How to cross Torugart pass

The Kyrgyz-Chinese Torugart border crossing is located 550 km from Bishkek and 180 km from Kashgar. Since Soviet times, the Torugart checkpoint has been heavily guarded, and specific procedures are in place for crossing it.

Key Information About the Checkpoint:

• The Kyrgyz side operates from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Important: Always check the dates of Chinese national holidays, as the border is closed during these periods. During every holiday, border officials from both countries meet to determine the closure dates, taking into account various factors such as the day of the week, cultural traditions, and the nature of the holiday. It’s best not to rely solely on official holiday dates, as closures may occur unexpectedly.

To cross the Torugart border into China, you will need the following documents:

• A valid Chinese visa
• Passport with at least six months’ validity remaining

As you approach the Chinese border, you will encounter three stages:

1. Passport control checkpoint
2. Official border control post
3. Customs checkpoint

After passing through these checkpoints, you’ll ascend to the Torugart Pass until you reach the former arch, arriving directly at the Chinese gates. There’s no need to proceed on foot, as Chinese vehicles are required to meet you on their side. A few kilometers beyond the Chinese gates is the first Chinese border post, where your visa and baggage will be checked. You’ll need to fill out a customs declaration form in two copies.

Next, at a distance of around 100 km, lies the official Chinese customs and immigration post. Here, your passport will be stamped, and your baggage will be inspected once more. After completing this process, only 60 km remain to reach Kashgar.

A transfer provided by a Chinese travel company is strictly mandatory, and crossing the border unaccompanied is prohibited.

The journey from Kashgar to the customs checkpoint is 70 km. After clearing the customs and border checkpoint, 110 km remains to reach the border. At the Torugart Pass, 3,850 meters above sea level, representatives from a Kyrgyz travel company should meet you. Five kilometers from the Chinese gates is the Kyrgyz border checkpoint, where you’ll pass through customs and border control. After traveling an additional 60-70 km, you’ll reach the final checkpoint, where your documents will be verified.

Important Notes:

• Photography and video recording are strictly prohibited in all border zones of both Kyrgyzstan and China.
• In the Kyrgyz border zone, cycling is forbidden without a border pass. On the Chinese side, cycling is completely prohibited.
• On the Chinese side, a representative from a Chinese travel company must meet you, meaning you need a designated Chinese guide.
• If you’re traveling from China to Kyrgyzstan, you must present your Kyrgyz visa. If you are visa-exempt, it’s advisable to print the relevant document and show it to the Chinese border officials.
• On Fridays, large queues form heading into China, and on Mondays, lines build up heading into Kyrgyzstan. Plan to arrive at the border as early as possible.

• When planning your trip through Torugart, ensure you coordinate with an authorized representative from a Chinese travel agency, as they must accompany you through Chinese territory.
• If you’re traveling by bicycle, arrange in advance for a border pass to enter the Kyrgyz border zone. Without it, you’ll encounter issues. On the Chinese side, cycling or hitching a ride on passing trucks is prohibited, and you must travel with a representative from a travel company.

Required Documents:

• Passport
• Kyrgyz visa
• Chinese visa
• Permit to pass through the Torugart border checkpoint (issued by Chinese authorities)

By ensuring you have the necessary documents and adhering to the outlined procedures, you can navigate the crossing smoothly and avoid unnecessary complications.