TURKMENISTAN – BURNING FIRE OF A CRATER
Are you willing to explore a weirdly empty and quiet marble city and the continuous burning fire of a crater? Turkmenistan is going to be the ideal destination for you then.
Darvaza Crater
One of the main reasons to be in Turkmenistan is the Darvaza crater, as it will offer you an out-of-the-world feeling in the first instance. If you plan to camp in the nearby Karakum desert, then the night hours are the best time to look at this crater (the gateway to hell). This desert is a well-known destination for hot-air ballooning and camel trekking.
Yangykala Canyon
You will feel the exact vibe of Turkmenistan once you step outside the urban area and camp in a remote region. Do you wish to observe a spectacular and natural sight in Turkmenistan? Then, put Yangykala Canyon on your bucket list, as it is unique for its pink, orange, and red bands, that stretch across the Walls of the Canyon. You will surely experience the best moments if you witness the canyon at sunrise and sunset.
Caspian Sea Coast
Are you planning a beach vacation here? Rush towards the Caspian Sea coast at once and enjoy activities like bird watching and fishing. With so many activities to do, you won’t feel bored in Turkmenistan for sure.
Ashgabat
Are you fond of observing architectural wonders? If yes, travel to Ashgabat, where you will see numerous alien-looking structures of white marble scattered here and there. If you have not been to Las Vegas, then Ashgabat will give you the feel of Las Vegas but without any local people. You might feel the no-photo policy of Ashgabat to be a bit weird, but with time, you will fall for this place. Photography is allowed in a few places in this white marble city, including
Taking pictures is not permitted in areas that are close to military barracks, such as the Russian bazaar and Oguzhan Palace.
Do you wish to witness ancient fortresses and enjoy outdoor activities like rock climbing and hiking at the same time? If your reply is ‘yes,’ make sure the Kopet Dog Mountains are present in your to-explore list. Are you aware that this relatively closed country is famous for its attractive Akhal-Teke horses? So, don’t forget to step into the Turkmen Horse Breeding farm to take an exciting horseback ride and gather knowledge about the breeding and history of these horses.
Wondering when to pay a visit to the mysterious country of Turkmenistan? Well, you may plan your visit between March and May or September and November. It is during these months that the temperature of Turkmenistan remains manageable, that is, approximately 23 to 35 degrees Celsius and outdoor activities like cycling and hiking can be enjoyed in such weather conditions. The temperature becomes extreme during winter and summer, so it is better not to explore during those seasons.
While travelling to stunning and conservative Turkmenistan, remember to remain aware of your dress code. Pack attires that will give you a modest appearance, as simple dressing is a must when visiting religious sites. Wearing shorts needs to be avoided by both genders and putting on revealing tops should be avoided by women.
The Turkmen cuisine includes several traditional dishes like Plov, Manty, Shashlyk, Dovga, Ash, etc. Sweet lovers may try pastries like gosh-e-Shirin and pishme. Shir-chai, a tea made with sugar and milk, is a must-try for tea lovers. Remember that consuming alcohol is not accepted in all parts of Turkmenistan.
While travelling to stunning and conservative Turkmenistan, remember to remain aware of your dress code. Pack attires that will give you a modest appearance, as simple dressing is a must when visiting religious sites. Wearing shorts needs to be avoided by both genders and putting on revealing tops should be avoided by women.
