Turkmenistan: The 6 best activities

Are you looking for the best things to do in Turkmenistan? Then you've come to the right place! With only 5 million inhabitants and a large part of its territory belonging to one of the driest deserts in the world, Turkmenistan is one of the least explored destinations in the world. Nevertheless, a trip to this country is worthwhile and you can look forward to untouched landscapes and real natural spectacles. We have summarized the best activities for you in this article.

Merw: The potpourri of peoples

The connection from Türkmenabat via Merw to Aşgabat crosses the southeastern part of the Karakum. After an hour's drive through the desert, you reach the Repetek Biosphere Reserve, which was established in the early 20th century to learn more about the behaviour of flora and fauna under extreme climatic conditions. The region is one of the hottest in all of Central Asia and the landscape is characterized by high sand dunes, up to 20m high and 8km long. The rare Saxaul tree, one of the hardiest desert inhabitants, also grows in this region.

Off the road you can discover the ruins of a settlement from the Bronze Age, which was built in the period from 2300 to 1600 BC. Chr. and has an ancient exciting history. Over the millennia, different peoples and cultures lived in the region, which is why it is historically very important and is listed as a World Heritage Site under the name "Old Marv Historical and Cultural Park".

The Derweze Gas Crater "The Gateway to Hell"

The Derweze Cat is a natural spectacle that blazes deep in the Turkmen desert. However, the "gateway to hell" has a completely unnatural origin - and still attracts numerous visitors to the Caspian Sea region every year. A miscalculation by scientists led to today's natural spectacle. Gas wells are drilled in the desert time and again. In 1971, some experts undertook such exploratory drilling. But they drilled into a cavity, the thin earth cover could not withstand the load and pulled the drilling equipment down with it. This is how the 20m deep and 70m wide crater was created in the middle of the desert. Due to the escaping gases, the crater is still burning today and will continue to provide astonished faces in the future.

Yangykala Gorge

In the far west of Turkmenistan is a natural wonder that few people have heard of and even fewer have seen: the Yangykala Gorge. A huge rocky landscape with cliffs up to 60-100m high, coloured in pink, red and yellow. A landscape formed more than 5.5 million years ago, when the red rock walls you can see today were underwater limestone walls full of massive coral reefs from the prehistoric Parathetys Sea.

Crocodile jaw in Yangykala gorge

A viewpoint called Crocodile Jaw is reminiscent of a crocodile's jaw, which is why it got that name. It is so remote that not even most native Turkmen know that this place exists in their own country. It is, in fact, one of the most spectacular natural attractions in all of Central Asia and a real destination off the beaten path.

Tolkuchka Bazaar

Wander the bustling market streets of Ashgabat and find everything your heart desires at the Tolkuchka Bazaar. The chaotic shopping area outside the city offers everything from live sheep to embroidered clothing. You can go from one vendor to another to buy mementos, toys and talismans made by the locals.

Hiking along the Path of Health

As an incentive for people to get active and do something for their health and fitness, the Turkmen leadership has established a system the "Path of Health" through the mountains south of Ashgabat, with a total length of more than 30km. The shortest and most interesting route is 7km and along the way are life-size golden statues of common desert animals.

The ruined city of Nisa

In the midst of the parched landscape lies the Parthian fortress of Nisa, which also belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site counts. Here visitors can explore the remains of one of the most important cities of the Parthian Empire, which existed between the 3rd century BC and the 3rd century AD. The site, which was probably founded by the Parthian ruler Arsaces. The fortress once served as a royal residence.

Conclusion: Best activities in Turkmenistan

We hope that this list of the best things to do in Turkmenistan has given you a good insight into this unique country. If you are now curious to learn more about Turkmenistan and the unique nature and culture of the country, subscribe to our Newsletter, first to learn from our Turkmenistan journey! For many more great destinations get inspired on the TripLegend Instagram channel.