China - Border

DUSHARIN:

On the morning of June the 27th, we drove two trucks from Bishkek. Our first aim was to pass Torugart on the frontier between China and the former USSR. It was raining the whole day. The road, just like the weather, was gloomy and monotonous. In the evening we arrived at Torugart and spent the night in the mountains before the first checkpoint. The place there is notable because of the powerful springs with tasty cold water. The next day we passed through Kirghis customs. The frontier is guarded by Russian soldiers lead by captain Reshetnikov. We didn't have any problems crossing the frontier. The documents had to be in order. Usually you have a lot of them with you. Also it would be nice to prepare a package with homemade meal (for soldiers) and a lot of news from the Motherland (for the captain).

The Arch on the border between China and former USSR

Having driven 7 kilometers we reached the majestic Triumphal Arch, made in the Empire style. It stands alone on the very top of the pass as a symbol of inviolable friendship between two socialist nations. The day before, the representatives of China Xinjiang Mountaineering Association had been waiting for us there. Unfortunately, there was a one day delay in Bishkek due to trouble getting the passes for the drivers. When we arrived, no one was there. We stayed near the arch for some time and took some pictures. On our departure from the frontier zone, the Chinese colleagues were waiting for us at the Chinese checkpoint. They were the Association's Marketing Department's manager, Du Xiao Fun, and the young interpreter whom we called Yura. We took Chinese cars instead of ours, said good-bye to our drivers, and continued on our way. After about 100 km we arrived at customs.

VOLKOV:
Passing through Russian customs was rather tedious. There was nothing serious in that, control was just strict. The situation at the Chinese customs was just the opposite. It turned out that we were not allowed to take into China any perishable products such as meat, sausages, milk, butter, etc. I tried to wriggle. So I lied and, in the long run, managed to hide almost all the contraband and only gave the Chinese several kilograms of sausages.

Transporting baggage through the border

After 60 more km of a dusty road, we arrived to Kashgar, the largest Chinese city on our way.

Volkov's diary

Dusharin's diary

Border (920 kB)

While crossing the border line