China Travel Forum

[Raice]

Having been in previous years to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, I am now planning my visit to Xinjiang next month for a fews weeks. I have looked at past posts here and would be very grateful for some additional information on the following:
1) Is the Kashgar market still worth seeing or is the market at Hotian much more interesting (if I went ot Hotian, this would mean I would have to miss out Kashgar due to time restraints)?
2) Can you recommend a travel agent in China (for booking in advance internal trains / flights, etc) - I was thinking of using Caravan Cafe's travel agency based in Kashgar?
3) I would like to spend a few days in the mountains by a lake and was thinking of Karakul lake (also called Karakuri). Is Karakul very touristy now? What other options can you recommend?
4) How long is the train journey from Turpan to Xian?
5) I am also planning to go to Turpan, Dunhuang and Xian. Is Jiayuguan also worth visiting, or is it too much out of the way?
6) Lastly, I was planning on entering Xinjiang via the Torugut pass from Kyrgyzstan. My other option is from Almaty to Urumqi. Any suggestions?

[kamal]

1) The way Kashgar has developed I do not think Kashgar Sunday Market is what it used to be. However, if you have never seen a huge market in Xinjiang, I would believe Kashgar Sunday Market still is a worthwhile sight. I visited Khotan Sunday Market last year and thought it was even better than Kashgar Sunday Market 10 years ago. Another option is the Thursday Market in Kuqe. I found that to be areal smasher, although by far not as extensive as the markets in Kasghar or Khotan.
2) I do not think you need a Chinese travel agent nowadays to book services ahead unless you are short of time. I have put down some notes concerning my trip through Xinjiang last year at my personal website. Look at the downloadable China document.
3) Though very touristy now, Lake Karakul still is a sight out of this world, especially after the tourist crowds leave around 5 pm. I do not think you will "need" a few days at Lake Karakul, but that depends on you. Another or an additional option for a nice lake stay is Heavenly Lake near Urumqi.
5) I enjoyed Jiayuguan a lot (especially the secenery and the sights out of town), so I think it's worth the extra effort to get there.
6) Although Torugart might work out more expensive, the trip is awesome.