{"id":8024,"date":"2017-11-06T21:54:38","date_gmt":"2017-11-06T17:54:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=8024\/"},"modified":"2025-11-07T20:18:25","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T18:18:25","slug":"kyzyl-art-pass-kyrgyzstan-tajikistan-border","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/kyzyl-art-pass-kyrgyzstan-tajikistan-border\/","title":{"rendered":"Kyrgyzstan – Tajikistan border crossing at Kyzyl Art Pass"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
<\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

At 4,280 meters above sea level, the Kyrgyzstan – Tajikistan border crossing at Kyzyl Art Pass is one of the highest and most stunning border crossings in the world, as it goes along the M-41, more popularly known as the <\/span>Pamir Highway<\/a><\/strong>, one of the most epic road trips on Earth. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surprisingly, crossing it is pretty easy but there are some important things you need to know regarding transportation and other stuff. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information about these 2 countries, read:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

75 Tips for traveling to Kyrgyzstan<\/a><\/strong>
A guide for traveling to Tajikistan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kyrgyzstan<\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n

Table of contents:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n

Table of Contents<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Things you need to know<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Kyzyl Art Pass location<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Transportation – How to cross the border?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • From Sary Tash to Karakul – Kyzyl Art Pass journey report<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n

    our recommended travel insurance for Kyrgyzstan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    With its Backpacker plan, IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Kyrgyzstan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Remember to have proper travel insurance for both Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. I recommend you read: how to find the right insurance for backpackers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Crossing the Kyzyl Art Pass – Things you need to know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You need a Tajik visa – <\/strong>a Tajikistan visa is not available on arrival. You can get it online or apply for it at any embassy. I got mine in Bishkek. For more information, read: How to get a Tajikistan visa<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And also your GBAO Permit – <\/strong>Kyzyl Art Pass is the gate to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region<\/a><\/strong>, an autonomous region in Tajikistan for which you need an especial permit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There is no public transport – <\/span><\/strong>No p<\/span>ublic buses or marshrutkas enter Tajikistan and vice-versa. Instead, you will have to go by shared local taxi or in your own vehicle. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Get some Tajik SOMONI in Osh –<\/span><\/strong> If you enter from Kyrgyzstan, you should get a couple of TJS in Osh. In my experience, banks don’t have SOMONI, so you’ll have to exchange at the stalls located next to the bus station to Sary Tash. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Buy snacks and water – <\/span><\/strong>Between Sary Tash and Karakul there are no towns or shops where you can get food. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Don’t give money to the authorities –<\/strong> If your visa is in order, you don’t have to pay anything extra to the authorities. Occasionally, especially on the Tajikistan side, the policemen will make up any story, like you need a health certificate or something like that, in order to get money from you. It’s a complete scam so you must say NO. If you stay firm, they will let you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Read: Backpacking in Kyrgyzstan, the ultimate itinerary<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Kyzyl<\/picture>
    A Marco Polo sheep statue in the Kyzyl Art pass – No man’s land<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Kyzyl Art Pass – Border location<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Kyzyl Art pass is located in the most southern part of the country, very close to Irkeshtam Pass, the Kyrgyzstan-China border<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sary-Tash – <\/strong>Closest town to the border on the Kyrgyzstan side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Karakul –<\/strong> Closest town to the border on the Tajikistan side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n