The Apak Hoja Tomb is a mausoleum that is considered the holiest place in Xinjiang as well as an architectural treasure. Built in 1640 it is reminiscent of the Central Asian artistic style of Samarkand or Isfahan. A handsome blue and white tiled gate leads into the compound, which includes a small religious school and the Abakh Khoja family tomb. The latter is domed and faced with multi-colored tiles. It is said that it is the most complete Islamic tomb of the Qing Dynasty in all of China!
Afterwards we will drive to Old Town, Kashgar's historic district. Kashgar is an ancient city, and while walking along the streets of Old Town, you will get a sense of what this legendary Central Asian hub was like in the days when the Silk Road was at its peak. Five hundred-year-old remnants of city walls, narrow lanes, and colorful multi-ethnic crowds combine to make Kashgar's historic district a highlight of any visit to the city.
Next we will continue on by exploring more of Kashgar, more specifically, the famous Yakshambe Bazaar (the Sunday Market.) First we will visit the famous animal market. Here we will spend the morning watching locals trade everything from woodwork to sheep, donkeys, cattle, horses and camels before heading to the covered bazaar, believed to be the biggest in Central Asia. In the afternoon we will fly to Urumqi. Overnight stay at Hotel Tumaris.