Kashgar sits at the western edge of China, at the end of the Karakoram Highway, and for Pakistanis it is the closest great Silk Road city.
For more than two thousand years, caravans met here before crossing the mountains to India and Persia, or heading east to China. Kashgar has been a trading hub since long before modern borders were drawn.
Why it matters to Pakistan
- The end of the road. The Karakoram Highway runs from Hasan Abdal through Gilgit-Baltistan and the Khunjerab Pass to Kashgar. It is the main land link between the two countries.
- CPEC’s starting point. The corridor begins here and runs south to Gwadar.
- Trade. Pakistani traders have long bought and sold in Kashgar’s markets, and dried fruit, carpets and household goods move in both directions.
What to see
- The old town, with its narrow lanes and brick houses
- The Id Kah Mosque, one of the largest mosques in China
- The Sunday market, a famous gathering of traders and livestock sellers
- Local food: lamb, naan, noodles and fresh fruit
A neighbour worth knowing
Many Pakistanis know Kashgar only as a name on a road sign. As trade, tourism and student exchanges grow, it can become a familiar destination, the way Lahore or Peshawar feel to Pakistanis today.
Planning a visit
Visa, route and travel rules change, so check with Chinese diplomatic offices and your travel operator before you go.