Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan 🇷🇺 Russia
Nearest Cities
Urlitobe, Cherlak
Coordinates
53.80°N, 73.50°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
30-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, commercial
Daily Crossings
~6000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Kazakh, Russian
Currency Exchange
Available near Urlitobe (KZT, RUB)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Generally safe, traffic hazards
Emergency Contacts
🇰🇿 101 🇷🇺 101
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About Cherlak, Urlitobe
The Sulu-Agash-Karasuk Crossing: A Route Across the Kulunda Steppe
The border crossing at Sulu-Agash in Kazakhstan’s Pavlodar Region, which connects to the Russian post at Karasuk in the Novosibirsk Oblast, is a secondary gateway on the vast Kazakh-Russian frontier. It is situated on a regional road that provides a link between the agricultural lands of northeastern Kazakhstan and the southwestern part of Siberia. This is not a major international highway crossing like the one on the Irtysh River route to the west. Instead, it is a quieter, more local checkpoint, primarily serving the rural communities and agricultural trade of the Kulunda Steppe. The crossing typically operates only during daylight hours, and its facilities are more modest than the 24/7 posts on the main corridors. Your experience here will be of a more relaxed, slower-paced border, a place where the vast, quiet emptiness of the steppe is the defining feature.
A History of Virgin Lands and Rural Life
The Kulunda Steppe, where this crossing is located, is a vast, flat plain known for its agriculture. The history of the area in the modern era is dominated by the Soviet “Virgin Lands” campaign of the 1950s and 60s. This ambitious project saw millions of hectares of pristine steppe plowed up for grain production. Towns like Karasuk in Russia and the surrounding state farms (sovkhozy) in Kazakhstan were established or greatly expanded during this period. The border between the Kazakh SSR and the Russian SFSR was a purely administrative line within this massive, integrated agricultural project. The creation of an international border in 1991 divided these communities. The Sulu-Agash-Karasuk crossing exists to maintain the local connections that are a legacy of this shared history. It allows for local trade, family visits, and the movement of agricultural machinery and products across a border that bisects a single, homogenous landscape.
The Border Crossing Procedure: A Formal but Quieter Process
The facilities at Sulu-Agash and Karasuk are smaller and more basic than at the major highway posts. The key is to verify the operating hours in advance, as it is not open 24 hours. The low traffic volume usually means a quicker crossing, often under an hour, but the procedures are still formal.
Exiting Kazakhstan (Sulu-Agash): You will arrive at the Kazakh border post. At the passport control window, you must present your passport and your white Kazakh migration card. The officer will check your documents and stamp you out of the country, retaining the migration card. A customs official will then conduct an inspection of your vehicle and luggage. At a smaller post, the officials may be more inclined to take their time and ask questions about your journey.
Entering Russia (Karasuk): After leaving the Kazakh post, you will proceed to the Russian facility. The first and most critical step is immigration. You must have a valid Russian visa obtained in advance from a consulate. The immigration officer will carefully check your passport and visa. You will need to fill out the two-part Russian migration card; one part will be returned to you and must be kept with your passport. Next is the customs check. You will need to present your vehicle registration and international insurance (Green Card). You may be required to fill out a vehicle import declaration. The officials will inspect your car and luggage. Be prepared to answer questions clearly and politely.
Route, Road Conditions, and Important Considerations
This crossing is on a secondary road. The road quality can be highly variable and may include unpaved or poorly maintained sections, especially on the approach roads in the vast rural areas. A sturdy vehicle is advisable. The main advantage of this route is the peaceful, traffic-free drive through the unique landscape of the Kulunda Steppe. The most important consideration for a foreign traveler is to confirm that this crossing is currently designated as “international” and is open to all nationalities. Smaller, local crossings can sometimes be restricted to only Kazakh and Russian citizens. This status can change, and official information can be difficult to find online. Checking with reliable local sources (like a hotel in Pavlodar or Karasuk) before committing to the route is a wise precaution. Also, confirming the exact operating hours is absolutely essential to avoid arriving at a closed gate in a very remote location.
Final Planning Advice for a Steppe Backroad
The Sulu-Agash-Karasuk crossing offers an alternative for the traveler seeking to experience the vast, quiet beauty of the Siberian and Kazakh steppe, away from the noise and congestion of the main highways. It can provide a quicker and more personal crossing experience if you are well-prepared. However, it comes with a higher degree of uncertainty. The absolute necessities are a pre-arranged Russian visa and all your valid vehicle documents. The main risks are the uncertainty of its international status, its limited operating hours, and the variable road conditions. If you can get confirmation that the border is open to you, and your vehicle is suited to the journey, this can be a rewarding route that offers a more authentic glimpse into the rural heartland of the Eurasian plain.