The far south of Xinjiang — Kashgar and the Pamir plateau — is the region's most exotic corner, where the Silk Road reached the mountain frontiers of Central Asia. Here's the guide.
Kashgar is Xinjiang's most atmospheric city — the Old City, the Id Kah Mosque, and the great Sunday market make it the cultural heart of the Uyghur world.
From Kashgar, the Karakoram and Pamir highways lead to the mountain frontier — the Pamir plateau, with its high passes, lakes, and the Kyrgyz and Tajik communities of the mountains.
Karakul Lake, beneath the peak of Muztagh Ata, is one of the most beautiful sights in the region — a high-altitude lake ringed by snow peaks, sacred to the local people.
The far south borders Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan — a region of strategic passes and ancient trade routes that shaped the Silk Road.
The south is home to the Uyghur, Kyrgyz, and Tajik peoples — their music, food, and mountain hospitality are highlights of any visit.
The far south requires permits for some border areas — arrange through a licensed tour operator. Spring and autumn are the best seasons. The mountain roads are demanding — travel with an experienced driver.