Border crossings on the Silk Road have a tendency to close unexpectedly and be located on some snowy mountain pass. Overlanders can use the below map and list of country guides to decide on their Silk Road itinerary.
Please understand that this guide is an indication. However hard we try to keep up to date with recent developments, we cannot guarantee that a certain border crossing will be open or closed.
Have a look at the border crossing map to start off your planning.
Border crossings legend
Green: open
Yellow: open, conditionally
Red: closed
Azure: Bilateral border crossing: only for residents of the 2 countries of the border crossing.
Purple: not enough information
Warning: border areas are highly sensitive areas. Do not go near a border unless you are planning to cross at a border crossing. Just being near a border is already suspicious in many countries, and having a camera on you is even more so.
All international border crossings
Crossing with pets
Are you traveling with a dog or other pet? Find more information in the crossing borders with pets article.
Bribes
A word about bribes at the border. There is some chance that you will be asked for a bribe at the border crossing. Tajik border guards are most likely to pull that one. At other borders, there is little chance of being asked for money illegitimately these days.
Should you run into trouble, it is wise to stay polite and act like you have no idea what they are talking about. They will eventually tire of you and let you go. Learn more about dealing with police in our safety guide.