Amu Darya border city and eastern Turkmenistan transport hub, also known as Türkmenabat.
Chardzhou — now officially known as Türkmenabat — is Turkmenistan's second-largest city, sitting on the banks of the Amu Darya river close to the Uzbekistan border. With a population of around 250,000, it is the main urban centre of eastern Turkmenistan and the country's most important border crossing point.
Most travelers encounter Chardzhou as a transit stop on the journey between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The Trans-Caspian Railway passes through on its way to Tashkent, and the Farap border crossing to the south handles most overland traffic. The train journey from Ashgabat takes about 10 hours across the Karakum Desert, passing through some of Central Asia's most desolate landscape.
The city itself is a typical Soviet-era Central Asian town — wide boulevards, concrete apartment blocks, and a large bazaar that is the liveliest spot in town. The Amu Darya riverbank is pleasant for a stroll in the cooler months, and the covered bazaar sells carpets, dried fruit, and melons from the surrounding Lebap province. As with all of Turkmenistan, independent travel requires a guide and a letter of invitation, so your time here will likely be structured by your tour operator.
Guide
Getting There
The Trans-Caspian Railway is the main connection. The line runs west to Ashgabat — the journey takes approximately ten hours through the Karakum Desert, a stark and memorable ride through one of the world's largest sand deserts. Eastward the railway continues across the Amu Darya bridge into Uzbekistan. Train frequency is limited, so verify departure times and buy tickets in advance if possible. The journey itself — watching the desert change light from a Soviet-era train carriage — is part of the point.
Buses and shared taxis run to Ashgabat and are faster than the train if the connections work out. Shared taxis to the Farap border crossing operate throughout the day from the city center. There is a small regional airport (Türkmenabat Airport) with occasional domestic flights to Ashgabat, but train is generally more reliable. Note that all independent travel in Turkmenistan requires a guide and a pre-arranged Letter of Invitation; this applies to transport and accommodation booking as well. Work this out through a registered Turkmenistan tour operator before you enter the country.
