Ing Yung
June 27, 2024
We stayed two nights separated by one night in Tashkurgan.The best part of the first day was spent locating an agent to provide a car and driver to Tashkurgan. My wife and me were sent to the Kashgar Tourist centre beyond the airport to apply for a Border Travel Permit to Tashkurgan and astonished to find the place closed being Sunday 24th June. Staff at the reception were all friendly and enthusiastic. Only two lifts served both Orange and Mercure which were inadequate. Mercure provides free pick up and sent from anf to airport but requires 4 hours advance confirmation. We requested sent off to airport for 1005 flight to Chengu. Staff confirmed reservation for two leaving at 0800 which is too early for breakfast at hotel. So an arrangement was made for wake up call, picnic boxes to takeaway. On 26th morning, the short bald old man probably working as bell boy scolded me why I am alone at the lobby at 0752 and that there are other guests waiting in the car. Fully seated by 0755, we discovered that the rush was to pick up another passenger for the one remaining seat in the 7- seater! We had to travel west to Tianshan road, pick up the last passenger at Hanting Hotel before making east and north to Kashgar Airport. The experience totally spoilt my day, wiped out any good feeling or impression with Mercure and never mind about the promised packed breakfast boxes.