Mustagata 2008 Ski and Climb Expedition
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  • Travel : Getting there

At a Glance

  • Fly through China — Most popular, fastest, & reliable option
  • Through Pakistan — Fly or drive overland
  • Drive from Kyrgyzstan
  • From mid-east countries or Russia — fly via Urumqi

Getting there

The climb starts in Kashgar, China on July 1st. Kashgar is the closest major city to Mustagata (4 hour drive away) along the Karakoram Highway. Getting to Kashgar from you home country is convenient and you have several options. We can assist you with arranging the China portion of your travel or you can make your own plans.

If you make your own travel plans be sure to tell us when and where you are arriving and give us a copy of your itinerary.

» See map of the region

Travel Options Overview

You can choose one of the travel options below or combine them, such as taking the train to Kashgar on the way in, and flying back to Beijing on the way out.

#1 Fly to Kashgar from Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Guangzhou (Click map to the right for full-size view.)

This option is the easiest, fastest, and most reliable. Buy your international ticket to any of these major port cities in China, and then continue your trip to Kashgar entirely within China. It is a one-day flight to Kashgar. In the past members have gone through Beijing, but because of the Beijing summer Olympics it may be easier to buy your international air-ticket to Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Guangzhou. The one down side of flying is that Chinese airlines only allow 20kg/44lbs of checked luggage for free.
View a PDF with this option’s travel details, dates, prices and more.

#2 Take the train to Kashgar from Beijing or Shanghai (Click map to the right for full-size view.)

An economical way for those who have extra time and want to see the country side. It takes 3 days to reach Kashgar by train. Also great for people with a lot of luggage and do not wish to pay the overweight airline fees.
View a PDF with this option’s travel details, dates, prices and more.

#3 Overland from Rawalpindi / Islamabad, Pakistan along Karakoram Highway (Click map to the right for full-size view.)

Drive from Islamabad to China along the Karakoram highway. This is the only travel option that does not go to Kashgar. We pick you up in Tashkurgan (Chinese border post with Pakistan) and shuttle you to our acclimatization camp. After the climb we drive you all the way back to Sust (Pakistan border post with China). On the way in you must arrange your own transport by public bus or hired vehicle from Islamabad to Sust, and then a jeep to Tashkurgan. On the way back out you must arrange your own transport from Sust back to Islamabad.
View a PDF with this option’s travel details, dates, prices and more.

#4 Fly to Kashgar from Islamabad, Pakistan (Click map to the right for full-size view.)

There is a direct flight between Islamabad and Kashgar 2-3 times per week. The schedule is not yet set for 2008. If you are interested in doing this contact your local travel agent for details.

#5 Overland to Kashgar from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan via Turugart Pass (Click map to the right for full-size view.)

For those who prefer to fly into Almaty or Bishkek. You arrange your transport to the Chinese border and back. We pick you up at Turugart, the Chinese border post with Kyrgyzstan, and drive you to Kashgar. After the climb we drive you back to Turugart, where you have arranged transport.
View a PDF with this option’s travel details, dates, prices and more.

#6 International flight direct to Urumqi, China, connecting through to Kashgar (Click map to the right for full-size view.)

There are many international flights directly into Urumqi from Middle East countries and Russia. This may be a viable option for those coming from Europe and, of course, those living in these countries. The flights do not go every day. Check with your local travel agent to see if this option will work for you. From Urumqi you will take a connecting flight or the train to Kashgar. These cities have direct flights to Urumqi: Moscow, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Bishkek, Islamabad, Almaty, Tashkent

Dates of travel

Listed below are the 4 most popular ways to get to Kashgar & Mustagata. Most members choose to fly from Beijing.

Blue text represents member travel days. Black text represents when all members will be together.

Date Week Day #1 Fly Beijing* – Kashgar #2 Train Beijing** – Kashgar #3 Overland from Pakistan #5 Overland from Kyrgyzstan
28-Jun Sat   Must arrive Beijing this morning can arrive earlier. Evening: Depart Beijing by train Must arrive Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Pakistan today Can arrive earlier  
29-Jun Sun   On train Drive to Chilas, Pakistan (self-arranged)  
30-Jun Mon Must arrive Beijing today can arrive earlier Afternoon: Arrive Urumqi Hotel Drive to Gilgit or Karedmadad, Pakistan Depart Bishkek for China by vehicle (self-arranged)
1-Jul Tue Morning: Fly Beijing to Kashgar transferring in Urumqi Noon: Depart Urumqi by train Drive to Sust, Pakistan Pakistan border post with China Continue drive to Turugart pass (we pick you up here) Drive to Kashgar
2-Jul Wed Kashgar – Pre-departure meeting (very important) tour Kashgar - last minute preparations Noon: Arrive Kashgar Pre-departure meeting (very important), tour Kashgar, last minute preparations Drive to Tashkurgan China's border post with Pakistan We pick you up here; hotel Kashgar - Pre-departure meeting (very important) tour Kashgar - last minute preparations
3-Jul Thu Drive to acclimatization camp at Karakul Lake 3600 meters / 11,800 feet Drive to acclimatization camp at Karakul Lake 3600 meters / 11,800 feet Shuttle to acclimatization camp at Karakul Lake Join team here Drive to acclimatization camp at Karakul Lake 3600 meters / 11,800 feet
4-22 July   Climbing period Climbing period Climbing period Climbing period
23-Jul Wed Hike from BC to vehicles drive back to Kashgar Hike from BC to vehicles drive back to Kashgar Hike from BC to vehicles Shuttle to Tashkurgan; hotel Hike from BC to vehicles Drive back to Kashgar
24-Jul Thu Morning: Fly to Beijing Evening: Arrive Beijing Noon: Depart Kashgar by train Drive to Sust We drop you off here Drive from Kashgar to Turugart pass (we drop you off here) Continue drive into Kyrgyzstan (self-arranged)
25-Jul Fri Depart China can depart later Noon: Arrive Urumqi Evening: Transfer trains to Beijing Continue drive back to Islamabad/Rawalpindi (self-arranged) Continue drive to Bishkek
26-Jul Sat   On train    
27-Jul Sun   Afternoon: Arrive Beijing    
28-Jul Mon   Depart China Can depart later    

* Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Hong Kong (Shenzhen)
** Beijing or Shanghai