In addition to its natural beauty, Turkmenistan attracts visitors with its ancient culture, historic cities built along the Silk Road, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia, on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea. It is bordered by Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan to the west, and by Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to the east. Eighty percent of the country’s territory is covered by the Karakum Desert, which conceals unique landscapes and natural phenomena.
Besides natural beauty, Turkmenistan’s ancient culture, historic cities built along the Silk Road, and UNESCO World Heritage sites also attract visitors. The country is also famous for its rich Turkmen traditions, horse breeding culture, and hospitality. The climate is continental desert, with hot summers and cold winters, making spring and autumn the best times to visit.
Table of Contents
Turkmenistan attractions
The Door to Hell
Turkmenistan’s most famous and spectacular natural attraction is located in the middle of the Karakum Desert, near Darvaza.
The approximately 70-meter-diameter and 30-meter-deep crater was created in 1971 and is connected to natural gas drilling. When Soviet geologists’ drilling caused the ground to collapse, they ignited the escaping natural gas to prevent toxic gases from spreading. The fire has been burning continuously ever since, earning it the name „Door to Hell” or „Gates of Hell”.
The sight is truly magical at night, when flames rising from the massive crater bathe the desert in orange light. Visitors can camp at the crater’s edge and observe the hypnotic play of flames against the starry sky. Due to its special atmosphere, the site has become world-renowned and has grown into a tourism symbol of Turkmenistan.
Ashgabat
Turkmenistan’s capital and largest city, located at the foot of the Kopet Dag mountains, on the edge of the desert.
The city’s modern appearance is impressive: buildings constructed from white marble, gilded domes, and monumental structures characterize it. In 2013, it entered the Guinness Book of Records as the city with the most white marble buildings. In the city center is Independence Park, where the 118-meter-high Independence Monument rises.
The National Museum of Turkmenistan is the country’s largest museum, boasting a rich archaeological and historical collection. The Ertugrul Gazi Mosque is a beautiful Ottoman-Turkish style structure, decorated with six minarets and blue tiles. The Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center houses one of the world’s largest enclosed Ferris wheels. The city’s modern bazaars, especially the Tolkuchka market, provide insight into local life and traditional Turkmen handicrafts.
Merv
The ancient city of Merv, in the southeastern part of the country, is one of the Silk Road’s most important historical centers and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With over 4,000 years of history, Merv was one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities until the Mongol invasion. In the 12th century, it was the world’s largest city, with more than 200,000 inhabitants. Buildings from different historical periods are still visible today: the ancient Erk Kala fortress, the Seljuk-era Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar with its turquoise-blue dome, and numerous other mosques and fortifications.
The ruins cover a vast area of nearly 1,200 hectares and encompass five different urban centers from various historical periods. The Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar is a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture, with its double-walled dome structure that was centuries ahead of its time. Archaeological excavations continuously bring new finds to the surface, revealing Merv’s rich past.
Kunya-Urgench
This ancient city in northern Turkmenistan is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kunya-Urgench flourished from the 10th to 14th centuries, when it was the capital of the Khwarezm Empire and one of the most significant trading centers on the Silk Road. The Mongol conquest severely damaged it, but its surviving monuments are gems of Islamic architecture. The 62-meter-high Kutlug Timur minaret is Central Asia’s tallest medieval tower.
The Turabek Khanum mausoleum features a stunning mosaic-decorated dome covered with turquoise, blue, and white tiles. The conical dome of Sultan Ali’s mausoleum and the Il-Arslan mausoleum date from the 12th century. The underground mosque and cemetery on Kyrk Molla hill exude a special atmosphere. Walking through the ancient city, we can experience the former glory of the Silk Road and the richness of Islamic culture.
Karakum Desert
One of Central Asia’s largest deserts, covering more than 70% of Turkmenistan’s territory, nearly 350,000 square kilometers.
The name Karakum means „black sand,” although it is actually characterized by golden-yellow and reddish-colored dunes. The desert doesn’t consist of simple sand seas but offers varied landscapes: massive sand dunes, saline plains, steppe areas, and oases alternate. The Karakum Canal, one of the world’s longest irrigation canals, crosses it, channeling water from the Amu Darya River.
The desert’s unique wildlife has adapted to extreme conditions. The rare Turkmen wild ass, desert monitor lizard, and numerous snake species live here. Desert vegetation, especially saxaul shrubs, can survive with their deeply penetrating roots. Nomadic shepherd families’ yurts can still be found on the desert’s edge, where we can gain insight into traditional Turkmen lifestyle.
Kopet Dag Mountains
An imposing mountain range running along the Turkmen-Iranian border, creating a dramatic contrast with the desert plains.
The range’s highest point is the 3,139-meter Ayrybaba peak. The name means „Dry Mountains”, referring to the range’s inhospitable, rocky character. The mountains’ northern slopes rise steeply above Ashgabat, often shrouded in fog, while the southern side gradually descends to the Iranian plateau.
The Kopet Dag Nature Reserve has important ecological significance due to its rich flora and fauna. More than 700 plant species are found in the mountains, including many endemic ones. The Central Asian leopard lives here, though rarely seen, as well as mountain goats, argali sheep, and various birds of prey. The range has numerous natural springs and hidden valleys that form oases. According to Turkmen tradition, the mountains conceal numerous ancient fortresses and caves that have provided shelter over millennia.
Turkmenbashi
Turkmenistan’s largest port city on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea, formerly known as Krasnovodsk.
The city is strategically significant for Turkmenistan, as it is the country’s only maritime gateway to the outside world. The modern port is a center for oil and gas exports but is also a resort destination. Sandy beaches stretch along the Caspian Sea coast, popular summer bathing spots among locals.
The city features the Avaza tourist zone, a modern resort complex with hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options. Palm trees line the promenade, lending a Mediterranean atmosphere to the place. Several natural sulfur springs are found around the city, attracting visitors with their reportedly therapeutic waters. The calm waters of Turkmenbashi Bay are ideal for sailing and water sports.
Kow Ata Underground Lake
Located near Baharden, this stunning underground lake is one of the country’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
The lake is situated in a massive cave, approximately 60 meters below the surface. You must descend 300 steps to reach the cave, during which the temperature gradually rises. The lake water is 33-38 degrees Celsius, and due to its high sulfur content, it is attributed with healing properties. The water is a clear turquoise color, and the lake is approximately 70 meters long and 20 meters wide.
The cave ceiling is decorated with impressive stalactite formations, from which water droplets fall into the lake. The lake’s depth exceeds 10 meters in places, so you can both swim and dive in it. According to locals, the sulfurous water has beneficial effects on skin and joints. The cave’s special acoustics and warm, humid air create an atmosphere that is both relaxing and mystical.
Nisa
Located 18 kilometers west of Ashgabat are the ruins of the ancient Parthian capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The remains of the Parthian Empire’s first capital date from the 3rd century BC. It is divided into two areas: Old Nisa was the royal fortress and palace complex, while New Nisa was the urban settlement site. In Old Nisa, the famous „Parthian rhytons” were found – wine-bearing vessels with ivory decoration, now displayed in the National Museum.
The ruins still contain remnants of the massive walled fortress, including the foundations of the „Round Hall” and „Square Hall”. These were likely venues for royal celebrations and religious ceremonies. Excavations have uncovered countless treasures: statues, jewelry, weapons, and various household items that demonstrate the high cultural level of Parthian civilization. The site offers beautiful views of the Kopet Dag mountains.
Yangykala Canyon
Located in northwestern Turkmenistan, near the Caspian Sea, this stunning, colorful rock formation is breathtaking.
The canyon’s name means „fire fortress”, referring to the rocks’ special color shades, which glow in red, orange, yellow, and white layers at sunset. The canyon is approximately 60 meters deep and was formed over millions of years by the retreat of the ancient Tethys Sea. Different geological layers are clearly visible on the rock walls, telling stories of the area’s past.
From the canyon plateau, a breathtaking panorama opens onto the surrounding desert landscape and the distant Caspian Sea. Visitors can walk along the canyon’s edge and observe how colors change at different times of day. At sunset, the canyon offers a truly magical sight, when the rocks turn fiery red. The area is relatively isolated, so visitors can enjoy the peaceful, pristine natural environment.
Garabogazköl
A lagoon located on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea, one of the driest and saltiest bodies of water in the world.
The lagoon’s name means „black throat”, referring to the fact that it is separated from the Caspian Sea by a narrow strait. The lagoon’s uniqueness lies in the fact that water evaporation is so intense that the salt content is extremely high, exceeding even the Dead Sea’s salt content. Due to evaporation, the lagoon’s water level continuously decreases, leaving massive salt fields behind.
The contrast between white salt crystals and blue-turquoise water creates a special sight. The lagoon’s surroundings also have industrial significance, as one of the world’s largest natural deposits of sodium sulfate is located here. Despite the area’s extreme environment, a few extremely salt-tolerant microorganisms survive in the water. Walking along the lagoon’s shore, we can experience a moon-like, surreal environment.
Turkmenabat
Turkmenistan’s second-largest city on the banks of the Amu Darya River, in the eastern part of the country, near the Uzbek border.
The city, formerly known as Chardzhou, is an important transportation hub and commercial center. The city’s green parks and promenades along the Amu Darya River create a pleasant contrast with the surrounding desert landscape. Near the city is the Repetek Biosphere Reserve, which protects the Karakum Desert’s natural wildlife.
The modern building of Turkmenabat State University and the architecture of the Silk Road Hotel in the city center are also noteworthy. The city contains the Amuljang-tepe prehistoric site, which dates back to the 2nd millennium BC. The local bazaar, where traditional Turkmen carpets, handicraft products, and local culinary specialties are sold, provides insight into the region’s culture. Pleasant promenades are found along the Amu Darya River, where locals relax in the evenings.
Kaplankyr Reserve
A nature reserve located on the Ustyurt Plateau, which is Turkmenistan’s most unique and isolated wildlife reserve.
The reserve’s purpose is the reintroduction of the Central Asian cheetah, which once lived in this region but has nearly completely disappeared. The area encompasses several thousand square kilometers of steppe and desert habitats. The reserve has a rich wild animal population: caracal cats, manuls, striped hyenas, gazelles, and various birds of prey live here.
The dramatic landscape of the Ustyurt Plateau offers a stunning sight: steep cliff faces, limestone formations, and vast plains alternate. The area is one of the most untouched remaining wilderness parts of Central Asia, where humans have left barely a trace. Visiting the reserve requires special permission and is only possible with trained guides. The starry panorama of the night sky, clean air, and complete silence provide an experience that cannot be found in the modern world.