisine of Xinjiang, with its unique blend of Chinese, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern/Indian elements. Try spicy stews made with lamb and flavored with generous quantities of cumin and chili pepper; laghman, thick, hand-pulled noodles in steaming, hearty soup; dapanji, flavored, marinated chicken slow roasted in a pan with assorted vegetables; as well as the Uyghur flatbread, called nan. Juicy lamb kebabs are incredibly popular and practically a daily staple.
Walking Tour
Wander through the narrow, winding streets and enticing shops of this bustling medieval city, once one of the most prosperous trading towns in Asia. Take in the diversity of the various ethnic groups, and see their customs and lifestyles mesh in the urban metropolis.
Yekshenba Bazaar
Visit the Yekshenba Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest open-air market in the world. With vendors from as far away as Pakistan and Uzbekistan offering their wares and services, this large bazaar is a fun place to visit.
Yekshenba Livestock Market
Once a part of the Yekshenba Bazaar, the famous livestock market now sits on the outskirts of town. Sheep, goats, cows, bulls and camels are traded here, in a unique, friendly atmosphere. Be prepared for somewhat pungent smells!
Yurt Stay
Spend a night in the desert near Lake Karakul in a yurt, the traditional dwelling of the nomadic tribes of Central Asia. The abode consists of animal hide stretched over a wooden frame, yurts are portable, and is easy to set up and dismantle. You will be hosted by a Kyrgyz family, one of a number of groups who reside in the Kashgar area.
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Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
People at the Crossroads: Highlights of Kashgar
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Kashgar, an ancient Silk Road gateway tucked into China’s far west corner, doesn’t boast a huge number of tourist attractions. But for me, it was a city brought to life by its people…
A Day in Kashgar: The Crossroads on the Silk Road
- Author
- Scott Rainen
With thousands of years of history and a unique Xinjiang culture, there’s a lot to see in Kashgar, but if you’ve only got one day, these are the sites you won’t want to miss.
Six Really Remote Lands in Asia
- Author
- Remote Lands
Thanks to the relatively recent arrival of urbanisation, most Asian countries are home to huge areas that are pretty much untouched by the modern world, places where life goes on much as it has for centuries…
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