Turkmenistan travel blog
Practical notes for planning a Turkmenistan trip, from visa preparation to Ashgabat, Darvaza, Merv, and Silk Road routes.
State Circus of Turkmenistan: An Evening Out in Ashgabat
The State Circus of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat is one of the best evenings you can have in the city. Here is where it is, how to get tickets, and why it is worth going.
Ashgabat Travel Guide: Marble City, Monuments, and Getting Around
Ashgabat is Turkmenistan's capital, a city of 1.03 million people (2022 census) built almost entirely in white marble. Here is how to get around, what to see, and how to plan a visit.
Ashgabat: The White Marble City with More Guinness Records Than Any Other Capital
Ashgabat holds more Guinness World Records than any other capital city. This guide covers all 12 certified records, the buildings behind them, and what visitors actually see when they walk the white marble boulevards.
Turkmenistan Food: What to Eat and What to Expect
A practical guide to Turkmen food: what to order, what to expect, and which dishes are unique to Turkmenistan. Covers dograma, çekdirme, fitçi, somsa, semeni, chal, and where to eat in Ashgabat.
The Akhal-Teke Horse: Turkmenistan's National Treasure
The Akhal-Teke is one of the oldest horse breeds in the world and the national symbol of Turkmenistan. Here is what makes the breed unusual, where to see them, and why 2026 is a particularly good year to visit.
Ashgabat Airport: Arrivals, Visa on Arrival, and Getting into the City
Step-by-step guide to arriving at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB): visa on arrival with pre-approved LOI, exact costs, customs rules, and how to get to your hotel. Updated 2026.
Where to Stay in Ashgabat: Hotels, Prices, and What to Expect
Real USD prices for every hotel in Ashgabat, from a $15 hostel to $240 five-star. Hotels are arranged through your tour operator. Here is what to expect.
Can You Visit Turkmenistan During Independence Day 2026?
Can you visit Turkmenistan during Independence Day 2026? Yes. Turkmenistan will remain open to tourists, but applications from September 25-29 will be reviewed very strictly and some parts of Ashgabat will be closed to foreigners.
The Ultimate 21 Day Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Itinerary from Tashkent
A detailed 21 day Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan itinerary from Tashkent, with practical routing through Samarkand, Bukhara, Merv, Mary, Ashgabat, Darvaza, Koneurgench, Nukus, Moynaq, and Khiva.
Intercity Buses in Turkmenistan: Routes, Prices and Timetable
Intercity buses in Turkmenistan run daily between all major cities and are among the cheapest transport options in the country. Here are the routes, prices, and departure times.
Train Travel in Turkmenistan: Routes, Classes and Budget Tips
Train travel in Turkmenistan is cheap, practical, and one of the best ways to see the country on a budget. Here is everything you need to know about routes, classes, and the Darvaza train tour.
Dashoguz and Konye-Urgench Travel Guide
Konye-Urgench Turkmenistan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the far north of the country, home to some of the finest surviving medieval Islamic architecture in Central Asia. Here is how to visit.
Mary and Merv Travel Guide: Visiting Ancient Turkmenistan
Ancient Merv is one of the great Silk Road sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site near the city of Mary. Here is everything you need to know to visit Merv Turkmenistan on a guided tour.
Is Turkmenistan Safe to Visit? Practical Travel Advice
Turkmenistan is a U.S. State Department Level 1 destination. Here is a practical look at travel safety in Turkmenistan, from photography rules to desert conditions.
How to Get a Letter of Invitation for Turkmenistan
A Turkmenistan Letter of Invitation is required before you can apply for a tourist visa. Here is how the LOI process works and how to get one through a booked tour.
Darvaza Gas Crater Guide: How to Visit the Gates of Hell
The Darvaza Gas Crater has been burning in the middle of the Karakum Desert for decades. Here is everything you need to know to visit the Gates of Hell on a Turkmenistan tour.
How to Travel to Turkmenistan: Complete 2026 Guide
Planning to visit Central Asia's most closed-off country? Here is exactly how to travel to Turkmenistan in 2026: from booking a tour to getting your visa sorted.
Visa on arrival checklist
A practical checklist for travelers planning to get a Turkmenistan visa on arrival, including tour booking, LOI, passport, cash, documents, registration, and arrival tips.
How to prepare for Turkmenistan
A practical pre-trip checklist for Turkmenistan, covering tour booking, Letters of Invitation, visas, passport validity, registration, money, packing, internet, and local travel expectations.
What to see in Ashgabat
A practical guide to Ashgabat’s best sights, from marble monuments and museums to Nisa, Gypjak Mosque, local markets, and evening viewpoints.