Kashgar - an Oasis City on the Ancient Silk Road

The land Silk Road is one of the oldest and mostas with flocks of sheep. When you wander along
historically important trade routes in the world, as theKashgar Sunday Bazaar, it seems you have traveled
first part to remind the memory of bustling exchangeback in time.
and business among China and other boundaries. ForKarakuri Lake
centuries, the Silk Road was the thread that linkedKarakuri Lake is situated at the foot of an ice
the East and West.mountain east of Pamirs and lies 191 kilometers from
At the western end of China Silk Road, Kashgar hasKashgar. The altitude of this lake is 3,600 meters,
been the stopping-off point for travelers for at leastwith a depth of 30 meters. The lake is surrounded by
2,000 years. As a China Muslim center, Kashgar isa series of mountains, and covered by white snow
endowed by nature with desert, glacier andalmost all year round. Known as the father of
mountains.glaciers, Karakuri Lake is an unspoiled place like
Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar Sunday Bazaar and AbakhShangri-La with its breathtaking natural scenery.
Khoia Tomb are typical scenic spots in Kashgar. IfThere is grassland near the lake and the grasses
you have more time, you can explore Karakuri Lakegrow luxuriantly. Shepherds from Kazak and Kerkuzi
outside Kashgar, which is an unspoiled natural paradiseoften station here to herd sheep and castles.
with breath-taking natural scenery.There are also yurts and wooden houses, service
Kashgar Sunday Bazaarcenter near the lake which can offer help for
People have a saying "Without visiting Sunday Bazaar,mountaineers. The best time to come here is spring,
one cannot say he has visited Kashgar".summer and autumn. The Karakuri Lake is called an
Kashgar Sunday market operates seven days aideal place for mountain-seeing and tour.
week. Bazaars are the focus of activity nearly everyRecommended Kashgar Tours:
day. Streets are alive with tall, blue-eyed old men inDay 1: Upon your arrival at Kashgar, our local guide
embroidered caps. Women have headscarves andwill meet you and escort you to your hotel.
sequined red dresses and food is everywhere - shishDay 2: Today, you will enjoy a tour in this old area
kebab grilling, bread baking in large clay ovens,including the largest mosque in China-the Id Kah
watermelon sliced and sold off carts.mosque, the Abakh Khoia Tomb ( Tomb of Xiangfei)
Here tourists can see the handicrafts actually beingwhich is the most magnificent and well-preserved
made in the workshops. At the shoes and capsIslamic architectural complex in Xingjiang, and as well
market, the caps and boots on sale are made on theas the Kashgar Sunday Bazaar.
spot.Day 3: Start in the early morning to drive 4 hours to
Farmers from the suburbs of Kashgar come to thethe Karakuli Lake. It is an unspoiled natural paradise
bazaar early in the morning, using various means ofwith breath-taking natural scenery. A leisurely walk
transportation, such as bicycles, motorcycles,along the lake is also refreshing and pleasant. After
tractors, trucks and donkey-drawn carts. Thethat you will back to Kashgar city.
highways leading to Kashgar are crowded with thoseDay 4: Departure from Kashgar to your next
vehicles, pedestrians on Sunday mornings and as welldestination.