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Turkmenistan
Sustainability Politics
✈️ Travel Guide

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan's Desert Mysteries

Capital
Ashgabat
Currency
Turkmenistani Manat (TMT)
Language
Turkmen
Best Time
Apr–Jun and Sep–Oct
Time Zone
TMT (UTC+5)
Flag of Turkmenistan
👋 Overview

Welcome to Turkmenistan

Welcome to Turkmenistan, a Central Asian country where vast deserts and Silk Road history create an intriguing, rarely visited destination. The Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the "Door to Hell," burns continuously in the Karakum Desert, a surreal and unforgettable sight. Ashgabat, the capital, showcases an extraordinary collection of white marble buildings and gold-domed monuments. Ancient Merv, once one of the largest cities in the world along the Silk Road, reveals remarkable ruins amid the desert.

Turkmenistan's Akhal-Teke horses, renowned for their golden sheen, reflect a proud equestrian tradition dating back millennia. The country's strict, guided tourism model offers a rare and controlled glimpse into daily Turkmen life. Traditional carpet weaving remains an important cultural craft, reflected in intricate patterns passed through generations. Turkmenistan invites the most curious travelers to discover one of the world's most unusual and secretive destinations.

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📍 Where to go

Popular Cities

01

Ashgabat

Ashgabat holds the Guinness World Record for the highest concentration of white marble buildings anywhere on earth, giving the capital an almost surreal, gleaming uniformity. The Independence Monument and the nearby Arch of Neutrality, topped with a rotating gold statue of the country’s first president, dominate the city’s monumental public spaces.

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The National Museum of Turkmenistan traces the country’s history from ancient Silk Road civilizations through the Soviet era to independence. Ashgabat’s wide, largely empty boulevards and elaborate fountains reflect the scale of investment poured into the capital’s rebuilding after a devastating 1948 earthquake. The nearby Darvaza gas crater, a fiery pit that has burned continuously since the 1970s, has become one of Turkmenistan’s most surreal and photographed sights, a short drive into the surrounding Karakum Desert. Ashgabat’s combination of marble monumentality and the nearby burning crater makes it one of the most unusual capitals in the world to visit.

02

Mary

Mary serves as the gateway to the ancient ruins of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage site and once one of the largest cities in the world along the Silk Road. The site’s massive mudbrick walls and the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar convey the scale of a city that rivaled Baghdad and Damascus in its medieval prime.

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The Mary Regional Museum offers context on the surrounding archaeological sites, including artifacts recovered from Merv and other nearby Silk Road settlements. The city itself serves mainly as a practical base for exploring the ruins rather than a destination in its own right. Merv’s scale and historical significance as a Silk Road hub make it one of Central Asia’s most important, if under-visited, archaeological sites. Mary offers essential access to this remarkable piece of Silk Road history.

03

Turkmenbashi

Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan’s main Caspian Sea port, offers beaches along the Caspian coast that remain relatively undeveloped compared to more established Black Sea resorts. The nearby Awaza tourist zone has been developed with hotels and resorts aimed at expanding beach tourism along the coast.

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The city’s harbor reflects its role in regional shipping and trade across the Caspian Sea. Turkmenbashi’s coastal setting offers a different side of Turkmenistan from the desert monuments of the capital. The surrounding landscape combines desert scenery with Caspian shoreline, a combination found in few other places. Turkmenbashi remains a developing but distinctive stop for travelers exploring Turkmenistan’s coast.

🍴 On the menu

Local Food to Try

Discover some of Turkmenistan's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Plov

Plov is a well-known part of Turkmenistan's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Dograma

Dograma is a well-known part of Turkmenistan's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Manty

Manty is a well-known part of Turkmenistan's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Shurpa

Shurpa is a well-known part of Turkmenistan's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Ichlekli

Ichlekli is a well-known part of Turkmenistan's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Gutap

Gutap is a well-known part of Turkmenistan's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Kovurma

Kovurma is a well-known part of Turkmenistan's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Pishme

Pishme is a well-known part of Turkmenistan's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

Chorek

Chorek is a well-known part of Turkmenistan's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.

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💡 Did you know?

Little-Known Facts

1

Turkmenistan is home to the Darvaza gas crater, popularly nicknamed the "Door to Hell," a massive burning crater in the middle of the Karakum Desert that has been continuously on fire since Soviet engineers reportedly ignited it in the 1970s to burn off methane gas, and it has continued burning for decades since. The country is one of the most restrictive and secretive in the world, and its capital, Ashgabat, holds the Guinness World Record for the highest concentration of white marble-clad buildings anywhere on Earth.

2

Turkmenistan holds some of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, yet its economy and society remain tightly controlled by the state, and the country has been described by various international press freedom organizations as one of the most restrictive media environments anywhere. The country is also home to the Akhal-Teke, an ancient breed of horse renowned for its distinctive metallic sheen, considered one of the oldest domesticated horse breeds in existence and a powerful symbol of Turkmen national identity, appearing on the country's coat of arms.

3

Turkmenistan requires most foreign visitors to obtain a rare and difficult-to-secure visa, and as a result it remains one of the least-visited countries in the world by international tourists.

🧳 Before & during your trip

Travel Tips

Tap a topic to open it.

Before You Go
  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.
Money & Payments
  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.
Stay Connected
  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.
Transportation
  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.
Electricity
  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.
Weather & Clothing
  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.
Food & Water
  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.
Safety
  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.
Language & Etiquette
  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.
Emergency Planning
  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.
Smart Packing
  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.
Local Research
  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.

Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

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