Nestled in Central Asia, Turkmenistan is a destination wrapped in enigma. With vast golden deserts, gleaming white marble cities, and traditions untouched by time, it’s a place where Soviet pasts meet Silk Road charm. While often overlooked by mainstream travelers, those who make the journey are rewarded with otherworldly landscapes and truly authentic encounters.
✈️ First Impressions in Ashgabat
Touching down in Ashgabat, the capital known for its surreal, white-marble skyline, feels like stepping into a futuristic utopia. The city holds the Guinness World Record for the highest density of white marble buildings—a shimmering sight by day and a neon-lit wonderland by night.
Insider Tip:
🚕 Use Yandex Go for cheap and convenient rides around the city. Most locals don’t speak English, so have your destination written in Turkmen or Russian.
🏨 Where to Stay in Ashgabat
Here are a few great hotel options that blend comfort with accessibility:
- Yyldyz Hotel 🏨 – A luxurious five-star hotel perched on a hill with panoramic views of the city. Amazing spa and indoor pool.
- Oguzkent Hotel 💎 – Elegant and centrally located, with world-class amenities and an opulent breakfast buffet.
- Grand Turkmen Hotel 🛏️ – A more budget-friendly but still reputable hotel within walking distance of the central bazaar and Independence Square.
🕌 Marvels of the Marble City
Spend your first few days exploring Ashgabat’s most iconic sites:
- Independence Monument 🕊️ – A towering symbol of Turkmen pride surrounded by fountains and golden statues.
- Turkmen Carpet Museum 🧶 – Home to the world’s largest handmade carpet.
- Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center 🎡 – Houses the world’s largest indoor Ferris wheel!
Hidden Gem:
The Ersgurt Mosque, a beautiful, little-known mosque tucked away in the southern edge of the city, offers peaceful surroundings and stunning tilework without the crowds.
🍽️ Dining in Turkmen Style
Turkmen cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and influenced by Persian, Turkish, and Russian cuisines. Here are some must-try dishes and where to eat them:
- Çorba (meat soup) at Merdem Restaurant 🍲
- Plov (rice pilaf) at Gara Restaurant 🍚
- Ichlekli (meat pie) at a local roadside teahouse 🍵
- Goat milk yogurt and flatbreads sold by grandmothers at Tolkuchka Bazaar 🧓🫓
Insider Tip:
🥛 Don’t skip on chal—a fermented camel milk drink that’s a local specialty. It’s an acquired taste, but a must-try for adventurous eaters!
🌋 The Gates of Hell – Darvaza Gas Crater
No trip to Turkmenistan is complete without witnessing the Darvaza Gas Crater, famously dubbed the “Gates of Hell”. This burning natural gas field in the middle of the Karakum Desert has been aflame since the 1970s and looks especially magical at night.
🚌 Getting There:
Book a 4×4 tour from Ashgabat (many hotels can arrange this). The trip takes around 4 hours one way.
🏕️ Pro Tip:
Camp overnight near the crater. Nothing beats stargazing next to an open flame pit in the desert. Bring marshmallows!
🏜️ Day Trips & Side-Quests
Turkmenistan has plenty of lesser-known destinations to explore. Add these to your itinerary:
- Nisa Ancient Ruins 🏛️ – A UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Parthian Empire.
- Kow Ata Underground Lake 🧖♂️ – A hidden sulfur lake inside a cave where locals swim in warm, mineral-rich waters.
- Yangykala Canyon 🏞️ – Painted canyons with crimson, pink, and orange hues that rival the Grand Canyon—best explored with a local guide and 4WD.
🐪 Embrace the Desert Life
For a true nomadic experience, spend a night in a traditional yurt camp in the Karakum Desert. You’ll ride camels, listen to Turkmen music under the stars, and share meals cooked over an open flame. It’s immersive, humbling, and absolutely unforgettable.
Pro Tip:
🌌 Bring layers—the desert gets cold at night—and pack wet wipes. The yurts are authentic, which means no showers!
🎁 Souvenir Shopping
Turkmenistan is a treasure trove for handmade souvenirs:
- Turkmen carpets – Stunning, intricate, and often passed down generations.
- Silver jewelry – Heavy, ornate pieces found in bazaars like Altyn Asyr.
- Hand-painted ceramics – Each piece is unique and a beautiful memory of the region.
🛂 Travel Notes & Tips
- Visa Requirements: Most travelers require a visa. Consider applying for a Transit Visa if you’re short on time.
- Currency: Turkmenistan Manat (TMT). Bring USD to exchange—ATMs are scarce.
- Connectivity: SIM cards are available but internet is heavily restricted. Download offline maps in advance.
- Language: Turkmen and Russian are widely spoken. English is rare outside hotels.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Turkmenistan is a land of contradictions and beauty—silent deserts contrasted by flamboyant cityscapes, ancient traditions surviving in an era of gold statues and marble palaces. It may be one of the least visited countries in the world, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Get ready for a journey unlike any other. 🌍✨
