Termez airport: getting to the city and its sights

Termez is Uzbekistan's southernmost city, standing on the bank of the Amu Darya on the border with Afghanistan. It is a place with a very ancient history: Buddhist monasteries, mausoleums and ruined towns sit beside modern districts. The airport links the city mainly with Tashkent, so many travellers fly here to avoid spending a whole day on the road. Here is how to get from the plane to the city and what to consider if you plan to go further.

Termez airport

The airport is not far from the city, and a taxi to the centre usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. The building is small and the arrivals area compact, so it is hard to get lost. The flight from Tashkent takes about an hour and a half, so in a single day you can both fly in and see the main places. In summer fierce heat arrives, while in winter the weather is usually mild, which makes Termez a good destination in the cold months.

Remember a few things:

• there are few flights a day, and in season tickets are best bought early;
• the southern border is close, so carry your passport and be ready for document checks;
• the airport has little infrastructure, so take cash with you.

How to reach the centre

Taxi

The simplest way is a taxi from the exit. Agree on the price before the ride and ask how much it usually costs to reach your hotel. If haggling is awkward, book a transfer in advance.

Hotel transfer

Many hotels and guest houses meet guests. The price is usually fixed and given at booking. If you arrive in the evening, this is especially convenient.

Public transport

Termez is not large, and public transport does run, but it is awkward for visitors with luggage. It is best to take a taxi straight away.

What to see in Termez

The main monuments are a short distance apart, and one day is enough for them:

• The Termez Archaeological Museum, which holds finds from Buddhist monasteries, statues and frescoes. It is a good place to begin;
• Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa, remains of Buddhist monasteries from the early centuries AD. Fayaz Tepa is on the edge of the city, Kara Tepa by the river;
• The Mausoleum of Hakim at-Termizi, a ninth to tenth century shrine linked with a religious scholar;
• Sultan Saodat, a complex of mausoleums from the eleventh to seventeenth centuries and one of the finest architectural ensembles in the region;
• Kirk Kiz, a mysterious ninth-century palace with thick mudbrick walls.

In summer visit the monuments early in the morning or in the evening, because in mid-day the heat reaches forty degrees and more. Dress modestly and enter shrines with shoulders and knees covered.

Going further: Denau, Boysun and beyond

Termez is a convenient starting point for trips around the Surkhandarya region.

Termez to Denau

Denau is roughly 100 to 140 kilometres to the north, and the drive takes about two hours by car. It is one of the largest towns in the region, known for its bazaar and trading centre. Minibuses and buses run regularly, but their timetable is awkward if you have just landed. A shared ride may be handier: you book a seat in the Yo'ldosh app and see the driver's profile and departure time. See the trips on the Termez to Denau page.

Boysun and the mountains

Boysun lies further north, in the foothills of the Baysuntau range. It is known for folklore traditions listed as intangible heritage and for beautiful mountain scenery. People usually reach it from Denau.

Practical tips

1. Plan your time so you do not reach the airport at the last minute: check-in is small, but checks are thorough.
2. Bring water and a hat: summer heat in Termez is heavy.
3. Use licensed guides if you want more information about the monuments.
4. Rules apply to photographing monuments: in some areas, especially near the border, filming may be restricted.
5. Have cash ready for tickets and taxis.

When to go

The best months are March, April, October and November. Summer is too hot, and winter is cool but sunny.

Plan your trip

After landing in Termez, book your transfer in advance and decide where to go next. For the trip to Denau, open the Termez to Denau page. Other directions are in all routes. If you are a driver in the south, the for drivers page lets you publish a trip and take passengers.

Cover photo: Zenwort, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.