Irkeshtam Pass

Two roads connect China with Kyrgyzstan—one through Irkeshtam and the other through Torugart.

The Irkeshtam border crossing operates daily, except on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays observed by both Kyrgyzstan and China. For instance, the crossing is closed for a week following May 1st and again for a week after October 1st due to Chinese holidays. The border is open from 12:00 to 20:00 Beijing time, with an additional break for lunch. This crossing is an international gateway, allowing passage to all travelers with a valid Chinese visa. However, visas are not issued at the border, so ensure you have one beforehand. The distance between the Chinese and Kyrgyz customs posts is about 4 kilometers, and walking is not permitted, so you’ll need to find a passing vehicle. The border is closed at night, and on the Kyrgyz side, the post handles only border control functions.

To reach Irkeshtam, you can travel from Osh, bypassing the mountain village of Sary-Tash. Here in Sary-Tash, there’s a junction where one road leads to China, and the other heads to Tajikistan. This strategic location offers multiple travel options—you can descend to Osh (Kyrgyzstan’s southern capital), journey to the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, ascend the Pamir Highway to the distant town of Khorog, or proceed toward the Chinese border at the Irkeshtam Pass. Sary-Tash is a vibrant and colorful place, ideal for spending an entire day capturing fascinating scenes with your camera. The village thrives on tourism, offering numerous cafes, guesthouses, and shops.

The route from Sary-Tash to Irkeshtam is breathtakingly scenic. A well-paved road leads through the Alay Valley towards China, and the views along the way are simply stunning! You’ll witness a panorama of snow-covered mountain peaks on one side contrasted with lush, green pastures on the other, creating a landscape that is truly awe-inspiring. Sary-Tash sits at an elevation of 3,150 meters above sea level, and it’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day.

Irkeshtam itself consists of several dozen trailers positioned at an altitude of 3,700 meters amid the surrounding peaks, where entire families live. These trailers serve as shops, cafes, and pharmacies. Given the proximity to the Chinese border, there’s plenty of work for everyone—from handling logistics for goods (with an Asian flair) to running cafes and rest areas. If the border is closed, you can stay overnight in one of these trailers for around 150-200 som, where you’ll be offered a warm meal and tea. Alternatively, you can stay in the nearby village of Nura, known for its charming blue Finnish-style houses.