Turkmenistan isn’t just off the beaten path—it’s in a league of its own. A country of surreal landscapes, ancient Silk Road cities, and bizarre modern contrasts, it remains one of the least-visited places on the planet. And that’s exactly why you should go.
Stand at the Edge of the “Gates of Hell”
Deep in the Karakum Desert, the Darvaza Gas Crater surrounded by total darkness, feels like something out of a sci-fi movie. Sitting by the flames under a star-filled sky is an experience you won’t forget.
Walk Through the Ghost Cities of the Silk Road
Long before Europe’s great cities rose, Merv was one of the most important metropolises in the world. Today, its ruins stretch for miles across the desert—a hauntingly beautiful reminder of a lost empire. Kunya Urgench, with its towering 12th-century minaret and ancient mausoleums, tells a similar story.
Explore Landscapes That Don’t Seem Real
The Yangykala Canyon looks like Mars with better sunsets. With its towering cliffs in shades of red, pink, and yellow, it’s one of the most dramatic sights in Central Asia—yet almost no one knows it exists.
Experience Ashgabat—A City Unlike Any Other
Think Las Vegas meets Soviet futurism. The capital is a surreal mix of white marble palaces, golden statues, and spotless streets. It holds the Guinness World Record for the highest concentration of marble buildings in the world—because why not?
Why is Turkmenistan So Mysterious?
Strict visa rules and limited tourism have kept Turkmenistan a mystery to the outside world. But for those who make the journey, it’s one of the most rewarding and fascinating travel experiences out there.
If you’ve been everywhere else, it’s time to visit Turkmenistan. Who’s in?