China Travel Forum

[Doro]

Hi Kamal,

Muztagh did not answer. May be the mail is never arrived. Here also my mail with my questions:

Kamal gave me your adress. I am a backpacker from Switzerland and planing a journey to Westchina next year beginning on Juley 2006. First I think to stay in Kashgar, visiting the Karakul-Lake than to travel slowely by public busses the south route. Although I will cross the Taklamakandesert from south to north. From Hotan or Minfeng to Asku. Kamal told me that you are organizasing tours for the crossing by food and/or camel.

Can you tell me please on what times you are guiding groupes from south to north through the taklamakan? How much are the fees. How long does the crossing take? Where to you start?

I like to stay 3 or 4 months in China. How can I manage to get a Visa over such a long periode?

Can you tell me how to get from Switzerland to Kashgar by the cheapest way. I was wondering to flight from Frankfurt to Bishkek. Then traveling by bus to Osh and from there by bus to Kashgar. Do you think that would be a good idea or shall I rather flight to Urumqui than take the bus or train or flight to Kashgar. What experience do you have?

I am looking forwards travelling in your country and hearing from you.

Doro

[kamal]

HI Doro;
I am very sorry insted of muztagh as he didn't answer you .
I just saw your mail and I think I it is better if I answer you in person.
After you get Bishkak ,fliy to Urumqi as it is capital of xinjiang really worth to look at for three days. than set off to Kashgar ,air ticket is 1300RMB but you can get the discount in different rate according to the season.train costs 400RMB ,car costs abot 200 RMb, from kashgar to karakul-lake I think you can't find public bus ,it is good to take publick bus from Kashgar to Tashkurgan and rent a car from here to Karakul-lake.
we are Guiding from beginning of April to end of october.but our line is from Minfeng to kucha(county of Aksu) the longgest waay we guide takes about ten-fifteen dayes. and I can't even give you rough cost as I am completely in dark about what kind of accomodation and car you need.
about visa we can handle it for you,frist we help u to get visa for one month ,after you arrive xinjiang we extend it for another three month.
i an an local gide in xinjiang ,about experince I think it is not necesary to speak much.
have fun