Why do foreigners have so much trouble trying to cross the Torugart Pass ?
Technically the crossing is closed to all except citizens of Kyrgyzstan or The People’s Republic of China, but Foreigners can get permission to cross from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Urumqui, but they have to be met at the border by a representative of a recognised travel company, and Foreigners are NOT allowed to take their own vehicles into China (without special advance permission which is expensive and takes at least 2 months to get) so the Chinese agency, which arranges the permission usually arranges transport to Kashgar as well. Also, the crossing is classed as a second grade crossing. So it does not have full facilities and is governed by special regulations, e.g.: The border is closed on weekends and any Public Holiday, on either side of the border! Although no permissions are needed from the Kyrgyz authorities to cross Torugart. The area surrounding Torugart is a border zone and permissions are, however, necessary if you want to stop by Lake Chatyr Kul or visit the A
