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Stunning view of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque during sunset with a golden dome and minarets.

Things to Do in Turkmenistan

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When to visit

NOT BUSYJan3°5d rain
NOT BUSYFeb7°4d rain
MODERATEMar15°5d rain
MODERATEApr21°3d rainBEST
MODERATEMay27°2d rainBEST
BUSYJun33°1d rain
BUSYJul36°1d rain
BUSYAug35°1d rain
MODERATESep29°2d rain
MODERATEOct21°3d rainBEST
NOT BUSYNov11°4d rainBEST
NOT BUSYDec5°5d rain

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Plan language: English

Most popular attractions in Turkmenistan

Darvaza Gas Crater

1. Darvaza Gas Crater

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Ahal

4.3 (496)
Tourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Witness a blazing desert spectacle that looks like a scene from another planet. Feel the heat and marvel at the dancing flames lighting up the night sky.

Quick facts: Imagine a fiery crater that’s been burning continuously for over 50 years in the middle of the desert. It glows like a giant, otherworldly campfire visible from miles away at night.

Highlights: The crater spans almost 70 meters in diameter and blazes up to 20 meters high with flames that dance unpredictably in the desert winds. At night, the intense orange glow lights up the dark, creating a surreal, almost alien landscape that photographers dream of.

Independence Monument

2. Independence Monument

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Ashgabat

4.4 (232)
Tourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Uma vista de arrepiar da cidade e um espetáculo de luzes que vai ficar na memória. Sinta a força da liberdade em cada detalhe deste monumento impressionante.

Quick facts: A estrutura tem 91 metros de altura, simbolizando os 91 anos da independência do país. Lá, uma chama eterna arde no coração do monumento, representando a liberdade duradoura.

Highlights: Quem sobe até o mirante no topo ganha uma vista panorâmica impressionante de Asgabate banhada pela luz dourada do sol poente. À noite, as fontes coloridas criam um espetáculo luminoso que encanta locais e visitantes.

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Ruhy Mosque

3. Ruhy Mosque

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Ashgabat

4.6 (180)
MosqueTourist AttractionPlace of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint of Interest

Visite um templo de cores vibrantes e história viva. Explore mosaicos detalhados e sinta a energia única das orações matinais.

Quick facts: A mesquita possui uma impressionante cúpula azul-turquesa que brilha sob o sol do deserto. Suas paredes exibem intricados mosaicos que contam histórias da cultura turcomena.

Highlights: O destaque é o ritual diário único chamado 'Orações do Amanhecer', em que a luz dourada do sol atravessa vitrais coloridos, iluminando padrões geométricos no interior da mesquita. Poucos visitantes sabem que o minarete mais alto alcança exatamente 46 metros, representando os 46 anos de independência do país.

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Nisa Ruins

4. Nisa Ruins

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Ashgabat

4.3 (141)
Tourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Explore uma antiga capital cheia de artefatos que revelam histórias milenares. Mergulhe em decorações impressionantes e arquitetura surpreendente.

Quick facts: As ruínas mostram vestígios de uma antiga cidade que foi capital do império Parta, com impressionantes sistemas de irrigação e fortificações. Escavações revelam tumbas ricas em artefatos e murais que contam histórias de uma civilização florescente.

Highlights: Ruínas exibem uma estrutura arquitetônica única chamada "Acropolium", onde templos e palácios se entrelaçam formando um complexo visual impactante. Visitar o salão com colunas decoradas por baixos relevos é um mergulho visual na vida e nas crenças dos partas.

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Palace of Happiness

5. Palace of Happiness

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Ashgabat

4.4 (120)
Wedding VenueEvent VenuePoint of InterestServiceEstablishment

Arquitetura deslumbrante e atmosfera romântica para momentos inesquecíveis. Viva a experiência única de cerimônias de casamento em um cenário de tirar o fôlego.

Quick facts: Esse palácio é uma celebração da arquitetura romântica, destacando-se por sua cúpula dourada e detalhes em mármore branco. Frequentemente, ele abriga cerimônias de casamento, atraindo casais de todo o país para registrar momentos especiais.

Highlights: O interior apresenta um lustre de cristal com mais de 3.000 peças, que cria um jogo fascinante de luz refletida. O salão principal tem capacidade para 500 pessoas, perfeito para grandes celebrações.

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Mary Museum

6. Mary Museum

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Mary

4.5 (73)
MuseumTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Vale a pena visitar para mergulhar na história milenar da região. Experimente uma viagem pelo tempo com relíquias e maquetes autênticas.

Quick facts: Este museu abriga uma coleção impressionante de artefatos arqueológicos que remontam à antiga Rota da Seda. Muitas das peças exibidas foram descobertas nas proximidades, dando uma visão direta da rica história da região.

Highlights: Uma das atrações mais fascinantes é o escudo de ouro maciço encontrado em uma necrópole próxima, que brilha com detalhes intrincados. Outro destaque garante uma experiência imersiva com maquetes que recriam a vida nas antigas cidades próximas.

Yangykala Canyon

7. Yangykala Canyon

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Balkan

4.8 (82)
Scenic SpotPoint of InterestEstablishment

Witness stunning cliffs painted in fiery colors that change with the sun. Explore a surreal labyrinth carved by nature, where every turn reveals breathtaking views.

Quick facts: Imagine vast cliffs painted in vibrant reds, pinks, and whites that stretch as far as the eye can see, truly a natural canvas carved by wind and water. The layers of the rock reveal millions of years of geological history whispered through the arid Turkmen landscape.

Highlights: Sunsets here transform the canyon into a surreal palette of glowing colors that change every few minutes, making photographers' hearts race. The dramatic rock formations and deep ravines create a labyrinth that feels like stepping into another world, untouched and vast.

Turkmen Carpet Museum

8. Turkmen Carpet Museum

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Ashgabat

4.6 (79)
MuseumTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Explore uma coleção vasta e vibrante de arte tribal em tecido. Toque o passado e veja padrões que narram histórias antigas e culturais.

Quick facts: A coleção inclui mais de 10 mil tapetes que representam as tradições tribais únicas do Turcomenistão. Cada tapete é uma verdadeira obra de arte com cores vibrantes e padrões que contam histórias antigas da região.

Highlights: A maior tapeçaria exibida mede impressionantes 120 metros quadrados, exibindo técnicas ancestrais raramente vistas. Visitantes podem tocar algumas amostras para sentir a textura autêntica dos fios feitos à mão.

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National Museum of Turkmenistan

9. National Museum of Turkmenistan

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Ashgabat

4.4 (113)
MuseumTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Vale a pena pela rica imersão cultural e histórica. Os visitantes encontram artefatos incríveis e decorados ambientes tradicionais que encantam os sentidos.

Quick facts: O museu guarda mais de 500 mil artefatos que revelam as ricas tradições e a herança cultural do país. As exposições variam desde antiguidades arqueológicas a joias e trajes tradicionais que contam histórias únicas.

Highlights: Uma das peças mais impressionantes é o painel de mosaico que cobre uma enorme parede, detalhando a história turcomena com cores vibrantes e detalhes minuciosos. No interior, tapetes antigos e delicados exemplares de ourivesaria encantam os visitantes com a habilidade artesanal local.

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Traditional Sweet Dishes

Gurbani Halva

Gurbani Halva

Gurbani Halva is a beloved sweet made from wheat flour, butter, and sugar, often enjoyed during celebrations and special occasions in Turkmenistan.

Chorek

Chorek

Chorek is a traditional Turkmen bread often sweetened with a touch of honey and nuts, symbolizing hospitality and warmth in Turkmen homes.

Pakhlava

Pakhlava

Pakhlava in Turkmenistan consists of layers of dough filled with nuts and sweetened with syrup, showcasing a rich and intricate pastry tradition.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Ichlekli

Ichlekli

Ichlekli is a savory meat pie that is a staple in Turkmen cuisine, filled with lamb or beef and onions, reflecting the pastoralist roots of the nation.

Shashlyk

Shashlyk

Shashlyk is grilled skewered meat, a beloved dish across Turkmenistan, often cooked outdoors and shared among friends and family during gatherings.

Dograma

Dograma

Dograma is a hearty salad made from chopped bread, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, mixed with broth or yogurt, highlighting the resourceful use of simple ingredients.

Traditional Beverages

Chal

Chal

Chal is a traditional fermented camel milk drink, prized for its refreshing taste and nutritional benefits, especially in desert regions.

Black Tea

Black Tea

Black Tea in Turkmenistan is typically brewed strong and served with sugar and sometimes cardamom, playing a central role in social and family gatherings.

Sharbat

Sharbat

Sharbat is a sweet, fruit-flavored drink often made from local fruits and herbs, enjoyed both as a refreshment and a digestive aid.

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Most popular day trips

Ancient Merv

450 km 6h by car

Historical oasis city with ancient ruins and museums.

Yangykala Canyon

600 km 8h by car

Stunning canyon with colorful rock formations.

Kunya-Urgench

450 km 6.5h by car

UNESCO site featuring medieval monuments and mausoleums.

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Getting there

Train stations

Ashgabat Railway Station

Train connections between major Turkmen cities

Take a taxi or shuttle bus from Ashgabat International Airport to city center; travel time about 20 minutes.

Click to get eSim for Turkmenistan

The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.

Visa & entry

Non-Schengen
Max stay: 30 days
Visa-free access

Russia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Belarus

Visa required

Most other countries

Apply for e-visa before arrival to simplify entry process.

Useful information for Turkmenistan

Shopping locationsBerkarar Shopping Mall, Türkmenbaşy Bazaar
Nightlife locationsAshgabat Bars, Turkmenbashi Nightclubs
Popular casual restaurantsOguzhan Cafe, Altyn Asyr
Popular fancy restaurantsSada Restaurant, Yyldyz Restaurant
Popular coffee shopsCoffee House, Oguzhan Cafe
Tap water safe to drinkNo
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appYandex.Taxi
Taxi price / km$0.5
Tourists / year1000000
Mobile internet speed12 Mbps
Unemployment percentage13 %
Poverty percentage54 %
Average income / month$150
Average cost of living / month$500
Hotel price / night from$30
Beer price from$1.5
Coffee price from$0.7
Street food price from$1
Restaurant meal price from$5
Local currencyTurkmen manat
Power plug typesType C, Type F
ReligionsIslam, Christianity
Spoken languagesTurkmen, Russian
EthnicitiesTurkmen, Uzbek, Russian, Kazakh
Political orientationauthoritarian
Population density12 /km²
Geographical area491210 km²
Possible natural disastersearthquakes, droughts, sandstorms
Dangerous animalsscorpions, snakes, wolves
Locations for a nice walkRuhyýet Garden, Independence Monument, Gypjak Mosque
Public transportationsbuses, taxis, marshrutkas
AirlinesTurkmenistan Airlines, Balkanabat Airlines
Suggested vaccinationsHepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus
Architecture typeSoviet modernism, Islamic architecture
Average beer consumption per person / year1.2 l
Average wine consumption per person / year0.5 l
Tipping cultureoptional
Coworking / day$12
Airbnb / month$350
1BR rent / month$200
Gym / month$15
Daily budget (backpacker)$20
Daily budget (mid-range)$50

Overview for Turkmenistan

English proficiencyBad
Traffic safetyAverage
Friendly to foreignersBad
Freedom of speechVery bad
Public transportationBad
HealthcareBad
EducationBad
Power grid reliabilityAverage
Crime safetyAverage
WalkabilityAverage
NightlifeBad
Food sceneAverage
LGBTQ+ friendlyVery bad
Startup sceneVery bad
Noise levelAverage
CleanlinessGood
Nature accessAverage

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