Qolma/Kulma pass (China-Tajikistan) border crossing reports

[steven]

Please read and post reports on the Qolma pass border crossing between Tajikistan and China below.

We summarize all info on the Qolma Pass border crossing page.

[Roman]

Today I was passing by Qolma and decided to give it a try as there were no reports from this direction.

The officers looked concerned themselves and had to look for an answer for some time. Finally they told me that it was only bilateral. When I told them it was open for internationals now (refering to Chinese ministry of foreign affairs) they were even more confused but still did not change their mind.

For locals: the border opens at 12:00 Beijing time and there was a good amount of Tajik truckers willing to give me a lift (they also thought it is possible with all the paperwork in order). Oh yes, it is really cold up there!

[Roman]

Nice, that should be helpful (although I hope the damned Chinese will change their attitude).

Here are some pictures

Qolma border post

20140703_105534.jpg (212.69 KiB) Viewed 17723 times

Qolma office building

20140703_102751.jpg (253.75 KiB) Viewed 17723 times

Qolma junction

20140703_102343.jpg (209.75 KiB) Viewed 17723 times

[steven]

One guy got through, but I am starting to think his Chinese language skills helped him a lot, even though he had a British passport.

[Roman]

Yes, I have read your Qolma article.

Although I agree it was more thanks to his Chinese language (and more importantly Chinese origin). He said they had changed the border status on the 1st of June 2014. I attempted to cross on the 3rd of July and they still claimed it was bilateral only.

[steven]

Slovaks still being discriminated against in China!

[Roman]

Haha, I wish it was only Slovaks, not all the Westerners

Give it a try yourself and we'll see

Opening Qolma and maybe gradually Wakhjir would be a welcome change though

[jill]

Hello there. I read the post about the bilateral crossings and the good news that it seems that foreigners can cross from China to Tajikistan at this border.
Has any one done this recently? Wondering how reliable it it? We are driving from India via Neal and Tibet to Tajikistan and this could make a huge difference!! many thanks And hope to hear from someone!!
Thanks as always Steven for your invaluable and up to date info and comments!!

[matt2matt2002]

I am also interested in this pass opening.
But going from Tajikistan into China.
Any information from anyone?

[jill]

Hi there! Have put out some feelers. Will let you know if I hear anything. When do you plan to go? Chat soon. Jill