Druzhba & Gazojak Border Crossing

A Crossing in the Gas Fields

Important Note for Travelers: Turkmenistan is one of the most closed and tightly controlled countries in the world. This is a remote border crossing primarily for local and industrial traffic. It is absolutely essential to have all visas and permits in perfect order and to verify the crossing’s operational status before attempting to cross.

The border crossing connecting the Turkmen town of Gazojak with the area near Druzhba (Pitnyak) in Uzbekistan is a journey into the industrial heartland of the Central Asian energy industry. This is not a tourist route; it is a secondary checkpoint that serves the natural gas fields and the communities that have grown up around them. To cross here is to travel a route that is defined by the infrastructure of the gas industry, a passage through a landscape of pipelines, processing plants, and the vast, arid expanse of the Karakum and Kyzylkum deserts. It is a crossing that is a testament to the immense energy wealth that lies beneath this remote and challenging land.

Operational Details

This checkpoint connects Turkmenistan’s Lebap Province with the Xorazm Region of Uzbekistan. It is an international crossing, but it is very remote, and it is crucial to check its operational status and hours before travel, as it may not be open 24/7. The crossing is intended for passenger cars and local traffic. The road leading to the border on both sides can be in poor condition. The traffic is generally very light, but the procedures, especially on the Turkmen side, can be extremely slow and bureaucratic.

Before Crossing

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A History of Soviet Industry

The history of this region is the history of the Soviet Union’s quest for energy resources. The town of Gazojak (“Gas Source”) was founded in the Soviet era as a center for the development of the massive natural gas fields of the Karakum Desert. The border is a legacy of the Soviet administrative divisions. After independence, the border became a hard frontier, dividing the gas fields and the infrastructure that had been built to serve them. The crossing is a key point for the limited cross-border movement of workers and supplies related to the energy industry.

The Border Crossing Procedure

The border crossing procedure is a complex, multi-stage, and often extremely slow process, particularly on the Turkmen side. You will need a valid passport and valid visas for both countries, which must be obtained well in advance. A Letter of Invitation (LOI) is typically required for a Turkmen visa. Upon entering Turkmenistan, you will be required to pay numerous taxes and fees. The customs inspection is extremely thorough, with detailed searches of luggage and electronic devices. Be prepared for a long, bureaucratic, and often frustrating experience that can take half a day or more.

The Surrounding Region: Turkmenistan Side

On the Turkmen side, the crossing is in the heart of the Karakum Desert. The main point of interest in the wider region is the Darvaza Gas Crater, the “Gates of Hell,” a vast, fiery crater that has been burning continuously since a Soviet drilling rig collapsed in 1971. It is a surreal and spectacular sight, but it is a very long and difficult journey from the border. The nearby town of Gazojak is a classic Soviet-era industrial settlement.

The Surrounding Region: Uzbekistan Side

On the Uzbek side, the crossing is in the Xorazm Region, on the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert. The nearby town of Pitnyak is a small, agricultural settlement on the Amu Darya river. The crossing is a gateway to the magnificent, walled inner city (the Itchan Kala) of Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Khiva is a perfectly preserved desert oasis city, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways, turquoise-tiled minarets, and stunning madrasas. It is one of the most atmospheric and beautiful cities on the entire Silk Road.

Practical Travel Information

Practical planning is absolutely essential for this route. You must have all your documents in perfect order. The official currencies are the Turkmen Manat (TMT) in Turkmenistan and the Uzbekistani Som (UZS) in Uzbekistan. The roads can be in very poor condition. Services are extremely limited. You must be completely self-sufficient with fuel, food, and water. Ensure you have a clear plan for your onward transport from the border, as it is located in a very remote area.

Final Considerations

The Gazojak–Druzhba border crossing is a journey for the most adventurous and well-prepared of travelers. It is a passage through a landscape of immense energy wealth and stark, desert beauty. It is a gateway to the magnificent city of Khiva and the surreal spectacle of the Darvaza Gas Crater. It is a border that is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Soviet industrial project and a powerful symbol of the unique and enigmatic character of modern Turkmenistan. It is a challenging but potentially rewarding route for the dedicated overlander.