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Türkmenabat

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At a glance

Region
Lebap
Population
250,000
Best time to go
April to May, September to October
Main airport
Türkmenabat (CRZ)
Coordinates
39.07°N, 63.58°E

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Overview

Türkmenabat is Turkmenistan's second city, an old crossing point on the Amu Darya river, the Oxus of antiquity. It was once Chardzhou, a halt on caravan routes between Merv and Bukhara.

It is a practical rather than beautiful town, used mainly by overland travellers crossing to or from Uzbekistan. A few interesting sites lie in the surrounding desert and along the river.

Things to see

  • Amu Darya
    Photo: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Amu Darya

    The great Central Asian river runs along the edge of town, wide and silty.

  • Astana Baba Mausoleum
    Photo: Central Bank of Turkmenistan, Public domain

    Astana Baba Mausoleum

    A domed medieval shrine south of the city, still a place of local pilgrimage.

  • City bazaar

    A busy market for melons, bread and household goods, where the town's life gathers.

Things to do

  • Repetek Reserve
    Photo: flydime, CC BY 2.0

    Repetek Reserve

    A desert reserve protecting sand dunes and saxaul forest, on the road towards Mary.

  • Cross to Bukhara
    Photo: Euyasik, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Cross to Bukhara

    The Farap border is the usual route to Uzbekistan's greatest old city.

  • Taste Turkmen melons
    Photo: Bayram A, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Taste Turkmen melons

    The region is famous for sweet melons, piled high at markets in late summer.

Where to stay

Getting around

Taxis are cheap; a guide and driver are often arranged by your tour agency.

Domestic flights and trains link the city with Ashgabat, and the Uzbek border is a short drive away.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. Summers are very hot, and winters can be cold.

Plan your trip to Türkmenabat

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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