Turkmenistan isn’t the easiest country to visit, because you’ll need a guide for most of your trip, and the logistics can feel daunting. But that’s also part of its appeal.
This is a country with surreal cities, ancient Silk Road ruins, and vast desert landscapes where you might go hours or even days without seeing another traveller.
In this article you can find my favourite things to do in Turkmenistan after having visit on a week-long itinerary.
7 Things to See and Do in Turkmenistan
No trip to Turkmenistan is complete without visiting these 7 incredible things to do. But even if you just have a few days available you’ll certainly be able to squeeze quite a few into your itinerary.
1. Camp overnight near Darvaza’s Gas Crater
They call it the Door to Hell for a reason. In the middle of the Karakum Desert, a massive crater has been burning for decades. The result of a Soviet-era gas drilling mishap. By day, it’s already impressive; by night, it’s otherworldly.
Spending the night nearby means you can watch the flames dance under the stars and feel the heat rising from the edge. Most guided tours include a yurt stay and a barbecue dinner, making it a surprisingly cosy experience despite the remote location.
A visit to Darvaza’s Gas Crater is really unforgettable and Turkmenistan’s top thing to do for a reason.
Also read: Darvaza Gas Crater | How To Visit Turkmenistan’s Fiery Heart
2. Discover the white city of Ashgabat
Ashgabat feels like no other capital. Wide, empty boulevards, endless white marble buildings, and grand monuments that seem almost surreal. By day, its polished streets gleam in the sun; by night, the city transforms into a neon spectacle.
From the towering Monument of Neutrality to Independence Park, the futuristic Alem Center, and quirky statues of horses, dogs, and cyclists, Ashgabat is both fascinating and baffling. Take time to explore in the evening when the parks come alive with locals.
Also read: 15 Things To Do In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s Surreal Capital
3. Take an overnight train across the desert
Crossing Turkmenistan by train is an experience in itself. The overnight route from Ashgabat to Turkmenbashi takes you through long stretches of empty desert. Only broken up by small towns and the occasional camel.
In first class, you get a private two-berth cabin; in second class, you share with up to four people. Bring snacks, drinks, and a sense of adventure.
Waking up to the sight of the Caspian Sea as the train rolls into Turkmenbashi is one of those travel moments you won’t forget.
Also read: Turkmenistan Itinerary | One Week Across The Desert
4. Uncover Turkmenistan’s UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites
Turkmenistan has three UNESCO sites, each telling a different part of the country’s history.
- Ancient Merv | Once one of the Silk Road’s greatest cities, Merv’s ruins still breath its past grandeur. From the mudbrick walls of the Kyz Kala fortresses to the impressive Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum, it’s a must for history lovers.
- Kunya-Urgench | Located near the Uzbekistan border. This former capital of the Khwarezm Empire is home to soaring minarets and intricately tiled mausoleums.
- Parthian Fortresses of Nisa | Just outside Ashgabat, these ancient walls and foundations date back to the 1st millennium BCE, offering a glimpse into the Parthian Empire.
These sites might not be as polished as Samarkand or Bukhara, but their rawness and quiet atmosphere make them feel even more authentic.
Merv and Kunye-Urgench are the most impressive of the three, so make sure to include them on your personal list of things to do in Turkmenistan.
Also read: Ancient Merv | Explore One Of Central Asia’s Oldest Cities
5. See Turkmen horses in action on a horse farm
The Akhal-Teke horse is more than a national symbol, it’s a source of pride. With their shiny coats, elegant build, and incredible stamina, these horses have been bred here for thousands of years.
Visiting a horse farm lets you watch them in motion, meet the trainers, and learn about their importance in Turkmen culture. If you’re lucky, you might see a training session or a short performance showcasing their agility.
6. Visit the eerily empty Awaza resort on the Caspian Sea Coast
Awaza is unlike any seaside resort you’ve ever visited. Its futuristic hotels and manicured promenades seem ready for an influx of tourists, but the reality is quiet streets, empty beaches, and a strange sense of stillness.
It’s an easy day trip from Turkmenbashi, though many tours include it as part of a longer journey to Yangykala Canyon. Even without a swim, the Caspian views are worth the visit.
7. Explore otherworldly Yangykala Canyon
Yangykala Canyon is one of Turkmenistan’s most spectacular natural sights, with jagged cliffs and vibrant colours that change with the light. If you enjoy remoteness and martian landscapes then you must include this on your list of things to do in Turkmenistan.
The drive out is long and remote, but the reward is absolute silence, wide-open views, and if you camp overnight a night sky filled with stars.
There are no facilities here, so you’ll need to bring everything with you. The remoteness is part of the appeal as you’ll likely have the place to yourself.
Also read: Yangykala Canyon | How To Visit Turkmenistan’s Grand Canyon
Travel Tips for Visiting Turkmenistan
Visiting Turkmenistan takes a bit more planning than most destinations, but that’s part of the adventure. Here are a few essentials to know before you go:
- Book a guided tour | Independent travel isn’t possible for most visitors, so you’ll need to arrange your trip through a licensed local operator. I travelled with Murad, who organised my entire itinerary (you can find his details in my Turkmenistan travel tips article).
- Visas and entry | Most travellers need a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to enter the country. You can arrange this with your tour guide. With the LOI you can buy a visa upon entering the country. The LOI-process can take a few weeks, so start early.
- Best time to visit | Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant temperatures. Summers can be scorching hot, while winters are cold and windy.
- Pack for extremes | The desert climate means hot days, cool nights, and little shade at most sights. Bring layers, a hat, and plenty of sun protection.
- Currency | Turkmenistan’s manat is a closed currency, so you’ll need to bring enough USD in cash to exchange on arrival. Your guide will know where to exchange to local currency, just stay away from banks.
- Connectivity | Internet access is slow and heavily restricted. In fact don’t count on any internet access at all for your time in the country. Download offline maps and entertainment before your trip.
- Travel insurance | Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and adventure activities. Check out Heymondo, which covers both health and travel-related issues. Readers of Next Journey Ahead get 5% off via this link.
Also read: Turkmenistan Travel Tips | What To Know Before You Go
Final Thoughts
Turkmenistan might be one of the least-visited countries in the world, but that’s exactly what makes it so captivating.
Whether you’re standing at the edge of Darvaza’s gas crater, wandering the marble streets of Ashgabat, or camping in Yangykala Canyon, the sense of discovery is unmatched.
Also read: Complete Turkmenistan Travel Guide
Do you have questions? Then leave a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram, I’m always happy to share tips. And if you want to be the first to know when new articles and travel guides go live, sign up for my newsletter.
Planning a trip to Turkmenistan? Take a look at my Central Asia and latest Turkmenistan articles below for more ideas and detailed guides.
- 7 Incredible Things to See and Do in Turkmenistan
- 15 Things To Do in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s Surreal Capital
- Ancient Merv | Explore One of Central Asia’s Oldest Cities
- Yangykala Canyon | How to Visit Turkmenistan’s Grand Canyon
- Darvaza Gas Crater | How To Visit Turkmenistan’s Fiery Heart
- Turkmenistan Itinerary | One Week Across the Desert
- Turkmenistan Travel Tips | What To Know Before You Go
