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Kyrgyz Border @ Karkara and the A372 Kyrgyz Border @ Karkara and the A372
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  #1  
Old 6 Mar 2009
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Kyrgyz Border @ Karkara and the A372
Hi there,

Having just learnt to spell Kyrgyzstan, we are now looking for a way into the country, and I was wondering whether anyone has any info regarding the crossing south of Karkara. I understand it may not be possible to get a stamp there, as we are headed via the rest of the stans to the Ferry at Turkmenibashi, will this be an issue? And more importantly, is the border open at all/ reliable ?

Also, does anyone have any information regarding the A372 between Sary-Tash and Karamyk? This road seems incredible, and as we are 4wd I was concerned whether it is feasible and possibly a quicker way into Tajikstan rather than going via Osh.

Cheers,
Tom
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  #2  
Old 6 Mar 2009
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We were there in Nov 08. we were thinking of going to Karamyk as well because it was late in the season and we weren't sure about the Pamir being snowed in.

We were told by locals that foreigners can not cross at Karamyk, not even sure if we were allowed to go on the road. We were also told the same by the guy who runs Osh guest house. He made a few phone calls on our behalf and assured us the Pamirs were still fine. Turned out to be piece of cake in a 4x4, just a bit cold at -20 sometimes...
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  #3  
Old 6 Mar 2009
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Why not go through Pamir Hwy? It is well worth it and the road surface is not at all that bad.
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  #4  
Old 6 Mar 2009
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But of Course!
The Pamir Highway! Of course, i cannot believe we didn't think of that!

Just out of interest, how long would you suggest to complete such a journey between Osh and Dushanube, we will be travelling in summer too.

In terms of the border formalities, how stringent are they...would it be necessary to allocate 24hrs into Tajikstan and then 24 hours into uzbekistan at the other end?

But back to my original question, is anyone aware of the border crossing south of Karkara from Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan?
Thanks again,
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  #5  
Old 6 Mar 2009
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That's the way we're going and as far as I can tell it's no problem to cross there. Lonely Planet says -


To/from Kyrgyzstan

Official Kazakh–Kyrgyz border crossings are largely hassle-free.
Seven daily buses and a similar number of minibuses (600T to 700T), as well as shared taxis (2000T to 2500T), make the four- to five-hour run to Bishkek from Almaty’s Sayran bus station, crossing the border at Korday. There are also overnight buses all the way to Cholpon-Ata and Karakol from Sayran, and minibuses to Bishkek from Taraz (500T, five hours).
No public transport makes the Karkara valley crossing, south of Kegen, Kazakhstan, and east of Tüp and Ken-Suu, Kyrgyzstan, but from about April to October you can get through by a combination of hitching, taxi and patience.
Trekkers and mountain bikers making the haul across the mountains between Almaty and Lake Issyk-Köl should note that there is no official crossing point so it’s impossible to get a passport stamp. Consult a trekking agency before setting off.
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Old 6 Mar 2009
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Note that the part about "no official crossing point" is for the mountain hiking trails, not the Karkara Valley.
Not that Lonely Planet is always right......
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Old 19 May 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by todderz View Post
That's the way we're going and as far as I can tell it's no problem to cross there. Lonely Planet says -


To/from Kyrgyzstan

Official Kazakh–Kyrgyz border crossings are largely hassle-free.
Seven daily buses and a similar number of minibuses (600T to 700T), as well as shared taxis (2000T to 2500T), make the four- to five-hour run to Bishkek from Almaty’s Sayran bus station, crossing the border at Korday. There are also overnight buses all the way to Cholpon-Ata and Karakol from Sayran, and minibuses to Bishkek from Taraz (500T, five hours).
No public transport makes the Karkara valley crossing, south of Kegen, Kazakhstan, and east of Tüp and Ken-Suu, Kyrgyzstan, but from about April to October you can get through by a combination of hitching, taxi and patience.
Trekkers and mountain bikers making the haul across the mountains between Almaty and Lake Issyk-Köl should note that there is no official crossing point so it’s impossible to get a passport stamp. Consult a trekking agency before setting off.
I crossed there in 2004 and no, you don't get a stamp, but it was no problem exiting into Kaz. They might not have even looked at my passport. Kyrgyz border crossings were some of the easiest anywhere. For up to date info ask David at STANTOURS - Central Asia Travel Resources
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  #8  
Old 6 Mar 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by firstimeflyer View Post
Just out of interest, how long would you suggest to complete such a journey between Osh and Dushanube, we will be travelling in summer too.
I traveled this about 8 days on moto, but it can be done much more quickly. In middle of Pamir Hwy I turned south and followed Afganistan border to Khorog. This is much smaller twisty gravel road then Pamir Hwy. Road is worst between Khorog and Dushanbe.

On Tajikistan border I spent perhaps an hour to arrange papers and another hour to talk to border guards and drink tea.

Quote:
Originally Posted by firstimeflyer View Post
But back to my original question, is anyone aware of the border crossing south of Karkara from Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan?
If it was the one east of lake Issyk-kul then I crossed it. No problems. Easy and quick. Nearby is also Sharyn canyon (nice in the evening).

South side of Issyk-kul is more interesting that north. In Barskoon do drive to nearby mountains, towards Kara-say (and back).
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  #9  
Old 13 Mar 2009
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dushanbe contact
Hi I am in Dushanbe and can help with repairs and logistices here ...
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