Private 2-Day Tour to Kashgar and Karakul Lake from Urumqi by Round-way Flight

On Day 1, you will begin your journey with a pickup from your centrally located Urumqi hotel, followed by a transfer to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Kashgar. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and take you to the Apa Hoja Mausoleum, an impressive structure from 1640 showcasing stunning Uyghur architectural elements like domes, blue tiles, and minarets. Next, you'll explore the historic Kashgar Old Town, where bustling alleyways are lined with traditional homes, shops, bakeries, and tea houses that reflect the city's ancient Silk Road heritage. Handicraft Street is a highlight, offering a display of large musical instruments and ornate bronze vessels. You'll also visit the iconic Id Ghar Mosque—the largest in Xinjiang—during non-prayer hours to admire its design. Lunch will be served at a local Uyghur home, allowing you to taste authentic dishes like nang bread, hand-stretched noodles, and pilau. In the afternoon, you’ll stroll through the vibrant Grand Bazaar, a lively marketplace central to local culture and commerce. If your visit falls on a Sunday, you’ll also have the chance to explore the famed Animal Bazaar. The day concludes with a transfer back to your Kashgar hotel.

On Day 2, your guide will meet you at 9:30 am in your Kashgar hotel to begin the journey to Karakul Lake, located 190 kilometers away along the historic Friendship Highway toward Islamabad. As you travel across the dramatic landscapes of the Pamir Plateau, you’ll pass through Uyghur villages and observe the unique yurt-dwelling Kirghiz people. Stops include the Upa Village for fresh fruit and bread, a photo opportunity at Red Hill, and lunch beside the beautiful White Sand Lake. Upon arriving at Karakul Lake—set at an altitude of 3,600 meters—you’ll walk along its peaceful shoreline with views of the majestic Muztagata Summit (7,509 meters), famously documented by explorer Sven Hedin in 1894. After enjoying the serene beauty of this alpine lake, you’ll return to Kashgar Airport for your flight back to Urumqi. Upon arrival, your driver will take you to your hotel, marking the end of this memorable two-day tour.