Note: Javascript is disabled in your browser.
To see the gallery in all its glory, you'll need to enable Javascript.
Introducing Crossing the Pass
Crossing the Irkeshtam Pass (9am-noon & 2pm-3.30pm Mon-Fri) can be a time-consuming affair. Ten kilometres before the border is the first of two checkpoints. Here everyone is required to show their passport so names can be matched to a master list of bus passengers. Assuming nobody had a last-minute name change the bus is allowed to continue to the second checkpoint and luggage inspection. Finally, you can expect to spend between 1½ to 2½ hours at the border itself depending on how many trucks are waiting before you.
Advertisement
If you are hitching, ask the border-post army officers to put you on a truck to cross the 7km of no-man’s-land to the Chinese immigration (closed 11am to 2pm Kyrgyz time).
Unlike the Torugart, no permits are required to get to, or over, the pass.
Last updated: Sep 26, 2008
Hotels & Hostels
Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.
Advertisement
