China Travel Forum

[Jamal]

Planning to organize transport from Kashgar to Irkeshtam border, then on to Osh...Anyone want to share a taxi in the next couple of days ( 16/6 /04~ ) ?? Plese contact Guy at Seman Hotel Rm. 300, or by e-mail: guyjinda@hotmail.com. Cheers, Guy

[aynor]

The border is open to traffic from 8:00 to 12:00 in the morning for those wanting to cross from Kyrgyzstan to China, and from 13:00 to 18:00 for those wanting to cross from China to Kyrgyzstan. This is the information I got from the border control guy on the Kyrgyz side when I arrived at 12:05, and he wouldn't let me cross. If coming from China, the reality might be slightly different than stated because they are open for some time in the morning and then they have a two hour lunch from 14:00 to 16:00 Bejing time. Then traffic begins to move again in both directions.
I was at the gate on the Kyrgyz side at 8:00 the morning after my arrival, but traffic didn't start moving until 9:15. It took about two hours to clear customs, then I had to wait for a truck to take me the seven kilometres to the Chinese customs post. After clearing customs, we were sent on another two kilometres to the border (without our passports, the alternative was to sit at the customs check for two hours with the gaurds), where we had to wait two hours for the Chinese officials to have their lunch. It then took about an hour to get through the formalities and into China. Total time: six hours. Then an hour trying to find a taxi, there are quite a few at the border, but they all wanted 300 yuan for a car. I finally did find a seat for 50 yuan, which all the locals say is the "normal price". Then three hours to Kashgar.
From my experience, I would recommend to those in a hurry to try to get to Irkeshtam from Osh in one day and spend the night at the border (there's a cheap gastinitsa and a little cafe). For those who aren't in a rush, or prefer to stay in a friendly village, stay the night in Sary Tash (300 or 400 som from Osh by taxi depending on the vehicle etc. Gastinitsa 50 or 100 som plus food, ask about prices in advance to avoid disputes. My gastinitsa was 50 som, but my total was almost 200 with breakfast and dinner.) Get on the road from Sary Tash early in order to get to Irkeshtam before 12:00, maybe even before 11:30. It takes about three hours to get to Irkeshtam from Sary Tash.
About the bus: The bus leaves for China from the new bus station in Osh an Wednesday and Sunday nights at 20:00. $50. One and a half days.
Also, a Japanese guy with big hair and a beard got on a bus headed for Bishkek from Kashgar this morning, presumambly headed for the Torugart. I'd be interested to hear how he makes out if anyone happens to see him. We all know the stories about the Torugart.
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