Qolma (Kolma) Border

I'm planning ahead for a trip next summer but can't seem to find information on crossing the border from China to Tajikistan. I've found some info on getting to border on the Chinese side, but does anyone know how easy it is to find a ride/bus once crossing over on the Tajik side? Most of the info seems to be going from the Tajikistan to China. Thanks!!

I don't know if it will be helpful but check on Pamirs.org.
Useful for a trip in the Pamirs and maybe for the borders too.
I can't say more.
I was there without crossing the border with/from China.
I have some doubts about crossing the border when you are not Chinese or Tajik but check on it first.
Most of the people cross with Kyrgyzstan.

Michel

I don't have personal experience with this crossing but have researched it (and others) as well. There are some reports online but like you said they seem to be exclusively Tajikistan -> China and not the other way around.

From the Tajik side of the border you could try to hitchhike, although there might be little traffic. Maybe it's possible to contact a driver with a car in Murghab in advance to pick you up at the border but this will be difficult to arrange and will probably be expensive. Finally, there is, or at least has been, a bus linking Kashgar with Khorog but information on this bus is very scarce and it's very well possible that non-Chinese/Tajik nationals aren't allowed to board it.

I posted a thread about this border last year. I don't know the situation this summer, but last summer, plenty of travelers were getting through from Tajikistan to China. It effectively seemed open in that direction. I have no information whatsoever about crossing in the opposite direction.

Whenever I've been past the border post (on the Chinese side), I've always seen lots of truck drivers waiting around, many of whom appeared to be Tajik. I suspect it's quite likely that Tajik truck drivers will give you lifts, if you try and hitchhike. Chinese immigration is quite a distance from the actual border, and (if you make it through) you will presumably be put on a truck for the ride from immigration to the border.

Getting to Chinese immigration for the border is easy. It's right on the main Kashgar-Tashkorgan road.

Your at the wrong place to ask. See Caravanistan's page and forum for more information. Short answer: it is open to foreigners and
transport is hitching a ride. Between border posts the officers will put you on a truck as walking and cycling are not allowed. It seems that there is no public transportation, but you can always ask in Kashgar, please let us know if you find any.

Thanks everyone. I'll look into Pamirs.org and I've asked on the Caravanistan's page. Maybe I'll find out more once I'm in Kashgar. Thx again!

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.