Bridge Down Near Kyrgyz Border - Road Closed
 

Two days ago an earthquake damaged a bridge jsut 65kms inside China on the ONLY road from the Irkeshtam border crossing.

This has meant that NO vehicles can get to or from the border currently - unless it is a very small motorcycle.

there is a lot of activity at the bridge as they attempt to repair it and the lines of lorries on both sides are stretching away into the far distance. Estimates ranged from 3-7 days for repairs.
At the last count there were 12 bikes and one van sat in the Customs compound on the Chinese side of the border.

It's possible to use other vehicles to get to the bridge, scramble across the broken girders and get on another vehicle to get to a town (I'm in Kashgar).

I'll update as soon as I hear anything about how passable it is.

Good news
 

As of lunchtime (local time) today, Monday, the bridge is re-opening. heading up on a bus 4 hours:thumbdown: to retrieve Beryl the bike.

Hopefully no-one else has been caught up in this.

can't wait to get back on the road.:scooter:

apologies for making it look like I'm a compulsive post writer, but as this border potentially affects those in both Southern and Northen Asia, it needed to go in both forums.

"Beryl" you say, Tiff? jeiger

Thanks Tiffany for keeping us informed. Its very sweet of you showing your concern for other bikers.:thumbup1:

route
 

we're leaving early doh in the morning, heading from Kashgar to Mazar then Reed Willow Beach, continuing to Ani.
haven't got my map handy so not sure of road nos.

what I have heard is that the trail conditions in tibet this year are very BAD:frown: even by Tibetan standards apparently.

never mind, I'm on the altitude tablets and hoping for the best.

are you anywhere that we might be able to meet up?

ride safe