Tourism
Turkmenistan is the cradle for ancient civilizations and cultures, as there were important historical centers such as Merv, Nisa, Koneurgench and other attractions that played a key role in the history of the Great Silk Road. These lands have witnessed the emergence and development of a number of civilizations, including advances in architecture, science, and the arts. Therefore, Turkmenistan actively attracts the attention of tourists with its cultural heritage and unique natural beauty, which creates many opportunities for an unforgettable holiday.
The country is famous for its amazing natural attractions, which attract lovers of ecotourism and outdoor activities. For example, the Karakum Desert is one of the largest deserts in Central Asia, occupying approximately 80% of the territory of Turkmenistan. The desert is known for its endless sand dunes that can reach up to 200 meters of heights. Or the Darvaza Crater, also known as the “Door to hell”, is one of the most mysterious and breathtaking natural phenomenon in Turkmenistan. The crater does not stop burning, and its lights are visible at a distance of several kilometres. This natural gas field, which has been burning since 1971, is a surreal sight. The glowing crater offers a unique experience at night, illuminating the surrounding desert.
And for lovers of active pastime, we offer to visit the Yangykalaa Canyon and the Koytendag Mountains. A canyon located in the vicinity of the city of Darvaza, known for its stunning red and orange rocks that change their color depending on the angle of the Sun rays. Another natural wonder of Turkmenistan is the Koytendag Mountains with their dinosaur footprints. Koytendag is a corner where majestic mountains intersect with the mysteries of antiquity! Koytendag is not only impressive in its beauty, but also offers you a unique opportunity to touch the history left by the most ancient inhabitants of the Earth – the dinosaurs.
If you want to see the miracle of nature, we offer an unforgettable trip to the heart of Turkmenistan, where the amazing Kov-Ata is located! Kov-Ata Cave is known for its incredible stalactites and stalagmites, which create impressive natural forms. Each step inside the cave opens up new paintings for you, as if it was created by natural art itself! The unique acoustics of the cave allow the sounds to "play" and transport you to another world. Listen to your footsteps and whispers transform into melodies, creating a mystical atmosphere.
The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed sea in the world, surrounded by picturesque beaches, unique dunes and vivid mountain ranges. It's the perfect place to explore! Diving into the world of diving, fishing, hiking along scenic trails and bird observing - there is something to do here for outdoor enthusiasts.
Set against the stunning landscape of the Caspian Sea, the buildings of Avaza, a port city renowned for its scenic beaches and contemporary resort complexes, are particularly striking. This city has become a true embodiment of the ideal coast, where sophisticated architecture, luxury and favorable climate are mixed. Hotels and accommodations in Avaza offer a vacation for every taste and budget. Here you can choose from luxurious five-star full-service resorts to more affordable accommodation options. Many hotels offer spa treatments, swimming pools, fitness centers and restaurants with a variety of cuisines.
But Avaza is not the only place where tourists tend to visit in Turkmenistan. An important part of traveling to this amazing country is also the capital Ashgabat, which offers a unique combination of modernity and historical heritage. Ashgabat is famous for its stunning architecture, including numerous monumental buildings, modern venues, and lush parks. The city is a real open-air museum, where you can see not only the newest buildings, but also monuments reflecting the rich history of Turkmenistan. The main symbols of Ashgabat are the Monument of Neutrality and the Monument of Independence. Local mosques such as the Beyterek Mosque also draw attention with their beautiful designs and important cultural significance.
Not far from Ashgabat, just a few kilometers away, there is another exciting place - the city of Arkadag. Arkadag is a new city that was built in recent years and has become a symbol of modern Turkmenistan. It is conceived as a model of urban harmony and environmental sustainability. Here you can see unique buildings that combine modern architecture and national traditions. One of the most striking aspects of Arkadag is the vast parks and squares that offer residents and tourists excellent conditions for relaxation. The city is surrounded by green plantations, making it an ideal place for family walks and outdoor activities.
A visit to Arkadag is a great opportunity to see how Turkmenistan is moving into the future, combining tradition and innovative approach. The city is a model of modern technology and sustainable development, which attracts the attention of not only tourists but also experts from all over the world.
18 km west of Ashgabat there are the ruins of the ancient city of Nisa. The city was founded in the V century BC and played a key role in the history of the Great Parthian Kingdoms. It became a center of trade, culture, and political power, making it an important page in the history of Central Asia. The ruins of Nisa include majestic fortress walls, remains of temples, as well as other architectural monuments that amaze with their size and elegance. Walking along these ancient streets, you can feel the spirit of the times and imagine how life passed here in the distant past.
Nisa is only 18 km from Ashgabat and it is easily accessible by car or taxi. This is a great opportunity to combine a trip to the capital with exploring historical sights. After that, head to the east of the country, where you can find Merv. It is an ancient city located near the modern city of Mary. Merv is situated about 30 kilometers south of the city of Mary. Merv was one of the most important centers on the Great Silk Road and played a significant role in the history of various civilizations. Today, the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its ruins represent an important archeological heritage. This ancient oasis, once a flourishing center of trade on the Great Silk Road, will surprise you with its size and richness of cultural monuments. Let your trip to Merv be not only a study of the past, but also a real adventure!
Close to Merv, another amazing place waits you - Gonurdepe, an archeological complex that offers a unique experience of traveling into the depths of antiquity. Just a few tens of kilometers from Merv, you will find yourself in a world that witnessed the heyday of one of the most mysterious civilizations of Central Asia.
Not so long ago, in the 90s, among the sands of the eastern Karakum, archeologists uncovered a huge necropolis in the oasis, dating back to the II-I millennium B.C. There was a capital city, now called Gonurdepe, with its own palace and several temples capable of competing with the buildings of Assyria and Babylon. It is the capital temple city of the country of Margush. Excavations of this place have brought scientists and historians many amazing discoveries. The temple city kept its secrets in the desert sands for several millennia. Gonurdepe was the largest settlement in all of Margiana.
If you want to see all this with your own eyes, Turkmenistan offers a relatively simple migration procedure for tourists. This makes the country easily accessible to travelers. For detailed information about the migration procedure and visa requirements for tourists in Turkmenistan, you can refer to the official website of the migration service at: https://migration.gov.tm/.
