Do you plan on crossing the border between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan? This travel guide tells you how exactly to cross the border from Fergana Valley (Uzbekistan) to Khujand (Tajikistan) at Andarkhon. Even though the region is known for its sensitive relations with each other, recently, it has been one of the easiest border crossings in the region. It is very quiet, almost in the middle of nowhere, yet the infrastructure improved in recent months, so keep reading to find out the easiest way to cross the border at Andarkhon. 

Andarkhon border makes sense to cross if you plan on exploring Fergana Valley and want to meet its friendly and hospitable people and explore the silk factory and authentic bazaars. Or, if the borders between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are still closed as of August 2022, then you probably go to the second biggest Kyrgyz city of Osh by going through Uzbekistan (Fergana Valley). Therefore you follow this travel guide too. 

HOW TO GET TO THE BORDER FROM FERGANA VALLEY (UZBEKISTAN)

If you, like us, cross the border from Uzbekistan to Tajikistan, you can easily do so by taking marshrutkas or shared taxis from Kokand or Fergana. We went from Fergana by private taxi since we wanted to save time, and our hostel Sakura Inn in Fergana negotiated an excellent price for us. We paid 200000 UZS ($17) for a private car from Fergana all the way to the border. Otherwise, expect the following: 

From Fergana 

If you want to go by private transport, it is easy to take a shared taxi from Fergana to Kokand (40000UZS, $3.4), and then you change to another shared taxi going from Kokand to the border. Here the fun starts, as barely any people are going to the border by shared taxi; therefore, you most likely end up waiting a long time or paying for a whole taxi (30000 UZS, $2.5 per seat).

From Kokand 

Same as above apply. Take a shared taxi to the border, which most likely ends up being paid for entirely by you (120000 UZS, $10.3), as only a few people will travel to the border by shared taxi. 

Optionally you can take a bus to Beshariq, the nearest town to the borders, and find a taxi to take you to the border.

TIP: If you go from the opposite direction, from Tajikistan to Uzbekistan, plenty of taxis are waiting by the Uzbek side of the border. This improved significantly, so you can expect to get to Beshariq quickly. But in any case, it is good to know that once you are on the Uzbek side, it is kind of in the middle of nowhere. There is one small shop, toilets and when we were there around 1pm, seven taxis were waiting. 

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CROSSING THE BORDER 

Uzbek side 

The border was practically empty. Only four other locals and we were crossing around 1pm. On the Uzbek side, they checked our passports and asked to send our bags through the x-ray for check. To our surprise, the officer wanted to see our camera and reviewed all the photos on our memory card. It was in a friendly manner. However, we forgot that our cards were full of photos from a recent trip to Syria. He was just surprised but let us go without any issues. 

That brings us to the important information to ensure you don’t have any military or obscenity photos, which will lead to trouble. 

Tajik side

After getting our passport stamped on the Uzbek side, we went a short distance to the Tajik side. Small building, with officers inside. We read some reports from the past, stating it’s an old-school way of writing down your details in the book by hand. However, these days it doesn’t work like that anymore, and you can expect a proper immigration check by scanning your passport and taking a photo of yourself. It took 2 minutes, and we were out. 

After a few meters, another person stopped us by the room for Covid 19 check. They wanted to see a vaccination certificate or PCR test if unvaccinated (August 2022). 

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HOW TO GET FROM THE BORDER TO KHUJAND (TAJIKISTAN) 

Once you get out of the immigration, there will be plenty of taxi drivers fighting for your attention. They tried to overcharge us, as everywhere else when you cross the borders. They will lie, saying no marshrutkas are going, don’t trust them. Marshrutka #164 frequently goes between the border and the Konibodom bus station (pay maximum of 4 TJS, $0.3). 

Optionally, take a taxi to Konibodom bus station but don’t pay more than 15 TJS ($1.4) for a whole car. It is just a short drive. 

From the Konibodom bus station, there are frequent marshrutkas (we went with Marshrutka #328) to Khujand (15 TJS per person). Bear in mind it drop you off at the station at the edge of the town; you will need to take another marshrutka to the city centre. There are plenty of them going every minute. People will gladly help you to find the right one for you, depending on where you want to go in Khujand. 

Essential reading: Epic two day hike to Kulikalon Lake in Fann Mountains, Tajikistan.

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CHANGING THE MONEY 

There is no chance to exchange money on the Uzbek side. Neither could we exchange in Fergana as there is no place with Tajik money. The best place to exchange is on the Tajik side, as right beside the border is an Exchange money office with good rates. Optionally, you can ask a taxi driver to take you to ATM in Konibodom and withdraw there. That’s what we did.

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WHERE TO STAY IN KHUJAND 

The budget I Guest House Sharq 21 – we stayed here, and it is the only budget place in town that survived the Covid era. All other traveller hostels simply don’t work anymore. They have only two private rooms, one whole apartment and a dorm with four beds to rent, so make sure you don’t book last minute; otherwise, it might be too late. Breakfast is included, and the location is superb, close to the centre. 

Mid-Range I Hotel Heson – a decent place not far from the centre, with breakfast included. AC is in every room. Travellers like spacious rooms, cleanliness and private bathrooms. Some claims it was even the best stay in Central Asia for them. 

Luxury I Sugdiyon Hotel – for a reasonable price, you get a night in a proper hotel; try to ask for a room on a higher floor as the view over the mountains is mesmerizing. Breakfast is included, wifi works well, and AC is a must. 

We stayed in Khujand for a few days longer on Couchsurfing, so you can also try that. I hope you have a smooth travel between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. If you need more information on this topic, please comment below. Happy travels!

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