tourism in turkmenistan

Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Turkmenistan | A Complete Travel Guide

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: December 22, 2021  - Last updated: April 2, 2022

Categories Central Asia , Destinations , Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is the strangest and the least explored of all the six countries in Central Asia. It’s also one of the least visited countries in the world, with less than 10 000 foreign tourists a year. This unique country is hard to get entry to but what awaits is a world of intrigue and an experience that will leave you with memories for a lifetime. 

With that in mind, here is a complete travel guide to Turkmenistan to get you prepared and ready, with a few Turkmenistan facts and strange laws to go along with it. 

During my visit to Turkmenistan so did I travel around a significant part of the country for eight days, visiting big parts of the country doing this itinerary: Ashgabat – Nisa – Geok Tepe – Kov Ata cave – Nokhur – Parau Bibi – Balkanabat – Yangy Kala Canyon – Turkmenbashy – Ashgabat – Darvaza Gas (The Gates To hell) – Ashgabat.

Getting to Turkmenistan

Officially, foreign tourists are welcomed, but the requirement for expensive guided tours and a lengthy and difficult visa process discourage many foreign visitors from visiting Turkmenistan.

Getting to Turkmenistan is the hardest part of the trip. There are no online bookings for flights with the national airline yet, so tickets can only be purchased through an agent. You can also only fly into Ashgabat city as this is the only port of entry for international arrivals and departures. 

To Turkmenistan with flights

There are only a few international flights to Turkmenistan, with only Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa being the international airlines flying into Turkmenistan. However, the local Turkmenistan Airlines offers international flights to London, Birmingham, Dubai , Bangkok , Beijing, Paris, New Delhi , Amritsar , Moscow, Saint Petersburg , Jeddah , and Minsk. NB. Since the outbreak of Covid, all international flights to Turkmenistan have been canceled.

Visa for Turkmenistan Travel

The visa process to gain entry to Turkmenistan is strict, to say the least. Probably the most difficult visa in the world. A tourist visa for Turkmenistan is only possible to obtain with help from a local Travel Agency, meaning you will have to book a guide and a tour, but the good news is with a pre-booked trip, are you able to get the visa on arrival at the international airport in Ashgabat. Once you get the invitation letter, so will it only take about 2 min to get your visa at the airport. If you are traveling overland, so it is possible to get a 3 or 5-day transit visa for Turkmenistan on your own without  too much difficulty. But over the recent years, rejections have become an estimated 50% rejection rate.

The most up-to-date information about Turkmenistan visas can be found here .

Registration in Turkmenistan 

After all the red tape that you have to jump through to get into Turkmenistan, you will have to register your stay with the local Migration officials upon arrival, and every city you stay in during your visit. This is only for those who manage to obtain a visa on their own, though. If you go with a tour agency, then they should take care of this for you. 

Best Places to Visit in Turkmenistan

During a visit to Turkmenistan, you can travel around a significant part of the country for eight days, and this is the best itinerary for it.

Ashgabat 

The capital city of Ashgabat is an odd place that once had elements and influences of Soviet Russia. This all changed when the new President took over. He demolished the older Russian structures and created all-new buildings made of white marble. 

One thing that’s a little creepy is that the city is very quiet, to the point where it almost feels like it’s abandoned. It is because of this that the city has the nickname ‘the city of the dead by many foreign tourists, however, I did really like Ashgabat.

Take a while to explore all the marble and gold buildings and take a trip to the Gates to Hell outside of the city. 

Just outside of Ashgabat is the ancient city of Nisa, also known as Parthaunia. This massive city was the first capital of the area and dates back to 250 BC. The fortress within the city was made a UNESCO Heritage site with Parthian remains discovered inside of it. 

It is believed that this was the Arsacid Empire’s first seat. It was an immensely important trading center for the Parthian Empire and was also famous for its incredible horses that were both beautiful and fast. 

Kov Ata Cave

One of Turkmenistan’s natural wonders, this cave dives down to around 59m/195 feet underground and has a naturally heated lake at the bottom of it. You can actually swim in this lake with the waters believed to have medicinal powers; thanks to the thermal heat of the lake, the lake is 35+ warm.

Oh, the cave is also home to an immense number of bats that will circle overhead while you are in the lake. Be aware that the lake is really deep, while there´s a small platform to stand on, so is it often crowded with locals, so you should be able to swim to enjoy the lake. You should only spend a maximum of 20 minutes in the lake and 45 minutes in the cave in total because of the sulfur fumes. But nobody checks.

There´s a small changing area at the lake, but the whole area is really dark without any safety guards or life jackets if someone gets into problems in the water.

NB. The place is absolutely not wheelchair available or for people with a bad knee.

This little area is very remote and has an interesting set of beliefs as they credit that they are descendants of Alexander the Great. The inhabitants speak a different dialect which other Turkmen struggle to understand. 

They are known for their odd customs and their work ethic. They are a rich little village with new cars being a pretty common sight.

This is a beautiful area to hike with the several different villages that make up the area being within walking distance. Take to the trails past the swimming areas and waterfalls and bask in the nature around you. 

But most people that visit Nokhur, come here for the Nokhur cemetery. A pretty strange site. The graves at Nokhur cemetery are marked by the horns of mountain goats, point to burial rites steeped in animism, sprinkled with Zoroastrianism. The goat horns are believed to fight off evil spirits, while the stones are marked with steps, to help the deceased ascend to heaven.

The white Parau Bibi mausoleum is a pilgrim site and shrine to the patron of all pregnant women and infants. Women from across Turkmenistan will gather here and ask for help when needed. This is an amazing area to visit and one that will leave a lasting impression. 

This city is the capital of the largest region in Turkmenistan but also one of the youngest. It’s famous for being where the oil and gas for the country were found. Here, you’ll take a step inside modern Turkmenistan, with all the interesting structures and also having a very small amounts of people. 

Yangykala Canyon

The Yangykala Canyon is an often overlooked or forgotten place that most Turkmenistan people haven’t even seen themselves. It´s a real off-the-beaten-path destination in Central Asia. This natural attraction is something to behold, with sights of yellow, red, and pink rock contrasting the sharp canyon walls. 

It is even possible to camp on a plateau there overnight so you can wake up to the solitude in the desert. 

Turkmenbashy

Sitting on the edges of the Caspian sea , Turkmenbashy is a port city that offers a link to Baku from either railway or by taking a ferry. Just outside of the city is a smaller area of Awaza, which happens to be an insanely popular holiday destination of the country. 

This area has a strong Russian influence and overall a very luxurious and more high-quality environment. For those looking to relax in luxury while in Turkmenistan, this is the place for you. 

What is Turkmenistan Famous for?

The first thing that comes to mind about Turkmenistan is its interesting government, but there is more when it comes to tourism in Turkmenistan so let’s take a look. 

Darvaza Gas Crater

The famous ‘ Gate of Hell’ is in Turkmenistan . Locally known as the Darvaza gas crater, it is a man-made crater in the desert that is continuously on fire.

The Gate of hell Turkmenistan was created by mistake in 1971 when a Soviet drilling rig accidentally punched into a massive underground natural gas cavern.

This caused the ground to collapse and the entire drilling rig to fall in. You can still see the old metal pipes sticking out of the ground in the crater.

Almost 50 years on, and geologists still have no idea how much longer it will burn for. It might die out tomorrow, or it might burn for another 100 years; nobody knows.

Taking a trip to see it at night is a must when the fires flare up and give a stark contrast to the sheer darkness of the desert.  

Silk Road Cities

The ancient city of Merv is one of Turkmenistan’s Silk Road contributions. It is a massive urban center that is the largest on Silk Road. This is an oasis of a city that is a UNESCO site, with another city, Kunya-Urgench, being another UNESCO site. 

The City Center is Made of Marble

Ashgabat is unique in that a majority of the structures and public areas are built with white marble. It actually holds a Guinness World Record for having the highest density of buildings made of marble in the world. 

There are no big billboards with commercials anywhere in the city, and best of all, there’s no Starbucks, no KFC, no Mcdonalds, etc. Only small, locally owned businesses here.

But the few tourists that make it to Ashgabat will see a city that is extremely well-organized with an easy bus system, and it’s also probably the cleanest city anywhere in the world. Dirty cars are not even allowed in the city.

What Language do They Speak in Turkmenistan

An interesting fact about Turkmenistan is that it has three spoken languages and only one written one. Uzbek, Russian, and Turkmen are the different languages that you can speak while in Turkmenistan. 

Turkmen is a member of the Turkic family of language. It is very similar to Turkish and is spoken in seven different dialects throughout the different provinces of the country. The sole written language, however, is Turkmen, so brushing up on a few key phrases is recommended. 

Things You Should Pack to Visit Turkmenistan

Your luggage will depend on what time of the year you are planning to travel. If going in summer, you can expect high temperatures, so lightweight and breathable clothing, as well as your swimsuit, is essential. Winter is the complete opposite, and multiple layers of clothing that are also waterproof are needed. 

For women, even though it is technically an Islamic country, it has a complicated relationship with its views, and so it’s not an unacceptable thing for you to show skin. Turkmenistan is, in fact, one of the most liberal Muslim countries in the world.

Essential medication is also a must as while there are pharmacies in major cities where you can get the basics, there is no access to any form of medication outside of these major areas. 

However, don´t expect much shopping in Turkmenistan, while there’s a big fancy shopping mall with “everything” in Ashgabat, so is there not much when it comes to shopping outside the capital. Maybe the best thing to buy in Turkmenistan is locally woven carpets which are among the best in the world.

Trips to Turkmenistan Information

When it comes to tourism in Turkmenistan and planning your trip, there are a few things that you need to know to make sure that you are fully prepared for what lies ahead of you. 

Getting Around Turkmenistan

If you make your own way into the country, then you only really have a train or taxi to use to get around.

If you go with a tour guide, then you should be taken around in a 4×4 vehicle while exploring the country. There are buses, but there aren’t many at all. 

All three of those options are pretty cheap ways to get around, but winter does have an impact on the transportation system with interruptions to power supplies. The trains and buses are also slow, but at least they are reasonably comfortable. 

But the fastest and cheapest way to get across Turkmenistan is by flying; domestic flights in Turkmenistan with the local airline Turkmenistan Airlines are subsidized by the government, making Turkmenistan probably the cheapest country in the world for local flights. My flight from Turkmenbashy to Ashgabat was only 7 USD.

Money in Turkmenistan

The Manat is the main currency of Turkmenistan, while a single Manat is made of 100 Tenne. It is worth remembering that there are not that many ATMs at all. Don’t bank on using a card either, as cards will rarely be accepted by any store.

There are currency exchanges throughout, and they will happily change US Dollars and Euros into local Manat at a fixed rate and take no commission. They love to exchange US Dollars and prefer them, so bring various low denominations in cash, which you can exchange as you need in a small discrete bag . 

The notes need to be in near perfect condition for them to be accepted, as any marked or damaged notes will not be accepted. You will be expected to settle your hotel bill in cash with US Dollars if you won’t use a credit card. All other payments will have to be made in cash. 

NB. Changing money on the black market, (strictly illegal) will give you a much, much better rate, often three times the official rate.

Internet in Turkmenistan

Don’t expect too much internet while you visit Turkmenistan. The connection has always been a struggle, but the state also has strict laws on internet access and is heavily filtered. When you do gain access, your online activity will be monitored, and a large number of websites are blocked from access. If you thought the Great Firewall China or the internet in Eritrea was strict, then you haven’t been to Turkmenistan, even with a premium VPN, so was about every social media still blocked and unavailable, even WhatsApp, telegram, etc. was impossible to log into, even with a VPN. In general, there is wifi in the higher-end hotels in Balkanabat, Turkmenbashi, and Ashgabatand at most one old-school internet cafe in each city. But even in the high-end hotels, so is the internet connection extremely slow.

If you are looking for a social media or internet detox, then a Turkmenistan holiday isn’t a bad idea while exploring this unique country.  Because while the first day it´s pretty frustrating with not being able to connect to the outside world, but after a few days, it feels actually good.

Safety in Turkmenistan

In general, Turkmenistan safety is considered to be good and a safe place to explore, but there are consequences of breaking the law. It is an authoritarian state and not widely known as a tourist hotspot. And criticizing the President is a serious offense. The standard safety precautions should be carried out as there is a crime, just like in any other major city. 

Seeing as that almost all sales are cash-driven, be careful with the amount that you carry on you at any given time and keep it in a discreet place. Going out alone, especially at night, is not recommended as the police can get a little suspicious. Also, don’t take any photographs of the military or any government buildings and markets.

And be aware there´s secret police everywhere, personally so did I get stopped 3 times by the secret police, once for taking a photo of the University in Asgahbat, the central market and just for walking down a random street, however, while the secret where polite, so are they strict and not open for discussion.

Electricity in Turkmenistan 

Surprisingly, there is plenty of access to electricity throughout Turkmenistan, with most of the population receiving gas and electricity for free. However, it is pretty inefficient, and there have been reports of various problems with the supply of electricity. There are even problems with the heating in Ashgabat, not a nice thing to have to endure while visiting in winter. 

The older power stations are heavily impacted by the weather so expect frequent blackouts in both the colder winter months and also in the warm summer months. Ensure that you always keep a bottle or two of water on you as the electricity going out in Ashgabat causes issues with the supply of water as well. 

Drinks and Alcohol in Turkmenistan

Although it is a predominantly Muslim country, Turkmenistan is still somewhat liberal around the consumption of alcohol. There are, however, quite a few strict laws in Turkmenistan around the sale of alcohol. But is not often strictly enforced. About every restaurant and shop in the country offers at least beer. But to the surprise of many, so do Turkmenistan, produce their own, beer, vodka, wine, and brandy. Mainly that it cannot be consumed on public transport or in public areas of any kind. Beaches, forests, and elevators, as well as at any sporting facilities, are a few other areas.

There is also a ban on the sale of alcohol on weekends from establishments that are not either bars or restaurants. But this rule doesn´t seem to be very strictly enforced. And there´s no shortage of bars and restaurants anywhere in Turkmenistan, so you don’t have to worry about staying “dry”. Beer is insanely popular and the drink of choice for almost everyone, even though it is pretty low in alcohol percentage. For all the wine lovers, there are some amazing local wines.

The Turkmenistan people also make stunning Brandy, and even vodka, believe it or not. Start your night off over a few bottles of Tac Premium beer, and then maybe sample some brandy after that. 

When Will you Travel to Turkmenistan?

There are surely a ton of interesting facts about Turkmenistan. But, if you are ready to pay the high price and go through the hassle to obtain a visa, Turkmenistan has a lot to offer. From three historical UNESCO World Heritage sites, two of the strangest natural sites in the world, and a one-of-a-kind capital covered with white marble. 

There are gold statues and a lot of obscure monuments and strange architecture to add even more reasons to travel here. So the question remains, when will you travel to Turkmenistan?

Thursday 23rd of December 2021

Thx for the report. I have been twice in Turkmenistan ( 2006 and 2017). strange but interesting country to visit.

Must-see attractions in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan

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Mary Regional Museum

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Gutlug Timur Minaret

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Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum

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Arch of Neutrality

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Gozli Ata Mausoleum

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Nejameddin Kubra Mausoleum

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Konye-Urgench Museum

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Carpet Museum

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Mamun II Minaret

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Lebap Regional Museum

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Konye-Urgench Historical Park

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Great Kyz Kala

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Museum of Fine Arts

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Mausoleums of Two Askhab

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Il-Arslan Mausoleum

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Mausoleum of Mohammed ibn Zeid

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Buddhist Stupa

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Independence Park

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Pokrovskaya Church

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Statue of Lenin

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Mosque of Yusuf Hamadani

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Russian Orthodox Church

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Shahriyar Ark

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Palace of Knowledge

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Turkmenbashi Museum

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Monument to the Independence of Turkmenistan

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Former Archive of the Communist Party of Turkmenistan

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The Silk Road Travel Guide

63 Great Things To See and Do in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan has astounding natural sights and deep, deep historical roots. The desert is full of fascinating creatures and it has fostered a living folk culture steeped in Sufi traditions.

The downside? Because of the many restrictions for tourists, it’s difficult to actually see or do many of these things. On the plus side, Turkmenistan’s strange government has created a whole new category of “weird tourism”, and that is on display everywhere.

We ranked ideas based on how easy they are to complete – first is easiest, last is most difficult.

Table of Contents

Natural sights

• Lean into the gas crater of Darwaza in the desert twilight
• Swim in the underground cave of Kow-Ata
• Explore the ancient Tethys Sea: drive through the colourful Yangisuw canyon and camp at even more spectacular Yangykala canyon
• Track dinosaur steps in Kugitang national park and relax at the sulfur springs
• Get splattered by the large Getpatlavuk mud volcano

Weird & dark sights

• Try to use the internet
• Be astounded by the sacrilege of the Kipchak mosque  and visit Turkmenbashi’s final resting place
• Go to a fancy restaurant and get spied upon
• Take the Walk of Health and wonder how healthy that can be
• Hunt for remainders of Turkmenbashi’s rule: Rukhnama books, golden statues and vodka bottles
• Have a conversation with a local
• Attend one of many strange celebrations dedicated to flags, horses, melons, …
• Descend into the Garashor depression and ponder the madness of the desert Golden Age Lake

Historical sights

• Visit the remains of the Parthian stronghold of Nisa
• Take a day to visit the left-overs of once-proud, ruined Konye-Urgench
• Get the full tour of the ruins of Merv , once the largest city on earth
• Seek the foundations of Zoroastrism at Gonur Depe
• Visit the Bronze Age archaeological site of Margush
• See real Silk Road ruins at Dekistan
• Admire the craft of the Persian fortress of Nadir Shah
• Delve into the Ekedeshik cave settlement
• Learn more about the ruins of Izmukshir and Ismamut Ata
• Trace more of the withered Silk Road on the way from Ashgabat to Mary at the ruins of Namazga Depe, Ulug Depe and Altyn Depe
• Dig further into Parthian history at the atmospheric sites of Anau and Abiverd
• Do a historical tour of the northern desert, with visits to the Mausoleum of Ashyk Aydin Pir,  the fortress of Diyarbekir, Shasenem shrine and Gyaur Kala
• Visit the mausoleums in Sarakhs, and get out to the Silk road ruins around the town at Gurukly Depe and Mele Hairam

City life & museums

• Be blown away at the sight of Ashgabat, the White City, stroll the deadly streets and visit the weird landmarks
• Amble through the market in Turkmenbashi and discover its ethnic diversity
• Take a ride in the world’s biggest indoor ferris wheel or enjoy Ashgabat’s amusement park
• Taste the many varieties of dairy Turkmenistan has to offer at the Russian bazaar
• Visit the Carpet museum
• Find out where the life is, in Old Ashgabat
• Go wild at Ashgabat’s Sunday horse races
• Visit the Geok Depe mosque in Ashgabat on a Friday

Village life & folk culture

• Put on a fuzzy telpek hat for the ultimate photo-op
• Learn about Sufism and see how it has permeated every part of Turkmenistan’s society
• Admire women’s traditional dresses and dance at a wedding party
• Accept the invitation for a massive shared meal at the Sufi shrine in Merv
• While away the hours in the mountain villages of Nokhur and Murche and peel away their many layers
• Check out carpet weavers at work, and discover the other Turkmen crafts: jewelry, silk weaving and embroidery
• Don’t settle for kebab and ask for yarma (wheat groat stew), chekdirme (lamb rib stew), semeni (wheat sprout pudding), pumpkin filled flatbread (gutab),…
• Buy a carpet
• Meet the village people in Erbent, Dokurbok or the isolated Damla oasis
• Feel the spirits at the pilgrimage sites of Gozli Ata, Kemal Ata, Parau Bibi, Ersari Ata and Meane Baba
• Help set up a desert yurt
• Milk a camel
• Learn to play the dutar

Outdoor activities, fauna & flora

• In the Karakum desert, take a closer look to find it teeming with life
• Walk in spring in the tulip fields of the Kopet Dag mountains at Badkyz national park
• Ride an Ahal Teke horse
• Sample one of Turkmenistan’s many types of pomegranate on a hike through the Sumbar valley
• Watch Caspian seals frolic in the polluted waters of the Caspian
• Watch wildlife in the harsh Kaplankyr reserve by 4WD or camel
• Spot a Persian leopard in the Hasardag nature reserve
• Try to spot a Bukharan deer in the Tugay forests of the Amu Darya reserve
• Stay overnight at Repetek nature reserve and discuss life as it is with the rangers
• Stay at the beach resort of Avaza
• Stay at a Soviet-era sanatorium

Things to do in other Stans

• Things to do in Kazakhstan
• Things to do in Uzbekistan
• Things to do in Kyrgyzstan
• Things to do in Tajikistan
• Things to do in Turkmenistan

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14 Places to Visit in Turkmenistan in 2024 (Turkmenistan Tourism Guide)

Table of Contents

About Tourism in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan tourism is growing and this unique country is a fantastic destination for adventurous travellers and “ dark tourists ”! In this article, we will look at the best places to visit in Turkmenistan and its unique tourist attractions!

Turkmenistan isn’t what you would consider a typical tourist destination, in no small part thanks to the country’s tightly controlled borders and paranoid government. However, for a little effort, the country will reward you with one of the most unique travel experiences you can have!

Does Turkmenistan even want Tourists?

Turkmenistan is not reliant on tourism for income thanks to its vast wealth from the Caspian oil fields and the sector remains very much in its infancy. As this report shows, the government seems unconcerned with increasing tourist visitors to the country. This means if you are looking for a unique destination that few others visit, Turkmenistan should definitely be at the top of your list!

Turkmenistan’s Strange Laws

President Saparmurat Niyazov (1940 – 2006), also known as Turkmenbashi, or leader of the Turkmen, ruled the country from 1985 until his death in 2006.

To say Niyazov was a little unorthodox in his ways would be something of an understatement! Like Ghaddafi, he penned his own “little green book” which was required reading in schools and by all government officials.

This book is called the Ruhnama and is a mixture of folklore, tyrannical musings and dodgy poetry. There is a large sculpture/statue of the Ruhnama in Ashgabat which opens at certain times of the day!

Niyazov/Turkmenbashi was famous for instituting some very strange laws. Here are a few of the things he made illegal in Turkmenistan:

• Long hair on men

And it gets stranger still… Did you know that Niyazov renamed the months and days after himself and renamed bread with his mother’s name!

Smoking in Turkmenistan

Since Niyazov was ordered to stop smoking by his doctors, he reasoned that if he can’t smoke, neither should anyone else in the country.

Smoking is highly illegal across the entire country except for a few very specific places, such as outside restaurants and bars.

Smoking on the street is highly illegal and could land you in a Turkmen jail, so don’t spark up unless you are sure you are allowed!

There is a curfew in force across Turkmenistan from 11 pm every night. If you are caught out on the streets after this time you can face possible arrest and imprisonment.

If you arrive late at night, then this should not be an issue if you go direct to your accommodation (I arrived well after midnight thanks to delays with the Baku – Turkmenbashi ferry and customs emptying our bags).

Turkmenistan Tourism – Photography

Given the paranoid nature of Turkmenistan, you should be careful about when you have your camera out.

Do not photograph near government buildings, police or army checkpoints. The problem is, Ashgabat is mainly government buildings, police or army checkpoints! Always ask your guide (or the soldiers/police nearby) if taking photos is allowed.

Outside of the city things are a little more relaxed (well, because it is mostly desert), however you must still avoid pictures of any official buildings including railway stations and airports.

Bugs (Listening Devices)

It is more than likely that your hotel room will be bugged. Refrain from discussing anything political or critical of the country while in your hotel.

Places to Visit in Turkmenistan – Cities

Most of Turkmenistan (90% in fact) is covered by the sun-scorched Karakum Desert. There are however plenty of interesting places to visit in Turkmenistan such as the shiny capital Ashgabat, the Darvaza Gas Crater and much more!

1. Ashgabat

Turkmenistan’s capital has to be seen to be believed. It is one of the most bizarre cities in the world thanks to its spotless and empty streets, white, marbled buildings and golden statues.

There is plenty to see in Ashgabat from Independence Square to the Ashgabat Museum, Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque and even a giant folding statue of Niyazov’s little green book, the Ruhnama.

Ashgabat was all but rebuilt after a devastating earthquake destroyed the city in 1948 killing 110,000 (including President Niyazov’s parents) and raising much of the capital to the ground.

From the city, you can see the Kopet Dag mountains which separate Turkmenistan from Iran less than twenty kilometres away.

2. Konye Urgench

The ancient Timurid settlement of Konye Urgench has been excellently preserved and is definitely one of the best places to visit in Turkmenistan. Here you will find the thousand-year-old Kutlug Timur Minaret that stretches a whopping 60 metres into the desert sky!

The ruins of Konye Urgench are a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and include the minaret, mosques, madrasas and mausoleums. The ancient city is one of the top Turkmenistan tourist attractions!

3. Mary/Merv

Turkmenistan’s fourth-largest city was (and still is) a Silk Road oasis within the Karakum Desert. It is famous for the nearby ancient ruins of Merv, the one-time largest city on earth!

The city had a population of over 1 million during the twelfth century and was an important Silk Road trading post. The city was founded in the 3rd Century BC and was ruled at one time by Alexander the Great.

4. Turkmenabad (Turkmenabat)

Turkmenabad, formerly known as Turkmenabat, is Turkmenistan’s second-largest city after Ashgabat.

The city is an industrial sprawl with nothing of antiquity remaining. Unless you will be travelling to or from Uzbekistan via the Farab border, it’s not really worth seeing as a tourist destination.

That being said, one of the more interesting things to see is the pontoon bridge that crosses the Amu Darya (Oxus) River here (though don’t try and take any pictures as the bridge also encompasses an army checkpoint).

5. Turkmenbashi

If Turkmenistan is the world’s emptiest capital, then Turkmenbashi must be the world’s emptiest coastal resort town. Unless you are arriving by boat from Azerbaijan , there is not much reason to come this far west.

The city is on the shores of the Caspian Sea with large, palatial hotels lining the beaches. There are theme parks and restaurants and shopping malls. There aren’t any people though! When I stayed the night in one of the grand hotels, my friend and I seemed to be the only guests. It was beyond spooky and the strangest hotel breakfast experience ever!

Yerbent is a small village in the middle of the Karakum Desert. There isn’t a lot here aside from a couple of buildings, rusting soviet jeeps, a few yurts and the local camel population. It makes for an interesting pit stop when travelling between Ashgabat and Darvaza.

Places to Visit in Turkmenistan – Tourist Attractions

7. darvaza gas crater “the door to hell”.

Probably the most famous Turkmenistan tourist attraction, the Darvaza Gas Crater is a large, fiery pit in the middle of the desert. In 1971 the soviets drilled for oil and instead came upon a natural gas field. They decided to burn the gas off, thinking it would extinguish itself soon after, but it has been burning strong ever since!

Most tours of the country include the Darvaza Gas Crater as a highlight, and this is definitely one of the best places to visit in Turkmenistan! It’s possible to camp on a ridge above the crater so you can take in the scene as the sun sets and watch it light up the night with a barbeque and vodka!

8. Kow Ata Underground Lake

Kow Ata is home to a mineral lake and hot springs around 90km from the capital Ashgabat. The lake is located 60 metres underground and is warm year-round. It is very popular with locals who come here to relax with a bbq and usually a few shots of vodka!

As well as a great place to relax, Kow Ata is also home to Central Asia’s largest bat population and is an impressive geological structure of itself. Definitely one of the more interesting things to do in Turkmenistan.

9. Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque

As you can probably tell by its name, this mosque was constructed for President Niyazov/Turkmenbashi, and as such caused a lot of controversies. Included within the walls are scriptures not only from the Koran but also from the Ruhnama, which greatly angered the Saudis!

The mosque, which is located in Gypjak on the outskirts of Ashgabat, is massive and can hold up to 10,000 people at any one time and was completed in 2004.

10. Ashgabat Cable Car

One of the best Turkmenistan tourist attractions is the Turkmenbashi Cableway, also known as the Ashgabat Cable Car. The cableway goes from the city up into the Kopet Dag Mountains to a height of 1,290 metres (4,200 feet) offering fantastic views of the city. One of the best things to do in Turkmenistan for sure!

11. National Museum of Turkmenistan

The national museum of Turkmenistan is located in the capital Ashgabat and contains three main displays; natural history, science, and of course, President Niyazov/Turkmenbashi!

The museum costs a whopping $30 for entry, so unless you have a burning desire to learn more about Niyazov, it’s not really worth the entrance fee.

12. Independence Square

Here you will find the gold statue of President Niyazov alongside warrior Turkmen, the independence monument and a series of landscaped gardens and fountains.

13. Ruhnama Monument

A giant, mechanised version of President Niyazov’s little green book located in the west of Independence Park, Ashgabat. Definitely one of the more interesting places to visit in Turkmenistan.

14. Kutlug Timur Minaret

A 60m (197 foot) minaret located in the ancient settlement of Konye Urgench. The minaret was built in 1011AD under the Khorezm/Khwarazm empire.

Visas for Turkmenistan

Visas for Turkmenistan are notoriously difficult to get and applications are routinely refused with no obvious reason. When I went, the tour company applied for four visas, and only two were granted (my friend and I were the lucky ones).

Turkmenistan Transit Visa

The Turkmenistan Transit Visa is valid from 3 to 7 days (usually 5 is given) and you must enter and leave the country at different border crossings; you CANNOT return to where you came from. You don’t need a letter of invitation (LOI) for the transit visa.

Documents Required:

• Completed application form • Cover letter with a detailed route • Passsport with 2 blank pages • Copy of visa for onward destination • One passport photo

You can download the application form and covering letter template here .

Turkmenistan Tourist Visa

Most visitors to Turkmenistan come on a tourist visa as the tour companies can issue a letter of invitation (LOI) and assist with the visa application process.

• Letter of Invitation (LOI) • Completed application form • Passport with 2 blank pages • One passport photo

You can download the application form here .

Internet Censorship in Turkmenistan

Just like nearby Iran, China and others Turkmenistan has a very tightly controlled internet. If you wish to stay connected to social media and news sites then you will need a VPN before you travel.

ExpressVPN is one of the best for travellers to Turkmenistan (I used it there with no problems and could access banned sites such as Facebook, Google etc).

A VPN is not just useful for getting around restrictions, but also should be a must for any traveller to secure your connections while you are on the move.

Buy Express VPN

How to get to Turkmenistan

There are three ways to reach Turkmenistan; by air, land and sea. Below we will outline each in more detail.

Turkmenistan by air: Turkmenistan’s primary international airport is located close to the city of Turkmenabat rather than the capital, Ashgabat. There aren’t a lot of airlines flying to the country, with flights coming predominantly from Russia.

Turkmenistan by boat: there is a weekly ferry/cargo service from Baku in Azerbaijan to Turkmenbashi in the west of the country. You can read all about how to make this trip in the Caspian Sea Ferry article.

Turkmenistan by land: There are border crossings with Afghanistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan. The border crossing between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan has been closed since June 2018.

Getting Around Turkmenistan

The best way to get around Turkmenistan is to take a tour (one of the only ways tourists can actually visit the country). Most tour companies provide a 4X4 as Turkmenistan’s roads are pretty bad and the country is 90% desert.

For those crossing the country on a transit visa, marshrutkas (taxi vans with a fixed route) and buses are the main way to get around outside of the cities.

Military Checkpoints

Once you leave Turkmenistan’s main cities you will find military checkpoints on all major roads. Drivers must slow down, make eye contact with officials who will indicate whether you can carry on or need to pull over.

Is Turkmenistan Safe to Visit?

As with other police states, Turkmenistan is very safe for tourists and violent crime towards foreigners is almost unheard of. Falling foul of the country’s strange laws and corruption are some of the biggest dangers, along with the state of the roads and the harsh desert climate.

Do not criticize the current or former president or Turkmenistan’s political system. Avoid discussing politics altogether in public and in your hotel room which is probably bugged.

As with elsewhere in the former Soviet Union, it’s best to try and avoid interactions with the authorities as much as possible lest you be seen as an easy target for bribery.

Turkmenistan is a strange place indeed, but that makes it even more of an interesting destination for intrepid travellers. Given the country’s relative lack of tourists, it means you are likely to have most of the Turkmenistan tourist attractions all to yourself.

Read More about Places to Visit in Turkmenistan

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

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Top Things to Do in Turkmenistan

Places to visit in turkmenistan, explore popular experiences, popular cities in turkmenistan.

Top Attractions in Turkmenistan

What travellers are saying

Turkmenistan

• 3.1 Archaeological sites
• 3.2 Medieval monuments
• 3.3 Nature reserves
• 3.4 Pilgrims' shrines
• 4.1.1 Pre-independence
• 4.1.2 The Niyazov years
• 4.1.3 The Berdimuhamedow dynasty
• 4.3 Geography
• 4.4.1 Main public holidays
• 4.4.2 Professional holidays
• 4.4.3 Other holidays
• 4.5 Climate
• 5.1 Visa requirements
• 5.2.1 Vaccinations
• 5.2.2 Registration
• 5.2.3 Travel permits
• 5.3 By plane
• 5.4 By train
• 5.6.1 From Iran
• 5.6.2 From Uzbekistan
• 5.6.3 From Kazakhstan
• 5.7 By boat
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By train
• 6.4 By boat
• 9.1 Suggested itineraries
• 10.3 Shopping
• 15.1 Corruption
• 15.2 Authorities
• 15.3 Photography
• 15.4 Traffic conditions
• 15.5 Relationships with the Turkmens
• 15.6 Other things to watch out for
• 16 Stay healthy
• 17.1 Sensitive issues
• 17.2 Home Etiquette
• 19.1 By phone
• 19.2 Internet

Turkmenistan ( Turkmen : Türkmenistan) is one of the most isolated countries in the world and has dubbed itself as the "motherland of neutrality". Formerly a part of the Soviet Union , it is situated in Central Asia and is surrounded by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. The country has been a thoroughfare for several empires and cultures; many of Turkmenistan's cities were main points of trade on the Silk Road , linking Eastern and Western civilizations. Three of its cities are UNESCO World Heritage Sites .

Modern Turkmenistan is dominated and run by a very strict, controlling, and totalitarian government that maintains a very tight grip over its people. Turkmenistan's past and current presidents have imposed their eccentricities and bizarre beliefs − for instance, banning dogs from the capital city, banning black cars because they are "bad luck", closing hospitals outside the capital city, and so on − upon the country and are usually treated, at least publicly, as "gods" in Turkmen culture. Tourists may only travel to Turkmenistan as part of a guided tour. About 10,000 to 20,000 people visit this mysterious, isolated nation annually.

Regions [ edit ]

While the provinces are a helpful way to break down large Turkmenistan into regional travel areas, there is one geographical region present throughout them all, dominating the country: the brutal desert wasteland that is the Karakum .

Cities [ edit ]

• 37.95 58.383333 1 Ashgabat (Aşgabat) — the capital and largest city in Turkmenistan, with a million inhabitants as of 2022. Known for its dazzling, impressive white marble buildings, the city was completely razed to the ground by a massive earthquake in 1948. It sits about 15 miles north of the Iran-Turkmenistan border.
• 39.511944 54.365 2 Balkanabat (formerly Nebit-Dag) (2004: 140,000 inhabitants)
• 41.816667 59.983056 3 Daşoguz (formerly Tashauz) (2004: 210,000 inhabitants)
• 37.6 61.833333 4 Mary (2004: 160,000 inhabitants)
• 39.1 63.566667 5 Türkmenabat (2004: 256,000 inhabitants)
• 40.016667 52.966667 6 Turkmenbashi (Türkmenbaşy) — a beautiful coastal city on the Caspian Sea. It serves as Turkmenistan's main access to the sea and has much of the country's oil refineries.

Historically, most of these towns were oases along the Silk Road .

Other destinations [ edit ]

• Avaza — a multi-billion-dollar construction project near Turkmenbashi aimed at creating a "national touristic zone" of over 60 world-class hotels, shopping, and a new international airport. The government likens the project to Dubai , but there is little foreign investment thus far.
• 39 60 1 Darvaza — Probably Turkmenistan's single most famous site, at this spot near the former town of Darvaza, an oil rig accidentally struck a large pocket of natural gas in 1971. The rig collapsed into the cavern, resulting in a large crater filled with fire. It was decided to let the fire burn rather than let the poisonous gas escape into the nearby town. The fire burns to this day and it is popular for its Dantesque atmosphere.
• Pay a visit to Kow Ata underground sulphur lake , found in the mountains an hour or so outside Ashgabat. It is possible to swim in the year-round warm, mineral rich, and medicinal waters. Expect a walk down increasingly slippery steps, and a corrugated shack to change in - unless you're handy with your towel. Kow Ata means Father of the Lakes . The cave is more than 200 m long, 20 m high and at some point more than 50 m wide. The water has a constant temperature of 33 to 37 °C.

Archaeological sites [ edit ]

• 36.857917 60.432375 2 Altin Depe
• 37.9 58.5 3 Anau (Anew)
• 38.1907 62.0343 4 Gonur Depe
• Jeitun — Mesolithic settlement on a sand dune in the Kara Kum desert, 30 km north of Ashgabat
• 37.662778 62.1925 5 Merv — with Erk Kala, Giaur Kala, Kyz Kala and Sultan Kala
• Namazga Depe
• 37.951147 58.212408 6 Nissa — one of the most important cities of the Parthian Empire, 19 km west of Ashgabat

Medieval monuments [ edit ]

• Abiverd , medieval city (10th to 18th century)
• Abu Said Mithkene Mausoleum (11th to 15th century)
• Astana-baba , 15 km from Mount Atamurat, country estate of Omar-Kali with mausoleum and mosque
• Dayakhaty , near Turkmenabad , caravan serai (11th century)
• Darganata , medieval city, mausoleum (11th to 15th century)
• Dekhistan , historical area in Western Turkestan, big Mashat cemetery, Shir Kabir Mausoleum (10th century), ruins of Missirian city (10th to 15th cent.)
• Devkesengala , north west of Konye Urgench , fortress, mausoleums,
• Ekedeshik , near Tagtabazar, near the Afghanistan border, about 245 km south of Mary , cave settlement with more than 40 rooms, dating back to the Early Middle Ages, eventually a Buddhist monastery
• 38.157778 57.966389 7 Geok-tepe , place of a bloody battle between Turkmen and Russians in 1881,
• Imukshir , near Tara, ancient city, fortifications
• 42.316667 59.158611 8 Konye Urgench , remains of the capital of Horezmshah with magnificent architectural monuments,
• Mane Baba Mausoleum , about 40 km south of Tejen in the Khaka region. The mausoleum was built in the 11th and 12th centuries over the grave of the famous Sufi teacher and philosopher Abu Said Maneyi (968-1049). The legend tells that Abu Said met Abu Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna) for a conversation that lasted three days. Afer this conversation Abi Said said: 'Ibn Sina knows everything that I see' and Ibn Sina answered: 'Abu Said sees everything that I know'.
• Parau , medieval settlement, Parau-bibi and Parau-ata (12th century)
• Sarakhs , ancient city with the Mausoleum of Abul-Fazi ("Sarakhs-baba" and Yarti-Gummez
• Seyitdzhemaledin Mosque , masterpiece of Muslim architecture (15th century)
• Shakhsenem , medieval settlement, mosque
• Talkhatan-baba , 30 km west of Mary , mausoleum (12th century)
• Tasharvat , 38 km west of Balkanabat , big medieval fortress

Nature reserves [ edit ]

• Köpet Dag Nature Reserve in the mountains near Ashgabat
• Syunt Hasarday Nature Reserve in the mountains south of the Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi road,
• Esenguly Nature Reserve on the Caspian Sea near the border to Iran
• Krasnovodsk Nature Reserve on the Caspian Sea south of Turkmenbashi ,
• Gaplangyr Nature Reserve in the Karakum Desert.
• Quzilqum Nature Reserve along the Amu Darya on the border to Uzbekistan ,
• Amu Darya Nature Reserve along the Amu Darya on the border to Uzbekistan, north of Turkmenabat .
• Repetek Nature Reserve in the desert on the road between Mary and Turkmenabat,
• 37.8 66.5 9 Köýtendag Nature Reserve in the mountains in the south east of the country on the border to Uzbekistan .

You must obtain a special permit to visit a nature reserve, and it will be necessary to apply for it through a travel agent well in advance.

Pilgrims' shrines [ edit ]

Shrine pilgrimage ( ziyarat ) and its underlying beliefs have played an important role in islamization of Central Asia as well as in creating and sustaining communal identity up to the present day. Recent research suggests that Musilm "holy men" (Sufi shaykhs) were key players in the conversion to Islam due to their knowledge of Inner Asian pre-Islamic religious traditions and their ability to translate the meaning of Islam to the local population. The prominent position of ancestor worship in Turkmen traditions is shown by the fact that the progenitor of a tribe or community is often ascribed to "islamizers" among the Turkmen. The burial sites of these Muslim founding fathers became a focus of veneration and were accompanied by what is called "Muslim shamanism": ancestral spirits were identified with the companions of the "Saint-progenitor". The communities also accepted saints with outstanding spiritual, intellectual or physical powers. Thus the burial sites of Islamic saints, local rulers, learned scholars, warriors or pre-Islamic figures have become shrines. Turkmen tradition also recognizes six non-Turkmen öwlat groups, which trace their lineage to the first caliphs of Islam, e.g. the progenitor of the öwlat group Ata is Gözli Ata who in the 14th century came from Turkestan, a center of Sufi teaching, in order to carry on his teachings in Western Turkmenistan. The legends describe him as an extremely powerful saint, outdoing other saints in miracle performances and winning large numbers of followers.

• Gözli Ata , about 160 km north of Balkanabat . Gözli Ata ("Father Eye") was a famous Sufi teacher of the 12th century. It is told that he was able to recognize the good and the evil in the soul of all men. He was killed by the Mongols and buried here, next to his wife Bibi Aysulu .
• Ibrahim Sultan
• Ismamut Ata
• Kyrk Giz , in a spectacular canyon in the Köýtendag Nature Reserve
• Kyrk Molla at Konye Urgench
• Mohammed Ibn Zaid Mausoleum
• Nedjmeddin Kubra Mausoleum at Konye Urgench
• Parau Bibi Shrine , about halfway between Ashgabat and Balkanabat , about 20 km north west of Gyzylarbat and about 8 km south of the main road, in the village of Paraw. The shrine is set 100 meters up a rocky mountainside overlooking the village and the steppe. It consists of a white mausoleum-like structure, a guest house and a roofed platform where the pilgrims congregate and have meals. According to the legend Paraw Bibi was a beautiful and virtuous maiden. A jealous woman wanted to hand over Paraw Bibi to invaders in exchange for the promise not to attack the village. Paraw Bibi cursed the woman and let her turn into black stone. When the enemy attacked, Paraw Bibi ordered the mountain to split into two parts so that she was able to enter it and to preserve her purity and virtue. The locals built a shrine to Paraw Bibi, as they believed that because of her bravery and refusal to submit she was a true hero blessed by the holy breath of the prophets. It is reported that at least at the end of the Soviet era pilgrims from all over western Turkmenistan visited the shrine, seeking fertility and a cure from insanity.

• Khoja Yusup Baba (Hemedani) is a large complex in southeastern Turkmenistan near Bairam Ali, on the territory of the ancient state of Merv . Khoja Yusuf Hamadani is a well known figure in Islamis history. He is considered as the first in a line of Sufi masters from which the lineages of the most important Sufi orders Naqshbandi and Yasavi are derived, and is described as an exemplary Muslim, pious and unpretentious, devoted to Islamic scholarship and deeply inspired by his work to promote Islam. He died in 1140 and his body was interred at Merv , presumably at the site carrying his name. In the Soviet era the Moseque of Khoja Yusup Baba was declared an official architectural monument and one of the four official mosques in entire Turkmenistan. It is popular belief that two pilgrimages to Khoja Yusup Baba equal one to Mecca. The pilgrims circle the tomb from right to left, surrounding the tomb three times. Most people repeatedly touch the wall of the tomb with both hand and bring their hands to the face. Some even kiss the wall. After they had completed the circling they sit together while the caretaker recites a blessing. When the blessing os finished they give the caretaker offerings of money. In the complex is a well said to contain holy water. Women tie small strips of cloth on the branches of the bushes or trees that line the path leading to the well. These strips signify prayers or wishes to the saint. For the same reason pilgrims set up two old bricks in the form of an upside-sown "V". Miniature imitation cradles made from sticks and cloth are set up by women hoping for the saint's aid in order to become fertile.
• Baba Gambar has several shrines. The best known is in southeastern Turkmenistan, about 120 km south of Mary : it is often considered as an example how a pre-Islamic deity was transformed into an Islamic saint. According to Islamic legend Ganbar was the stableman of Ali and caretaker of his horse Duldul. In Turkmen legends Ganbar is considered as the patron of musicians and creator of the first dutar , the traditional two-string music instrument. According to the legend Ali remarked that Duldul was ill and underfed. When he questioned Gambar, Gambar did not give an answer. Then, Ali saw Gambar playing the dutar to Duldul. When Ali confronted Gambar, Gambar commanded the earth to swallow him and fled underground to Mecca, saying that the two will meet again on judgment day. The site consists of the shrine-mausoleum, a "chile agach" and a tree the leaves of which have the shape of dutar tuning pegs. It is claimed that the tree grew from Gambar's original dutar and that its roots lead to the underground passage through which Gambar fled.
• Hazret(i) Ali is about 12 km southwest of Ashgabat , near the village of Bagir and the archaeological site of Nisa . The small mosque, called "namazga" (hall of prayer), is considered as a place where Ali prayed when he was promoting Islam. Impressions in the rocks are said to have come from Ali's hands and from the hooves of his horse Duldul.
• Khoja Alem Baba is near the town of Kaka, about 130 km south east of Ashgabat . It is an excellent example of a small, local shrine, serving one specific village only due to "öwlat" (clan lineage). The tomb is housed in a clay mausoleum with two chambers, an entrance or sitting area and the tomb chamber proper. Tomb and chamber are decorated with votive offerings and objects connected with Khoja Alem Baba. Sites as Khoja Alem Baba are very common in Turkmenistan. Apparently Turkmen tradition stipulated that each community has an "öwlüya" and by this way has access to the protection provided.

Understand [ edit ]

Tucked away and isolated from the rest of the world, Turkmenistan is, without a doubt, one of the world's mysterious nations. North Korea may get all the press, but even the Kim Family's cult of personality fades when compared to the surreal totalitarian state set up by Turkmenistan's former president, Saparmurat Niyazov .

History [ edit ]

Pre-independence [ edit ].

The Turkmens, the natives of Turkmenistan, have their roots to the Oghuz Turks, a nomadic clan from the Altai region. Having previously been under Persian rule , Turkmenistan was annexed by the Russian Empire in 1881 and became an indigenized Soviet republic during the 20th century.

The Niyazov years [ edit ]

Turkmenistan became an independent nation on 27 October 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union . The former head of Turkmenistan's Communist Party at the time of independence, Saparmurat Niyazov , was elected president of the newly independent nation.

Niyazov was widely regarded as one of the world's most eccentric and repressive dictators of his time. He adopted the title Turkmenbashi ("Father of All Turkmen"), renamed the city of Krasnovodsk to Turkmenbashi , built a 15-meter tall golden statue that rotates to face the sun in the capital city, and renamed the months and the days of the week. One of the most glaring and controversial aspects of his rule was the publication and forced adoption of the Ruhnama , meaning "Book of the Soul." Niyazov made it compulsory to read the Ruhnama in schools, universities, and governmental organizations; anyone who wanted to work for the government or acquire a driver's license had to pass a test on their knowledge of the book.

In addition, Niyazov issued decrees that banned lip-syncing, ballet, long hair, video games, and golden tooth caps, closed libraries and hospitals outside the capital city, among other things. Despite all these grandiose gestures, Niyazov pretended to remain modest and once said, "I'm personally against seeing my pictures and statues in the streets, but it's what the people want."

On December 21, 2006, Niyazov abruptly died of a heart attack, the only president in the country's history to die in office.

The Berdimuhamedow dynasty [ edit ]

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, a dentist by profession and a high ranking official in Niyazov's government, became the country's second president after Niyazov's death.

Although he peeled back many of the worst excesses of the Niyazov regime, the political environment in the country remained largely unchanged and a significant personality cult developed around him. He adopted the title Arkadag ("The protector"), publicised his love for horses and music, portrayed himself as a man of multiple talents, banned black cars from being imported because he considered the colour black to be unlucky, and among other things.

He stepped down in 2022 and was succeeded by his son, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, the so-called "son of the nation", ensuring that Turkmenistan was the first post-Soviet country to be ruled by a dynastic system.

People [ edit ]

The people of Turkmenistan are predominantly Turkmen (plural Turkmen or Turkmens), also spelled Turkoman, in both ethnicity and language. Turkmenistan traditionally was home to sizeable Russian and German populations, but they largely emigrated to their mother countries following the break up of the Soviet Union. As of 2012, 86% of the population was ethnically Turkmen, followed by 6% ethnic Uzbek and 5% ethnic Russian.

According to the Ruhnama , the Turkmens originated from Oguz Han and all Oguz people descend from Oguz Han's 24 grandsons. The original homeland of the Oguz tribes was the Ural-Altay region of Central Asia. The Orhun inscriptions (6th century) mention the "six Oghuz tribal union", referring to the unification of the six Turkic tribes. This was the first written reference to Oghuz, dated to the period of the Göktürk Empire. The Book of Dede Korkut , the historical epic of the Oghuz Turks, was written in the 9th and 10th century. They migrated westwards in the area of the Aral Sea and the Syr Darya Basin in the 10th century. A clan of the Oghuz, the Seljuks took over Islam, entered Persia in the 11th century and founded the Great Seljuk Empire. The name Oghuz is derived from the word 'ok', meaning 'arrow' or 'tribe' and an archer shooting an arrow was shown on the flag of the Seljuk Empire. The term Oghuz was gradually supplanted by the Turks themselves by Türkmen or Turcoman . This process was completed in the 13th century.

The main tribes of the Turkmen are the Tekke (around the oases of Ahal, Tejen and Merv), the Ersari (along the Amu Darya), the Yomud (in the Balkan Region and Khorzem Oasis) and the Goklen in the Southwest.

Geography [ edit ]

Turkmenistan is largely covered by desert, with intensive agriculture located in irrigated oases. One-half of its irrigated land is planted with cotton, making it the world's tenth largest producer.

About 80% of Turkmenistan's surface is covered by the biggest desert in Central Asia, the Karakum (Black Sand) , which forms together with the Kyzylkum (Red Sand) in Uzbekistan the fourth biggest desert in the world. The Karakum covers about 350,000 km².

The Kopet Dagi Mountains (Many Mountains) in Southern Turkmenistan form the border to Iran . In the Kugitang Mountains in North East Turkmenistan is the highest mountain of the country, the Airbaba (3,117 m). The lowest point of the country is the Akdzhak depression , 80 m below sea level.

The country measures about 1,100 km from west to east and about 650 km from north to south.

Holidays [ edit ]

Main public holidays [ edit ].

• 1 Jan: New Year
• 21–22 March: Nowruz (Navrouz: Spring festival)
• First Sunday of April: Drop of Water is a Grain of Gold Day
• 27 Apr: Ahalteke Horse Day
• 18 May: State Flag and Constitution Day
• 27 Sep: Independence Day
• 6 Oct: Day of Remembrance (to remember the earthquake of 1948)
• 17 Nov: Student Youth Day
• 30 Nov: Bread Day
• 12 Dec: Day of Neutrality
• Eid al-Fitr (date varies)
• Eid al-Adha (date varies)

Professional holidays [ edit ]

• 12 Jan: Remembrance Day (Battle of Geok Depe)
• 9 May: Day of Remembrance of National Heroes of Turkmenistan in the 1941-1945 World War
• 19 May: Day of Revival, Unity, and the Poetry of Magtymguly
• 29 May: Day of the Ministry of Internal Affairs
• Last Sunday of May: Turkmenhaly Bairamy (Carpet Day)
• 27 Jun: Day of Turkmen Workers of Culture and Art
• Third Sunday in July – Galla Bayramy (celebration of the wheat harvest)
• 11 Aug: Border Guards Day
• Day of the Workers in the Oil, Gas, Power, and Geological Industry (Second Saturday in September)
• 30 Sep: Day of the Worker in the Organs of National Security
• 9 Oct: Day of the Navy
• Last Sunday of November: Harvest Festival
• Health Day (First Saturday in November)

Other holidays [ edit ]

• Second Sunday of August: Melon Day
• First Sunday of Dec: Good Neighbourliness Day
• Day of Remembrance of the First President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Niyazov

Climate [ edit ]

Turkmenistan has a continental climate with long hot summers. Winters are not too cold. The average temperature is 26-34°C in summer and -4°C to 4°C in winter.

However, in northern regions the temperature in winter months can decrease to -20°C.

Read [ edit ]

• The Lost Heart of Asia by Colin Thubron, Penguin, 1994
• Daily Life in Turkmenbashy's Golden Age by Sam Tranum
• Joe & Azat by Jesse Lonergan

Get in [ edit ]

Visa requirements [ edit ].

Turkmenistan does not have an extensive diplomatic network around the world. You may need to travel to another country to apply for a Turkmen visa.

You typically need to submit the following with your visa application:

• A valid passport (with a validity of more than six months)
• A letter of invitation (LOI) that has been authenticated by the State Migration Service. (hotel reservations don't count)
• A copy of the first page of your passport.
• A copy of your identity card or driver's license.

It normally takes 10 business days to process any kind of Turkmen visa. Prices for Turkmen visas are generally reasonable: a single-entry ten-day visa — which is what most people would apply for — costs US$35 in the United States .

If your country does not have a Turkmen embassy, or if you desperately need to visit Turkmenistan, you can obtain a visa on arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. Make sure you have your passport and letter of invitation in hand.

Agencies [ edit ]

There are more than 24 government approved travel agencies in the country. Here is a partial list of them:

• Owadan Tourism − one of the leading tour agencies in the country. They offer custom tours, festival tours (ideal for those wishing to learn more about Turkmen festivals), and so on.
• Ahalsiyakat − offer all kinds of tours and they even have an option that allows you visit all five "stans" in Central Asia .

Vaccinations [ edit ]

The World Health Organization recommends vaccinations against diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, measles, mumps, polio, rubella, tetanus, typhoid and chickenpox (varicella). In addition, vaccinations against meningitis, rabies and tuberculosis are recommended for long term travellers.

Registration [ edit ]

All foreigners entering Turkmenistan have to pay a registration fee of US$12 (2012) and will receive a green entry and departure card . Take particular care of the departure card, as it must be presented when leaving the country.

Foreigners staying for more than 3 days in Turkmenistan must register with IVOR in Ashgabat , Asady köcesi, ☏ 391337 (domestic) or with IVOR branch offices in other towns. You are responsible for registration, even when staying in a hotel. The hotel will give you a confirmation of the accommodation only. This confirmation and the receipt for the registration fee paid when entering the country have to be presented to IVOR. Two photos are required. Registration will be stamped into your passport. You have to give notice to the IVOR in order to be permitted to leave the country. This notice will be stamped into the passport as well. Border controls will check if you have registration and notice to leave stamped into your passport.

Travel permits [ edit ]

Travel permits are required for many border regions. You do not need a travel permit for Ashgabat , Merv , Turkmenabat and Balkanabat . Transit visas allow you to travel along the main roads on your way to the next country on your itinerary. It is, however, absolutely necessary to have a travel permit for the following regions:

• in Western Turkmenistan : for Bekdash, Turkmenbashi , Haza, Dekistan, Yangykala , Gyzletrek, Nokhur and surroundings,
• in Northern Turkmenistan : for the entire region of Dashogus including Konye Urgench , Dargan-Ata and Gazachak,
• in Eastern Turkmenistan : for Farab, Atamurat (Kerki) and surroundings, Köýtendag Nature Reserve , Tagtabazar and Serkhetabat.

By plane [ edit ]

Turkmenistan Airlines has direct flights to Ashgabat from Abu Dhabi , Almaty , Amritsar , Bangkok , Beijing , Birmingham , Delhi , Dubai , Frankfurt , Istanbul , Kyiv , London , Minsk , Moscow , and Saint Petersburg . Look out for the portrait of Sapamurat 'Turkmenbashi' Niyazov at the front of the cabin. The schedules are often less-than-convenient, and there is no website for the airlines with flights listed. It's usually best to visit the webpage of the airport from which you are departing to find the schedule.

Turkish Airlines flies to Ashgabat from Istanbul . Lufthansa flies from Frankfurt to Ashgabat. See Ashgabat page for more detailed information. FlyDubai offers services from Dubai to Ashgabat.

By train [ edit ]

Virtually impossible. No official international trains exist and the only train (Moscow-Dushanbe) that transits the country is virtually inaccessible unless you are a Turkmen citizen. Turkmenistan does not issue transit visas "from-then-again-to Uzbekistan" and one would need a standard non-transit visa (Tajiks don't need any papers for transiting Turkmenistan with this train). This train has no official stops on the Turkmen territory but it physically runs via Amudarya.

By car [ edit ]

If you want to enter Turkmenistan with your own car, you need a liability insurance. The green International Insurance Card is not valid in Turkmenistan. In addition you have to pay an additional tax (about US$150) for the government subsidized fuel prices, depending on the distance of your travel in Turkmenistan. This tax has to be paid on the border in US dollars. Be prepared to have long waiting times at border controls. By vehicle, you can get in through Kazakhstan, Iran, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.

The road from Kazakhstan to Turkmenistan is in terrible condition. If you don't have an SUV, the drive from Zhanaozen to the border may take up to 3 hours. Traffic is not permitted to cross these borders until further notice; the FCO advises those driving go via routes in Uzbekistan. The drive from the border to Garabogaz may take another 3 hours. Make sure to bring enough supplies since the border post is really isolated. Paperwork may take a long time but everything is very straightforward and people are really friendly and helpful. Very few tourists cross this border.

By bus [ edit ]

Visitors holding visas can enter Turkmenistan from all neighbouring countries. Checks at the border usually take one or two hours and maybe even more. Border points are open daily from 09:00 to 18:00.

From Iran [ edit ]

Since no public transportation goes across the Turkmen border, to get to Ashgabat in Turkmenistan from Mashhad ( Iran ), the following option is the most convenient:

• Take a bus to Quchan : every 2 hours from 06:30. Cost: 8000 rial. Duration: 2hr 30min.
• From Quchan , take a private taxi to Bajgiran (village at the border). Cost: 60,000 rial for 2, or less if you can. Duration: about 1hr.
• At Bajgiran , go to the border (opening time: 07:30-15:30 Iran time). Crossing the border can take up to 2 hours. Turkmen police will ask for an entry tax of USD10 (per person) + USD2 of bank fees (per group), to be paid in US dollars only.
• In the Turkmenistan side, take a taxi to Ashgabat , which can cost up to USD15 per person. Duration: about 1 hr.

From Uzbekistan [ edit ]

Each crossing may require 15 minutes' walk across no-mans land, sometimes shared taxis are available. There are three crossings from Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan:

• Farab from Bukhara : Take a taxi from Bukhara to the border (USD8) or a shared taxi to Uzbek Olot (Qarakul) and then a taxi to the border. From the border it is about 45 km to Turkmenabat . A taxi should cost about USD5 and a seat in a shared taxi less than USD1.
• Dashgous from Khiva or Urgench : Take a taxi from Khiva or Urgench to the border for about USD10 and another one on the Turkmenistan side from the border to Dashgous for about USD1.
• Khojeli from Nukus in Karalpakstan : Take a taxi for the 30 minutes' drive from Nukus to the border for about USD10 or public transport from Khojeli for about USD1 and a taxi for the 10 minutes' drive to Konye Urgench for about USD1.

From Kazakhstan [ edit ]

It is two hours' drive from Zhanaozen to the Turkmenistan border and another 40 minutes drive from the border on a dirt road to the city of Karabogas (formerly Bekdash). The last 50 km on each side of the border is a very bad dirt road. (approx. USD100 private car or KZT10,000 per person shared). From Karabogas there is a good road to Turkmenbashi with fine views on the Caspian Sea. About 60 km south of Karabogas the road crosses a bridge over the channel connecting the Caspian Sea with the inland gulf. The border is closed to traffic until further notice.

By boat [ edit ]

Several popular travel guides discuss travelling by “ferry” across the Caspian Sea from Baku , Azerbaijan, to the port of Turkmenbashy in western Turkmenistan. Some people have faced problems attempting to travel to Turkmenistan by boat. Travellers should be aware that these “ferries” are in fact cargo ships that take on some passengers incidental to their primary function. Passengers are generally not provided food or water on these ships, and sleeping and sanitary facilities are likely to be rudimentary. Travellers should be aware that ships arriving at the port of Turkmenbashy often wait days offshore for outgoing ships to vacate the dock to allow incoming ships to disembark. Some people have spent more than a week offshore while their ship awaited permission to enter the port, and they have run out of stores of food and water, or had their Turkmen visas expire before they could be used. For this and other reasons travellers, especially those who plan to enter Turkmenistan by boat, are discouraged from using transit visas to enter Turkmenistan.

Get around [ edit ]

Internal flights are possible on Turkmenistan Airlines which flies daily between Ashgabat, Mary, Turkmenbashi, Dashoguz and a couple of other destinations. Flights are subsidised, and due to fuel costs, extremely cheap. Prices are around USD5 for a flight from Ashgabat to Mary or Dashoguz. Turkmenistan Airlines operates with a fleet of Boeing 717s, purchased in 2001. You might not be able to photograph freely in and around the airport, though this is not unheard of elsewhere.

Turkmenistan has at least one daily train between major cities in the country. Timetable here [dead link] . Journeys are slow but heavily subsidized (a few USD in the 1st sleeping class to anywhere in the country). Tickets can't be bought online and trains fill up fast so be sure to get one in advance. Train classes are typical for the ex-Soviet Union but most of the Soviet trains have been replaced with modern Chinese air-conditioned cars.

Rail service in Turkmenistan is provided by Turkmendemiryollari (Turkmenistan railways) , Ashgabat, phone 3632 255545, fax 3632 473858. On the principal trains they offer soft and hard accommodation with sleeping and dining cars.

Turkmenistan has a well-developed intercity bus network, with regular services connecting most of the major cities and towns in the country.

You can typically book bus tickets at the bus station or through a travel agency. Some bus companies also offer online ticket booking, so you may want to check their websites to see if this is an option.

The Amu Darya is an important inland waterway for Turkmenistan.

The traffic culture in this country is markedly different from that of the West and poses a significant risk to both motorists and pedestrians. Traffic rules are routinely ignored, and speeding is commonplace. Moreover, real crossings are virtually nonexistent, making it challenging to navigate the roads safely. Cars may be in poor condition or lack essential safety features such as seat belts.

In urban areas, only the main streets are usually illuminated, while roads outside of large cities are in poor condition, making driving particularly hazardous at night. Safety checkpoints in towns and cities often cause traffic to slow down, further adding to the challenges of getting around.

In Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi, taxis are largely informal, and hailing a car by the roadside is the norm. If you plan to take a taxi, be sure to negotiate the destination and price in advance, preferably with knowledge of Russian. While the roads in these cities are in excellent condition; the road from Turkmenbashi to Ashgabat is undergoing significant upgrades in 2014, to a two-lane, divided highway.

It is advisable to exercise caution when driving in this country, and if your instincts suggest that something is not quite right, it is best to err on the side of caution. Roadblocks are in place throughout the country, and motorists are frequently asked to present their passports and car papers, which can be inconvenient but is a routine part of travel here.

When driving, remember to keep to the right side of the road, adhere to the speed limit, and carry an international permit. Minimum age is 17. Speed limit is 60 km/h in urban areas, 90 to 120 km/h on highways. Police officers may stop you without reason, but it is important to remain polite and not pay bribes. Radar guns may also be used to measure your speed, and if caught speeding, it is possible to negotiate a small fine in most cases.

Talk [ edit ]

The official language of the country is Turkmen . Turkmen is closely related to Azerbaijani and Turkish, sharing varying degrees of mutual intelligibility with each of those languages. If you're a native speaker of one of those languages or know enough to communicate in either, picking up Turkmen should be easy.

Russian is widely spoken in Turkmenistan due to its history as part of the Soviet Union. Turkmen state press and websites regularly publish material in Russian.

Uzbek is widely understood in Turkmenistan, due to both languages sharing common Turkic traits. Ethnic Russians and Uzbeks each number about a quarter of a million, and most of those are native speakers of Russian or Uzbek.

Kazakh is also understood in the country (because of Turkic traits), but to a much more limited extent.

English is not widely understood in Turkmenistan, even though it is increasingly becoming a popular foreign language. Thus, it's recommended to have some solid Russian or Turkmen skills should you choose to travel independently.

See [ edit ]

Ancient cities, once major centers of trade and culture:

• Konye Urgench

Natural features:

• Karakum Desert
• Yangykala Canyon

Do [ edit ]

• Horse trekking with Akhal Teke horses : Orexca [dead link] offers a 12 day Turkem Akhalteke Horse Ride Wonders of the Karakum Desert with transfer from Ashgabar to Geokdepe Stud Farm, ride through the North East of the Karakum Desert to Tummekli, to the nomadic villages of Chyria, Gurrukly, Hakysh Gongurajy, Orazsahet and to the Geokdepe Reservoir.
• Hiking in the Köýtendag Nature Reserve (travel permit required) or in the mountains around Nokhur.
• Adventure tour and camel trek in the Kara Kum Desert . Stantours offers a 14-day off-road and camel tour through Eastern Turkmenistan with a drive from Ashgabat to the Yangykala Canyon, visiting Gozel Ata, camel treks in the Eastern Karabogaz basin and Kaplankyr National Park, and visiting Karashor salt lake, Sarakamysh lake and Yabgysu Canyon.  

Suggested itineraries [ edit ]

• Turkmenistan in 3 days : if you are short of time, you can visit the most important sites in a few days: day 1 arrival in Ashgabat , day 2 flight to Dashoguz , and visit Konye Urgench , return flight from Dashoguz to Ashgabat in the same evening, overnight in Ashgabat, day 3 morning flight to Mary , visit of Merv , return flight to Ashgabat in the same evening, overnight in Ashgabat, day 4 Ashgabat, sightseeing, day 5 departure from Ashgabat.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The official currency in Turkmenistan is the new manat , sometimes denoted by the symbol " m " (ISO code: TMT ). It is divided into 100 tenge.

Coins in Turkmenistan come in denominations of 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, 20 and 50 tenge and 1 and 2 manat. Banknotes in Turkmenistan come in denominations of 1-, 5-, 10-, 20-, 50 and 100 manat.

The U.S. dollar is widely accepted, although it should only be accepted in international hotels or at the airport according to regulations. You will be asked to pay with dollars in hotels, certain tourist sights and for your tour operator. Be sure to take lots of US$1 bills for small purchases.

You cannot exchange manat outside of Turkmenistan, so only exchange what you intend to use, as it is impossible to exchange manat back into dollars or other foreign currencies inside Turkmenistan.

There is a black market for currency in Turkmenistan. The black market rate was 19-19.5 manat to US$1 in July 2023. Black market exchanges can be found at the Gulistan market (Russian Bazaar) in Ashgabat. The black market exchangers, however, know many tricks for scamming travelers.

Credit cards are only accepted in big international hotels and banks in the bigger cities. Visa credit cards are the most useful. MasterCard is accepted at one bank in Ashgabat, and at the ATM in the Hotel Grand Turkmen and the Ak Altyn Hotel in Ashgabat.

Costs [ edit ]

Turkmenistan is the most expensive country in Central Asia. Expect to pay US$30 for a basic double room. A more comfortable option is around US$60. A street snack is US$1 to US$3. A meal in a good restaurant in Ashgabat costs about US$20. A "tourism tax" of US$2 per day was introduced in August 2017; expect it to be added to your hotel bill.

Shopping [ edit ]

The bazaars are the heart of every town in Turkmenistan. Bazaars are usually open daily 08:00-20:00 including Sundays. Large markets, like the Tolkuchka Bazaar in the outskirts of Ashgabat are open two or three mornings per week only. Bazaars outside Ashgabat will be closed at daylight hours during the cotton harvest season in autumn. Government shops are closed on Sundays and at lunch time.

Why not add to your own despotic library by adding Turkmenbashi's self-penned Ruhnama book, exploring his views on what it means to be a Turkmen. Surprisingly, this is a fairly sensible read.

Rugs [ edit ]

Turkmen rugs are famous, tending towards rich reds with geometric patterns. Some traditional patterns are unique to each tribe, and an expert can generally identify the tribe from the shape of the medallion-like pattern elements called guls . However, it is fairly common to find a mixture; when a weaver from one tribe marries into a different tribe, she may use elements from both in her creations.

Sometimes Turkoman rugs are called "Bokhara" rugs because Bukhara in neighbouring Uzbekistan was a centre for their trade. Turkmenistan is not the only source of Turkoman rugs; Uzbekistan and northern areas of both Iran and Afghanistan have some Turkoman people. Other Afghan rugs are heavily influenced by Turkoman design and Turkoman designs are often copied in India and Pakistan ; dealers may also call those rugs "Bokhara" but, while some of them are fine rugs, in general they are neither as high quality nor as valuable as real Turkoman rugs.

Today, wool is often coloured with synthetic and not with natural dyes; at one time this was a problem because early synthetic dyes were of low quality. Today, it is much less of an issue but some collectors still prefer natural dyes, mainly because they give better arbrush , the subtle variation in colour across a rug.

Back in the 19th and early 20th century, some merchants bleached these rugs, removing the red colour, before export and called the result Golden Bokhara . Apparently this fit better into the colour schemes of their US and European buyers. Many collectors of Turkoman carpets scorn these rugs, both because the colour scheme is inauthentic and because the bleach often damaged the wool. However, they are still produced and newer ones are not bleached but woven with the "golden" colour scheme.

You need an export permission for carpets purchased in a bazaar or private shop. The Expert Commission on the back of the Carpet Museum in Ashgabat (phone 398879 and 398887, opening hours M-F 14:30-17:30, Sa 10:00-12:00) has to certify that the carpet is not more than 50 years old and may be exported. This costs 115 manat per square metre and can take a few days. In addition carpets exceeding 1.5 square metres are subject to an export duty of 400 manat per square metre payable in USD at the official rate of exchange at customs on departure.

Some carpet factories are run by the state owned company Turkmenhaly [dead link] . If you buy a carpet in a state shop, the export fees normally are included in the price, although customs will charge a commission fee of 0.2 per cent of the price of the carpet.

For an accessible (still in print and sanely priced) guide to these carpets, look for books by the California collector Dr. Murray Eiland. If you intend on spending a lot, and especially if you are interested in older carpets, it may be worth looking deeper. The classic book on Turkoman rugs is Tappiseries de l'Asie Centrale by AA Bogolyubov, who was Tsarist governor of Turkmenistan, published in Russian and French in St. Petersburg in 1905. It was a limited edition and is now rare and extremely expensive (several thousand U.S. dollars). If you are passing through London, the British Museum has a copy and will let visitors browse through it. A translation (the original French plus English), Carpets of Central Asia ( ISBN 978-0903580052 ), was published in Britain in the 1960s; it is no longer in print but can be found in libraries. On the used market, it is both much easier to find and far less expensive than the original.

Eat [ edit ]

Expect distinctly average Russian cuisine in restaurants. As in Uzbekistan , plov and more central Asian-type fare can be found in markets. If you can find it, try sturgeon from the Caspian Sea, sometimes prepared in a tempura style.

Meals often start with a soup, as chorba , a meat and vegetable soup. Another national dish is plov , rice with mutton, onions, carrots, spices, raisins, peas or quinces. Manty are steamed dumplings filled with lamb. Ku'urma is lamb, cooked in its own fat. Ichlekli is a meat and onion pie and gutap is a pie filled with meat, potatoes, spinach and pumpkin.

Drink [ edit ]

Look out for a range of Turkmenbashi labeled vodka, which can be washed down with the range of Russian Baltika brand beer. It can be harder to find local beers in outlets catering to foreigners, but Berk is well worth asking for; Zip, on the other hand, is awful.

Tea is excellent and readily available.

Best to err on the side of caution, and stick with bottled water. As in Russia , you may want to specify byehz gah-zah (literally, 'without gas' or 'still; plain') if you do not like fizzy water. Borjomi mineral water from Georgia is available in Ashgabat's shops.

Local people prefer to drink gok chai (green tea), often with dried fruits or herbs, as mint.

Sleep [ edit ]

Finding affordable accommodation in Turkmenistan can be challenging; you can expect to pay between US$100-200 a night for a single room in a comfortable hotel.

Learn [ edit ]

Most universities are located in Ashgabat .

Stay safe [ edit ]

Turkmenistan is a very safe country, largely because the government severely punishes crime. Turkmenistan is an authoritarian dictatorship and has one of the worst human rights records in the world. You need to watch what you say and do, always. As the saying goes, "If you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all."

Corruption [ edit ]

Corruption is a huge problem in Turkmenistan. According to Transparency International, Turkmenistan is one of the most corrupt countries in the world.

Given how the police earn very low salaries, it's not uncommon for them to target people for bribes. As a foreigner, you may be seen as a "walking wallet" to them. Should you be stopped for any reason, do not argue or fight back, even if you've not done anything wrong ; simply pay the bribe and be on your way.

Authorities [ edit ]

You are advised to not trust the Turkmen police at all; they routinely harass, threaten, extort, and misbehave with people. Being a foreigner might make you an easy target.

Turkmen law enforcement authorities are known for being very touchy and aggressive, and it's common to be rudely treated by them. Do expect some harassment from them. If a police officer misbehaves with you, do not feel tempted to fight back or argue with them because you do not want to pick a fight with the wrong person in a country far away from home.

In accordance with the law, you are required to have an identification document on you at all times, and the police have the legal right to ask you for it. If they ask you for it, just give it to them. Not doing so can result in trouble with the authorities. Also, you have the legal right to ask them to present their identification.

Do not photograph or record law enforcement personnel without their consent; you can expect to be interrogated for doing so.

Photography [ edit ]

While Turkmenistan may be brimming with all kinds of beautiful things, photography and video recording are two of the easiest ways for a visitor to get into trouble. The Turkmens in general are particularly sensitive about pictures that portray Turkmenistan negatively.

Taking photographs or recording videos of strategically important structures − for example, government buildings or structures, police stations, border crossings, military installations, shopping malls, street markets, and airports − is illegal. The authorities enforce and take this rule very seriously .

Traffic conditions [ edit ]

Driving by the majority of Turkmens is wild and reckless . Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey traffic laws are common, as is driving under the influence. Drivers attack their art with an equal mix of aggressiveness and incompetence.

Most taxi services are not regulated and the vast majority of taxis do not have seat belts or other safety devices. For safety reasons, visitors should strongly consider hiring a private car and driver through their travel agency or hotel.

Police checkpoints and roadblocks are common. Do not be scared or intimidated; just be firm and polite when you run into a police checkpoint.

Relationships with the Turkmens [ edit ]

The Turkmen authorities do not take too kindly to foreign men mingling with Turkmen women. During the Niyazov years, foreign nationals wanting to marry Turkmen women had to pay a fee of at least $50,000 to the Turkmen government.

Other things to watch out for [ edit ]

• Your guide does not have to accompany you if you want to leave your hotel and go for a walk. If you are a man, try not to walk with a female companion (if it is not your wife or girlfriend) — the police may think that this is a walk with a prostitute, and may simply arrest you. In Turkmenistan, both prostitutes and clients are severely punished.
• Turkmenistan is perhaps the hottest country in the post-Soviet space. There is a sharp, dry, subtropical-inland climate, that is, palm trees do not grow, but in summer it is extremely hot and dry. Winter is cold and windy, and in spring and autumn it is cloudy and rainy. In summer, from May to September, Turkmenistan is even hotter than in neighboring Uzbekistan, but slightly cooler than in Iran. In June, July and August, the temperature in cities can approach +50 degrees Celsius, which is why there are very few people on the streets during the day. The locals try to do all their business in the morning or in the evening, when it's not so hot. Severe gales and dust storms often occur (a dry and hot wind called the "Afghan wind" is active here).
• When talking to ordinary citizens, not to mention civil servants, be extremely careful in your statements about the ruling regime, politics and the current socio-economic situation in the country. There are a lot of Turkmen security officers disguised in civilian clothes, who are primarily interested in foreigners. They also analyze the current mood among the people. You can acquire the status of a political criminal. Rights and freedoms are not respected in the country. Turkmen security officers are especially vigilant towards journalists and bloggers.
• It is better not to go outside after 22:00, as you may be accused of violating the curfew, which is often announced without notice. Turkmen security officers and security forces in general are obsessed with espionage. Even at night there are a lot of police patrols.
• Turkmenistan borders Afghanistan from the southeast through steppe hills. Try not to approach the border zone both with Afghanistan and with other neighbors, since the danger comes not from imaginary Afghan militants, but from Turkmen border guards and security officers, who, seeing a foreigner in this zone, will definitely detain you.
• In Turkmenistan, even voluntary homosexual relations between men are still a criminal offense and can be punishable by imprisonment from 2 to 20 years. If this is relevant to you, try not to advertise your orientation at all.
• Since most of the country is occupied by deserts and steppes, it is very likely that you will encounter snakes and scorpions. There are many poisonous ones among them. Be careful when walking off the roads.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Medical supply does not correspond to American or European standards. Bring the medicines you need for your personal use with you, as they will be unavailable outside of Ashgabat. A travel insurance covering hospital care and an emergency flight to your home country is strictly recommended.

Vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B are recommended. A vaccination against typhus is also recommended in case you stay in poor hygienic conditions, and a course of 3 vaccinations against rabies is recommended for long term stays and frequent contact with animals or if you are not able to get to a clinic to be treated within 18 hours of being bitten.

Avoid drinking tap water. Tap water in Turkmenistan is known to contain traces of toxic metals, and this can cause long-term health problems.

Fruits and vegetables should be peeled before consumption. Avoid dairy products as they are not pasteurized.

Respect [ edit ]

The Turkmens in general are friendly and hospitable, sometimes even to a fault.

Saving face is an important cornerstone of Turkmen culture, so try to be prudent and careful with what you say; Turkmens are sensitive to being beckoned directly.

Although the country may have wonderful photo opportunities, do not photograph or record people without their permission .

Although Turkmenistan is a Muslim (but secular) country, most people hold secular, liberal views (but this does not apply to tolerance of LGBT people and freedom of speech outside the family). They are not as devout as their neighbors, for example. Alcohol consumption is normal for most men.

Turkmens, as a rule, do not participate in public displays of affection, as this is considered disrespectful. Holding hands and hugging in public is also tacitly prohibited.

Sensitive issues [ edit ]

For your own safety, it is strongly advised that you refrain from discussing politics and anything negative about the country.

The Turkmen government — in particular the leaders Serdar Berdimuhamedow and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow — are, at least publicly, very highly revered in Turkmen culture. Any form of disrespect — such as criticisms or insults — towards them and the government is taken very seriously and is severely punished. Keep your personal views about them to yourself.

Turkmens, in general, are remarkably sensitive to negative comments and views about their country. Insulting or negative comments about the country or locals may culminate in arguments.

Home Etiquette [ edit ]

• When entering someone's home, always take off your shoes . Not doing so is considered impolite.
• Never show up to someone's home empty handed . A small gift would suffice. Very expensive gifts will be viewed with suspicion.
• When visiting someone's house you will usually be offered bread . Be sure to use both of your hands to eat it. Refusing this would reflect poorly on your hosts.
• Turkmens (especially women) are incredibly superstitious. Whistling is unacceptable in every Turkmen house. It is commonly believed that whistling will make the owner of the house poor. Turkmens on certain days do not wash, do not cut their nails, do not clean, and abstain from multiple other seemingly common actions, and expect the same from guests. For example, stand right on the doorstep or cleaning the house after dark is considered a bad act.

Work [ edit ]

Although Turkmenistan is in dire need of qualified and simply skilled workers, Turkmenistan has extremely strict immigration laws, and it is impossible for a foreigner to get a work permit, with rare exceptions, if you are an employee of a lucky company that miraculously concluded an agreement with the government of Turkmenistan on the construction or maintenance of some building, construction or industrial facility. Here, foreigners are not welcome to move to work at the state level, primarily because of the country's isolationist policy and fear of imaginary spies, and not because the state wants to protect the country's jobs from foreigners for its citizens.

Connect [ edit ]

Turkmenistan is, by design, one of the most expensive and difficult places in which to communicate.

By phone [ edit ]

Turkmenistan has only one mobile phone provider: TM Cell.

Internet [ edit ]

Internet services are heavily monitored and censored in Turkmenistan. In addition, the internet is characterised by a few other features: it is very expensive (normally 5$/hour), slow and unreliable. Major hotels have access to Wi-Fi. Other places do not.

Access to social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube is blocked, as is access to messaging services like Viber, WeChat, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Furthermore, you cannot access many news sites, including Russian news sites.

Even blogging about Turkmenistan can restrict your internet privileges . Always assume that the Ministry of Industry and Communication is watching your every move online. If you are not comfortable with them violating your privacy, it would be better to not connect at all.

Attempting to use a VPN will not yield any results; the Turkmen government has managed to find their way around it.

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Beyond The Gate To Hell: 10 Best Things To Do In Turkmenistan When Visiting

A visit to Turkmenistan will not be complete without a visit to the Gates of Hell, but there are plenty of other things this country has to offer.

• Discover the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a fascinating history dating back to the 3rd millennium BC.
• Explore Awaza, the "Las Vegas" of Turkmenistan, a contemporary and attractive tourist zone on the Caspian Sea shore.
• Visit the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque, a historical landmark and monumental tourist attraction with stunning architecture and a capacity for 10,000 people.

Turkmenistan may be one of the lesser-known countries in the world but it packs a lot of surprises for travelers. While the most famous attraction here is the iconic Gate of Hell , this country is also home to several other amazing things to see and do.

Of course, a visit to Turkmenistan will not be complete without a trip to the burning gas crater, but these activities are just as exciting and worth doing.

10 Travel Back In Time To The Ancient City Of Merv

Merv is one of the interesting UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkmenistan worth visiting due to its interesting history. History of the site dates to the 3rd millennium BC when it was first inhabited by humans.

Throughout its existence, the city has been conquered by many powers including the Achaemenid, Macedonians, Parthians, and many others. The city was used as a capital by many empires that captured it, and it was one of the largest cities in the world at the time with a population of up to 500,000 people.

The city eventually fell in the 1800s, and today it remains one of the best places to visit in Turkmenistan to learn more about the history of Central Asia. Merv is also famous for being the oldest and most well-preserved ancient city positioned along the Silk Road.

It is also one of the cities visited by Alexander the Great during his conquest of Asia and although it is not one of the cities founded by the Macedonian leader , it was named Alexandria after him for some time.

• Location: Mary, Turkmenistan

Related: These 10 Amazing Ancient Cities Are Still Standing

9 Take A Tour Of Awaza

Awaza is a tourist zone on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea in the city of Turkmenbasy. It's a vibrant part of the city that features a beautiful shoreline lined up with elegant high-rise structures, an amusement park, luxury hotels, and the Turkmenbashi international airport.

Dubbed "The Las Vegas" of Turkmenistan, this tourist zone does not get the publicity it deserves despite being so contemporary and attractive. As a result, the area is often quiet, and one will be surprised to explore its endowments and beauty without the crowds, even in summer.

• Location: Turkmenbasy, Turkmenistan
• Things to enjoy: Beach walking, fun at the amusement park

8 Visit Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque

The Turkmenbashi Ruhi Mosque is a historical landmark and monumental tourist attraction in Turkmenistan. The mosque is situated in Gypjak, a few kilometers west of the capital Ashgabat and is very striking in appearance.

It features an elegant gold cupola surrounded by four minarets, and it also houses the tomb of Nyyazow, a former Turkmenistan leader from 1985 to 2006.

With a capacity to host up to 10,000 people, it is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, yet it is often empty due to the writings on its walls which some Muslims consider to be blasphemy.

• Location: Gypjak, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

7 Visit The Turkmenbashi’s Land Of Fairy Tales

Turkmenistan has its version of Disneyland named after a ruthless dictator, Saparmurat Niyazov. Beyond the history of its naming, the park is a paradise for fun lovers, featuring many attractions including roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and a log ride.

Unfortunately, most of these attractions are not operating at the moment. Like many attractions in the dictator-ruled Turkmenistan, this amusement park is being ditched by locals and tourists alike and is gradually falling into decay.

• Location: Hero of Turkmenistan Atamurat Niyazov Avenue, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

The park is currently open, and it is worth visiting for curiosity’s sake, but one should not expect much fun.

6 Stroll Around The Ancient City Of Nisa

The ancient city of Nisa is entirely a fortress, situated near the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat. It is one of the most historic places in the country worth visiting to learn more about the history of this part of Asia from as far back as 250 BC.

The city is believed to have been founded by Arsaces I, the first king of Parthia, and it served as the capital of the empire for a long time until it was destroyed by an earthquake in 100 BC.

Today, the ruins of the ancient city have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one can visit to see its ancient walls and houses.

• Location: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Related: Ancient Cities Unearthed: These Are The 10 Most Recent Ruins To Be Discovered

5 Watch The Akhalteke Horses At Ashgabat State Hippodrome

The Akhalteke Horse is not only an animal but also a national pride of Turkmenistan. The horse is classy and royal, only gifted to monarchs and presidents or used in battles as they are renowned to be exceptionally fast, intelligent, and enduring.

With frequent wars no longer a common thing in the modern world, these horses are now mainly bred for races, and one can watch them in action at the Ashgabat State Hippodrome.

• Location: Ashgabat

4 Stroll Around Ashgabat, The Capital Of Turkmenistan

Ashgabat is a unique city that visitors to Turkmenistan must explore. It is the capital and largest city in the country featuring plenty of eye-catching structures, attractions, and other things that many will love to explore.

Just strolling around the city is an exciting activity and a great way to see the city. Visitors, however, must be careful when engaging in this activity as many parts of Turkmenistan are monitored. This means taking pictures in some places might not be allowed, so one has to be careful with cameras.

• Top attractions in Ashgabat: Independence Square, Ashgabat National Museum of History

Related: 16 Most Beautiful Capital Cities Worth Visiting Around The World

3 Visit The Yangykala Canyon

Yangykala Canyon is a peculiar rock formation in the Balkan region of Turkmenistan that inspires a sense of wonder. This natural formation looks handcrafted, although it was formed by erosion for millions of years.

The formation covers a huge 15-mile area, and it is one of those places where one will feel like one is on Mars . Getting to this canyon is not an easy task as it is located about 260 miles from the capital Ashgabat. The trip, however, is worth it as visitors can camp and enjoy the views as long as they like.

• Location: 260 miles Northwest of Ashgabat

2 Swim In An Underground Lake

Turkmenistan is 70% covered by the Karakum Desert so it is usually dry. However, there's an oasis of wetness, and freshness hidden in Bakharden cave that visitors can take advantage of. The lake is known as Kow Ata and it is located near the city of Baherden about 55 meters deep in the cave.

Visitors will have to descend via a staircase into the cave to access the lake and when down there, they will be met with the thermal lake which is rich in minerals and features beautiful azure colors.

• Location: Near Baherden, Turkmenistan
• Entry fee: Free

Bathing is allowed in the pool which makes it a perfect place to cool off from the desert heat that surrounds Turkmenistan for those who don’t mind inhaling some awful smell which may be from the sulfur in the water (or possibly something else).

1 Learn About The Country’s History At The National Museum Of Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan may be a very isolated country but one can still learn more about this country by visiting the National Museum. In this museum, visitors will be met with more than 500,000 exhibits that give more insight into the history of the country and the area in general before it became known as modern-day Turkmenistan.

Visitors will learn about the ancient cities of Nisa and Merv here and also learn about Turkmenistan culture, art, and possibly how the country became the isolated, mysterious yet controversial place that it is today.

• Entrance fee: $10 per person

Q: Is it safe to travel to Turkmenistan?

The U.S. Department of State considers Turkmenistan a level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" and cautions travelers visiting Turkmenistan to have a backup departure plan, review the country's security report, and prepare a contingency plan for possible emergencies.

Gov.UK considers the situation in Turkmenistan to be "calm" politically but notes that driving can be a hazard as many borders and areas are often closed, sometimes abruptly. Women, especially, are cautioned against traveling alone.

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• Historical and Cultural Tourism

Historical and Cultural Tourism in Turkmenistan

Historical and cultural tourism in Turkmenistan will satisfy the curiosity of even the most seasoned of travelers and well-versed history buffs. The country lies replete with grand palaces of the Timurid and Khorezmshah Dynasties, evocative ruins of entire cities and madrasahs once famous throughout the Islamic world. Yet alongside these treasures of antiquity is a well-developed capital city and a modern, uniquely Turkmenistan culture.

Turkmenistan boasts of three sprawling UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely the cities of Merv, Nisa and Kunya-Urgench. The latter two were ancient capitals of Parthia and Khorezm respectively, while the former was a major Silk Road post. Along with the active archaeological site of Gonur-Tepe (Gonur Depe), each city offers hours of hands-on discovery of pottery-strewn homes, palace foundations, temples and fortresses.

Turkmenistan history has a way of popping up in the most unlikely places. Just when you think you’ve crossed the threshold of human habitation, the desert ruins of Dekhistan appear in all their faded glory, beckoning you to crawl and clamber your way over city walls and up rickety towers. Not far away, arguably the oldest mosque in Central Asia stands guard over a rustic cemetery. On the opposite end of the Karakum Desert, Amul Settlement proudly displays its accordion-style walls and photogenic archways, while the medieval caravanserai known as Dayakhatyn (Bai-Khatyn) still welcomes and amazes sojourners from afar.

Turkmenistan’s tourist attractions, far from being confined to archaic eras, also encompass the flashy marble boulevards of capital city Ashgabat. Elaborate fountains, rotating statues and record-breaking monuments which sing the praises of Turkmenistan’s president cannot help but leave an impression on visitors. For a more down-to-earth cultural experience, bazaar trips, museum tours and ethnic meals can provide endless opportunities for cultural immersion and interaction with the Turkmen people.

If you’re looking for a more rustic setting, Turkmenistan tourism offers the scenic mountain village of Nokhur, where superstition and deep-seated traditions can be traced in everything from clothing styles and cobblestone walls to revered caves and unusual cemeteries. Desert villages and outlying towns such as Mary, Balkanabat and Turkmenabat likewise provide unique opportunities to come face-to-face with the rural Turkmenistan population and a culture bearing heavy influence from ancient warring nomads, Soviet occupation and the present-day impact of a reclusive environment.

No matter which corner of this country you choose to explore, opportunities for historical and cultural tourism in Turkmenistan abound.

Turkmenistan Travel Guide: An Inside Look at a Bizarre Nation

Before we started our Turkmenistan travel, we were told to picture what it would be like if North Korea and Las Vegas got together and had a baby. Take a second to let that soak in.

Sin City meets one of the most private countries in the world? Hard to imagine. No matter how much research we did, we simply could not wrap our heads around how that description could work.

Fast forward. Now that we’ve been to Turkmenistan and back again, we get it.

It is a country that has a deep history and strong story. It is a nation that has been built up, torn down, built up again, torn down and then rebuilt in the eyes of a ‘visionary’ leader. 

It has both natural and ruined wonders to consume but I think the biggest attraction of all is the chance to look behind the curtain. Or at least peek around the edge and gain some personal insight into a very mysterious place. 

I’ll be honest, our entire visit felt like a dream. It was almost like being in an alternate reality. If you’re looking for a unique and bizarre travel experience than Turkmenistan should be at the top of your travel wish list. 

How to Travel Around Turkmenistan

Table of Contents

Turkmenistan is a country that has only recently opened to tourism. Before this, it was very hard and near impossible for any travelers to visit the country.

While it is now open and easier than ever before (still not easy) to get a visa to visit Turkmenistan, it is not possible to do so independently. As a foreign visitor, you are required to have your visa hosted by and arrange your entire visit through a government-approved tour operator.

We visited Turkmenistan on the recently introduced Best of Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan tour with G Adventures.  They operate their tour in partnership with an approved local operator.

If you’re considering taking a tour in Turkmenistan, this outline will give you a look into the experience you could have by booking this tour.

Disclosure: This tour was in partnership with G Adventures and was provided to us as part of our involvement as G Adventures Wanderers . 

Places to Visit in Turkmenistan Itinerary

Dashoguz (1 Day)

Dashoguz was our first stop after crossing the border from Uzbekistan into Turkmenistan. Being the third-largest city in the country, it is modeled after Ashgabat.

This means one thing, white marble everywhere. I still remember, very vividly, how much the entire tone of our trip changed when we crossed the border. Uzbekistan is a warm welcoming place, with a lot going on in the streets. The locals are everywhere, selling their goods and walking the streets.

In stark contrast, Turkmenistan appears almost sterile and there is nobody to be seen. Anywhere.

Dashoguz is more of a waypoint versus a must-visit stop in Turkmenistan. You would only find yourself here if you traveled north from Ashgabat to visit the UNESCO site of Kunya Urgench or crossed the border from Uzbekistan.

That said, there are many beautiful marble buildings to observe when you are there. The city fails in comparison to Ashgabat, but if it is your first stop in Turkmenistan like it was for us then you will find it impressive.

The town also features a huge square that shows off a massive portrait of the president and a towering flag pole. At the center of the square is a massive portrait of the President, looking down over you as if to say, “I am watching you.”

Before you leave town, be sure to pay a visit to the Bai Bazaar. It is open on the weekends and gave us our first interaction with the local people in Dashoguz. Operating like a traditional market, you can find any and everything here including fresh produce, fruit, meat and packaged goods.

Kunya-Urgench (1 Day)

Once an important stop along the Silk Road, Kunya-Urgench has a rich history of importance. It was once the ancient capital of Northern Khorezm, served as the residence to Khorezm Shah and became the second-largest city after Bukhara.

After 1221, it was known as the ‘heart of Islam’ causing its people to rebel against Genghis Khan. This act led to it being destroyed by the Mongols.

Refusing to give in to its destruction, the city was rebuilt but again destroyed in 1388 by the army of Tamerlane. It remained virtually undiscovered after that until 1831 when the construction of the Khan-Yab canal began.

This history of turmoil and struggle contributes to the poor condition of the site today. Despite this, it is still a fascinating place to visit and we found the best place to interact with local people.

On several occasions during our visit, we were stopped by groups of women, dressed in beautiful traditional clothing, to pose for photos with them.  

The Kunya-Urgench site is one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites located within the borders of Turkmenistan.

Darvaza (2 Days)

The Darvaza Gas Crater, affectionately known by the locals as the door to hell, is the number one tourist attraction in Turkmenistan. It is a sight to behold and one of the coolest things we’ve ever laid our eyes on.

In 1971, a group of Soviet geologists came to the Karakum Desert, not far from the village of Darvaza. They were intent on tapping into a cavern that was rumored to contain natural gas.

After setting their equipment and starting to drill, the earth beneath gave way and collapsed. This single event resulted in a massive crater that not only consumed the drilling equipment but opened a large gas hole.

Fearing that the hole would release toxic gas into the air, the Soviets decided to light the crater on fire to burn off the gas. What was assumed would only burn for a few days continues to burn to this day. That is a long time for the earth to be leaking gas.

In 2004, the President of Turkmenistan issued an order to relocate the village of Darvaza for safety reasons. Since it has served as the main tourist attraction in the country.

People who are traversing the Silk Road have stopped at the Darvaza Gas Crater, setting up temporary camps before moving on to other parts of the country. Today, one of the government-owned tour companies has installed a permanent yurt camp, that offers travelers a bit more comfort during their visit.

We stayed at this yurt camp and were impressed with the facilities. The camp features showers, bathrooms, running water and concrete pad flooring in the yurts.

They also provided cots, sleeping bags , and pillows. Our stay included meals and I can say without hesitation that enjoying a Turkmeni BBQ meal while watching the sunset over the crater will be a memory that lasts the rest of our lifetimes.

Ashgabat (2-3 Days)

If ever there was a city that commanded a presence, it would be Ashgabat . We may have thought Dashoguz was strange but Ashgabat takes the cake. I have never in my life seen a city with less life. The comparisons that people give it to Pyongyang are warranted. 

All around you are opulent, massive, grandeur buildings constructed in white marble. Beautiful fountains are full of clear running water. Bright green cedar trees lining every boulevard and park walkway. But, no people. 

Our time in Ashgabat was spent sightseeing, literally driving around to the monuments, getting out, learning about them, taking some photos and then getting back in to move on. During this time we saw only military guards, who are on guard outside every major monument and cleaning women. 

Shaking the bizarre is difficult, but I have to say that it does heighten the curiosity and I found myself at full attention during our entire visit. 

At night, the entire city is lit up with fluorescent lights in every neon color you can imagine. From our hotel, which was perched atop a hill overlooking the downtown area, it was hard to not feel like we were in Las Vegas. 

Our hotel even changed colors, if you stayed long enough to look, it transformed from red to green, to blue, to purple, to pink, to yellow and so on. Very strange, but it did have a certain beauty about it. 

Tours in Ashgabat You Shouldn’t Miss:

• City Tour of Ashgabat: To get a better understanding of the city, or at least try to, be sure to take a city tour. The standard tours will take you to the downtown area to visit the Neutrality Arch, World’s Largest Indoor Ferris Wheel, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque, Independence Park, Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque and several other buildings. 
• Night Lights Tour: You simply cannot visit Ashgabat without taking a tour at night once all the lights come on. Driving through the downtown is akin to visiting the Vegas Strip, with the lights shining and reflecting off the bright marble buildings. The city is best viewed from above, so be sure that you ask your driver to bring you to the Wedding Palace, where you can cross the street and see all of Ashgabat in its nighttime glory.
• Akhal Teke Stud Farm: You simply cannot visit Turkmenistan without paying a visit to an Akhal Teke Stud Farm outside of Ashgabat. The Turkmen people are devoted to this breed, which is unique to the country. You will find pictures of this horse on everything including stamps, emblems, signs, currency and even the visa. Besides visiting Darvaza, this was my favorite activity in Turkmenistan. In visiting the farm, we were introduced to the family that operates it. We met the men that train the stallions for exhibition and were even introduced to their prized stallions. They showed us horses, baked us fresh bread from a traditional Turkmen oven and educated about this special breed of horse during our visit. It was the highlight of my trip. 
• Nisa: Another one of Turkmenistan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Nisa is not to be missed when in Ashgabat. Located just outside the city, the remains are surprisingly intact from the city that was constructed with mud and straw. The site is fascinating and the man that oversees the site is animated and full of information. We enjoyed learning the history and wandering through the still standing corridors. Hard to believe it once served as a supported city to the capital. 

Other Places to Visit in Turkmenistan

• Merv: The last of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, we regret not being able to visit this site work. The photos we have seen of Merv are very impressive. The site was high on our list but once we reached Ashgabat, we realized we didn’t have enough USD to make the trip work while we were there. Word to the wise, bring more money than you think you need. 
• Yangykala Canyon: This is another site I came across in my research of Turkmenistan before visiting. The photos show me that the canyon resembles the same topography of the Grand Canyon. In talking with other travelers that have been to the country, it is recommended to visit. That said, it is incredibly remote and located in the far Western part of Turkmenistan, so I would take some careful coordination with your tour company to pull off. 

Is Turkmenistan Safe?

Turkmenistan is a very unique place and despite things being considerably different than anything we have ever experienced in our travels, we never felt unsafe during our visit.

Visitors are held close and required to be accompanied by a tour guide during their visit. I find it hard-pressed to believe that you could get into any trouble unless you went looking for it. Which we do not recommend.

Most of the cities felt abandoned during our visit. When we were out touring, we saw maybe a dozen people on the streets during our entire visit to the country. Even the mosques were empty.

There is a strong military presence, especially in Ashgabat, near the major monuments. A couple of times we walked from our hotel to a nearby restaurant we never encountered another person.

The few people that we did encounter at various bazaars, stores and restaurants were intrigued with us and very friendly.

How to get to Turkmenistan

For as closed off as Turkmenistan may seem, it is easy to fly in and out of the country. Both Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi offer several flights per day to Europe, often connecting through Azerbaijan on major airlines like Lufthansa.

Flying back to the USA from Ashgabat after our visit, we connected in Azerbaijan before landing in Frankfurt and then onto Chicago.

Once in Turkmenistan, it is possible to fly between the major cities although flights are limited. Once you are in-country, you’ll spend your time touring by car between sites and cities.

It is also possible to enter Turkmenistan by land from Uzbekistan as we did. After leaving Khiva, we drove to the border to cross at Dashoguz.

Our visa arrangements were made in advance by G Adventures and the process was surprisingly smooth. That said, it was time-consuming and a bit bureaucratic.

Turkmenistan Visa

Obtaining a visa to visit Turkmenistan is a process but generally pretty easy. Once you book your tour, the company will then act as your sponsor.

They will gather all of the necessary information from you to apply for your visa from the government.  Once processed, the government will issue an official letter of invitation to your tour operator.

With this document, you can arrive in Turkmenistan and obtain a visa. The cost of the visa is paid for when you arrive in-country. The fee is ever fluctuating and dependent on the country of your passport.

As US citizens, our visa cost was $75 plus a small processing fee, totaling $79 each. The visa is placed into the passport and you are then required to undergo a luggage search and questioning before being permitted to enter Turkmenistan.

The country has very strict laws about medication, particularly prescription drugs. Nothing that is not labeled is permitted and will be confiscated. They also have an extensive banned list, which your tour operator can provide to you before travel.

Drones are also banned within the country. We were all questioned and searched for drones when we crossed the border overland.

Best time to visit Turkmenistan

Unlike the other Central Asian countries, Turkmenistan is best experienced in what we know as the typical shoulder season.

Since Turkmenistan is mostly desert, the summer, which is the most popular time to visit most of the other ‘stan’ countries along the Silk Road, is extremely hot.

In contrast, winter is downright cold. This makes the shoulder season the perfect temperature for exploring this fascinating country. No matter when you go, don’t expect any crowds. We only saw one other group of tourists during our visit.

A breakdown by weather looks like this:

• March to June: You can expect clear skies, sunshine and warm temperatures during the day. Nighttime temps can feel cold, especially in the desert. Combined, this makes the most optimum travel time and, in my opinion, is the best time to visit Turkmenistan. We traveled through both Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan during June.
• July & August: This period is the height of summer and with it, you can expect to experience some extreme heat. It can be too hot to be out during the middle of the day, so consider that if you plan to visit during these months. Temperatures in Ashgabat will easily top 105°F (40°C).
• September to November: The peak heat from summer has passed but you’ll still be warm. It’s a great alternative to the other months and I would say the second-best time option for visiting Turkmenistan.

Political Situation

Turkmenistan is the second most controlled country in the world behind North Korea. There are many restrictions in place for the residents and tourists alike.

You must understand this before your visit to ensure you don’t offend anyone or get into trouble during your visit.

Expect to see widespread use of propaganda that paints the country as the most perfect place in the world to live. Photos of the president can be seen on every street corner and inside every establishment.

When we turned on the TV, we were only able to find programs that showed the happy vibes of life in Turkmenistan. Programs featured public festivals and achievements of the nation for all to see.

While it can be tempting to quiz your guide nonstop about the situation in the country, remember that they live there and believe in what they have been told. It is important to maintain this perspective.

In our experience, the people we came in contact with were friendly but very reserved. They know they are being monitored and are hesitant to say or do anything that might reflect poorly on them.

You will never hear them talking badly about their country and often give the outward impression that they are holding back.

We encountered this a lot in our travels through China. It can be frustrating to know that they want to be candid, but with respect it is best not to pry. The last thing you want is to put them in a position that could jeopardize them.

Taking Taxis in Turkmenistan

As independent travel in Turkmenistan is off-limits, don’t expect to be able to hail a cab. If you wish to go somewhere in your ‘spare time’, you will need to arrange a private car with the company that is hosting you in the country.

That said, you will likely not be given the option to travel anywhere on your own. There were two instances where we walked to a restaurant that was close to our hotel without our guide. Both times were stopped by the hotel staff and questioned.

I do not doubt in my mind that they called ahead to the restaurant to ensure that we arrived there, stayed only there and then returned to the hotel.

Getting Money in Turkmenistan

The local currency in Turkmenistan is the Minat and the value of it is not currently stabilized. This means that the official rate listed on the exchange market is not the one that is widely used in the country.

A lucrative black market exists for exchanging currency and it is wise to do your homework in advance or ask around to multiple sources that are not your tour agency, to figure out what the going rate is during your visit.

The best rate is obtained at the bazaars and can be upwards of three times the official exchange rate.

Your tour operator will also be able to exchange money for you, but keep in mind that the rate will be better than the official rate yet worse than the bazaar. They build in a cut.

ATM’s do not exist in Turkmenistan, nor does an official currency exchange place. It is also not possible to use credit cards, anywhere within the country. Not even with the in-country tour companies.

You need to bring plenty of US dollars only. In our experience, booking extra tours and add ons once in destination required US dollars only. The companies would not take Minat due to the widely varying exchange rates at which it is obtained.

The exact opposite, all restaurants require payment in Minat. So you have to operate with both currencies when you are there. Plan and make sure you have more than enough USD currency for your stay.

Food in Turkmenistan

Nobody is writing home about the cuisine in Turkmenistan but in all honesty, we thought it was decent. At times it was simple, sure, but nothing out of the ordinary compared to the food in other countries in Central Asia.

On par with the rest of the Silk Road, Turkmen people enjoy meat-centric dishes and salads. In both Dashoguz and Ashgabat, many restaurants served varied cuisine from other Central Asian countries and it was always possible to get pasta or pizza. As weird as that sounds.

Smaller towns and camping areas were more basic, serving soup, rice, meat and a variety of salads. Beer is everywhere too.

The official language of Turkmenistan is Turkmen and is spoken by 72% of the population within the country. Russian is the next widely spoken language by around 12% of the population.

Outside of the tourism industry, English is not widely spoken. That said, there were plenty of instances where local people attempted to engage with us.

Sign language is universal, so don’t be shy even if you don’t speak Turkmen or Russian.

Internet & Data

During your time in Turkmenistan, you should plan to be completely offline. Don’t be fooled by the offering of WIFI that you will find in most hotels and restaurants throughout the country.

You may be able to connect but everything you would want to use is blocked. All social apps including Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Twitter are blocked. Skype and most email services are also blocked.

Oddly enough, I was able to access the CNN app on my phone and it was not censored. People in our group attempted to use a VPN but it was not possible. They were never allowed to connect with it.

We also saw the odd stall in the bazaars that offered cell phone data service. One person that was traveling in our group attempted to make a purchase but when our tour guide caught wind of it, he strongly advised against it. 

That should tell you everything. I wouldn’t plan on purchasing a SIM card during your visit as it could compromise your phone. 

Keep in mind that everything in Turkmenistan is highly monitored. Anything you do once connected to a WIFI point or activate a SIM card will be monitored and tracked.

Taking Photos in Turkmenistan

Photography and filming is a bit of a touchy subject while in Turkmenistan. While it is fine for you to have your camera and photograph the many unique, strange and beautiful things you will see during your visit, keep in mind that there are many restrictions.

Anything you see that is government-related is strictly off-limits to photography and film. Photographing military guards is also a big no-no.

When wandering the bazaars, do not shoot photos at will. If you wish to take a photo, you need to ask permission from any of the people in the photo. Most of the time they are happy to pose for a photo or allow you to photography their stalls.

Sneaking photos isn’t wise nor something we encourage. People were watching out for each other and we had one instance in our group where someone asked to photograph something, got permission but offended someone that was walking by at the time.

They had to show the person the photo to ensure that they hadn’t captured them in it. With tour guides and booked experiences, there were no issues taking photos with people in them.

In terms of carrying equipment around, we felt safe. Nobody looked twice at our gear and we walked around all of the cities with it around us.

Shopping in Turkmenistan

Shopping is limited compared to, say, Uzbekistan. There is little opportunity to purchase locally made goods.

We stopped at a couple of bazaars during our tour and these were our only shopping options. As these markets serve the locals, there was everything imaginable on offer.

Each one had a section for tourist type trinkets, but they were mostly made up of practical things and produce.

A couple of things that should be on your list are locally made bracelets and Turkmen hats. You can also purchase baseball caps that say Turkmenistan on them and small novelty flags.

In Ashgabat, be sure to try the fresh caviar. Turkmenistan is the world’s largest exporter of this expensive hors d’oeuvre, and you can both try and purchase it from the bazaar here.

Turkmenistan Travel Budget

Due to the regulation and requirement that you hire a guide for the duration of your time in Turkmenistan, travel here is not cheap.

Tours and transportation are on par with Western prices. Restaurants are on the cheaper side, although some of the higher-end ones we were brought to were more costly.

You should expect to pay in the neighborhood of $2000 or more US dollars for a 4-day visit that includes Ashgabat and Darvaza. To add in Dashoguz, Kunya Urgench, Merv and/or Turkmenbashi you can expect to pay more.

That said, all of your transportation, accommodation and major entry fees will be included in that price. Meals, souvenirs and tips are not included.

In places like Kunya Urgench, Nissa and Merv, you can expect to also pay camera fees. The cost varies depending on still or video. This can be paid in Minat or USD. 

More on Central Asia:

• Essential Uzbekistan Travel Guide: Everything We Wish We’d Known
• Looking Beyond the Stan: 33 Epic Kyrgyzstan Photos
• Kok Boru in Kyrgyzstan: An Intimate Look At Dead Goat Polo
• Kyrgyzstan Trekking: Chon Kyzyl Suu to Jeti Oguz
• How to Travel Tibet: Everything You Need to Know
• People of Tibet in 25 Photos
• Travel Insurance: Do You Really Need It?
• Plan Your Dream Trip

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

2 thoughts on “Turkmenistan Travel Guide: An Inside Look at a Bizarre Nation”

I love all your photos! Looking forward to see all the amazing and unique architectures in Turkmenistan. Keeping this post handy for our future travels.

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Turkmenistan again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to hoping for a better 2021 with loads of travel plans and new experiences! – Cecilie

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Turkmenistan Tours & Vacations

Turkmenistan is an eclectic country that oozes history and quirkiness, with warm inhabitants who enjoying extending a welcoming hand to visitors (even if the government is somewhat less effusive). Visit this eccentric nation to forge a path across windswept deserts and jagged mountains, through aromatic spice bazaars, along the ancient Silk Road, all the while encountering the distinctive faces of Central Asia .

Our Turkmenistan trips

Articles of turkmenistan.

6 ways you can go beyond Asia’s hotspots in 2023 

Turkmenistan at a glance

Capital city.

Ashgabat (population 883,000)

6.2 Million

Turkmen, Russian, Uzbek

(GMT+05:00) Ekaterinburg

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type B (American 3-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)

Learn more about Turkmenistan

Geography and environment.

Over 80% of Turkmenistan's land mass is covered by the Karakum Desert, which stretches from west to east for 550 Miles. Consequently, the landscape is dominated by undulating sandy desert dunes, with low mountains to the south and south-east, and the Caspian Sea running the length of the western fringe. Turkmenistan shares borders with Kazakhstan to the north,   Uzbekistan   to the east, Afghanistan to the southeast and   Iran   to the south.

Further reading

Best time to visit turkmenistan.

With a dry, subtropical desert climate, Turkmenistan earns the rank as Central Asia's hottest country. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) are the ideal times to visit, as this is when weather conditions are the most comfortable. During summer - particularly July and August - the mercury can tip up to 49 °C (120 ° F) on a regular basis, while winters can get very cold, down to freezing in some parts of the north.

Top 5 things banned by Niyazov

Listening to car radios, lip-synching and recorded music were all prohibited as he believed they stifled the natural creative talents of Turkmen.

2. TV newswomen wearing make-up

Banned in 2004, because he believed Turkmen women were beautiful enough already without make-up. (Although, some reports claim this was actually because he was struggling to tell the difference between the male and female newsreaders!)

3. Gold teeth

Banned in April 2004 - instead Niyazov decreed the youth of Turkmenistan should chew on bones to preserve their teeth, in the same way dogs do.

4. Opera, ballet and the circus

Banned in 2001 for being unnecessary and 'decidedly un-Turkmen-like'.

5. Dogs in Ashgabat

Banished from the streets of the capital as a result of their 'unappealing odour'.

Turkmenistan travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Turkmenistan?

TURKMENISTAN  All travelers to Turkmenistan require a visa. A Letter of Invitation (LOI) is also required before you can apply for the visa. We recommend all travelers plan to receive a Visa on Arrival at either the airport or land border, depending on your itinerary. Please follow the instructions below to have your LOI for visa on arrival issued before you travel.

To apply for your LOI we require the following: - clear, color scan of the photo page of your passport - digital copy of a color passport photo (not a scan of a printed photo) - Turkmen LOI Application form (please contact your booking agent)

After submitting these documents to your booking agent our local partners will process your LOI. This service is included in your trip cost. We advise that you apply for your LOI no later than 3 months before your trip to allow time for processing. Turkmenistan LOIs are processed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Turkmenistan and usually take around 4 weeks to be processed, with up to 6 weeks in peak travel season not uncommon. We strongly suggest submitting all documents no later than 2 months before arrival in order to allow sufficient time for processing.

NOTES: -  Independent travel in Turkmenistan is not permitted and your visa will only be valid for as long as tour services (including accommodation, guides, transport etc) are provided. - Make sure you have a print out of your LOI before boarding your flight or leaving for your trip.  - You will need to complete a migration card and pay a US$12 migration fee ($10 fee plus $2 admin charge) on arrival in Turkmenistan. - You will need 2 printed passport photos for your leader to submit to the migration office after your arrival in country. 

CUSTOMS: - A number of medications containing tramadol, morphine, opiates or any other similar constituent component are banned in Turkmenistan and are considered narcotic drugs. Do not bring any medications containing these drugs into the country.

Is tipping customary in Turkmenistan?

Tipping isn't customary in Turkmenistan. 

What is the internet access like in Turkmenistan?

Internet access is available in all large towns at state-run internet cafes. Free wi-fi is sometimes available, although may be also be charged in some places. All internet access is via the state-run domain so emails may be monitored and many websites (including social media like Facebook and Twitter) are blocked.

Can I use my cell phone while in Turkmenistan?

Roaming agreements are in place with some international phone companies, however cell phone coverage is mostly limited to Ashgabat. Remember to activate global roaming with your service provider before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in Turkmenistan?

Turkmenistan has a mix of squat toilets and flushable toilets. As a developing nation, expect to adjust to different levels of sanitation. Always carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer as these are rarely provided.

What will it cost for a…?

Soft drink = 3-4 TMT Bottle of imported beer = 5-6 TMT Simple lunch = 15-20 TMT Dinner in an inexpensive restaurant = 35-45 TMT

Can I drink the water in Turkmenistan?

Tap water isn't considered safe for tourists to drink and you should also be careful when eating salads and other uncooked foods that may have been washed in water, avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit before eating. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Ask your leader and accommodation provider for local advice on where drinking water can be accessed.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Turkmenistan?

Credit card usage - including cash advances - is only available in Ashgabat, and even then, mostly in hotels. Large hotels, restaurants and tourist service providers generally accept credit cards, but expect smaller operators and shops to accept cash only.

What is ATM access like in Turkmenistan?

ATMs are difficult to find, even in Ashgabat. If traveling through rural and remote areas, be aware that there will be no ATM access. Most ATMs are only of use to locals and do not accept foreign cards.

What public holidays are celebrated in Turkmenistan?

• 1 Jan New Year
• 12 Jan Memorial Day
• 19 Feb National Flag Day
• 8 Mar International Women's Day
• 21 Mar National Spring Holiday
• 22 Mar National Spring Holiday
• 9 May Victory Day 
• 18 May Constitution Day
• 26 Jun Eid al-Fitr
• 2 Sep Eid al-Adha
• 3 Sep Eid al-Adha Holiday
• 4 Sep Eid al-Adha Holiday
• 6 Oct Day of Remembrance of the victims of the earthquake in 1948
• 27 Oct Independence Day
• 28 Oct Independence Day
• 12 Dec Neutrality Day

For a current list of public holidays in Turkmenistan go to:   http://www.worldtravelguide.net/turkmenistan/public-holidays

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Turkmenistan

Are you looking for a new and extraordinary experience? Do you want to see a different and interesting part of the world that is still not so well-known among tourists? A place that receives only a limited number of visitors every year? If the answer is yes, we have a suggestion for you – the country of Turkmenistan . It is certainly one of the most unique and bizarre places in the world. If you want to learn more, keep reading for our comprehensive guide to visiting Turkmenistan.

Background Information about Turkmenistan

Situated in the heart of Central Asia, Turkmenistan is one of the most neglected countries in the world. The country has been trying to encourage tourism during the past few years, though, so travelling to Turkmenistan is now a bit easier than before. Being in a crossroad, the country’s history is extremely rich and vibrant.

Its capital city is home to the largest collection of marble buildings in the world, while the countryside is mainly covered by desert. Somewhere in the middle of the dry landscape, however, visitors will also find interesting hidden oases.

Located on the Caspian Sea lies one of the most luxurious seaside resorts, while a few kilometers away one can find the massive plateau home to dinosaur footprints from millions of years ago. There is so much to be explored and learned about this fascinating country.

Turkmenistan Flag

The Turkmenistan Flag is very easily distinguished with its green color and red vertical stripe. A white crescent moon with five stars is also a major feature of the flag, representing the country’s five regions. It is believed that the red and green colors have been widely used and respected throughout the history of Turkmenistan.

The stripe consists of white, yellow, red, and green and represents the popular carpet industry, which is a large portion of the country’s heritage. As a replacement of the old Soviet Union flag, the current one was introduced in 1992.

Capital of Turkmenistan and other big cities

As the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat is also the largest city in the country with a population of around 730,000 people. Other big cities include Turkmenabat, Dasoguz, Mary, Balkanabat, Bayramaly, Turkmensbasy, Tejen, Abadan, and others.

Turkmenistan population

In 2021, the country’s population is estimated to be more than 6 million people. With a density of around 13 per square km, Turkmenistan is the second least densely populated country in Central Asia. Additionally, approximately half of the Turkmenistan people live in rural villages. The main religion in Turkmenistan is Islam, practiced by 93% of the population, followed by Christianity at 6%, respectively.

Where is Turkmenistan?

Bordered by the countries of Uzbekistan to the East and North, Kazakhstan to the Northwest, Afghanistan to the Southeast, and Iran to the Southwest and South, Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia. The country is not completely surrounded by land, though, as it borders the Caspian Sea to the West. Refer to the map of Turkmenistan below to better familiarize yourself with the country’s location.

How to get to Turkmenistan

Tourists looking to visit Turkmenistan might find the journey there a bit challenging. First of all, the country does not have direct connections with neighboring regions by train or bus. Booking airfare is the fastest and most convenient way.

The biggest airport is situated in the capital city, Ashgabat. While Turkmenistan is home to another 6 smaller airports, Ashgabat Airport is the only one that serves international flights. Keep in mind that only a handful of airlines operate flights to Turkmenistan, though, the largest ones of which are Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai, S7 Airlines, and Turkmenistan Airlines. If you are travelling from Azerbaijan, you can also hop on the 12-hour-ferry journey from Baku to Turkmenbashi. This service, however, is not the most reliable as there is no exact schedule and ferries leave only once they are fully booked.

Part of your preparation to visit the country should be obtaining a Turkmenistan visa. The application cost is between $50 to $150 depending on the duration of your stay and takes around 3 weeks to be reviewed. Once you have gathered all the needed documents, you should apply at the nearest Embassy of Turkmenistan or consulate. If your tourist visa is approved, you will be able to collect it once you land at Ashgabat Airport. You should also expect to receive an immigration card as you are entering the country. This document will have to be filled in by every hotel or accommodation you stay at. Foreign nationals travelling around Turkmenistan are also expected to register at the Tourism and Sports Department within 3 working days of arrival.

As there are various things to keep in mind when travelling to Turkmenistan, it is always a good idea to consider contacting a travel agency, who will be able to assist you with the visa application as well as organize and plan your visit to the country.

How to get around Turkmenistan

Getting around Turkmenistan might be as difficult as getting to the country. Again, the most convenient and efficient way to travel from one city to another is by plane, especially if you have limited time to explore the country. Turkmenistan Airlines operates numerous domestic flights , however, and they are widely used by the locals as well. The demand is extremely high; something to have in mind is to book flights well in advance!

Travelling by car is not advisable because some of the main roads in Turkmenistan cross the desert and can be dangerous. In addition to that, you will need an International Driving Permit to be allowed to legally drive in the country.

The last option to get around Turkmenistan is by train or minibuses. This way of travel is very cheap, though it does involve long journeys. With some services, confirmed schedules are uncommon, as they will wait for the entire vehicle to be full before it departs. If you are looking to fully immerse into the culture and experience the local way of life, though, trains and buses can be an interesting way to travel. You will meet many different people and be able to admire the countryside.

Once again, Turkmenistan travel might be challenging and difficult for foreigners, so it is a good idea to contact a travel agency or at least book a private tour guide. They normally use their own vehicles, which will significantly ease your travels.

Turkmenistan languages

One of the main questions that a lot of visitors ask is, “Do they speak English in Turkmenistan?” The answer is that some of the locals might speak English, but you should not count on it. As part of the Oghuz Turkic linguistic group, Turkmen is the official country’s language. With approximately 15% of the population speaking Russian as a primary language, it can be considered the second most widely spoken Turkmenistan language. If you know a bit of Russian, it will significantly help you as you travel across the country.

Time in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan belongs to the UTC +05:00-time zone. It is important to mention that the country no longer changes the clock and observes the Turkmenistan Time all year.

Currency used in Turkmenistan

Since 1993, Turkmenistan’s currently has been manat – TMT. When translated, the word means “coin.” A while back, the currency was introduced to replace the Russian ruble at 1 manat=500 Russian rubles. Now the exchange rate is: 1 manat=20.23 Russian rubles. One manat also equals around 0.25 Euro and 0.29 USD.

Something to keep in mind is that ATM services are fairly limited in the country and sometimes do not accept international cards. It is a good idea to prepare all the money you need well in advance. Your hotel will probably accept payment in dollars or via MasterCard or Visa. Some of the large tourist sites may also accept dollars. In restaurants and shops, however, you will be expected to pay in cash in the local currency.

Is Turkmenistan safe?

Another major question you might be asking yourself: “Is Turkmenistan safe?” The answer is yes. The crime rate in the country is extremely low. Tourism in Turkmenistan is a relatively new and currently growing business, hence, scammers are not very popular. You should be careful when getting a taxi, though, as unlicensed taxis exist and will try to charge you a much higher rate. As with any other country, always be cautious and keep your personal belongings safe and secure.

What part of Turkmenistan to stay in

The best part to stay in Turkmenistan is probably the capital city, Ashgabat. There are numerous monuments and tourist sites within the city or just a few kilometers away that are worth the visit!

If you would like to go for a swim in the Caspian Sea, though, you should head to Avaza which is the most luxurious seaside resort in the country.

Top 20 things to do in Turkmenistan with Your Family

Are you ready to explore the country of Turkmenistan? Are you looking for things to do in the country? Are you planning on a family trip to a new and unusual place? Do you want to know the top 20 things to do in Turkmenistan with your family? Keep reading to learn more!

Most Popular Tourist Sights:

You might have limited time to travel through the country, so we are starting with the most popular attractions worth visiting.

1. Visit the Turkmenistan Door to Hell

Darvaza Gas Crater is by far the most popular tourist site in Turkmenistan. Located in the middle of the desert there is a 230-foot-wide crater, created during an explosion in the 1970s. Unbelievably, flaming gas has been shooting out of the crater for 40 years.

The crater can be easily seen from afar, with its burning flames in yellow, red, and orange contrasting the brown, dry surrounding. The crater is often referred to as the Turkmenistan Portal to Hell.

2. Step back in time in the Ancient City Merv

The ancient city of Merv is located in close proximity to one of the biggest cities in Turkmenistan – Mary. While Mary is not so popular among tourists, a tour to Merv is one of the must-do things while in the country. Once known as the “Queen of Cities,” Merv has a rich, 4,000-year-old history because it served as the capital to various kingdoms and empires.

It is believed that during the 12th and 13th Century, the city had a population of more than 500,000 people and was one of the top three world’s largest cities. Unfortunately, Merv was destroyed by the Mongol horde, so today visitors can only admire the ruins of this ancient city. As one of the most impressive archaeological complexes, Merv has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Admire the architecture at Gypjak Mosque

The white marble Gypjak Mosque is located just outside of the capital city. The building was opened in 2004 by Separmurat Niyazov, who was the first Turkmenistan president. Constructed as a mosque but serving as a mausoleum, this is the largest building of this type in Central Asia. After Niyazov’s death, he was buried in Gypjak Mosque, and it is now rarely open to the general public. There has been a lot of debate over the building and its rich, ornate exterior. Even still, it is a good example of the bizarre structures around the country, which will allow you to better experience Turkmenistan.

4. Take the Walk of Health

If you are an outdoor lover, one of the top things to do in Turkmenistan is to take the well-known Walk of Health. The entire path meanders for approximately 37 km around the Kopet Dag Mountain Range, not too far from the capital city.

There is an easier way, which is just an 8 km route and a bit more popular among tourists. The Walk of Health was constructed during President Niyazov, as he wanted to encourage individuals to go out more often and improve their health.

5. Visit Dashgouz

Besides the capital of Turkmenistan, another top city to visit is Dashgouz. Located on the northern side of the country, it is one of the biggest towns you should include in your travel itinerary.

Visitors will find the ancient city of Kunya-Urgench Air, a 14th-century fortress, a few interesting mausoleums, and Asia’s highest minaret just a few kilometers away from Dashgouz. The ruins of Kunya-Urgench Air are extremely significant as a symbol of great achievement even thousands of years ago.

Natural Landmarks:

Despite the fact that Karakum Desert occupies 80% of the country’s territory, it is not all heat and dry landscapes. Home to interesting wildlife, a trip across the desert should be part of your travel itinerary if you are looking for some unique adventures. Either way, the country has some beautiful oases and natural landmarks, which are part of the top 20 things to do in Turkmenistan.

6. See the Yangykala Canyon

The stunning Yangykala Canyon is one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in Turkmenistan. Located on the western side of the country, the canyon is slightly off-the-beaten-path, but it is certainly worth the trip.

The interesting rock formations in red and white were created around 5.5 million years ago when this area was part of the Parathetys Sea. Nowadays, visitors can admire the tall rock wall that rises up to 100 meters above what is otherwise a flat desert landscape.

7. Stop by Kyrk Gyz Cave

Another interesting and bizarre place to visit is the Kyrk Gyz Cave. As you take the first look, you will be impressed by the cave stalactites. Soon after, however, you will realize that these are not cave formations but pieces of cloth hanging from the ceiling and walls. There are various different legends and stories about Kyrk Gyz Cave and the cloth pieces soaked in mud that have now become part of the cave.

8. Swim in Kow Ata Underground Lake

Kow Ata Underground Lake is proof that Turkmenistan is not just a desert country. Located 52 meters underground, the lake is part of the karst Bakharden Cave, which is the largest in the Kopetdag mountain range.

With a total length of 230 meters, the cave is also known as home to the largest colony of bats in Asia. What is even more interesting is the lake, which has thermal waters located on the bottom. With a constant temperature between 33-37 degrees C, Kow Ata Lake has become an excellent place to go for a swim. It is a certainly an unusual and unique experience!

If you are a history buff, you will certainly enjoy our next list of places to visit while in Turkmenistan, which will allow you to take a step back in time.

9. See the Dinosaur Footprints

Situated on the east side of Turkmenistan lies one of the most interesting and well-known tourist attractions in the world. The Dinosaur Plateau, also referred to as “Jurassic Park,” is home to the largest repository of dinosaur footprints in the world.

This region is extremely different compared to the popular Turkmenistan countryside, as the area is covered with grass, trees, and various plant species. The limestone plateau is home to approximately 150 dinosaur footprints, which span between 20 – 70 cm in size. The Dinosaur Plateau is extremely unique, and visitors can walk for a few kilometers following the dinosaur footprints.

10. Go back in time while visiting Old Nisa

Approximately 20 km away from the capital, tourists will find the first Parthians settlement. Covering a total area of around 0.300 square miles, this was once the main trading hub of the empire. Even though unclear, it is believed that an ancient civilization used to live in Nisa starting from the 3rd century BC.

These days, visitors can learn more about the history of the location, while exploring the ruins of ancient buildings, which once served domestic, commercial, and religious purposes. Due to its significant importance, Nisa has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Go for an Adventure and Have Fun:

A bit of adventure or a place or two to relax and have some fun is always a good idea. Check out our suggestions below.

11. Ride a horse through the countryside

The country of Turkmenistan is extremely proud to be the home of the special Akhalteke horse breed. They are well-known for their intelligence and speed and are thought to be war horses.

As a result, they were a central point of the country’s export and trading. Now, you can book a tour through the countryside and ride one of these fascinating, majestic horses. Your tour guide will normally take you to the nearby Firuza River and its gorges and hidden oases. If you are looking for a small adventure while in Turkmenistan, this is a must-do!

12. Ride the tallest indoor Ferris wheel in the world

Turkmenistan is home to various landmarks and monuments that are the world’s biggest. One of the most interesting, however, is the tallest indoor Ferris wheel on Earth. Located in the Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center, the Ferris wheel is at the heart of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The entire structure has six floors and rises at 95 meters above the ground. Being 47.6 meters tall, the Ferris wheel has been recognized as the world’s highest indoor Ferris wheel by Guinness World Records. Visitors can not only enjoy the ride and the beautiful view, but they can also explore the entertainment center, which has a food court, gaming area, etc.

Visit the Capital Ashgabat:

The outstanding capital of Turkmenistan – Ashgabat is certainly worth the visit. The city was completely destroyed after an earthquake in 1948. Slowly but surely, the capital has been rebuilt to become widely known for its marble buildings and massive national monuments. Despite being surrounded by the Karakum Desert, the city has a lot to offer in the way of tourist attractions. Keep reading and learn more about each one of them.

13. Ashgabat by Night

An interesting way to explore the capital city is by night. From the streets of the city to every building, the entire city is lit up.

Visitors can take a bus ride or just stroll through the city at night in order to fully experience this magical light show. One of the most beautiful places to stop by and admire at night is the Wedding Palace, which glows in four different colors.

14. Learn more about Turkmenistan’s traditions at The Carpet Museum

Turkmenistan is extremely well-known for producing some of the world’s best carpets. The rich colors and high quality make them so unique and extraordinary. The carpet industry has been an inseparable part of the Turkmens’ traditions, and a visit to The Carpet Museum in Ashgabat is an excellent way to learn more. You will be able to admire the biggest collection of Turkmen carpets, some of which date back to medieval times.

15. See the Wedding Palace

Another extremely unique and interesting building in Ashgabat is the Wedding Palace. Built in 2011, the construction covers a total territory of 410,000 square ft. and consists of eleven floors. On top, there is a ball that is 32 meters in diameter that symbolizes the planet Earth.

The Wedding Palace features wedding halls, wedding shops, restaurants, and special services to legalize your marriage. Even if you are not planning on getting married in Turkmenistan, stopping by the Wedding Palace to admire the extraordinary architectural style is worth it!

16. Dive into the country’s history at the Ashgabat National Museum

Another way to learn more about the country is to visit the Ashgabat National Museum, which will take you on a tour through the years. Opened in 1998, the museum has three different sections – science, natural history, and surprisingly, the President of Turkmenistan. While the origin of some of the relics and artifacts might be questionable, a visit to the museum is certainly a good way to learn more about the country’s history.

17. Visit Turkmenistan’s Most Popular Seaside Resort

Despite being mainly covered by desert, Turkmenistan also has easy access to the world’s biggest lake – the Caspian Sea. Attempting to attract more tourists to the country, the people have developed a luxurious, world-class seaside resort – Avaza.

Located close to the port city of Turkmenbashi, Avaza is the perfect spot if you want to find a hidden, top-notch seaside paradise. As the resort has been recently developed, you will find amazing 5-star hotels, which are, surprisingly, not so crowded. It is believed that Avaza has been trying to follow an example from Dubai, which you will certainly notice by the modern, futuristic-looking buildings.

18. Stroll down the Independence Square

Situated in the heart of the capital, your tour around Ashgabat should start at Independence Square. This is the place where you can fully admire the city’s architecture, as white marble has been used to construct all buildings. The vast majority of the buildings around the square are government facilities, so be careful when taking photos. In Turkmenistan, it is forbidden to take pictures of government buildings, and normally police officers are stationed around Independence Square. Within the massive square, you will also see lots of fountains, parks, and statues.

19. Go shopping at Tolkuhcka Bazaar

Tolkuhcka or Altyn Asyr Bazaar is the biggest market in Turkmenistan. It is one of the top attractions you should add to your travel itinerary. The colors and the vibe of the bazaar make it extremely authentic and unique.

You can find everything and anything in the market, from unique Turkman carpets to traditional food. If you do not have space in your luggage for an entire rug, you might want to get a small, hand-made souvenir to remind you of your trip to Turkmenistan.

20. Enjoy the views from the Monument of Neutrality

The Monument of Neutrality was once located at the very heart of Ashgabat. It was built in 1998 as a memory of the country’s neutrality. Rising at 75 meters, the monument looks like a tripod and is topped with a golden statue of the first Turkmenistan president – Niyazov.

Nowadays, visitors can still see the monument, though it is located in the capital’s suburbs. The main reason why you would want to visit is the fact that there is an elevator that takes you to the very top of the tower, which has an observation platform. From there, visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of the white marble buildings in the distance.

Frequently asked questions:

Can you drink alcohol in turkmenistan.

Drinking alcohol in Turkmenistan, even if not too popular, is legal. You might find that there are some limitations in terms of buying alcoholic drinks at particular locations, but you would still be able to try the traditional Turkmenbashi-labelled vodka in your hotel or in a restaurant.

Is Turkmenistan a rich or poor country?

Turkmenistan is known for its large gas and oil resources. Hence, the country’s economy is one of the most developing and fastest growing in the world. At the same time, however, due to the massive desert covering the territory, the agricultural conditions are extremely poor. Statics show that 10% of the population lives on the poverty line.

Is Turkmenistan worth visiting?

Turkmenistan is certainly one of the most interesting and unique countries to travel to. It is home to bizarre architectural monuments, but it also has beautiful culture and traditions that are worth exploring. Keep in mind, though, that the country is the most expensive compared to the others in Central Asia. You need to be ready for a lot of expenses, so if you are looking for a budget trip, Turkmenistan is not a good idea.

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Best attractions in Turkmenistan: Top 15

Turkmenistan is one of the few countries with a vast tourist potential, which has not yet been fully disclosed. The mysterious country, unlike its famous Asian neighbors, once followed its own special, authentic path. However, those who wish to get acquainted with Turkmenistan will discover completely new sides of the country, and the historical and natural sights of Turkmenistan will fill the impression. Large-scale historical actions were unfolding on the lands of this country, whole civilizations were developing and collapsing, so this region conceals a lot of historical secrets and interesting findings. This is a confirmation that there are many historical monuments, ancient constructions and other exciting, interesting places to see in Turkmenistan.

What to see first in Turkmenistan

Guests of Turkmenistan arrive in this state for different periods: someone is planning a large-scale trip and close acquaintance with the customs and culture of the country, someone is looking for what to see in Turkmenistan in 1 day. Anyway, every tourist will find it useful to know what famous sights lurk in the rich lands of Turkmenistan in order to compose a rich itinerary of a trip.

1. Karakum Desert

The Karakum Desert, known to everyone, which occupies most of the country’s territory, opens the ranking. It is one of the largest deserts in the world, a realm of sand and drought. The climate here is harsh, the inter-seasonal temperature difference is more than 90 degrees, but surprisingly, about one seventh of the population still lives in the Karakum desert, adapting to the unfriendly conditions of the desert.

2. The ancient city of Nisa

Just a few kilometers from Ashgabat, guides in Turkmenistan will guide you through the famous ruins of the ancient city of Nisa, the former capital of the Parthian state that existed at the turn of the millennium BC and AD. Once, in the old part of the city was concentrated mass of palaces and temple buildings, as well as a treasury, warehouses with huge stocks of wine and provisions. The walls of the fortresses were built in good faith, their thickness was 8-9 meters, thanks to which the remains of ancient constructions have survived to this day.

Official site: http://tourism.gov.tm/ru/nissa

3. Ancient City of Merv

The review continues with an ancient city whose history goes even further back in the depths of thousands of years. It is the oldest city of Merv in Central Asia dating back to the era of the Moorish civilization at the turn of the 3rd and 2nd millennium B.C. It is also one of the largest archeological sites in Central Asia, with a number of preserved sites on its territory where you can read the history of the legendary city from ancient times to the late Middle Ages.

Official site: http://tourism.gov.tm/ru

4. Dehistan

Among amazing natural places that everyone should visit in Turkmenistan, the Dehistan plain, also called Martian plain, is especially interesting. It was named so for a reason - nowadays, this lifeless, waterless and clay soil has left no trace of fertile land, where once agriculture was successfully carried out from the 2nd millennium B.C. Today all that the plain has left to its descendants are the ruins of the ancient settlement of Misrian, but even by looking at them one can judge how highly cultured and beautiful this ancient settlement was.

Official site: http://tourism.gov.tm

5. Kunya Urgench

Tours in Turkmenistan often include a route to a historical and architectural reserve 500 kilometers north of Ashgabat. It is Kunya Urgench, a small town, which keeps the memory of the majestic Urgench, the former capital of Khorezm. Once, trade caravans passed through the town and various kinds of crafts flourished. But bits of its history survived the ordeal of time: twice it was subjected to siege, destruction, but still survived to this day: the many mausoleums, minarets and fortresses of the Middle Ages.

Official website: http://tourism.gov.tm/ru/koneurgench

6. Ruhiyet Palace

Turkmenistan’s main landmarks are briefly complemented by the Ruhiyet Palace for official events located in Ashgabat. The palace building, built not so long ago - in 1999, has advanced technical equipment and everything necessary for holding various ceremonies at a high international level. Meetings, congresses, forums, inaugurations, as well as informal events - exhibitions, concerts and other celebrations - are held here.

7. Ertogrulgazy Mosque

Once in Ashgabat, you will definitely find somewhere to go in Turkmenistan besides the aforementioned palace. For example, the largest mosque in the city is called Ertogrulgazy. It is also one of the most beautiful mosques of the city decorated in traditional Ottoman style. There is a nice marble road leading to the mosque gates on the sides of which there are fountain bowls in the shape of half of 8-pointed stars. Impressed by the size and design of its courtyard, sumptuous painting of the domes inside the temple and spacious inner hall, which can be simultaneously stay up to 5 thousand worshippers.

8. Monument of Independence of Turkmenistan

The most important state landmark and the tallest structure in Turkmenistan is the Independence Monument, located in Ashgabat in the National Independence Park. It is 118 meters high and has a hemispherical dome at its base with water flowing down its surface from fountains whose nozzles are embedded right in its walls. Through one of the five entrances it is possible to enter the interior of the monument, where the museum is located.

9. Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque

The largest single-domed mosque in Central Asia, according to reviews, is impressive in size - its area is about 18,000 square meters, and inner halls can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers, with the lower hall designed for men and accommodating up to 7,000 people, and

the balconies are for women, with a capacity of up to 3,000 people. The whole structure is built of white marble; the huge painted dome deserves special attention; and besides the main entrance, seven additional entrances lead to the inner halls, in front of which beautiful fountains are placed.

10. Darwaza Gas Crater

The recommendations of this rating are sure to touch on an amazing find in Turkmenistan - we’re talking about the Darvaz gas crater, 270 kilometers north of Ashgabat. “Gates of hell”, as the locals call the crater, have formed due to geological works at the site of the promising deposit found here. As a result, a cavity formed in the Earth’s crust eventually leaked gas, which the fire was set on fire so as not to poison the people living nearby. But the deposit turned out to be so vast that the gas, which was set on fire in 1971, is still blazing today, offering incredible views of the amazing natural phenomenon.

Official site: http://tourism.gov.tm/ru/gazcrater

Turkmenistan sights: what else to visit in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan sights photo with names and descriptions continues the review for those who are already familiar with all the main sights of Turkmenistan. We will talk about unique and extraordinarily beautiful creations, created by nature itself.

11. Dinosaur Plateau

Not far from the border with Uzbekistan, in the southeast of the country, surrounded by mountain ranges, is a small village called Hodzhapil. About three kilometers from this village one can meet an amazing find - a limestone slab, the length and width of which is 3-4 hundred meters. All its surface is completely trampled by dinosaurs - in total there are about 3 thousand footprints, the main part of which was left by megalosaurs that lived during the Jurassic period, as well as smaller dinosaurs that inhabited the local swamp. Over time, the swamp fossilized and the footprints were immortalized on the surface of the resulting plateau.

Official website: http://tourism.gov.tm/ru/dinosaur

12. Baharden Cave

The best sights of Turkmenistan will certainly complement another creation of nature - Baharden Cave, formed due to the impact of hot underground water on the rock. The length of this natural cavity is about 250 meters, the width and height is about 25 meters. Inside there is an underground lake, in the healing hydrogen sulfide waters which you can bathe in. The air inside the cave is very humid, saturated with hydrogen sulfide vapor, and the internal temperature, comfortable to stay, remains unchanged throughout the year.

13. Repetek Reserve

In 1927, the Repetek Biosphere Reserve was organized on the territory of the Kara-Kum Desert, a place with quite diverse flora and fauna on the background of the lifeless kingdom of sands. The uniqueness of this interesting place has long attracted the attention of scientists, who noted that the Kara-Kum desert ecosystem functions better the higher the air temperature rises, up to 60 degrees. About 30 species of mammals, about 200 species of birds and 125 endemic plants live quite successfully on these territories.

Official website: http://www.lichenhouse.narod.ru

14. Yangi-Kala Canyon

In the northwestern part of Turkmenistan, you can visit an amazingly beautiful and shaped natural object called the Yangi-Kala Canyon. After driving through a lifeless desert, at one point you find yourself at a precipice, where the ground drops out from under your feet for hundreds of meters. The canyon was once an ancient sea, which has dried up over time, exposing a sea floor dominated by white and red soil rocks. The rains and wind over time “carved” into the bottom of the canyon colorful fanciful hills, or “fiery fortresses”-that is how the name of the canyon is translated.

15. Caspian Sea

The body of water called the Caspian Sea, in fact, is not a sea - it is the world’s largest undrained lake, located at the junction of Europe and Asia. The salty waters of the Caspian Sea are famous for their healing effects, and the summer temperature is comfortable enough for recreation - not higher than +28 degrees. That is why this is a popular tourist area, and hotels of Turkmenistan, boarding houses, resorts and health resorts, concentrated mainly in the resort area “Avaza”, ready to offer different options for recreation right on the Caspian Sea coast.

Official site: http://tourism.gov.tm/ru/awaza

Turkmenistan is the most closed and authentic country on all post-Soviet space. Every year it attracts more and more inquisitive travelers, who are attracted here by dreams of white marble palaces, ancient cities, national shrines and living oases, created by nature itself right in the middle of lifeless dunes of endless desert.

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THE 10 BEST Turkmenistan Sights & Historical Landmarks

Turkmenistan landmarks.

• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Sacred & Religious Sites
• Historic Sites
• Monuments & Statues
• Ancient Ruins
• Architectural Buildings
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Observation Decks & Towers
• Scenic Walking Areas
• Arenas & Stadiums
• Mysterious Sites
• Civic Centers
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Darvaza Gas Crater

2. Parthian Fortresses of Nisa - UNESCO World Heritage Site

3. Ancient Merv - UNESCO World Heritage Site

4. Monument Arch of Neutrality

5. Turkmenistan Independence Monument

6. Gypjak Mosque

7. Turabek Khanum Mausoleum

8. Kunya-Urgench - UNESCO World Heritage Site

9. Ertugrul Gazi Mosque

10. Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex

11. Wedding Palace

12. Gonur Depe

13. Kutlug Timur Minaret

14. Konye Urgenc

15. Kow Ata Underground Lake

16. Geokdepe

17. Ashgabat Train Station

18. Darvaza Water Crater

19. Abiverd Ruins

20. Pokrovskaya Church

21. Il Arslan Mausoleum

22. Seyit Jemaletdin Mosque

23. Ferris Wheel

24. Ruins of Ancient Dehistan

25. Old Nissa

26. Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque

27. Sultan Tekesh Mausoleum

28. Gate of the Caravanserai

29. Russian Orthodox Church

30. Palace Complex Oguzkhan

What travelers are saying

19 Exciting Things To Do In Turkmenistan You Won’t Find Elsewhere

Turkmenistan is a socialist, tightly controlled by the police, isolated country in Central Asia roughly the size of Thailand , inhabited by only 5 million people. Hence, it’s no wonder that traveling to Turkmenistan is an incredibly unique experience . Despite everything, there are a lot of exciting things to do in Turkmenistan you won’t find elsewhere and if you’re wondering what to expect when traveling to Turkmenistan, keep reading; this Turkmenistan travel guide will tell you everything you need to know.

The former Soviet country is home to the biggest archeological site in Central Asia , the former biggest city in the world, the door to hell, the birthplace of the Zoroastrianism, and arguably the strangest capital in the world. It’s also one of only a few countries in the world where petrol is cheaper than water.

Helpful Tips For Finding Things To Do In Turkmenistan

When visiting Ashgabat (the capital) avoid walking alone in the north-eastern part of the city, especially in the late evenings. These areas are notorious for drug trade and violent crimes.

Turkmens are the only people in Central Asia that don’t eat horse meat. In fact, the Ahal Tekke horse breed, which is one of the fastest and strongest in the world, is their national symbol. Today, there are only 2,800 horses of this breed, mostly because the Bolsheviks were slaughtering them for food during the Soviet era.

You can find prostitutes in the Florida Disco on Gorogly Street in Ashgabat but I suggest you stay away from this area. I’ve seen a lot of tourists that were imprisoned, harassed by the police, or even deported just because they were accompanied by a prostitute. Formally, prostitution in Turkmenistan is illegal (even though common). 

Since I mentioned it, if you actually are harassed by the police, you will need to find a translator. The Turkmen police officers only understand Turkmen (at least that’s what they’ll claim). It’s very likely that your hotel room is bugged, so be careful what you say when speaking on the phone. Never forget that the big brother is watching.

If you’re traveling to Turkmenistan as an unmarried couple, you won’t be allowed to share a hotel room while homosexuality is illegal in Turkmenistan and punishable by law. Smoking is a big no-no in all public areas, including the streets. However, you can find some restaurants and cafes where smoking is allowed. And last but not least, tourists have to pay a tourist tax of $2 USD per day. You will see this on your hotel bill.

Visa Requirements And Entry Protocols

Before we get to this list of things to do in Turkmenistan, let’s cover the most important thing about visiting this quirky country- the visa. You actually need to have a letter from a tourist agency in order to obtain a visa. And the whole process will take around 6 weeks. Yes, that means you will have to do all the exploring accompanied by a guide. And you have to pay for them and their meals which will cost around $20-$30 per day.

If you come to an agreement with the guide, they can let you roam around Ashgabat and other big cities alone but you’re legally forbidden to travel around Turkmenistan without them, so technically you would be breaking the law. Knowing all this, it’s no wonder that tourism in Turkmenistan is anything but booming and the country is one of the least visited in the world .

Navigating Turkmenistan: Transportation Tips

City Transit in Ashgabat: The best way to get around the capital are taxis; they are plentiful and affordable.

Bus Rides: Buses in Turkmenistan are cheap and cover most routes you’d want to take.

Rail Travel: Trains are the best way to see most of Turkmenistan and while not super fast, they offer a scenic and laid-back way to travel between major cities.

Domestic Flights: Domestic flights are a offered by Turkmenistan Airlines are on the pricy side but save time (let’s not forget Turkmenistan is a relatively large country).

Renting a Car: If you’re brave enough to tackle local driving habits, renting a car gives you flexibility. Just be prepared for some paperwork.

How’s The Weather In Turkmenistan?

Most of Turkmenistan’s territory consists of the Karakum Desert . Hence, the temperatures in Ashgabat and most other cities in the summer go up to 50° C, making traveling to Turkmenistan very difficult during this time of the year. What makes things even worse is that most Turkmen leave their gas stoves burning 24/7 because, as you may or may not know, Turkmenistan is a country that has an abundance of gas, which is free for all citizens. However, lighters and matches aren’t. Apparently, that’s enough of a reason to have your stove burning all the time.

Walk The Gateway to Hell

We’re starting this list of exciting things to do in Turkmenistan with the Darwaza Gas Crater, also known as the Gateway To Hell, a gaping, fiery maw in the heart of the Karakum Desert, burning non-stop since 1971. It all started with a Soviet drilling mishap, where geologists were searching for natural gas and accidentally hit a cavern, creating a sinkhole. Fearing the spread of methane gas, they set it on fire, expecting it to burn out in a few weeks. Fast forward over half a century, and the crater is still ablaze, a testament to human error turned into a spectacular sight.

Visiting the crater is a one-of-a-kind travel experience you won’t find anywhere else on earth. At night, the 70-meter wide crater illuminates the desert with an eerie glow with flames dancing across the crater’s surface, casting shadows that play tricks on your eyes. Here’s a pro tip: visit during the cooler evening hours to fully appreciate the fiery contrast against the dark sky.

This fire crater is what put this country on the map and nowadays, a lot of people are traveling to Turkmenistan just to see it. The Darvaza Gas Crater looks like it came out of a Sci-Fi movie and its nickname “A door to hell” is rather descriptive. I don’t think there’s a door to hell on our planet but if there was, I’m sure it would look like this.

Back in the 1970s, Soviet scientists discovered what they thought was an oil deposit. But when they started drilling they were really surprised when they realized that was actually a gas deposit. The area completely collapsed releasing gas all over the place. Thinking the gas was poisonous, the scientists set the whole place on fire. 50 years down the stretch- that fire is still burning. This is something you can’t see anywhere else in the world and it’s slowly emerging as Turkmenistan’s main tourist attraction.

Visit The Grand Canyon Of Turkmenistan

The Yangykala Canyon is a feast for the eyes with its layers of pink, red, yellow, and cream and locals often refer to it as the Grand Canyon of Turkmenistan. But despite its beauty, the canyon is something of an off-the-beaten-path destination. That means you won’t have to elbow your way through crowds to snap a breathtaking photo. It’s just you, the vast, silent expanse of the canyon, and maybe a curious lizard or two.

Getting there is a bit of a trek – but let’s face it, the best places always are. You’ll drive through the desert, wondering if your GPS is playing a practical joke. And then, bam! The canyon appears, unfolding like a dramatic reveal in a movie. It’s an “Aha!” moment where you realize that, yes, places like this really do exist outside of Instagram.

Swim In An Underground Lake

This list of the best things to do in Turkmenistan couldn’t be complete without the underground lake of Kow-Ata, a subterranean marvel that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Getting to the lake is an adventure in itself. You’ll descend a seemingly endless staircase (about 240 steps, but who’s counting?), winding your way down into the Earth’s belly with the air getting warmer and warmer as you descend.

And then, there it is: a vast, warm lake nestled in a cavern. The water’s a balmy 36 degrees Celsius year-round, thanks to the underground thermal springs. It’s nature’s own spa, minus the fluffy towels and overpriced facials. The lake is rich in minerals, which are said to have healing properties.

Explore The Vast Sandy Expanse Of Karakum

Karakum Desert is one of the most unique places I ever visited; its unique landscape makes visiting almost feel like like stepping onto another planet. When I came here I was expecting to see nothing but sand dunes, isolated cities , and camel riders. However, I was absolutely shocked when discovering the Repetek Nature Reserve in the middle of the desert. The reserve is home to over 1,500 different species like vegetation of shrubs and thorny plants, invertebrates, and other small animals. All this led to UNESCO making Repetek a Biosphere Preserve back in 1979. Karakum will definitely change the way you feel about deserts and it’s certainly a place worthy of your time.

Try Camel Trekking In The Desert

Camel trekking in Turkmenistan’s desert is the real deal; camels are the 4x4s of the desert. They’re built for this landscape, with their loping gait and built-in sun visors (those long eyelashes aren’t just for show). It’s a unique experience but also a chance to connect with a simpler way of travel, one that’s measured in camel steps rather than miles per hour.

Discover The White Marble City

Ashgabat is a city that looks like someone spilled a giant bucket of white paint and then sprinkled it with glitter, hence the nickname- the White Marble City. The city’s unusual design was an idea of Turkmenistan’s former (quirky) president Saparmurat Niyazov. On a sunny day, which is most days in Ashgabat, the city practically sparkles. You’ll need sunglasses for two reasons: the sun and the blindingly white buildings.

The city is a mix of grandiose architecture and quirky monuments. Don’t miss the Independence Monument – it’s like the Eiffel Tower went on a luxury spa retreat and came back bedazzled. Then there’s the Wedding Palace, a building that looks like a giant sci-fi tiara. Getting married here must feel like a royal alien wedding. And let’s not forget the bazaars. Tolkuchka Bazaar is a sensory overload in the best way. It’s a labyrinth of colors, smells, and sounds.

Visit The Parthian Fortresses of Nisa

The Parthian Fortresses of Nisa, nestled near modern-day Ashgabat, was the capital of the Parthian Empire, one of Rome’s largest rivals at the time. The ancient site consists of well-preserved fortresses where you can still make out which one is the royal residence, which one is the temple, and with a bit of creativity, imagine how the fortifications used to look like. And let’s not forget the on-site museum, home to dozens of artifacts that will help you learn more about this often forgotten empire.

Explore The Ancient Version Of New York

We can’t talk about the best things to do in Turkmenistan without mentioning Merv, the once-great city that was one of the major stops on the SIlk Road. Located in the middle of the Silk Road, Merv was arguably the world’s largest city around the 10 th century. After the establishment of the Silk Road, the city of Merv was growing at the speed of light until Genghis Kahn’s son slaughtered most of the city’s 600,000 people in 1221. Its glory days are obviously behind it but Merv is still one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkmenistan.

Today, this is the largest archeological site in Central Asia and a place where the empires of Alexander the Great, Genghis Kahn, and the Soviet Union meet. The whole place just smells of history and it seems like it connects these three, at first sight, completely unrelated empires. If you like history (like me) Merv is one of the best places to visit in Turkmenistan and I warmly recommend you check it out.

Visit Turkmenistan’s Most Beautiful Mosque

Located in Gypjak, just outside Ashgabat, this mosque is another quirky testament to (let’s just say) the former president’s unique creativity. It’s one of the largest mosques in the country with a capacity to welcome over 10,000 people with architecture that can be described as a blend of traditional Islamic design with a Turkmen twist. The first thing that catches your eye is the golden dome dominating the skyline. The minarets are tall and imposing and the interior can be described as lavish, featuring a lot of marble and gold leaf elements with some of the most luxurious chandeliers I’ve ever seen in a mosque.

Discover The Birthplace Of Zoroastrianism

Ride Akhal-Teke: Turkmenistan’s National Treasure

In a country where people have always nurtured relationships with their horses, Akhal-Teke is Turkmenistan’s pride and joy, one of the world’s most ancient and elite horse breeds. the world’s most ancient and elite horse breeds. the world’s most ancient and elite horse breeds. These horses are like the supermodels of the equine world – sleek, shiny, and absurdly elegant. Their coats have this metallic sheen that makes you wonder if they’ve been dabbling in horse highlighters.

The Akhal-Teke’s history is as rich as it gets. They’re the direct descendants of the ancient Scythian warhorses – yeah, these beauties have been strutting their stuff since around 3000 BC. They were the ride of choice for emperors and warriors and, let’s be honest, they probably knew it.

Explore Turkmenbashi’s Legacy

Saparmurat Niyazov, also known as Turkmenbashi, was the first President of Turkmenistan, and let’s just say, he had a flair for the dramatic in leaving his mark. First, there’s Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital, which is practically a monument to Turkmenbashi’s vision. The city is dotted with golden statues and structures dedicated to him – it’s like he was competing for the gold medal in city decorating. The most iconic? The Neutrality Arch, topped with a gold statue of Turkmenbashi that rotates to face the sun. It’s part art, part engineering marvel, and all ego.

But Turkmenbashi’s influence isn’t just in grand structures. He penned the Ruhnama, a book that’s part spiritual guide, part autobiography, and part code of conduct for the Turkmen people. It’s like he fancied himself a mix between a philosopher and a life coach. Then there’s Turkmenbashi’s penchant for renaming things after himself and his family. From months of the year to towns and even a meteorite, nothing was off-limits. It’s like he had a monopoly on the naming rights in Turkmenistan.

Learn The Quirks of Turkmen Culture

Funny enough , according to government sources, Turkmenistan is a crime-free state. This is, obviously not correct but Turkmenistan is a safe country. One of the reasons is the police curfew that doesn’t allow anyone to be out on the streets after 11 PM. And you should respect the curfew too. Trust me, you don’t want to get in trouble with the Turkmen police, one of the most corrupted and notorious units in the world.

The Police have the right and power to stop and search you on the street at any time. If that happens to you, stay calm and don’t let them put their hands in your pocket in the process. You don’t want to end up a victim of drug-planting in one of the last police states in Central Asia. Also, if you’re sending a postcard, government agents will probably check what you wrote before they actually send it out. Keep that in mind.

There are several regions that have been declared as restricted areas and traveling to these parts of Turkmenistan is quite difficult. These are the areas surrounding the Caspian Coast, the borders with Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan and the Dashoguz region. If you still want to go to one or more of these restricted areas while visiting Turkmenistan, you need to obtain a special permit from the government. Keep in mind that Turkmenistan Airlines will not even let you board a flight to one of these regions if you don’t have that permit. The whole process of getting the permit takes at least 10 days.

Sample Local Cuisine

Can this list of the best things to do in Turkmenistan be complete without trying some of the tastiest dishes of local cuisine? Turkmenistan is famous for its meat-based dishes and stews, dumplings, breads, and pilaf varieties which are to an extent similar to other Central Asian cuisines but distinct enough to make sampling Turkmen food one of the most unique experiences you’ll come across in this part of the world.

Try Water Sports On The Caspian Sea

Next on our list of the most exciting things to do in Turkmenistan, we have trying water sports on the Caspian Sea. As far as water sports go, the Caspian has something in store for everyone. Fancy some adrenaline? Try jet skiing. More of a chill-seeker? Kayaking offers a peaceful way to explore, with the bonus of arm muscles you’ll be proud of. For the classic sea experience, there’s always swimming and let’s not forget kitesurfing; the Caspian breezes are perfect for it.

Take A Ferry But Be Careful

If you’re browsing the internet or going through guidebooks, you’ll probably come across the ferries that travel around Turkmenistan’s Caspian coast . They enter the port in Western Turkmenistan from either Iran or some of Azerbaijan’s coastal cities and represent one of the most infamous parts of tourism in Turkmenistan.

These ‘ferries’ are in fact cargo ships that take passengers if they have enough space. The main issue if you would like to go on this adventure is the fact that you might not have enough food and water to make the trip. Don’t even get me started about the toilet and sleeping facilities. The worst part of the journey is that when ships reach the port, they often wait at least a week for a vacant dock because everything goes so ‘fast’ in Turkmenistan. Hence, I’ve met some travelers that had their Turkmen visa expire while they were waiting in the ferry with (very) limited resources of food and water.

Experience Turkmenistan’s Diverse Landscapes

In this section, we’ll quickly cover some of the best things to do in Turkmenistan when it comes to hiking and camping

For hiking enthusiasts, the Kopet Dag range offers a plethora of trekking routes paths weaving through rugged terrain and offering some of the most beautiful views in Turkmenistan.

Then there’s the Yangykala Canyon for people looking to get off-the-beaten-path, and experience a sense of exploration and discovery.

As for camping, the Awaza region along the Caspian Sea coast offers spots where you can pitch your tent and fall asleep to the sound of waves.

If you’re looking for something more rugged, head into the Karakum Desert . Camping here is like starring in your own desert-survival show, minus the camera crew.

Get A Taste Of Local Folklore

If you’re looking for a place to experience traditional Turkmen music and dances, you should definitely plan a visit to the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre in Ashgabat. The theater often features performances of performers dressed in colorful, traditional attire, dancing to music produced by traditional Turkmen instruments like dilli tuyduk (shepherd’s horn), gargi tuyduk (flute), dutar (stringed, plucked instrument) and the gidjak (stringed, bowed instrument).

Visiting the Carpet Museum

Last but not least, we conclude this list of things to do in Turkmenistan with the Carpet Museum in Ashgabat. Turkmen carpets are sought-after across the world because of their unique traditional design and incredibly vibrant colors and patterns. However, they’re also usually very expensive and let’s be honest, might not be the best fit for you (their traditional design isn’t the best fit for the average modern home). So, if you just want to take a look at some of the most impressive specimens, the Carpet Museum is a great choice.

Would you ever consider traveling to Turkmenistan? What do you think about this country? Did you like this list of exciting things to do in Turkmenistan? Was this article enough to inspire you to visit Turkmenistan? Let us know in the comments!

Thursday 22nd of February 2024

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Passport Symphony

Monday 4th of March 2024

Thank you, I really appreciate it.

Friday 7th of October 2022

What a great article! We're currently dreaming of going to Turkmenistan again - we've been there before and we love, love love it! Here's to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

- Veronika //

Sunday 9th of October 2022

thank you Veronika, I hope you get the chance to visit again :)

Thursday 26th of May 2022

fascinating article

Wednesday 1st of June 2022

Thank you, Rebin

Wednesday 6th of October 2021

Fascinating report. The romance of the Central Asian republics seems a far cry from the reality, but if I had more energy and more cash, and wasn't married, I might be tempted to visit Turkmenistan.

As it is, I can but dream ..

Wednesday 13th of October 2021

It sure will be a trip like nothing else before. The journey to Turkmenistan might be expensive but I'm sure you'll find the cost of the stay and food quite affordable. I hope you get the chance to visit this interesting country someday, Tim.

Monday 7th of September 2020

You mentioned needing a translator. Do they speak fairly good English? Do people ever go there on purpose to live and teach English? That would give a chance for immersion in the culture and even time to learn some of their language, in return, it would seem. How is shopping? Do they have a fairly good exchange rate compared to USD? Do they allow purchasing gift items to take home to friends?

Monday 28th of September 2020

Hi Katharine, I mentioned needing a translator if you get in trouble with the police (Which probably won't happen). As for the other part of the question, English is spoken by only a handful of people but Turkmenistan remains a relatively "closed" country, so no, I don't think they have a lot of English teaching opportunities. The currency exchange is quite stable and is around 3.5 Turkmen Manat for 1 USD. And yes, you can buy as many gifts as you want and take them home :)

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Turkmenistan Reopens for Tourists in 2023

Here’s what you need to know

After a long wait, Turkmenistan is finally reopening for tourism on March 1st, 2023. As travel restrictions are gradually easing up across the globe, this news comes as a breath of fresh air for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts.

If you’re planning to visit Turkmenistan, one of the first things you need to consider is the visa requirements . Currently, travelers from many countries need to obtain a visa in advance to enter Turkmenistan. However, the specific visa requirements for 2023 are still being finalized, so it’s important to keep an eye on the latest updates .

Latest update on visiting Turkmenistan

As per the latest update, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is has finalised the visa requirements . With our extensive experience in the travel industry, you can trust us to be your trusted source of information for your upcoming adventure.

For those who have always been fascinated by the Silk Road, this is your chance to explore the ancient trading routes and delve into the rich history of Turkmenistan. You will have the opportunity to link up with the rest of the Stans and witness the cultural diversity that this region has to offer.

What are the requirements for visiting Turkmenistan in 2023?

Follow our How To Get A Visa For Turkmenistan 2023 guide. 

When will CultureRoad restart its Turkmenistan tours?

Our first group tour is in November 2023 and we are offering private tours of the country. Land borders will reopen for tourism.

From exploring the ruins of the ancient city of Merv to visiting the fiery Darvaza gas crater, you will have the chance to witness some of the most awe-inspiring natural and man-made wonders in the world.

In conclusion, Turkmenistan’s reopening for tourism is excellent news for all travel enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for the latest information about visa requirements, and get ready for an adventure that will take you on a journey across the Silk Road and into the heart of Central Asia. With CultureRoad by your side, you can expect an experience like no other.

Do you want to discover Turkmenistan? Take a look at our  independent tours  or  group tours  to Turkmenistan. Do you need more information? Get in touch with us now.

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