Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan Highlights

Turkmenistan, located in Central Asia, is a country with a rich cultural heritage, ancient historical sites, and diverse landscapes. Ashgabat, the capital, showcases grandiose architecture, including the white-marble Independence Monument and the modern Presidential Palace. The ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into the country`s rich history and the Silk Road era. The Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the "Door to Hell," is a unique natural phenomenon and a popular attraction. Turkmen cuisine features dishes like palaw (pilaf) and manty (steamed dumplings). With its desert landscapes, traditional yurt camps, and vibrant bazaars, Turkmenistan provides an authentic Central Asian experience.

Top 10 Attractions

Ancient Merv

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ancient Merv is one of the oldest and best-preserved oasis cities along the Silk Road. The archaeological site features a collection of ruins spanning several centuries, showcasing the city`s historical importa... more

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ancient Merv is one of the oldest and best-preserved oasis cities along the Silk Road. The archaeological site features a collection of ruins spanning several centuries, showcasing the city`s historical importance as a crossroads of civilizations.

Ashgabat

Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, is known for its white marble buildings and impressive monuments. Key highlights include the Neutrality Monument, the Presidential Palace, and the Ashgabat Flagpole - one of the tallest in the world. more

Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, is known for its white marble buildings and impressive monuments. Key highlights include the Neutrality Monument, the Presidential Palace, and the Ashgabat Flagpole - one of the tallest in the world.

Ashgabat Cable Car

The Ashgabat Cable Car offers a scenic route over the Kopet Dag mountains, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the city of Ashgabat. more

The Ashgabat Cable Car offers a scenic route over the Kopet Dag mountains, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and the city of Ashgabat.

Awaza

Awaza is a newly developed tourist zone along the Caspian Sea. It features modern hotels, health centers, and recreational facilities, all along a beautiful sandy beach. more

Awaza is a newly developed tourist zone along the Caspian Sea. It features modern hotels, health centers, and recreational facilities, all along a beautiful sandy beach.

Dehistan

The ancient city of Dehistan or Misrian is an important archaeological site, boasting some of the best-preserved ruins of the 11th to 15th centuries. The site includes remains of mosques, a caravanserai, and a fortress. more

The ancient city of Dehistan or Misrian is an important archaeological site, boasting some of the best-preserved ruins of the 11th to 15th centuries. The site includes remains of mosques, a caravanserai, and a fortress.

Door to Hell

The Door to Hell or Darvaza Gas Crater is a unique sight in Turkmenistan. It is a natural gas field that has been burning since 1971 when it was set on fire by geologists to prevent the spread of methane gas. The eerie glow of the crater can be seen... more

The Door to Hell or Darvaza Gas Crater is a unique sight in Turkmenistan. It is a natural gas field that has been burning since 1971 when it was set on fire by geologists to prevent the spread of methane gas. The eerie glow of the crater can be seen from miles away and is a surreal sight in the heart of the Karakum Desert.

Ertugrul Gazi Mosque

The Ertugrul Gazi Mosque in Ashgabat is a beautiful piece of architecture modeled after the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Its domes, minarets, and elaborate decoration make it a must-see. more

The Ertugrul Gazi Mosque in Ashgabat is a beautiful piece of architecture modeled after the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Its domes, minarets, and elaborate decoration make it a must-see.

Gozli Ata

Gozli Ata is an important pilgrimage site in Turkmenistan. It`s a desolate and remote place that attracts pilgrims and visitors to its mausoleums and the surrounding graveyard. more

Gozli Ata is an important pilgrimage site in Turkmenistan. It`s a desolate and remote place that attracts pilgrims and visitors to its mausoleums and the surrounding graveyard.

Independence Monument

The Independence Monument in Ashgabat is a grand, white marble structure that symbolizes Turkmenistan`s independence. The monument is surrounded by beautiful fountains and gardens and houses a museum depicting the country`s history. more

The Independence Monument in Ashgabat is a grand, white marble structure that symbolizes Turkmenistan`s independence. The monument is surrounded by beautiful fountains and gardens and houses a museum depicting the country`s history.

Kow Ata Underground Lake

The Kow Ata Underground Lake is a unique natural wonder located in a cave. The thermal waters of the lake maintain a consistent temperature year-round, making it a popular spot for swimming. more

The Kow Ata Underground Lake is a unique natural wonder located in a cave. The thermal waters of the lake maintain a consistent temperature year-round, making it a popular spot for swimming.

Kunya-Urgench

Kunya-Urgench is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Turkmenistan. It`s home to a series of monuments mainly from the 11th to 16th centuries, including a mosque, the gates of a caravanserai, fortresses, mausoleums and a 60-meter-high min... more

Kunya-Urgench is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Turkmenistan. It`s home to a series of monuments mainly from the 11th to 16th centuries, including a mosque, the gates of a caravanserai, fortresses, mausoleums and a 60-meter-high minaret.

Monument of Neutrality

The Monument of Neutrality in Ashgabat is a gigantic tripod topped with a golden statue of Turkmenistan`s first president. The monument symbolizes the country`s official policy of neutrality. more

The Monument of Neutrality in Ashgabat is a gigantic tripod topped with a golden statue of Turkmenistan`s first president. The monument symbolizes the country`s official policy of neutrality.

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts in Ashgabat houses a comprehensive collection of Turkmen and Russian art. It`s a great place to understand the artistic traditions of the country. more

The Museum of Fine Arts in Ashgabat houses a comprehensive collection of Turkmen and Russian art. It`s a great place to understand the artistic traditions of the country.

National Museum of Turkmenistan

The National Museum of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat is a must-visit to learn about the history and culture of the country. The museum`s vast collection includes archaeological artifacts, traditional Turkmen clothing, carpets, and exhibits about the natio... more

The National Museum of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat is a must-visit to learn about the history and culture of the country. The museum`s vast collection includes archaeological artifacts, traditional Turkmen clothing, carpets, and exhibits about the nation`s natural history.

Nisa

The ancient city of Nisa was once the capital of the Parthian Empire, a major political and trading hub. Today, the ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site offer a fascinating glimpse into the region`s rich history. more

The ancient city of Nisa was once the capital of the Parthian Empire, a major political and trading hub. Today, the ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site offer a fascinating glimpse into the region`s rich history.

Nusay Restaurant

Nusay Restaurant in Ashgabat offers a variety of local and international dishes in a luxurious setting. The restaurant is known for its excellent service and high-quality food. more

Nusay Restaurant in Ashgabat offers a variety of local and international dishes in a luxurious setting. The restaurant is known for its excellent service and high-quality food.

Turkmen Carpet Museum

The Turkmen Carpet Museum in Ashgabat showcases the country`s renowned carpet-weaving tradition. The museum houses an extensive collection of hand-woven carpets and rugs, including the world`s largest hand-woven carpet. more

The Turkmen Carpet Museum in Ashgabat showcases the country`s renowned carpet-weaving tradition. The museum houses an extensive collection of hand-woven carpets and rugs, including the world`s largest hand-woven carpet.

Turkmen Sahara

Known as the Karakum Desert, the Turkmen Sahara is one of the world`s largest sand deserts. Whether seen from a distance or explored up close, its endless sand dunes create a mesmerizing sight. more

Known as the Karakum Desert, the Turkmen Sahara is one of the world`s largest sand deserts. Whether seen from a distance or explored up close, its endless sand dunes create a mesmerizing sight.

Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque

Located in Kipchak, the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque is the largest mosque in Central Asia. The stunning architecture, complete with a beautiful dome and four minarets, coupled with the mosque`s serene surroundings, make it a peaceful and spiritual desti... more

Located in Kipchak, the Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque is the largest mosque in Central Asia. The stunning architecture, complete with a beautiful dome and four minarets, coupled with the mosque`s serene surroundings, make it a peaceful and spiritual destination.

Yangykala Canyons

The Yangykala Canyons, often compared to the Grand Canyon, offer breathtaking views with their dramatic cliff faces and varied color palettes. It`s a fantastic place for photography and exploration. more

The Yangykala Canyons, often compared to the Grand Canyon, offer breathtaking views with their dramatic cliff faces and varied color palettes. It`s a fantastic place for photography and exploration.

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