Hello,

I am currently planning the specific route through turkmenistan from Turkmenbashi to Uzbekistan. It seems that there are two main routes from the maps I have been looking at. One route crosses at Khojeli and the other route crosses at Farab which is further south. I am interested to know what people's experience are on either of those routes.

Additionally When leaving Uzbekistan and heading towards Kazakhstan there appears to be only one border crossing just north of Tashkent. This leaves me with some questions as on the map it seems that I have to enter Kazakstan then exit Kazakhstan to even get to Tashkent if i use the "M39" route? Is that Correct? or are there some better routes to tashkent?

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Jimmy.

Not actually been yet, so don't take my word for it, but as far as I know the northern option is quite a bit rougher across the desert but that's the way we're planning to go as it takes you past the gas crater and leads you into UZ nearer to the Aral Sea, which we plan to detour past.

The M39 from Samarkand to Tashkent doesn't pass through Kaz, it just comes within a couple of miles of the border.

As far as I know.

(I don't know very much.)

(I'm just bored at work waiting for other people to do stuff I need....)

(But only 3 more weeks of work to go! Yay!)

Out of interest when are you planning on going? Do you have a route or any further information?

16th to 21st June for Turkmenistan.

We're having a guided tour courtesy of Stantours. I posted details of our itinerary here http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...sia-back-41060 but route-wise I don't have much detail because we're leaving that to our guides.


When are you going? Tourist visa or transit visa?

Al

I crossed from Farab to Artyk (100 km from Turkmenbashi). I wanted to go the other route, from Khojeli and to Turkmenbashi, but was given transit visa with different itinerary than requested. Farab-Artyk was very boring (at least so it did seem after crossing 'stans).

The road does not go through Kazakhstan.

Hmm, so where is Khojeli? Sounds like it's not where I thought...

Never mind, it is where i thought:


To/from uzbekistan

There are three crossings from Uzbekistan. Each crossing requires a walk of about 10 to 20 minutes across no-man’s-land. Shared taxis are sometimes available to shuttle travellers across; the cost of which ranges from US$0.50 to US$1. Whether they are operating or not when you visit is a matter of luck.
The Farab crossing is closest to Bukhara (Uzbekistan) and Turkmenabat (Turkmenistan). The 45-km taxi ride to Farab from Turkmenabat should cost US$4 to US$6 for a taxi (or US$0.50 for a seat in a shared taxi). From the border, take a taxi (US$8) to Bukhara, or hire a taxi as far as Uzbek Olot (or Qarakul), where you can change to a shared taxi.
The Dashogus crossing is best if you are headed for Khiva or Urgench. A taxi from Dashogus to the Uzbek border is not more than US$1. From the border to Khiva expect to pay around US$10.
Less used is the Khojeli crossing, a 10-minute taxi ride (US$1) from Konye-Urgench. Once across the border it’s a half-hour drive to Nukus in Karakalpakstan. A taxi from Konye-Urgench to the border is around US$1. From the border, take public transport to Khojeli (US$1) or a taxi all the way to Nukus (US$7).

The two main routes across Turkmenistan both have their attractions. In November 2007 I drove from the Khojeili border through the interesting town of Konye Urgench, which has Timurid monuments to almost as good as Bukhara and Samarkand, without the shoddy restoration, and an interesting, desolate setting. You then pass very close to the awesome Darvaza gas crater - I can get you GPS waypoints if required - which is one of the most bizzare things I've ever seen. The road was bad from Konye Urgench to where Darvaza used to be (Turkmenbashi decided to have the whole town levelled), then perfect to Ashgabad. However, they were working on it, so I guess the bad stretch is far shorter now, or even completely upgraded. But this is Central Asia, and one should not make assumptions based on logic! David Berghoff of Stantours is the best source of up-to-date advice, and a great guy to get you an Uzbek LOI, if you need one.

The other route passes the ancient civilisation of the Margiana Oasis, known as Merv, near the modern and apparently boring city of Mary. I've not seen the area, but it's probably only of interest if you're into history / archaeology.

Personally, I'd highly recommend the westerly crossing of the Kara Kum; the scenery is quite stunning in places.

Remember that you pay for each km of your land route, so consider which route is shorter for you.

Where are you getting your Turkmen visa? I take it you want a transit visa? Make sure you use a good embassy. Baku is not a good place to get it, but check on the thorntree for the latest info.

There is a third border crossing, slightly east of Khojeili, which leads to Khiva in Uzbekistan. I don't remember meeting anyone who has crossed here.

If my memory serves me correctly, there are three border crossings between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, though I'm not sure. I used the Zhibek Zholi (Silk Road) crossing on the M39 just north of Tashkent.

Roads in the region were built without ever thinking that Stalin's provincial borders would turn into national frontiers, hence the M39 from Samarkand to Tashkent passes through a corner of Kazakhstan. There are at least two alternative routes, and the main road short-cuts the old M39 route. Justr follow the frequent signoposts to TOSHKENT or SMARQAND. Remember that locals usually need visas to visit neighbouring countries, and roads have been built and altered to compensate.

Further up the M39, the route from Almaty to Tashkent passes through a bit of Kyrgyzstan, but again there is a good diversion through Shoo to avoid this.

Have fun in Central Asia, it's an unforgettable place.

Daniel

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