Turkmenistan Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Ashgabat.

Geography:

Turkmenistan shares borders with Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the east, Afghanistan to the southeast and Iran to the south. To the west is the Caspian Sea. Nearly 80% of the country is taken up by the Kara-Kum (Black Sand) Desert, the largest in the CIS. The longest irrigation canal in the world stretches 1,100km (687 miles), from the Amu-Darya River in the east, through Ashgabat, before being piped the rest of the way to the Caspian Sea.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Turkmenistan Airlines (www.turkmenairlines.org). There are no direct flights to Turkmenistan from the UK. Options include flights with Turkish Airlines (www.turkishairlines.com) via Istanbul, Lufthansa (www.lufthansa.com) via Frankfurt, or S7 Airlines (www.s7.ru) via Moscow (the first leg is operated by British Airways). From the USA, the quickest route is via Frankfurt with Lufthansa.

Departure Tax

Included in the air fare. However, you have to pay an arrival fee of US$12-14 depending on your nationality.

Flight Times

From London - 9 hours (including stopover); from New York - 17 hours (including stopover).

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Turkmenistan Airlines (www.turkmenairlines.org) runs regular flights between Ashgabat, Chardzhou, Dashoguz, Mary, Turkmenbashi and Turkmenabat, and to Kerki (far east) and Balkanabat. All flight tickets have to be paid for in local currency.

Car Hire

Self-drive hire is available from a few large hotels.

Documentation

An International Driving Permit, or national licence with authorised translation, is required.

Getting Around By Rail

Trains are cheap, but slow and uncomfortable. There is a day-time and overnight train between Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi; overnight trains to Turkmenabat, one continuing to Dashgouz; and an overnight service between Ashgabat and Gushgi via Mary (although Gushgi is off limits due to its border with Afghanistan). The Trans-Caspian Railway runs from Turkmenbashi (formerly Krasnovodsk) in the west, through Ashgabat and Mary to Chardzhou in the east before continuing to Bukhara in Uzbekistan.

Getting Around By Road

The main road in Turkmenistan runs along the route of the Trans-Caspian Railway. There is also a road that runs north from Ashgabat to Tashauz and Kunya-Urgench before crossing into Uzbekistan. This road crosses 500km (311 miles) of the Kara-Kum desert. Conditions can be dangerous.

Side Of Road

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Taxi

You can find taxis and chauffeur-driven cars for hire in all major towns. Many are unlicensed and it's advisable to agree the fare in advance. As many of the street names have changed since independence, it's also worth knowing both the old and new street names when asking directions.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Turkmenistan's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Turkmenistan set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

While Turkmenistan doesn't require COVID-19 vaccination, all travellers must undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival, which costs about 31 US dollars.

Confirm the latest requirements with your Turkmen sponsor, or with the embassy that issued your visa if you have one. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Turkmenistan, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Turkmenistan.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Turkmenistan.

If you have the wrong visa or if you overstay your visa, you could be prosecuted and possibly imprisoned.

Applying for a visa

Contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan in London at least a month ahead of your intended travel date.

You need a letter of invitation to support your application. For tourist visits, authorised travel agents can provide these letters. If you are travelling on business, you will need letters from the relevant government ministries or companies you want to do business with. If you want to attend an exhibition or event, the organiser normally provides visa support.

You should keep your letter of invitation with you when you are in Turkmenistan.

The Embassy of Turkmenistan will refer your visa application to Ashgabat for a decision, which can take up to a month. There is an accelerated 24-hour service costing about 150 US dollars.

Transit visas and travelling through Turkmenistan by car

You can use a transit visa if you will be in Turkmenistan for less than 5 days. You cannot change your transit visa to a tourist visa, and you must notify the authorities if you intend to change your route.

You cannot buy a transit visa at Baku seaport. If you want to travel to Azerbaijan by sea, you need to have visas for both Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.

You'll be charged up to 150 US dollars to bring a car into Turkmenistan by land or sea.

Border officials may close Turkmen border crossings without notice.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Turkmenistan guide.

Registering with the authorities

If you're staying for more than 3 days, you must register with the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan within 3 days of your arrival. Your hotel will usually register you, but if you are staying in private accommodation you'll need to go and register in person.

In Ashgabat, register at the office at 57 Azadi Street. If you're not staying in Ashgabat, you should register at the local department office. You must provide 2 passport-size photos and provide confirmation of your departure date from your employer or sponsor.

Taxes for foreign nationals

On arrival, you must pay a migration fee of 14 US dollars. All foreign visitors must also pay a 'tourism tax' of 2 US dollars for each day of their stay in Turkmenistan. Hotels include the tax as a separate item on your bill.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Turkmenistan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

'Tobacco products to the amount of 2 packs' means you can bring one of:

• 2 packets of cigarettes – a total of 40 cigarettes
• 2 cigars
• 2 packs of tobacco each weighing no more than a packet of cigarettes

It is illegal to give tobacco products as a gift. If you are caught, you could get a fine.

Taking money into Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is largely a cash-based society. Carry cash and pay in the Turkmen currency, manat. Some larger hotels and restaurants accept US dollars - you should check before purchasing. Other outlets are only allowed to accept manat.

You can exchange US dollars and euros at the official manat rate easily at a bank or money exchange. Bring new, clean notes as exchanges will reject damaged or marked notes. Other currencies are difficult to exchange. Manat cannot be re-converted, so exchange only as much as you need.

There are a limited number of international ATMs in Ashgabat, but they can run out of manat notes. There's a 3% withdrawal charge for each transaction. You are strongly recommended to bring enough dollars for your entire trip.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Turkmenistan

Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Turkmenistan, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Border restrictions

Turkmen land border crossings can be subject to occasional and unannounced closures. The borders with Afghanistan and Iran are particularly sensitive.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Police sometimes carry out checks of identity documents. Always carry a copy of the photo page and the visa page of your passport, and keep your passport separately in a safe place.

Ramadan

Turkmenistan is a majority Muslim country. Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. In 2025, Ramadan is expected to start around the end of February and finish around the end of March. During this time, do not:

• eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in a car or taxi
• play loud music or dance
• wear revealing clothes
• swear in public

You should also:

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Muslim guests, for example with screens
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk
• be patient and show tolerance

Get more advice from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

Alcohol laws and bans

It is illegal to drink alcohol in any communal spaces, including:

• parks or public squares
• forests or beaches
• train stations, airports or sea ports
• underpasses
• government offices

If you're caught drinking alcohol in these places you can get a fine of 100 manats.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to smoke outside or in any communal spaces unless they contain a designated smoking area.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

If you're found guilty of possession or use of illegal drugs, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in very basic conditions.

Taking photos in secure areas

Check before taking photos of or near airports, military infrastructure, police stations, government buildings or embassies. The guards at the presidential palace may tell you not to take photos of it.

The Turkmen can be sensitive about having their picture taken without their consent.

Internet and mobile network

Internet connections outside the larger hotels can be unreliable. Many social media apps and websites are blocked, including YouTube, X, Facebook and WhatsApp. Access to Yahoo, Gmail and Hotmail is often difficult. VPNs are illegal in Turkmenistan and are usually blocked as soon as the authorities identify them.

There is a single state-owned mobile telephone provider, Altyn Asyr, which uses the TM CELL brand. Altyn Asyr does not provide a roaming service and the quality of the network is low.

Relationships with Turkmens

The Turkmen authorities sometimes prosecute Turkmen women if they start a sexual relationship with a foreign man, who may be fined and deported.

LGBT+ travellers

Male same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and punishable by a prison sentence. Same-sex relationships generally meet with disapproval in Turkmen society. Avoid showing affection in public.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad.

You'll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Driving standards are poor. Road travel at night outside cities is particularly dangerous because of the condition of the roads. There is a 60km/h speed limit in much of Ashgabat, enforced by both static speed cameras and police with mobile speed cameras. There are no signs warning of speed cameras.

Taxis

Licensed taxis are clearly identified and are white or yellow. Avoid unlicensed taxis.

Although taxis have meters, drivers will usually ask foreign nationals for a fee of around 20 manat. They might also ask for payment in US dollars, but this is illegal. Most taxi drivers do not speak much English.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes – usually tremors, but stronger earthquakes have happened too. Ashgabat was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1948, when up to 100,000 people were killed.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 03 from a landline or 003 from a mobile and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Turkmenistan
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Turkmenistan.

Air quality in cities in Turkmenistan can deteriorate from time to time. Minimise your exposure by staying indoors in an air-conditioned environment. Wash all fruit, vegetables and other foods that might have been exposed, and regularly damp-dust indoor surfaces.

Typhoid and hepatitis A are endemic. You should drink or use only boiled and filtered or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.

In the summer temperatures regularly reach 45°C in the shade, so drink plenty of water in the summer and avoid sunburn.

Medication

If you intend to enter Turkmenistan with medicines, whether prescription or non-prescription, you should check in advance the prohibited medicines and the legal quantities of medicines that are allowed into the country.

You could be prosecuted for possession of some drugs such as tramadol or morphine or even strong painkillers if you do not have a prescription, or if you're carrying more than you need for your visit and do not declare them on arrival.

TravelHealthPro explains best practice when travelling with medicines.

Healthcare in Turkmenistan

There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Turkmenistan.

The quality of medical care is poor, and it is a lot more expensive than in the UK. Anything other than basic or emergency treatment, particularly outside Ashgabat, is usually best avoided. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Turkmenistan where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Turkmenistan

Ambulance:

• 03 from landline
• 003 from mobile

Fire:

• 01 from landline
• 001 from mobile

Police:

• 02 from landline
• 002 from mobile

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters
• dealing with a death in Turkmenistan
• being arrested or imprisoned in Turkmenistan
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Turkmenistan on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Diphtheria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	Sometimes
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Yellow Fever	No

Overview:

Medical insurance, including cover for emergency repatriation, is highly recommended. Medical facilities are poor, high levels of disease have been reported. Travellers are advised to take a well-equipped first aid kit with them containing basic medicines and any prescriptions that they may need.

Food Drink:

All water should be regarded as a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks:

Vaccinations against tick-borne encephalitis, tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes advised.

Currency Information:

New Manat (TMT) = 100 tenge. Notes are in denominations of TMT1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 tenge.

Credit Cards:

Not generally accepted.

Travellers Cheques:

Should be in US currency, but generally not accepted.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0930-1730.

Currency Restrictions:

The import and export of local currency is prohibited for foreigners. Import of foreign currency is unlimited subject to declaration, and export is limited to the amount declared on import.

Currency Exchange:

The preferred hard currency is US Dollars and visitors carrying other currencies may find it hard to change them. It is advisable to take new, clean US Dollar notes in small denominations. Foreign currency can be changed at banks and major hotels. Foreigners are expected to pay all travel and hotel bills in hard currency, and prices bear little relation to what locals are expected to pay. Most packages are all-inclusive and extra payment for accommodation and meals is unnecessary.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
TMT

Exchange Rates

0.89

1.04

1.24

1.00

Language

Turkmen is the official state language, and is closer to Turkish, Azeri and Crimean Tartar than those of its neighbours Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The Turkmen script was changed from Latin to Cyrillic in 1940, but the process of changing back to the Turkish version of the Latin script is underway.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Memorial Day	2024-01-12 00:00:00	0
Flag Day	2024-02-19 00:00:00	0
International Women's Day	2024-03-08 00:00:00	0
Nowruz (Persian New Year)	2024-03-20 00:00:00	0
Oraza Bayram (End of Ramadan)	2024-04-10 00:00:00	0
Heroes' Day	2024-05-08 00:00:00	0
Victory Day	2024-05-09 00:00:00	0
Constitution Day	2024-05-18 00:00:00	0
Kurban Bayram (Feast of Sacrifice)	2024-06-17 00:00:00	0
Remembrance Day (Anniversary of the 1948 Earthquake)	2024-10-06 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-10-27 00:00:00	0
Neutrality Day	2024-12-12 00:00:00	0

Note:

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Oraza Bayram (End of Ramadan), Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Oraza Bayram itself. Oraza Bayram and Kurban Bayram (Feast of Sacrifice) may last up to several days, depending on the region.

Overview:

The following goods may be imported into Turkmenistan by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 2 packs of tobacco products.
• 1L of alcoholic drinks.
• On entry, hand luggage may weigh a maximum of 60kg, of which 1kg may be jewellery.

On entering the country, you must complete a customs declaration form which you must retain until departure. This allows the import of articles intended for personal use, including currency and valuables which you must register on the declaration form. Customs inspection can be long and detailed.

.

Banned Imports:

Narcotics, firearms and ammunition.

You must obtain a permit to import plants and certain medicines.

Telephone:

Area code for Ashgabat: 12.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is limited to Ashgabat.

Internet:

All Internet cafés were closed by the government. The state strictly controls Internet access.

Post

Letters to Western Europe and the USA can take between two weeks and two months. Stamped envelopes can be bought from post offices. Mail addresses should be laid out in the following order: country, postcode, city, street, house number and lastly the person's name.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1800. The main Post Office in Ashgabat is open until 1900.

Media:

Turkmenistan has an incredibly poor record when it comes to press freedom. Reporters Without Frontiers has said the president uses the media solely to 'promote his own glory'. The Turkmen government controls all media, monitoring media outlets, operating printing presses and laying down editorial policies. Programmes from Russian TV stations are censored. The government controls Internet access, banning or censoring what it considers inappropriate sites and restricting use.

Visit the UNESCO-listed fortresses of Old Nisa

Discover the remains of Old Nisa, the capital of the Parthian kings who ruled from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. Overseeing an Empire that included Iraq and stretched as far as the Syrian Arab Republic, their might, which prevented the Roman Empire from progressing east, can be seen in the UNESCO-listed fortresses of Nisa.

Marvel at the Arch of Neutrality, Ashgabat

The Turkmenistan capital stands on the southern rim of the Kara-Kum desert. Visit to see magnificent white marble Palace of Turkmenbashi, take in the museums, including the carpet museum and the National Museum of Turkmenistan, and hit the viewing platform of the Arch of Neutrality, a 75m- high (246ft) monument with a revolving golden statue of the late President Niyazov.

Explore the remains of Anau's famous mosque

See the ruins of the famous mosque, revered for its striking mosaic tiles and 8m-long (26ft) dragons, at the modern town of Anau. Once the site of the destroyed 15th-century city (whose fortress watchtowers can still be seen today), Anau is a short drive, 20km (12 miles) east of Ashgabat.

Climb the cooler climes of Chuli Valley

Enjoy the natural splendour of the Chuli Valley, a popular mountain resort. Accessible by taxi or private car, the drive takes you through a picturesque gorge and up to the cooler air. Visitors hoping to hike and climb can do so by arrangement, and there is even the opportunity to stay here.

Revel in the ruins outside Dashgouz

Dashgouz is the largest city in the northern region of Turkmenistan. The main sights are outside the city but include: the ruins of Konye-Urgench, an ancient fortress town with 14th-century relics; Kutlug Timur Minaret, one of the tallest minarets in Asia at 67m (220ft); and the mausoleums of Sultan Tekesh, Turabeg Khanym and Najm-ed-din Kubra.

Miss Mary and make to Merv

Mary is Turkmenistan's second city and other than its Regional Museum there is little to recommend here. However, it lies near the remains of the city of Merv, which was once the second city of Islam. Known as the "Queen of Cities", what survives are brick-built mausolea of rulers and holy men – including the impressive Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar from 1140.

Bathe in an underground lake, Bakharden

Take a day trip to Bakharden, 90km (56 miles) west of Ashgabat. The underground mineral lake (known in Turkmen as Kov Ata, which means "father of lakes") is fed by hot springs and has a constant temperature of 37°C (97°F). Bathing is permitted although there is an admission fee. Accommodation is not available.

Take a tour of the Silk Road

Uncover the delights of the Silk Road, the ancient trading route used by silk merchants from the 2nd century AD until its decline in the 14th century. The Tolkuchka Market in Ashgabat, the historical cities of Konye-Urgench and Merv (especially the windowless Kyz-Kala castle) and Kugitang Nature Reserve's dinosaur footprints are among the must-sees along the road. An organised tour is advised.

Swim in the Caspian Sea at Turkmenbashi

Situated on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Turkmenbashi (formerly Krasnovodsk) was a Russian creation. Built as a bridgehead for the campaign to subdue Central Asia, it later became the terminal for the Trans-Caspian Railway. Today visitors can enjoy panoramic mountainside views, good beaches and swimming, while the Museum of Regional History and Natural History makes an interesting stop.

Enjoy a day at the races

Spend a day at the races: in spring and autumn, horse races are held at the Hippodrome in Ashgabat. A colourful spectacle of speed and agility, there is no public betting. For those wishing to get closer to the stallions, 10km (6 miles) south of Ashgabat is the national Turkmenbashi Stud Farm where the Akhal-Teke horses are bred.

Trail the countryside on horseback

Turkmenistan is home to the Akhal-Teke horse, a special breed known for its speed and intelligence. They occupy a special place in Turkmen culture and are a source of great national pride. Saddle up just outside Ashgabat, to ride through the gorges of the Firuza River and to the local hot springs. Rides can be arranged through local tour operators.

Overview

The Sunday market is the best place in the world to buy the misleadingly-named Bukhara rugs, which are actually made in Turkmenistan. There is a shop in the Art Gallery which sells traditional Turkmen handicrafts, silver and costumes including the distinctive Turkmen sheepskin hats. The central bazaar in Ashgabat is a good place to buy food and curiosities.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1800. Bazaars open at dawn.

Overview

Turkmen food is similar to that of the rest of Central Asia. There are a number of good Western-standard restaurants in Ashgabat, although they rarely have an extensive menu. In general, hotel food shows strong Russian influence: borcht is cabbage soup, entrecôte is a well-done steak, cutlet are grilled meat balls, and strogan is the local equivalent of beef Stroganoff. Pirmeni, originating in Ukraine, are small boiled dumplings of meat and vegetables similar to ravioli, sometimes served in a vegetable soup.

Regional Specialities

Hotels

There are no restrictions on where foreigners can stay in Turkmenistan. When Turkmenistan gained independence, there was an acute shortage of hotel accommodation, a situation which the Turkmen are working hard to rectify, with feverish hotel construction underway in Ashgabat. A row of luxury hotels has recently been built on the edge of town along a road known locally as the 'Miracle Mile'. These are small hotels with between 15 to 40 rooms that are owned and run by various ministries and governmental organisations. Architectural motifs are mosques, palaces and fortresses. Every provincial centre has at least one hotel, but visitors should not expect Western standards of comfort and amenities. The exception is a new hotel which recently opened in Turkmenbashi; however, as it only has 40 rooms, it is advisable to contact a recognised Turkmen tour company for a reservation. Accommodation and services in hotels are payable in local currency or US Dollars.

A tourist fee of 2 US$ is due for every foreign tourist or visitor per night. When staying at a hotel you can expect to pay additional special expenses. 

Camping Caravaning

There are campsites on the shores of the Caspian Sea, and the facilities are gradually improving.

History

The territory of what is now Turkmenistan provided the bedrock for many of the most powerful empires of their age. The Parthians, the Seljuks and the Khans of Khoresm all based their empires at various points on the edge of the Karakum Desert, while Alexander the Great conquered the region during his epic campaign of the 4th century BC. The influence of Islam dates from the 7th century AD, when the region was under Arab control.

Modern-day Turkmen are descended from tribes that migrated to the area from the northeast in the 10th century. Around 300 years later, Genghis Khan arrived from the same direction and incorporated Turkmenistan into his expanding empire. From the 15th century, the area was under Persian domination until the Russian move into Central Asia at the end of the 19th century.

Turkmenistan fell into the British sphere of influence until the Bolsheviks took control of the region in 1920 and incorporated Turkmenistan as a Soviet republic in 1925. Hampered by its backward economy, the country struggled to embrace the reforms made possible by Glasnost and, despite gaining independence in 1991, still retains many more of the trappings of the old system than other post-Soviet republics.

Elected as sole candidate, its first President, Saparmyrat Niyazov ruled until his death in 2006 having been declared president for life by a Mejlis (parliament) made up of elected representatives he had hand-picked. His successor Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow repealed some of Niyazov’s more eccentric laws, such as banning opera and circus, and established links with western powers hungry for Turkmenistan’s vast reserves of natural gas.

A semblance of two-party politics has been introduced, but in practice the opposition Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, established in 2012, operates only under the sanction of the dominant Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, the former Communist Party. Turkmenistan maintains a position of permanent neutrality in all international relations, a stance the United Nations has formally acknowledged since 1995.

Did you know?
• More than 80% of Turkmenistan is covered by the Karakum Desert.
• The site of the ancient city of Merv, a major oasis-city on the Silk Road between West and East, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• In 1997, ‘President-for-Life’ Saparmyrat Niyazov presented the country with a new national anthem he had composed and written the words for – it’s called ‘Independent, Neutral, Turkmenistan State Anthem’. Catchy.

Religion

Predominantly Sunni Muslim with a small Russian Orthodox minority. Turkmenistan shares the Central Asian Sufi tradition.

Social Conventions

Lipioshka (bread) should never be laid upside down, and it is normal to remove shoes, but not socks, when entering someone's house. Shorts are rarely seen in Turkmenistan and, if worn by females, are likely to provoke unwelcome attention from the local male population.

Best Time To Visit:

Turkmenistan has an extreme continental climate: temperatures in Ashgabat vary between 46°C (114°F) in summer and -5°C (23°F) in winter, although it has been known to reach -22°C (-8°F) in extremity. Temperatures in the desert in summer can reach 50°C (122°F) during the day before falling rapidly at night. During the winter, it can reach -10° to -15°C (14° to 15°F).

.

Required Clothing

For those intending to visit the desert in summer, lightweights are
vital for the day with warmer clothing for those intending to spend the
night in the open. Heavyweights should be taken for winter visits.

Dialing Code:

+993

Area(sq km):

488100

Population:

6.031.200

Population Density(per sq km):

11

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

03