Turkmenistan Travel Guide 🇹🇲
Everything a traveler should know before visiting Turkmenistan — Ashgabat, Darvaza Gas Crater, deserts, Silk Road history & culture
🌤 Live Weather — Ashgabat
Loading...
Weather updates automatically when page loads.
📌 Quick Facts
🏙 Capital Ashgabat
🏜 Landscape Karakum Desert · ancient ruins · marble cityscapes
💱 Currency Turkmenistan Manat (TMT)
🗣 Languages Turkmen · Russian widely understood
⏱ Time Zone GMT+5
🔌 Plug Type Type C · F — 220V
Famous for: Darvaza “Gates of Hell” · Merv ruins · Karakum desert landscapes · white-marble Ashgabat
🛂 Visa & Entry Rules
Visa required for most travelers Often via official tour operator Passport validity 6+ months- Transit visas exist but are limited
- Independent travel may be restricted
- Travel insurance recommended
Entry policies can change — always confirm before travel.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
🌸 Apr–May Pleasant spring
🍂 Sep–Oct Best sightseeing weather
☀️ Jun–Aug Very hot desert summer
❄️ Dec–Feb Cold winter nights
Desert regions experience extreme temperatures.
💰 Average Trip Budget
- 🎒 Budget — $45–70 / ₹3,700–₹5,500 per day
- 🏨 Mid-Range — $90–150 / ₹7,300–₹12,000 per day
- 👑 Luxury — Limited upscale options
Guided tours & permits can increase total cost.
🗺 Top Places to Visit
Ashgabat Darvaza Gas Crater Ancient Merv Kunya-Urgench Karakum Desert Nisa Fortress🚇 Transport & Getting Around
- Travel often arranged via tour operators
- Long desert highway routes
- Domestic flights between cities
- Rail network on select routes
Independent intercity travel options may be limited.
📶 Mobile SIM & Internet
- Main operator — TMCell
- SIM may require passport
- Coverage mainly in cities
- Internet speeds can be limited
💵 Money & Payments
- Cash preferred
- ATMs limited
- Cards rarely accepted
- Carry small USD notes if needed
Always carry enough cash for intercity travel.
🍽 Food & Local Cuisine
- Plov
- Kebabs & meat dishes
- Shurpa soup
- Flatbreads & tea
Cuisine is Central Asian & hearty.
🛡 Travel Awareness
- Travel permits may be required
- Photography rules apply in some areas
- Follow local laws & guidance
- Organised trips are common
🎒 What to Pack
- Sun protection & hat
- Warm clothing for desert nights
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cash & essential documents
🌡 Weather & Climate
- Arid desert climate
- Hot summers
- Cold winter nights
- Low rainfall
🧳 Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 — Ashgabat city & monuments
- Day 2 — Nisa Fortress & museums
- Day 3 — Drive to Darvaza Gas Crater (overnight nearby)
- Day 4 — Karakum desert & local settlements
- Day 5 — Ancient Merv / Kunya-Urgench (regional trip)
❓ FAQs
Is independent travel allowed?
Often restricted — many visitors join guided tours.
Is English widely spoken?
Limited — Turkmen & Russian are common.
Do I need cash?
Yes — essential outside major hotels.
🚨 Travel Notes
Regulations & access to regions can change.
Always confirm requirements with your tour operator before travel.
🎟 Tours & Activities in Turkmenistan
Powered by
GetYourGuide
✈️ Plan Your Trip
Search Cities & Countries
✕