Re: Visas for entry into China via Karakoram highway

Ok cheers for the info guys. We are experienced whitewater kayakers looking for new rivers in the area. Whilst in Pakistan we will be based in Gilgit and we already gots lots of info about the rivers in that area.

letemspeak the info I have on visas is that you generally have to give flight info in and out of China or at least where you will be crossing the border. As we will be crossing directly into Xinjiang it will be pretty hard not to mention that we will be travelling there! Have I got this wrong?

Good luck dear and enjoy the water sports in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

sounds like an amazing trip! any room or interests in letting any others join in the fun and adventure? experienced (class 4/5) boater (not rafter ;-) from BC, canada.

cheers, chris

Enjoy your trip.

It really depends on embassy how much info they want. I met an aussie and also German woman who both had to issue a lot of information on flights and hotels but a general travel plan was enough for me to get a double entry.

If you want to go around the flight tickets, state that you're going there by train for instance. Then say that you or your friend will buy the train tickets later because it's cheaper. To convince this you may book a hotel or two in the Eastern coast of China to make it look better.

You shouldn't put Xinjiang because if it's declined you may need to answer in the future visa applications that you've once been refused of the Chinese visa.

That'd be an interesting trip with adventure, so looking forward to photos and report JamieKayaker
& koots_roots .

Good Luck ..

Each embassy has different rules and regulations. Most are now requring flights in and out, or some other sort of reservations. It will be an issue regardless of where you are entering or exiting. You can search for older posts on this topic, but you seriously risk your visa being denied if Xinjiang is listed as a destination.

Also look at Thale valley river in Khapulu and Deosai river at Deosai and Astor Chilim valley river as well as these may be new areas for kayak lovers.

Hi Jamie !
i am a tour guide from china . and working at an internatinal travel company in Kashgar ,where the city bordered with pakistan .
about your plan to getting into china through Karakoram highway is bit difficult as it's told . but we can manage to help you to get a visa and you can drive on Karakoram highway to china from pakistan. so let me know if you still need help ?

In March last year (2012) I gave the KKH as my entry and exit point when applying for the China Visa in Australia.

Yes, a red flag went up and I was required to undertake an interview to explain.

Got the visa.

Best not to mention Xinjiang in the application !