10 Unique Places in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is one of Central Asia’s least explored and understood countries. This is a beautiful country that is not well explored through mainstream tourism and has a lot of hidden treasures to be explored. Burning gas craters to ancient cities along the Silk Road, Turkmenistan is a dream destination of people who would like to get off the beaten track. To see these wonders with ease, you can imagine any of the hundreds of guided trips in Turkmenistan to get a full tour.
Being a history enthusiast or a traveller who loves adventures, Turkmenistan has something to offer to everyone, or to people, who just want to have something unusual. This top 10 list of unusual destinations will lead you through the desert, the ruins of ancient cities, and the lively cities of the country, and all of them will give you a chance to see the beautiful culture and nature of the country.
Here are the 10 Unique Places in Turkmenistan
1. Darvaza Gas Crater (The Door to Hell)
One of Turkmenistan’s most well-known attractions is the fire crater in the Karakum Desert. It was accidentally created when drilling took place in the 1970s and it has been burning since then. The glowing crater is particularly spectacular at night and provides a very otherworldly, yet eerie, mesmerizing scene. The adventurous souls must camp around.
2. Ashgabat
Turkmenistan’s capital, Ashgabat, is not like any other metropolis. It appears futuristic, with its sparkling white marble structures, golden domes, and majestic monuments in the middle of the desert. A mix of modern and traditional life cannot be missed, and it includes the Independence Monument, the Neutrality Arch, and the local colorful markets.
3. Kunya-Urgench
Kunya-Urgench, an old Silk Road city, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nowadays, it is home to well-preserved ruins like as minarets, mausoleums, and historic mosques. The Kutlug Timur Minaret, one of Central Asia’s highest minarets, continues to serve as a window into the country’s ancient Islamic architecture.
4. Yangykala Canyon
Frequently referred to as the Grand Canyon, Yangykala Canyon amazes the visitors with the rich coloring of red, pink, and yellow layers of rock formations. Solitary and virtually unexplored, the natural wonder is ideal to photographers and nature lovers. The most beautiful sceneries are at sunset when the colors are dramatic in their hues.
5. Merv
The other ancient city that is listed by UNESCO is Merv which used to be as big as Baghdad and was as important as Baghdad. Merv has numerous remnants around the modern-day city of Mary, including city walls, temples, mausoleums, and citadels. Visiting Merv is a voyage into the past that provides a complete understanding of Central Asia’s history and culture.
6. Avaza
Avaza is the Turkmen version of a beach resort on the Caspian Sea. It is an excellent place to unwind and has contemporary hotels, palm-tree lined walkways and golden beaches. Avaza is not yet fully developed, but it provides a pleasant ambiance with a sea view, boating, and plenty of sunshine away from the noise of cities.
7. Nokhur Village
Nokhur is a small town in the Kopet Dag Mountains that still practices medieval culture and traditions. The locals are extremely fond of ancient traditions, and you may observe the houses, which are built of stone and grapevines hanging on the top of the roof. It is especially known by its strange cemetery where the graves are honored by ram horns.
8. Gonur Depe
Gonur Depe is an archaeological site in the desert that is thought to be associated with the ancient Margiana civilization. The remains include palaces, temples, and burial sites that are more than 4,000 years old. The fact is that, it is not easy to find the sign of pre-Iranian culture in any other country, and this is why visiting Gonur Depe is an obligatory experience of any history lover.
9. Karakum Desert
The Karakum Desert is large and dynamic, covering more than 70% of the country. You will be in a position to ride camels, explore the ancient trade routes and even witness very small desert villages that have been the same since centuries ago. It also has a famous Darvaza crater in the desert and this is a perfect place to watch stars.
10. Tolkuchka Bazaar
This huge open-air market outside Ashgabat is a feast to the senses. It is here that you will get all sorts of colorful carpets and spices, livestock and traditional clothing. It is a good location to immerse oneself in the local culture, to chat with pleasant sellers and buy some unique souvenirs.
Conclusion
Turkmenistan is a place unlike any other that is full of historical wonders, dreamlike sceneries, and centuries-old customs. Be it strolling around the ruins of ancient cities of the Silk Road or seeing flames in the desert night, the country presents a voyage of endless discoveries. It is so unique and attractive because of the contrast between the old and new, wild nature and contemporary design.
In order to visit these magnificent destinations in a comfortable and informative way, it is worth considering organizing tours in Turkmenistan. Under the proper local guidance, you will be able to find stories, places, and experiences that will make your adventure unforgettable.