Turkmenistan
In the midst of central Asia, surrounded by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Iran, with the Caspian Sea to the west, Turkmenistan is a country of diverse history and terrain. Over the course of its long and interesting history, the lands that make up modern-day Turkmenistan have been in the hands of the Persian empire, conquered by Alexander the Great, featured on the Great Silk Road and, more recently been annexed Soviet Union, until it won independence in 1991.
Nowadays it is a country of contrasts, with modern cities like the port of Turkmenbashi and the capital Ashgabat thriving with industry and, increasingly, tourism. Meanwhile, a more traditional way of life is led by the nomadic horsemen, moving from settlement to settlement in their yurts, and the ruins of the ancient cities at Merv tell of still earlier history. Similarly,the landscape - broadly characterized by the vast wastes of the Karakum desert - is punctuated by lush green national parks, not to mention the famous and astounding Door to Hell.
Turkmenistan Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Weather in Turkmenistan
The best time to visit Turkmenistan is from March to May (spring) and from September to November (fall).
- Turkmenistan has an extreme continental climate.
- Temperatures in Ashgabat hover around 80°F (27°C ) in the summer and can get up to around 110°F (43°C); in the winter, temperatures drop down to around 30°F (-1°C), although it has been known to reach -8°F (-22°C) at times.
- Temperatures in the desert can get even hotter, reaching up to 122°F (50°C) in the summer. It should also be noted that temperatures in the desert drop rapidly at night.
- The ideal time to visit Turkmenistan is during the spring, when bright sunshine and cool temperatures combine to create excellent conditions for travel. Autumn is also good for travel, as the fierce summer heat has cooled down.
Multi-Country Specialists
Turkmenistan Goes Well With
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Dashoguz to Merv: 3 Days to Discover Turkmenistan
- Author
- Travelogues
It would be impossible to take in all the history, depth, and curiosities of Turkmenistan in just three days. Still, worth a shot.
Knocking on Turkmenistan’s Door to Hell
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Jay Tindall takes his camera to the Turkmenistan desert for a look into the famed Darvaza gas crater, otherwise known as the Door to Hell, in the dead of night.
Remote Lands’ Dozen Dream Destinations for 2015
- Author
- Remote Lands
The new year is already upon us and so it’s time for us to once again share our pick of what we think are Asia’s hottest destinations for the coming 12 months.