Bishkek to Kashi via the Torugart Pass

The most interesting overland route in Central Asia is the one between Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) to Kashi (in China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region) via the Torugart Pass, which sits at an altitude of 3,752 m (12,307 ft). Although the distance between the two cities is only about 400 km, the trip usually takes 2 or three days, because of the winding roads and ranks of officials on both sides of the border, which make it hard, sometime impossible to cross quickly.

The trip is not for everyone, it is a long, cold, bumpy and uncomfortable ride in 4WD vehicles. There are many uncertainties in the form of weather, road conditions and officials, but the area through which you'll travel is stunning. There are numerous possibilities of exploring sidetracks that reveal interesting historical and geographical features, as well as a variety of wildlife and peoples.

Visas have to be arranged beforehand, as they are not available at the border. It is only possible to cross the Torugart Pass safely between May and September.