Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAJOR BORDER CROSSINGS INTO CENTRAL ASIA
BORDER
CROSSING
MEANS OF
TRANSPORT
COMMENTS
1
Iran-
Turkmenistan
gaudan/Bajgiran
(p405)
car
From Mashhad to Ashgabat; change
transport at the border.
2
Iran-
Turkmenistan
Saraghs
(p405)
car/rail
The best bet if you want to head
straight for Mary/Merv.
3
Azerbaijan-
Turkmenistan
Turkmenbashi
(p385)
boat
12 to 18 hours on an unreliable cargo
boat. Try to upgrade to a cabin when
on board.
4
China-
Tajikistan
Qolma (Kulma)
Pass (p367)
taxi
Technically opened in 2013 but
travellers currently not allowed to
cross. Check in advance.
5
China-
Kazakhstan
Khorgos
(p132)
bus
direct sleeper buses run from Yining
(12 hours) and Ürümqi (24 hours) to
Almaty, or take the new train to the
border and then a bus on to Yining
in China.
6
China-
Kazakhstan
dostyk/Alashankou
(p132)
rail
Twice-weekly direct trains between
Almaty and Ürümqi take 31 hours
and cost US$125.
7
China-
Kazakhstan
Maykapshagay/
Jeminay (Jimunai)
(p132)
bus
Little-used crossing but direct
buses between Ürümqi and Ust-
Kamenogorsk.
8
China-
Kyrgyzstan
Torugart Pass
(p310)
car
Tricky to arrange and relatively
expensive as you must hire your own
transport in advance on both sides.
Closed weekends.
9
China-
Kyrgyzstan
Irkeshtam Pass
(p310)
taxi/bus
Twice-weekly bus between Kashgar
and Osh (US$85) or take a taxi.
Closed weekends.
10
Uzbekistan-
Afghanistan
Friendship Bridge
Termiz/Hayratan
(p226)
taxi
Security is a concern on the Afghan
side. One hour from Mazar-e-Sharif.
11
Tajikistan-
Afghanistan
Ishkashim
(p367)
taxi
Incredibly scenic; for access to
Afghanistan's Wakhan Valley. Time a
crossing with the Saturday trans-
border market.
12
Azerbaijan-
Kazakhstan
Aktau
(p133)
boat
Passenger-carrying cargo boat with
no ixed schedule goes roughly once
a week in summer, once every two
weeks in winter; takes 18 hours or
more.
