China Travel Forum

[kergisa]

Hi
We are in Kyrgyztan in September for three weeks, and since it is not that far away we thought about seeing Kashgar as well to visit the Sunday market.
As far as I know from this branch it seems most people prefer the Irkeshtam Pass, for being cheaper, easier and as beautiful as the Torugart pass.
Has anyone here done the trip from Kyrgyztan to Kashgar and back, who had quite limited time as well. We thought of maybe going to Kashagar via Irkeshtam Pass and back via Torugart. Or should we stick to Irkeshtam Pass for both ways? We plan to start the trip to Kashgar in Osh. Any ideas how long it will take for both ways (best and worst case scenario) and any tips how to be as fast as possible without having too much hassle? We'd like to spent the weekend in Kashgar and thought of leaving Osh on Wednesday or Thursday and leaving Kashgar on Monday. Is this a too tight schedule?
Thanks!

[kamal]

Irkeshtam is definitely NOT easier than Torugart, but on the contrary much more difficult, a bit more beautiful.
In 2 days you can arrive from Bishkek to Kashgar through Torugart, avoiding Saturdy-Sundays, when the border is closed.
The same to go back. But the trip must be organized from the beginnig (Bishkek or Kashgar), because if you have not somebody waiting you at the other side of the border you are not allowed to cross.
No such problems at Irkeshtam (always open), but it is very difficult (not to say impossible) to go from Osh to Kashgar in 2 days, due to difficulties of road (awful) and transport. On Sunday it is a must to be in Kashgar for bazar and animal market (no camels).
Schedule it carefully but do it, because it is a fascinating trip,fabulous tour. And do not travel the Sary Tash - Irkeshtam (or viceversa) part by night, because panoramically it is by far the best (the Pamirs)

[londera]

I'm toying with the idea of doing the same quick jaunt to from Bishkek to Kashgar...but perhaps looping around via Urumqi and Almaty to get back to Bishkek. 17/18 days. Madness, I know.
Assuming the Chinese bus still won't allow foreigners (has anyone recently confirmed this?), I wonder if either of you two might have recommendations for a reputable agency in China to pick me up after passing through Torugart? The book cites JOhn's INformation Cafe or Caravan Cafe in Kashgar. Do either of you know about these two establishments? Cost?
Thanks in advance for your tips...any advice/info is GREATLY appreciated.

[kasim]

Don't depend on the Irkeshtam if you have limited time. or your visa is about to expire...it took a grand total of 47 hours to get from Kashgar to Osh last week due to mechanical failures, border crossings and atrocious road conditions on the Krygyz side...mind you, the trip under perfect conditions can probably be done in 20 hours...any who, it wasn't that bad (it's a sleeper bus - appropriately titled the "Holiday Vacation")