Turkmenistan's capital is a destination in its own right. Ashgabat is known for its vast boulevards, white-marble buildings, and monumental architecture that feels almost surreal in scale. Highlights include Independence Monument, Neutrality Monument, and a number of grand museums and parks that showcase the country's modern identity and ambition.
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Turkmenistan things to see and do
Ashgabat
Darvaza Gas Crater
Often nicknamed the "Door to Hell", this flaming gas crater in the Karakum Desert is one of Turkmenistan's most striking sights. Burning continuously since the 1970s, it is especially dramatic after dark, when the flames illuminate the surrounding desert, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
Gonur Depe
Gonur Depe is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Central Asia, dating back to the Bronze Age civilisation known as Margiana. The site includes palace complexes, temples, and burial grounds, highlighting the region's importance long before the Silk Road era.
Kow Ata Underground Lake
Located not far from Ashgabat, this underground lake lies within a limestone cave and is fed by warm, mineral-rich water. The naturally heated pool maintains a constant temperature year-round and offers a unique and unusual sightseeing experience.
Mary
Mary is a pleasant regional city and the main base for visiting Ancient Merv. Beyond its role as a gateway, the city has leafy avenues, Soviet-era architecture, and several museums that provide useful context for the region's Silk Road history and modern development.
Merv
Once one of the largest cities in the world, Merv was a major centre of the Silk Road and Islamic civilisation. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features ruined fortresses, mausoleums, and city walls spread across the plains near Mary, offering a powerful sense of the region's historic importance.
Nisa
Located just outside Ashgabat, Nisa was one of the early capitals of the Parthian Empire. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of two archaeological mounds containing the remains of fortifications, palaces, and temples. Though understated at first glance, Nisa is of major historical importance and rewards visitors interested in ancient civilisations.
Repetek Nature Reserve
Located in eastern Turkmenistan, Repetek protects a unique ecosystem of sand dunes, desert flora, and wildlife adapted to extreme conditions. Visits are usually arranged in advance and often appeal to nature-focused travellers.
Turkmenbashi and Avaza
Turkmenbashi sits on the Caspian Sea and serves as the gateway to Avaza, a planned resort zone with modern hotels, promenades, and beaches. While development-focused, the area offers sea views, fresh air, and a contrasting atmosphere to the desert interior.
Yangykala Canyon
Located in western Turkmenistan, Yangykala Canyon is one of the country's most visually striking natural landscapes. Its layered limestone cliffs glow in shades of white, pink, and ochre, particularly at sunrise and sunset. The remoteness of the area adds to its raw, untouched feel.
Yangysu Plateau
This remote desert plateau offers classic Karakum scenery: vast open spaces, dramatic rock formations, and a profound sense of isolation. It appeals mainly to travellers seeking raw landscapes and off-the-beaten-path exploration rather than conventional sightseeing.
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