Turkmenbashi, formerly known as Krasnovodsk, is in Balkan Province, Turkmenistan.
Understand
In 1717, Russian Prince Alexander Bekovich-Cherkassky landed and established a secret fortified settlement on this location, where the dry bed of a former mouth of the Amu-Darya River once emptied into the Caspian Sea. His intent was to march an army up this dry riverbed and conquer the Khanate of Khiva. The expedition failed, and the Russians abandoned the settlement for over 150 years.
In 1869, the Russians made a second and latest attempt. They named their fort Krasnovodsk (Красноводск), which is the Russian version of the original name, Kyzyl-Su (Red Water). Krasnovodsk was Imperial Russia's base of operations against Khiva and Bukhara, and the nomadic Turkmen tribes. It fell to the Red Army in February 1920.
In 1993 Krasnovodsk was renamed "Turkmenbashi" Many would assume that the city was renamed on behalf of Niyazov's self-proclaimed title "Turkmenbashi" meaning "The leader of Turkmens" yet the rationale behind renaming is to denote that Turkmenbashi is the place from where Turkmens spring. Turkmen meaning the Turkmen and bashi - the start, spring.
Get in
By plane
Turkmenbashi is connected by Turkmenistan Airlines flights to Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan. The airport is 8 km out of town. Flights to Ashgabat and Dashoguz cost US$11-12.
By train
Turkmenbashi is the western extent of the Trans-Caspian Railway.
Turkmendemiryollari (Turkmenistan Zeleznice) runs trains from Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi, leaving Ashgabat at 19:30 some days and arriving at Turkmenbashi at 06:30 the next day, or alternatively at 23:30 and 10:20 the next day. In similar fashion, trains leave Turkmenbashi at 15:10 certain days, arriving in Ashgabat next morning at 02:00. or at 18:00, arriving in Ashgabat next morning at 05:17 on others. A seat (second class, kupe) costs US$15.27. Rail service information has phone +993 (12) 383275 . Refer to website for most current information.
By car
From Kazakhstan
Go north from Turkmenbashi to Karabogas on a good road with fine views on the Caspian Sea. The last part is a 40-minute drive from the border on a dirt road to the city of Karabogas (formerly Bekdash). From the Turkmenistan border it is a two-hour drive to Zhanaozen in Kazakhstan.
Within Turkmenistan
Turkmenbashi is about 560 km from Ashgabat.
By bus
Shared taxis to Ashgabat and Balkanabat leave in front of the railway station, Atamurat Noyazov köcesi. The trip to Ashgabat takes 6 hours and costs about US$8 per seat or US$25 for the whole car. Shared taxis go north to the Kazakhstan border. They stop at Zhanaozen (Novy Uzen). The trip takes 7 hours and costs approx. US$40 per car.
By boat
There are boats across the Caspian Sea to Baku, Azerbaijan. The journey takes 12 to 18 hours and a seat costs about US$50. There are several boats weekly, but there is no fixed timetable. Consider that ships might be delayed and that your visa could expire in this time. Bring along you own food and water. See warning on the Turkmenistan page!
Get around
The local bus station is at Balkan köcesi, about 500 m west of the Museum of Regional History.
Taxi drives within the town cost about 3000 manat and 5000 manat to Awaza (10 km north of Turkmenbashi).
See
- Museum of Regional History, Rylov köcesi. Tu-Su 09:00-18:00. exhibits of the nomadic life of the Turkmen people US$0.10
- Church of Archangel Michael, 28 Orazova St, 40.008512°, 52.999186°. 2016-06-01
- Japanese Memorial. Memorial for thousands of Japanese prisoners of war who constructed roads and buildings here during the Second World War
Do
- swimming at Awaza.
- Awaza Resort, Awaza (Awaza). Awaza is resort place which hosts tens of hotels and sea beaches. In the evenings laser shows are held to entertain the populations and guests.
Buy
- Bagtygul Bazaar, Magtymguly sayoli. Buy caviar for US$22 per half kilo.
Eat
Budget
- Altyn Balik Restaurant, Bahri-Hazar köcesi, +993 243 77405. 12:00-23:00. US$1-2
- Zemin Cafe & Restaurant, 40.0021°, 52.98255°, +993 243 7-19-19. Daily 09:00-23:00. Nice patio dining with view of the harbor and kebabs, pizza, dessert, not to mention coffee. 2022-05-31
- Tolkun, Sagadem köcesi, 39.99493°, 52.99156°, +993 6 326 20 83. Daily 08:00-23:00. Dining with more views of harbor. 2022-05-31
Mid-range
Splurge
Drink
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
- Hotel Turkmenbashi, Hazar köcesi (2 km west of the railway station), 39.991965°, 52.977663°, +993 2 432 13 08. Higher rates from Jun to Sep. US$50-75
Splurge
- Hotel Serdar, 39.950995°, 52.853006°, +993 243 3 90 30, Sedaroteli@online.tm. One of the most beautiful hotels in Turkmenistan, higher rates from Jun to Sep. Double US$100
Connect
Turkmenistan Airlines office, Rylov köcesi, near Hotel Hazar, +993 243 24549