Turkmenistan

Why Turkmenistan?

Turkmenistan is one of Asia’s most sparsely populated countries, with 80 % of its territory covered by the Karakum desert. It is also one of the least traveled, thus enveloped in almost complete mystery. The significant oil and gas fields enabled significant constructions that have completely changed the design of Ashgabat. So, it has become the city with the highest concentration of white marble buildings and several structures, and it is listed as such in Guinness World Records. However, the contrasts are substantial. The countryside shows an entirely different picture.

Although many think of Turkmenistan primarily for its presidents’ strange decrees and the gas crater burning for decades, Turkmenistan is more than that. When the trade flourished along the Silk Roads, Merv was one the largest cities, the wonder of the ancient world, competing with Damascus, Cairo, and Baghdad. Turkmenistan has three World Heritage sites (Konya Urgench, Nisa and Merv).

The impressive Yangykala Canyon in the middle of nowhere was once under an ancient ocean and is worth the long trip to the far west of the country.  

Turkmens have almost religious relations with the Akhal Teke horses, one of the oldest breeds in the world known for their unique resilience. Visiting a horse farm is a must-do once in Turkmenistan.
Like the Akhal Teke horse, the deep red Turkmen carpets are also part of national heritage, and the world’s largest carpet is on display at the Carpet Museum in Ashgabat. Each of the five regions of Turkmenistan has a unique design that appears even on the national flag.  

The iconic burning gas crater, Darvaza (“the Gate to Hell”), was created after a failed oil drilling during the Soviet times and hasn’t stopped burning for decades. But if attempts are successful, it may not exist within a few years!
Turkmen are mainly Sunni Muslims, but pre-Islamic traditions and Sufi beliefs are an integral part of that. So, don’t miss visiting one of the main pilgrimage sites, like Kemal Ata or the cemetery of Nokhur village, where tombs are adorned with ram horns, to get a better understanding of local culture.
However, the biggest experience will probably be to get a first-hand experience of this often overlooked, mysterious country, where locals are happy to welcome tourists.

Quick facts

Population: 2024 ~7.5 million

Area: 488 100 km2

Capital: Ashgabat

Geography: Turkmenistan shares a border with Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. In the West, it has access to the Caspian Sea. The Karakum Desert (Black Sands Desert occupies almost 80% of its territory. The Canal of the same name is one of the world’s largest irrigation and water supply canals. The Kopet Dag mountain range forms its southern border with Iran. The highest peak, Mount Ayrybaba (3137 meters), is part of the Koytendag mountain range.

Ethnicity: Around 60% of the population are Turkmen, while other minority groups include Uzbeks (16%), Iranians (14%), Russians (4%), and smaller populations of Kazakhs and Tatars.

Religion: According to the Constitution, Turkmenistan is a secular country, but Islam is part of the national heritage and an integral part of Turkmen identity. Sunni Muslims make up 89% of the population, and 10% are Eastern Orthodox Christians. The Islam practiced in Turkmenistan is unique in that ancient pre-Islamic customs, beliefs, and Sufi spiritual elements are strongly present. Locals often make pilgrimages to the tombs of local Sufi saints and other venerated persons.

Language: Turkmen is the official language (written with Latin alphabet), but most people speak both Turkmen and Russian

Highlights

Ashgabat, the capital city

Darvaza, “Door to Hell” Gas crater

Akhal Teke horse farm (or race if you are lucky)

Merv, once an important city along the Silk Road

Dinosaurus Plateau

Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque, the largest in Turkmenistan

How to plan your trip to Turkmenistan?

Find the cheapest flights to Turkmenistan with Skyscanner. Also Search for cheap flights on Google Flights. The national Turkmenistan Airlines has direct international flights from Frankfurt, Milan, London Gatwick, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Beijing, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Moscow, Jeddah, Bangkok, Istanbul, and Ho Chi Minh City. However, you cannot book Turkmenistan Airlines’ international routes online, but you need to get in contact with their local office.

Travelers on tourist visas must stay in selected state-run hotels, which is mostly the case now with transit visas being most of time rejected.

If you want to stay for more than 5 days in Turkmenistan, your only option is to participate in an organized tour with one of the local travel companies and visit the country on a tourist visa.  

Stantrips, Ayan Travel, Owadan, Latif and Anur Tours are some of the well-known companies with positive customer reviews.

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