4.7
Ashgabat
A record-breaking city of white marble, fountains and golden domes.
Turkmenistan · Central Asia
Turkmenistan
White-marble Ashgabat and the flaming Door to Hell
About Turkmenistan
White-marble Ashgabat and the flaming Door to Hell
Turkmenistan is the most enigmatic of the 'Stans — Ashgabat, a gleaming, record-breaking city of white marble and gold domes rising from the Karakum desert, and the surreal Darvaza gas crater, the 'Door to Hell', which has blazed for decades.
Explore the Silk Road ruins of Konye-Urgench and ancient Merv, descend to the underground Kow Ata lake, and journey across vast desert to one of the world's least-visited and most fascinating countries.
Local Culture
Turkmen culture treasures its nomadic heritage — the world-famous Akhal-Teke horses, intricate carpets (a national symbol on the flag), and epic traditions of hospitality. Desert, Silk Road history and a singular modern capital define this little-seen land.
Travel Highlights
- White-marble Ashgabat
- Darvaza 'Door to Hell' crater
- Konye-Urgench Silk Road ruins
- Karakum desert
- Ancient Merv
- Region
- Central Asia
- Language
- Turkmen
- Currency
- TMT
Popular Attractions
Unmissable sights
The landmarks and natural wonders that define Turkmenistan.
5.0
Darvaza Gas Crater
The 'Door to Hell' — a fiery crater blazing in the Karakum desert.
4.5
Ashgabat Monuments
Grand arches, the Neutrality Monument and marble boulevards.
4.6
Karakum Desert
Vast dunes and star-filled skies around the crater.
4.6
Silk Road Ruins
Konye-Urgench minarets and the ancient oasis of Merv.
4.7
Desert Nights
Camp beside the glowing crater under the desert stars.
Things To Do
Experiences & adventures
Curated activities to make your Turkmenistan story your own.
Ashgabat City Tour
Marble monuments, mosques and golden domes.
Darvaza Crater Camp
Overnight beside the blazing 'Door to Hell'.
Silk Road Ruins
Konye-Urgench and ancient Merv.
Desert Drive
4x4 across the Karakum dunes.
Kow Ata Lake
Swim in a warm underground sulphur lake.
Akhal-Teke Horses
Meet the country's prized golden horses.
Best Time To Visit
When to go to Turkmenistan
Seasonal weather at a glance to help you plan the perfect window.
Spring
Apr – May
18–30°C
Mild and ideal for desert and city.
Autumn
Sep – Oct
18–32°C
Cooling and comfortable — prime time.
Summer
Jun – Aug
35–45°C
Extreme desert heat — early starts only.
Winter
Nov – Mar
2–15°C
Cool, quiet and clear in the capital.
Food & Cuisine
A taste of Turkmenistan
Signature dishes and where to savour them.
Plov (Palaw)
Turkmen rice pilaf with lamb, carrot and cumin.
Shashlik
Char-grilled marinated meat skewers.
Manty
Steamed dumplings filled with meat and onion.
Chorba
Hearty lamb-and-vegetable desert soup.
Turkmen
Sim-Sim, Ashgabat
Popular spot for plov and grills.
Central Asian
Bagt Köşgi
Banquet dining in the marble city.
Camp
Desert Camps, Darvaza
Grilled dinners beside the fiery crater.
Good to Know
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before travelling to Turkmenistan.
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