Quick answer
If you want to maximise time in Kashgar and the Pamir, fly. If you enjoy rail travel and have a spare day, compare the current train timetable. A private road journey is best as a multi-day route with meaningful stops, not as a single transfer to save money.
| Option | Relative time | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | Usually about 2 hours in the air | Fast transition to a southern itinerary |
| Train | Most of a day; depends on train type | Travellers who prefer rail and have spare time |
| Private road transfer | Multiple days if done sensibly | Turpan, Korla, Kuqa or desert stops |
Schedules and route access change. Confirm exact services, baggage rules and current operating conditions before booking.
Flying
A flight is the simplest way to begin a southern Xinjiang journey. Include airport transfer time, check-in and baggage collection when comparing it with rail. Flights can also be affected by weather and operational changes, so avoid arranging an unmissable international connection on the same day.
Train
Rail travel lets you see the scale of the route and can be comfortable on faster services, but it consumes most of a travel day. Check the current timetable and station locations rather than assuming an old duration is still correct.
For a short holiday, the extra time is often better spent in Kashgar Old City, the Pamir or a slower hotel night than sitting on a long rail journey.
Private road journey
A private multi-day drive can be rewarding if you want to break the journey and explore places such as Turpan, Korla, Kuqa or the northern edge of the Taklamakan. It is not a good way to “save” one day: the driving is long and fatigue is a real risk.
A private road trip needs realistic daily distances, meal and rest stops, and a driver who understands the route. More stops are not automatically better.
What to do after arriving in Kashgar
Allow time for Kashgar Old City, local food and the surrounding alleys before heading toward the mountains. A typical southern route continues along the China–Pakistan Highway toward White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan.
Read our Kashgar to Pamir itinerary and compare the full South Xinjiang route.
How many days should you allow?
- One day: only a direct flight or rail transfer.
- 3–5 days: fly to Kashgar and focus on the city and Pamir.
- 7–10 days: a deeper southern route with more mountain and oasis stops.
- Multi-day road route: add real sightseeing days between Urumqi and Kashgar rather than compressing them into one drive.
What to confirm before booking
- Current flight or train availability and baggage rules.
- Airport or station transfer arrangements.
- Hotel location and check-in time in Kashgar.
- Altitude and road conditions for the Pamir section.
- Vehicle type, luggage capacity and driver licensing for a private route.
Send us your arrival city, available days and Pamir priorities. We can suggest whether to fly, use rail or make the drive part of the trip.