How to get to Kashgar

Kashgar is a legendary oasis city in western China that has served as a pivotal hub on the Great Silk Road for centuries, preserving the spirit of ancient history. If you are looking for information on how to get to Kashgar, various options are at your service: from direct flights and scenic train rides to journeys by bus or car. When planning a trip to Kashgar, it is worth studying the logistics in advance to choose the most convenient route to begin your oriental adventure.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the heart of the Silk Road is by air. Travelers are welcomed by Kashgar Airport (KHG), which handles impressive passenger traffic and connects the region with major hubs in China. The terminal is located quite close to the city limits, so the onward journey to the centre will not take much time.

If direct flights to Kashgar are unavailable, you can plan a route through neighboring transport hubs. The nearest alternative airports are located in the city of Shache, 160 kilometers away, or in the high-altitude county of Tashkurgan. Some tourists also choose to fly to Osh in Kyrgyzstan, subsequently reaching their destination via ground transport.

Rail connections to Kashgar are quite well-developed, making train travel a popular choice among tourists wishing to enjoy the changing scenery. The city station is a key transport hub in the west of the country, receiving regular services from Urumqi, as well as trains arriving from other major cities via the regional administrative centre.

Traveling by rail allows you to experience the true spirit of adventure and the scale of the ancient Silk Road. The route often passes through impressive desert landscapes and picturesque foothills. Since distances here are significant, the journey usually takes considerable time, so travelers often choose overnight trains with sleeper berths for a comfortable transfer.

Bus services connect Kashgar with neighboring oases and even border states, offering tourists the chance to enjoy views of deserts and mountains. A popular route leads from the city of Shache: the bus covers the distance of about 200 kilometers in approximately 3–4 hours on a fairly comfortable road. An even more scenic journey awaits travelers from the high-altitude county of Tashkurgan, from where the approximately 300-kilometer path along the legendary Karakoram Highway takes an average of 5–7 hours.

For those planning to arrive from abroad, there is an option to travel from the Kyrgyz city of Osh. This is a true adventure spanning over 500 kilometers, which usually takes an entire daylight day due to border control procedures and complex mountain terrain, but is compensated by breathtaking panoramas of the Pamirs.

Traveling by car allows you to plan stops independently and admire the region's rugged landscapes. The road from the Shache oasis will take about 3 hours, covering approximately 200 kilometers, while the journey from high-altitude Tashkurgan along the picturesque Karakoram Highway stretches for 290 kilometers and requires about 5 hours.

If you plan to travel from Kyrgyzstan, you can hire a taxi from the city of Osh via the Irkeshtam Pass. The trip often takes the whole day due to border formalities and challenging mountain terrain, and the cost of a private transfer is best discussed with the driver in advance, as fixed meters on international routes are a rarity.

To ensure your trip to Kashgar leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth preparing for the peculiarities of this unique region in advance. We have compiled practical recommendations to help you easily navigate the local lifestyle and avoid common tourist mistakes.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate here is sharply continental with noticeable temperature fluctuations. Even if it is hot during the day, evenings can be cool, so bring items that can be layered. Given the cultural traditions of the region, it is recommended to dress modestly: avoid overly short shorts, skirts, and low necklines to ensure respectful interaction with the local community.
2. Transport: It is convenient to move around the city centre and to major attractions by taxi, which is quite inexpensive here. However, for exploring the Old City, walking is best—narrow winding streets are made to be explored on foot while enjoying the atmosphere of antiquity.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Yuan. In China, mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are used everywhere, and cash may not be accepted even in taxis. Install these applications in advance and link your card to them. It is better to have cash in small denominations for markets, but do not rely solely on it.
4. Health and Safety: The air in the region is very dry, and the sun is active even in cool weather. Be sure to use moisturizer, sunscreen, and drink plenty of bottled water. The city is safe for tourists, but in crowded bazaars, it is wise to keep an eye on your pockets and bags.
5. Communication: The main languages of communication are Chinese (Mandarin) and Uyghur. Very few people speak English, so be sure to download an offline translator that can translate voice and text from images. This is critically important for reading menus and communicating with drivers.
6. Local Etiquette: Local residents are hospitable but hold traditional values. Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially the elderly. It is customary to remove shoes when entering a residential home or a mosque. Food and gifts should be given and received with the right hand or both hands.
7. What to Avoid: It is strictly not recommended to photograph police posts, military personnel, and strategic objects—this may lead to document checks and the deletion of images. Also, avoid discussing sensitive political topics with local residents.
8. Time Peculiarity: Officially, all of China operates on Beijing time, but in Kashgar, there is an unspoken "local time" which lags behind the capital by 2 hours. Clarify schedules: transport (trains, planes) operates on Beijing time, while shops, bazaars, and restaurants often open according to local time.

Following these simple rules will help you feel confident and show respect for the local culture. Kashgar is a place where eras intertwine, and a prepared traveler will be able to fully enjoy its eastern hospitality.