Turkmenistan Travel Guide KTG
Surreal Central Asia
Turkmenistan, a land of vast deserts, ancient Silk Road cities, and surreal modern architecture, offers a truly unique travel experience. From the fiery crater of Darvaza to the marble-clad capital of Ashgabat, this Central Asian gem is perfect for adventurous travellers seeking the road less travelled.
Turkmenistan Tours Available and Country Introduction
We offer a variety of tours in Turkmenistan. You can see some sample programs and prices below ranging from 2 to 9 days, but if you have a particular itinerary in mind, including a longer stay, please let us know and we will immediately give you a quote.
Below is an introduction of the country too.
Why Turkmenistan?
Step into a nation where reality bends under golden statues of past leaders and vast marble monuments loom over empty boulevards. Turkmenistan, Central Asia’s most enigmatic destination, offers a travel experience unlike any other – from the eternal inferno of the Darvaza Gas Crater to the eerily perfect white city of Ashgabat, where presidential palaces and towering tributes to the state stand in stark contrast to the surrounding desert.
Uniqueness
Marvel at the abandoned luxury of Awaza, the Caspian Sea’s ghostly resort city built for crowds that never came. Walk through the ruins of Ancient Merv, where empires rose and fell, while modern Turkmenistan’s own monumental legacy takes shape in gilded domes and vast, empty plazas. In Kunya-Urgench, ancient minarets whisper of Silk Road glory, while in Nokhur, mountain villagers preserve traditions untouched by the state’s grand designs.
This is travel at its most extraordinary – a journey through a land where the past’s grandeur and the present’s ambition collide in startling fashion. Turkmenistan doesn’t just defy expectations – it rewrites them entirely.
Regions & Cities of Turkmenistan
Check our Turkmenistan travel guide below and please get in touch if you would like us to customise a tour for you!
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ashgabat
Ashgabat – The White Marble City
A surreal city of gleaming white marble, golden statues, and futuristic architecture, Ashgabat is a must-see for its eccentric grandeur. From the towering Neutrality Arch to the bustling Tolkuchka Bazaar, this capital blends Soviet legacy with Turkmenistan’s modern ambitions.
Tribal Cemetery in Nokhur
Balkanabat
Gateway to the wild Balkan Mountains and the stunning Yangykala Canyon, this city offers rugged landscapes and a glimpse into Turkmenistan’s oil-rich west. Nearby Gozli Ata, a sacred pilgrimage site, adds a spiritual touch to the adventure.
Turkmen Couple at the Darwaza Crater
Darwaza Gas Crater
A fiery pit burning for over 50 years in the middle of the Karakum Desert, this otherworldly spectacle is best seen at night. Camping under the stars near the crater is an unforgettable experience.
Yangikala Canyons
Dashoguz
The jumping-off point for the ancient ruins of Kunya-Urgench, Dashoguz is a lively city with a mix of Soviet-style buildings and traditional Turkmen culture. Don’t miss the bustling local bazaars.
Yangikala Canyons
Dekhistan
An abandoned medieval city with the haunting ruins of Mashhad Mosque and Shir-Kabir Mausoleum, Dekhistan feels like stepping into a forgotten world in the heart of the desert.
Turkmen Couple at the Darwaza Crater
Kowata Underground Lake
Glowing turquoise lake shimmers 60 metres below ground in a cavernous chamber. The warm mineral waters (a constant 33-35°C) have drawn travellers for centuries, with locals claiming therapeutic properties.
Gonur Depe Margush
Gonur-Tepe
One of Central Asia’s most important Bronze Age archaeological sites, Gonur-Depe was once the heart of the Margiana civilization, with remnants of palaces, temples, and ancient fire rituals.
Kunya Urgench
Kunya-Urgench
A UNESCO-listed Silk Road gem, this ancient city boasts towering minarets, mausoleums, and the remnants of a once-great Islamic scholarly center destroyed by Genghis Khan.
Dinosaur footprints
Magdanly (Gazojak)
A remote desert town near the Uzbek border, Magdanly is known for its underground lakes and the Köýtendag Mountains, home to rare wildlife and dinosaur footprints.
Mary Library
Mary
The main access point to the legendary ruins of Ancient Merv, Mary is a relaxed city with a fascinating regional museum showcasing Turkmenistan’s rich history.
Ancient city of Merv
Merv
Once the "Queen of the World", this UNESCO-listed Silk Road metropolis was one of the largest cities on Earth in the 12th century. Its sprawling ruins include fortresses, mosques, and mausoleums.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ashgabat
Nisa
The 2,000-year-old fortress of the Parthian Empire, Nisa was a major Silk Road hub. Its excavated royal halls and temple ruins offer a glimpse into Turkmenistan’s pre-Islamic past.
Tribal Cemetery in Nokhur
Nokhur
A secluded mountain village where traditions remain strong, Nokhur is famous for its unique "zoo" of sacred trees, hand-woven carpets, and stunning mountain scenery.
Tribal Cemetery in Nokhur
Serakhs
An ancient oasis town near the Iranian border, Serakhs is home to the Yarty-Gumbez Mausoleum and ruins of a once-thriving medieval city along the Silk Road.
Turkmen Ladies in Traditional Clothes
Serhetabat
Hidden in the Köýtendag Mountains, this small town is a gateway to untouched nature, including waterfalls, caves, and the Köýtendag Nature Reserve.
Yangikala Canyons
Turkmenabat
Turkmenistan’s second-largest city, located near the Amu Darya River, is a mix of Soviet industrial heritage and Silk Road history, with easy access to Uzbekistan’s Bukhara.
Yangikala Canyons
Turkmenbashi
The country’s main Caspian Sea port, Turkmenbashi is the gateway to the Awaza resort zone and a base for exploring the dramatic Yangykala Canyon.