China's Silk Road Frontier

7 days

Why you will love this trip

Begin in Kashgar, where old-city lanes, markets, tea houses and traditional crafts reflect centuries of exchange across Central Asia. Then travel south along the Pamir Highway, passing White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake and the snow-covered slopes of Muztagh Ata before reaching Tashkurgan. Here, ancient frontier history and Tajik highland culture meet beneath some of China’s most dramatic mountain horizons.

Highlights

  1. 1Explore Kashgar’s old-city lanes, markets and tea houses
  2. 2Travel the Pamir Highway past White Sand and Karakul lakes
  3. 3See Muztagh Ata from the highland route to Tashkurgan
  4. 4Discover Stone City and Tajik highland culture

Itinerary

Written by the planner who runs this trip. Days marked with meals and where you sleep, so you can see what is actually arranged.

Meeting point · Kashgar airport or railway station pickup on arrival. Exact meeting details will be confirmed before travel.

  1. Day 1

    Arrive in Kashgar and meet your driver or tour representative for a transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest or explore at your own pace.

    Included
    • Arrival pickup in Kashgar
    • Transfer to the hotel
    • Hotel check-in assistance where required
    Optional
    • No additional optional activity specified
    Pickup arrangements depend on your arrival details. Exact meeting instructions will be confirmed before travel.
  2. Day 2

    Enjoy a free day in Kashgar to explore the city independently or choose an optional experience. Options include a guided visit through Kashgar Old City, a local food walk, a traditional craft experience or time in a local tea house.

    Included
    • Free time in Kashgar
    Optional
    • In-depth Kashgar Old City tour
    • Kashgar food walk
    • Local handicraft experience
    • Traditional tea house experience
    Optional experiences should be confirmed in advance. Routes and activity availability may vary according to local arrangements.
  3. Day 3

    Travel south from Kashgar along the Pamir Highway, stopping at White Sand Lake and Karakul Lake. Continue toward Tashkurgan with views of Muztagh Ata from the route before checking in for the night.

    Included
    • Pamir Highway scenic drive
    • White Sand Lake visit
    • Karakul Lake visit
    • Muztagh Ata viewpoint
    • Transfer to Tashkurgan
    Optional
    • No additional optional activity specified
    This is a long highland travel day. Weather, road conditions and local access arrangements may affect the route and timing.
  4. Day 4

    Visit Stone City and the nearby Golden Grassland to explore Tashkurgan’s frontier history and highland setting. You may add a traditional highland clothing and photography experience.

    Included
    • Stone City visit
    • Golden Grassland visit
    Optional
    • Highland clothing and photography experience
    Outdoor conditions can change quickly in the highlands. The optional photography experience depends on availability and should be confirmed in advance.
  5. Day 5

    Return from Tashkurgan to Kashgar along the same Pamir route, with time to take in the mountain and lake scenery along the way. Arrive in Kashgar and check in at your hotel.

    Included
    • Return transfer from Tashkurgan to Kashgar
    Optional
    • No additional optional activity specified
    The return journey is a long road day. Arrival time depends on road, weather and local access conditions.
  6. Day 6

    Enjoy time in Kashgar before continuing your journey, with the option to explore local markets or shop for regional foods. Any optional market experience should be planned around your onward departure schedule.

    Included
    • Free time in Kashgar
    Optional
    • Kashgar food shopping
    • Local market experience
    Optional activities depend on opening arrangements and your onward travel schedule. Confirm the final departure day and pickup time before booking.
  7. Day 7

    Enjoy breakfast before your transfer to the Kashgar airport or railway station. Pickup timing will be arranged according to your confirmed flight or train.

    Included
    • Departure transfer to the airport or railway station
    Optional
    • No additional optional activity specified
    Please confirm your departure details and preferred drop-off point before travel.

What is included

In the price

  • 6 nights in 4-star hotels
  • Kashgar arrival pickup and hotel transfer
  • Scheduled transportation between Kashgar and Tashkurgan
  • Pamir Highway sightseeing route
  • White Sand Lake and Karakul Lake visits
  • Stone City and Golden Grassland visits
  • Kashgar departure transfer to the airport or railway station

Not included

  • International flights
  • China visa or travel-document fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals unless specifically stated
  • Kashgar Old City guided tour
  • Kashgar food walk
  • Local handicraft experience
  • Traditional tea house experience

Before you book

The practical things worth knowing before you commit.

  • The route includes two long drives between Kashgar and Tashkurgan along the Pamir Highway
  • The highland itinerary may be adjusted according to road conditions, weather and local access arrangements
  • Travel-document and route-access requirements may apply; confirm the current requirements for your travel dates before booking
  • Kashgar Old City tours, food walks, craft activities and the Tashkurgan clothing experience are optional unless listed in your final quotation
  • Weather can change quickly along the mountain route; bring layers, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes
  • Day 6 activities should be planned around your Day 7 flight or train schedule

Frequently asked questions

The journey connects Kashgar’s Silk Road city life with the Pamir landscapes and Tajik highland culture of Tashkurgan.

No. The itinerary includes views of Muztagh Ata from the Pamir route; it does not include a climb or trekking expedition.

Day 4 includes Stone City and Golden Grassland. A highland clothing and photography experience can be added separately.

You can explore independently or add a guided Old City tour, food walk, local handicraft experience or traditional tea house visit.

The Kashgar–Tashkurgan route involves long road journeys in both directions. If you prefer a slower pace, discuss possible adjustments before booking.

Yes. You can request changes to the optional activities, hotel category and travel pace. Changes are subject to availability and may affect the final price.

Can’t find your answer? Add your question to the enquiry form.

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Cancellation policy

  • MORE THAN 30 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE — Full refund
  • 15–29 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE — 30% cancellation fee
  • 8–14 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE — 50% cancellation fee
  • WITHIN 7 DAYS OF DEPARTURE OR NO-SHOW — Non-refundable

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