Irkeshtam Travel Forum

From Bishkek, I want to visit Kashgar, China for one week or so. Would it be better to go through the Torugart Pass to Kashgar or through the Irkeshtam Pass in Osh?

I heard that the Torugart does not always allow foreigners through, is that true? What are the necessary papers?

However, I was planning on buying a round trip flight about $90 from Bishkek to Osh, from Osh to Kashgar through the Irkeshtam and then back and fly back from Osh to Bishkek.

Any other alternatives to get to Kashgar cheaply and safely??

thanks,

JC

Dear JC,

For sure you should go over Torugart.
Advantages:
1.Road is better than to Irkeshtam.
2.Vehicles used are much better.
3.Border guards are much friendlier and used to foreign tourists.

Disadvatages:
1.You will not be able to see colorfull bazaar in Osh.

IMPORTANT:
You should arrange Chinese company to meet you at the border. They will send fax you a copy of your permit to cross Torugart or Irkeshtam which you will need to show to Kyrgyzstan border guards sometimes. This is the main reason Kyrgyzsta border guards don't allow foreigners to cross. There were cases when travellers exited Kyrgyzstan and got their Kyrgyz visa closed but they were not permitted to enter China as there were no chinese tour company to meet them at the border. So travellers got stuck between two countries.
So you should arrange transport with chinese company and permit at least one week in advance. Remember that the permit is valid only for one exact day.

Well, you can also use Torugart on the way to Kashgar and Irkeshtam on the way back.

Got more questions?
e-mail me at: info @ fantasticasia . net
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