Approximate Border Location
Wait Times
30–60 min usual
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Operating Hours
Open 7:00 AM–5:00 PM
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Peak Times
7:00–10:00 AM, weekends
Daily Crossings
900–1,100 crossings
Currency Exchange
Limited exchange (CNY, MNT)
Safety Information
Safe, remote area
Languages Spoken
Mandarin, Mongolian, English
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
About Bulgan & Takashiken
Monthly Update (February 2026):
Quiet stretches are common before a cluster of trucks arrives at the Bulgan & Takashiken Border Crossing. In February 2026 it feels mostly stable, with vehicles taking longer on the China side and pedestrians moving steadily. Early mornings clear fastest. Trade surges and winter road conditions are what extend waits.
The Bulgan-Takashiken Crossing: A Gateway to the Altai
The border crossing at Bulgan in Khovd Province, western Mongolia, which connects to the Chinese port of Takashiken in Xinjiang, is a remote but increasingly important gateway between the two nations. This is open to international travelers but primarily a major commercial artery for the export of coal and other minerals from the rich mining deposits of western Mongolia to China. The crossing is located in a stark and beautiful high-altitude desert landscape, at the foot of the mighty Altai Mountains. The road is a constant parade of massive coal trucks, kicking up clouds of dust. The atmosphere is industrial and functional, a place of immense scale and raw commerce, set against a backdrop of profound natural beauty. For the traveler, this is a difficult border to use, requiring careful planning and often special arrangements.
A History of a New Mining Corridor
For most of history, this was an empty and remote frontier, the domain of nomadic Kazakh and Mongol herders. There was no formal crossing here. The history of the Bulgan-Takashiken crossing is very recent and is entirely driven by geology and economics. The discovery of some of the world’s largest coking coal deposits in the western Gobi region of Mongolia in the early 21st century created an urgent need for a new export route to the primary market: China. The Bulgan-Takashiken crossing was developed specifically to serve as the main logistical hub for this new mining boom. The Chinese have invested heavily in building a modern, high-capacity port of entry at Takashiken and have upgraded the road on their side. The crossing is a powerful symbol of Mongolia’s modern “mine-or-not-to-mine” dilemma and its immense economic dependence on its southern neighbor. It is a border that was built not by armies or ancient traders, but by the global demand for steel.
The Border Crossing Procedure: A Restricted Commercial Port
This border crossing is open to international travelers but primarily designated as a bilateral commercial port. The procedures are designed for truck drivers and commercial traders, with tourists requiring extensive prior arrangements, likely through a specialized tour agency, and special permits. This is a challenging process.The Process for Authorized Traffic: For the truck drivers and pre-approved travelers who can use the border, the process is formal and can be very slow due to the immense volume of coal trucks. The border is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (except Mongolian and Chinese holidays).Exiting Mongolia (Bulgan): You would arrive at the Mongolian border post. The officials, who are not accustomed to tourists, would carefully scrutinize your passport, visa, and any special permits. You would receive an exit stamp. The customs check would be thorough.Entering China (Takashiken): You would then cross to the large, modern Chinese port of entry. The security here, as in all of Xinjiang, is extremely high. You would need a pre-arranged Chinese visa. Your passport and permits would be checked multiple times. You would be fingerprinted and photographed. Your luggage and vehicle would be subjected to a complete and exhaustive search. Your electronic devices would be scanned. The process is designed for maximum security and control.
Route, Onward Travel, and Extreme Remoteness
This crossing is located in one of the most remote parts of either country. On the Mongolian side, the road from the city of Khovd to the Bulgan border is long and largely paved, a challenging journey that requires a 4×4 vehicle in some conditions. The main reason for a traveler to be in this part of Mongolia is to explore the stunning Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, with its snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and eagle hunters. On the Chinese side, the road from Takashiken leads to the city of Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, a very long journey across the desert. The region on the Chinese side is also remote and subject to the tight security controls that are in place across Xinjiang. There is bus shuttle service crossing from Takashiken to/from Khovd since 2017, but no regular public transport for independent tourists at this border. All travel must be in a pre-arranged, private vehicle with the necessary permits.
Final Contextual Note: A Coal Route, Not a Tourist Route
The Bulgan-Takashiken crossing is a fascinating example of a modern, resource-driven border. It is a place of immense economic importance but it is not a primary gateway for tourism. For the overland traveler, it requires special planning due to the restrictions on entry for foreigners, the need for special permits, limited transport, and the challenging road conditions. Any traveler wishing to explore the Mongolian Altai and then cross into China would need to consider alternatives or use the official international crossing at Zamiin-Uud-Erenhot for easier access. The Bulgan-Takashiken crossing remains a powerful symbol of the modern Gobi, a place where the timeless beauty of the Altai mountains meets the gritty, dusty reality of a 21st-century mining boom.
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