Amazing Destinations in Turkmenistan You Won’t Believe Exist
Turkmenistan is one of the most unique countries in the world, with all kinds of sights that you’ll just be stunned by. From the cascading sand dunes at the Kara Kum Desert to the ancient city of Merv, Turkmenistan offers all kinds of amazing natural attractions you won’t believe exist! Make sure to visit some of these stunning destinations during your trip to Turkmenistan and get ready to be amazed!
Ashgabat

The capital city of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat is a relatively new city that was founded in 1881. Despite its young age, the city is quite stylish and attractive, with beautiful buildings and plenty of green space. Ashgabat is also home to some magnificent museums, including the National Museum of Turkmenistan and the Carpet Museum. If you’re looking for a truly ravishing destination, Ashgabat is definitely worth a visit!
The city of Aşgabat is a post-Soviet paradise and one of the most stunning destinations in all of Turkmenistan. It’s also a favorite destination for global businessmen, with numerous international companies maintaining offices here. One of these global companies is Turkish Airlines, which maintains its headquarters here. If you’re looking for some more family-friendly sights, visit Kopet Dagh Mountains National Park or Golden Statue located at Freedom Square.
This fascinating country is one of the most unique and stylish places you’ll ever visit. From cities to museums, from monuments to mosques, it’s hard to believe a place like Turkmenistan exists at all. Luckily for visitors, however, such a place does exist, and if you have an appreciation for luxury or a fondness for exploring unfamiliar places with fascinating histories, there’s no better time than now to get started planning your trip!
Darvaza

The first destination on our list is the Darvaza Crater, which is also known as the Gates of Hell. This ravishing natural wonder is a burning crater that has been on fire for over 40 years! The story goes that Soviet geologists were drilling for natural gas and hit a pocket of methane. The ground collapsed and created this magnificent crater. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination for those who want to see something truly unique.
The second stop on our list is Khorog, which is located at a mouth of a narrow, steep-sided valley. It was founded as an outpost during Alexander’s conquest of Central Asia. The city retains much of its Soviet style and is popular among tourists. There are many hotels and restaurants to choose from, especially if you’re looking for something western. However, do be aware that there aren’t many public showers or swimming pools so you’ll want to plan accordingly. Most of all, don’t forget your camera because it’s a beautiful place!
The third destination on our list is Avaza, which is also known as Freedom Square. This enormous plaza in Ashgabat was constructed to commemorate victory over fascism during World War II. At its center is a 37-meter tall statue of President Saparmurat Niyazov . The entire complex is unique because of its size and golden architecture. Be sure to visit Avaza at night so you can get photos that capture the plaza with vibrant lighting!
Kopet Dag Mountains

The Kopet Dag Mountains are one of the most stunning destinations in Turkmenistan. They offer incredible views of the country and the surrounding region. Mountains are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including rare and endangered species. If you’re looking for an adventure, the Kopet Dag Mountains are the perfect place to explore.
If you are searching for that picture-perfect Instagram photo, Kopet Dag is a must. The mountains are especially breathtaking when hit by light snow, but if you don’t want to wait for winter, visiting during sunrise or sunset is also a great time of day to snap amazing pictures. During winter months, visitors can admire ice falls and snow-covered peaks while they enjoy activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The landscape during these months also changes from emerald green forests to shimmering white hillsides that cover rocks and boulders.
To reach Kopet Dag, you’ll need to fly into Ashgabat and then take a car or taxi for a few hours to reach your starting point. Though driving to these mountains takes some time, it is worth it. These mountains are truly awe-inspiring. A weekend trip here is perfect for outdoor lovers who want beautiful scenery and an adventure-filled experience all at once. From looking down on snowy peaks from above to crossing paths with different species of animals as you hike, there are endless things to see and do while visiting Kopet Dag. Be sure to pack lots of water and snacks, because the trek up to the top of the mountain is quite challenging and requires endurance. Luckily, you will have spectacular views to keep you going! For anyone planning on staying overnight at a hotel near Kopet Dag, be aware that it gets very cold so be sure to bring warm clothes too!
Nokhur-Ata (Salt Cave)

Nokhur-Ata is a hidden gem in Turkmenistan. This natural wonder is a must-see for any traveler. The cave is full of beautiful salt formations and is said to have healing properties. Nokhur-Ata is also home to many rare animals, making it a perfect place for nature lovers. We recommend spending an entire day exploring the site, walking around the ponds and admiring the impressive stalactites and stalagmites. A special ritual takes place on every night of a new moon when visitors can light candles with other visitors inside the caves and meditate under a sky full of stars.
Not to mention, you’ll also get to enjoy a spectacular sunset. The peaceful vibes of Nokhur-Ata make it an ideal place for meditation and reflection. Make sure to take your time exploring all of its corners. A visit here is definitely worth a day trip from Ashgabat!
Old City of Mary

The Old City of Mary is a beautiful, ancient city that is full of history and culture. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkmenistan, and for good reason! The city is home to many beautiful buildings and landmarks, including the Mausoleum of Turabek Khanum, the Palace of Khans, and the Great Mosque of Mary. If you’re looking for a place to learn about the rich history and culture of Turkmenistan, the Old City of Mary is a great place to start!
Mary was a major city for trade and commerce for centuries, but began to grow particularly important during much of history. During that time, it was commonly used as a major stopover point on caravan routes between Persia and China, which resulted in its unique blend of cultures. This influence can still be seen today, even among those living within Turkmenistan’s borders. Though not originally from Mary, many people speak Arabic as their first language due to cultural exchange with many caravan owners who lived there. The Great Mosque of Mary is also one of few religious structures that date back to 1123 A.D., making it over 800 years old!
Yassarlyk Caravanserai

The Yassarlyk Caravanserai is a stunning building located in the middle of the desert. This caravan stop was once used by traders travelling through the region and is now a popular tourist destination. The caravanserai is made of brick and has a large central courtyard with a pool. The rooms around the courtyard are all beautifully decorated and have unique views of the desert.
Dotted with hundreds of salt lakes, Altyn Asyr (Golden Sands) is a vast wetland that makes up around 40% of all of Turkmenistan. This unique desert landscape supports unusual communities of flora and fauna and features some stunning desert-scapes you won’t find anywhere else. One of its most remarkable features is Maret, one of Turkmenistan’s three moonsands. This sandbank forms an island during flood seasons and attracts thousands of migrating birds every year.
The Kaplankyr Cliff is a large sandstone formation located just outside Ashgabat. The sheer cliff face was formed by flowing water that gradually eroded away sedimentary rock over thousands of years. The result is a stunning plateau with beautifully intricate patterns and has become a popular tourist attraction. During flood seasons, when rainwater rushes down from nearby mountains and pours into lakes below, small waterfalls form on its edge.