Major Highways & Driving Tips in Kashgar, China
1. Kashgar-Urumqi Expressway
426 km long highway connecting Kashgar and Urumqi, saving travelers significant time and offering a safer journey through the desert.
- Desert Terrain: Requires careful driving due to frequent sandstorms.
- Length: Ensure you have sufficient fuel and water supplies.
- Safety Measures: Stay updated on road conditions before departing.
2. Kashgar-Torugart Pass Highway
International highway linking China with Kyrgyzstan, providing travelers a gateway to Central Asia.
- International Border: Require proper documentation and be aware of customs regulations.
- Mountainous Terrain: Steep roads, sharp turns, and unpredictable weather conditions make for a challenging drive.
- Border Security: Expect frequent checkpoints along the way.
3. Kashgar-Hotan Highway
Highway leading to Hotan, offering travelers a glimpse of ancient Silk Road sites and beautiful deserts.
- Desert Terrain: Driving during daylight hours is recommended for safety.
- Historical Sites: Plan stops at sites like Gaochang Ruins and Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves.
- Length: Ensure you have enough time to explore each destination along the way.
4. Kashgar City Ring Road
Surrounding Kashgar city, this highway offers an efficient way for travelers to navigate the urban area.
- Urban Environment: Watch out for heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.
- Local Attractions: Pass by famous landmarks like Id Kah Mosque and Apak Hoja Mausoleum.
- Parking: Find designated parking areas when visiting city attractions.
5. Kashgar-Atush Road
Main road leading to Atush, famous for its beautiful Karakul Lake and Tianyuan Mountain.
- Natural Landscapes: Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions.
- Remote Area: Fuel and basic supplies are limited, so pack accordingly.
- Altitude: Acclimatize yourself to the high altitude before traveling.
6. Kashgar-Yengisar Highway
Route connecting Kashgar and Yengisar, home of the famous Yengisar Knives.
- Artisanal Market: Plan a stop to purchase traditional knives.
- Rugged Terrain: Expect bumpy and unpaved roads along the way.
- Local Culture: Experience Uyghur culture by visiting local communities.
7. Kashgar-Taxkorgan Highway
Highway leading to Taxkorgan on the Pamir Plateau, offering breathtaking mountain views.
- Altitude: Avoid travel during winter due to harsh weather conditions.
- Remote Area: Fuel and supplies are limited, so pack accordingly.
- Scenic Beauty: Prepare your camera for stunning vistas of the Pamir Mountains.
8. Kashgar-Moyu Pass Highway
International highway connecting China with Tajikistan, offering travelers a glimpse of the stunning Moyu Pass.
- International Border: Require proper documentation and be aware of customs regulations.
- Mountainous Terrain: Steep roads, sharp turns, and unpredictable weather conditions make for a challenging drive.
- Border Security: Expect frequent checkpoints along the way.
9. Kashgar-Hetian Highway
Highway leading to Hetian (Hotan), known for its vibrant Uyghur culture and the production of jade.
- Jade Market: Plan a stop to explore the famous jade market.
- Historical Sites: Visit sites like the Mogao Caves and Subashi Tower.
- Length: Ensure you have enough time to explore each destination along the way.
10. Kashgar City Inner Ring Road
Inner circular highway surrounding Kashgar's Old Town, providing easy access to its historic sites.
- Urban Environment: Watch out for heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.
- Local Attractions: Visit the historic Id Kah Mosque and Apak Hoja Mausoleum.
- Parking: Find designated parking areas when visiting city attractions.
11. Kashgar-Kargasun Highway
Route connecting Kashgar and Kargasun, offering travelers a glimpse of ancient Uyghur culture.
- Historical Sites: Visit the famous Karakul Lake and Tianyuan Mountain.
- Rugged Terrain: Expect bumpy and unpaved roads along the way.
- Desert Environment: Driving during daylight hours is recommended for safety.
12. Kashgar-Aksu Highway
Highway leading to Aksu, known for its vast farmlands and oil production.
- Farmlands: Enjoy the scenic views of fields stretching as far as the eye can see.
- Industrial Area: Be prepared for heavy traffic and industrial activity along the way.
- Length: Ensure you have enough time to reach your destination.
13. Kashgar-Karakul Lake Highway
Route leading to the stunning Karakul Lake, offering travelers breathtaking mountain vistas.
- Natural Landscapes: Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions.
- Remote Area: Fuel and basic supplies are limited, so pack accordingly.
- Altitude: Acclimatize yourself to the high altitude before traveling.
14. Kashgar-Tashkurgan Highway
Highway leading to Tashkurgan on the Pamir Plateau, offering travelers a glimpse of Tajikistan's Wakhan Corridor.
- International Border: Require proper documentation and be aware of customs regulations.
- Mountainous Terrain: Steep roads, sharp turns, and unpredictable weather conditions make for a challenging drive.
- Border Security: Expect frequent checkpoints along the way.
15. Kashgar City Outer Ring Road
Outer circular highway surrounding Kashgar city, providing easy access to its suburbs and outlying areas.
- Urban Environment: Watch out for heavy traffic, especially during peak hours.
- Suburban Attractions: Visit sites like the Abakh Hoja Tomb and Suleiman Mountain.
- Length: Ensure you have enough time to reach your destination.