Turkmenistan remains one of the most mysterious countries in Central Asia, offering a rare chance to experience untouched Silk Road heritage, futuristic architecture, and surreal desert landscapes. Summer is hot, but manageable with good planning and early or late excursions. Here’s what not to miss — and how to visit wisely.
Darvaza Gas Crater
This enormous flaming sinkhole in the Karakum Desert has burned continuously since the 1970s and is Turkmenistan’s most iconic natural phenomenon. Located roughly halfway between Ashgabat and Dashoguz, it’s especially impressive at night when the flames illuminate the desert.
Visiting independently is not allowed — travelers must go with a licensed local guide or tour company. A 4WD vehicle is essential, and overnight camping near the crater is popular. Bring layers — while daytime temperatures soar, desert nights can be surprisingly cool.
Ashgabat
Ashgabat is known for its surreal skyline of white marble buildings, gold domes, and grandiose monuments. It holds the Guinness World Record for the highest concentration of marble structures. Key sights include the Neutrality Arch, Independence Monument, the Alem cultural center, and the massive city mosque.
The city is best explored with a local guide to help navigate entry rules for certain sites. Photography restrictions apply in many areas — especially near government buildings. Summer days are very hot, but mornings and evenings are ideal for sightseeing in the city’s many green parks and open plazas.
Ancient Merv
Once one of the largest cities in the world and a hub of Silk Road trade, Merv’s sprawling ruins near the city of Mary are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore ancient city walls, mausoleums, and fortresses from the Achaemenid to the Seljuk eras.
Merv is reachable via a short domestic flight or train ride from Ashgabat to Mary. From there, hire a car with a driver or arrange a tour to the site. Visit early in the day and bring water — there is little shade on-site, and no facilities nearby.
Yangykala Canyon
With layers of red, pink, and orange cliffs stretching across a vast basin, Yangykala Canyon offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in Central Asia. It’s remote and largely untouched — perfect for adventurous travelers seeking solitude.
Located about 160 km from Turkmenbashi, it requires a sturdy 4WD and careful planning. There are no signs or amenities in the area. Go with a guide or experienced local driver, and bring food, water, and sun protection. The best views are in the late afternoon when the rocks glow under the sunset.
Avaza
Avaza is Turkmenistan’s state-planned resort town on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Lined with wide boulevards, luxury hotels, and artificial canals, it’s ideal for a quiet seaside break. The beach is sandy, the water is warm, and the area is popular with local families in summer.
Avaza is reachable by plane or train to Turkmenbashi, followed by a short taxi ride. The resort operates seasonally and is very quiet outside summer. Credit cards are not accepted, so bring enough cash in manat. English is rarely spoken, so some Russian or a translator app is helpful.
Kunya-Urgench
In the far north near the Uzbek border lies Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO-listed site with soaring minarets and mausoleums dating back to the 11th–16th centuries. Once a major center of Islamic culture, the site features the famed Kutlug Timur Minaret and mausoleums of revered scholars and rulers.
Visitors can fly or take a train to Dashoguz, then drive 100 km northwest to the site. The road is good, but remote. Hire a guide locally to fully understand the rich historical context. Bring water and sun protection — there are no cafes or shops nearby.
Nokhur
Nestled in the Kopet Dag Mountains near the Iranian border, Nokhur village is known for its stone houses, sacred cemeteries, and living traditions that blend Islamic and pre-Islamic beliefs. It’s one of the few places where visitors can experience authentic mountain village life in Turkmenistan.
Access is via a rough mountain road from Serdar, best tackled in a 4WD with a driver. Summer is the best season for the trip — the weather is pleasant, and villagers are active in farming and crafts. Overnight stays are possible in basic guesthouses or homestays, though facilities are minimal.