China extensions

Kashgar and Beyond

This is a special itinerary for a group to visit Kashgar and return to Bishkek, including the famous Sunday market.

NOTE: This excursion was originally designed for ex-pats living in the region — although others may take advantage of it. However, it does require a Multiple Entry Visa for Kyrgyzstan. A standard Tourist visa is valid for one entry only.

Departure Thursday 8.00 am. from Bishkek.

English speaking guide(s) throughout.

Accommodation: Naryn our own accommodation; Kashgar (if possible) Hotel Seman.

All meals (except Bishkek), included.

Itinerary

• Day 1 (Thursday): 8 am. start: then via lake Son Kul (picnic lunch) to Naryn, overnight stay
• Day 2 (Friday): 5 am breakfast, 6 am departure: Naryn to Torurgart with visit to Tash Rabat, lunch on way, arrival to pass approximately 1 pm., arrival at Kasghar hotel approximately 5 pm.
• Day 3 (Saturday): morning: in Kashgar: visit Abak Hoja tomb, street of the artisans. Afternoon at leisure.
• Day 4 (Sunday): morning — visit to Sunday market, including animal market. Afternoon at leisure.
• Day 5 (Monday): return to Naryn (not stopping at Tash Rabat)
• Day 6 (Tuesday): return to Bishkek (not via Son Kul): arrive early afternoon.

With the opening of the Irkeshtam Pass, some alternatives are possible:

• Day 5 travel via Irkeshtam to Osh
• Day 6 fly to Bishkek
• Day 5 travel via Irkeshtam to Osh
• Day 6 travel via Uzgen to Chichkan
• Day 7 return to Bishkek via Suusamir

Or you could choose to extend you stay in China by a visit to Urumchi:

• Day 4 take the evening flight from Kashgar to Urumchi
• Day 5 in Urumchi — city tour
• Day 6 travel to Heavenly Lake, sightseeing around the lake, take a boat trip and visit the Regional Museum
• Day 7 travel to Turfan, visit the Keraz Irrigation Well, Jiaohe Ancient City, Sugong Minaret and watch a traditional dance show.
• Day 8 return to Urumchi, visiting the Flaming Mountains, Astana tombs, and Gaochang Ancient city.
• Day 9 onward travel.

Onward travel options include:

• Flight to Bishkek
• Flight to Almaty
• Train to Almaty
• Flight to Beijing or another major Chinese city.

Now that there is a new railway line between Kashgar and Urumchi it is possibly to catch the train Sunday night and travel over Monday to Urumchi (it is a day«s journey — soft sleepers and hard sleepers are available).