Turkmenistan is the heart of relics of the past. Tourists from all over the world come here to admire the ruins of the ancient cities of almost all civilizations of Asia and Persia. In addition to historical and cultural attractions, you will find a lot of amazing natural attractions: the Karakum Desert, sulfuric lake Kow-Ata, burning crater Darvaza, national parks Repetek, Kugitang and the Kopet Dag and many other interesting places. Despite the fact that there are many rules and regulations in the country, it is very beautiful and rich state, worthy of your attention. Turkmenistan knows how to surprise its guests.
Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north and east, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the south and southwest, and the Caspian Sea to the west. The capital city is Ashgabat. The population of the country is 5,171,943 people. The area is 491,210 km2. National currency is Turkmen new manat. Turkmenistan was ruled by President for Life Saparmurat Niyazov from 1985 until his death in 2006. His self-given title Turkmenbashy means Leader of Turkmen. Traveling to Turkmenistan avoid talking about policy or controversial epoch of ruling of Saparmurat Niyazov, as well as everything somehow connected with it: from the artistic value of the book "Rukhnama" to the golden statue of the "father of the Turkmen" at the main square of Ashgabat.
According to a legislation of Turkmenistan, a visa is required to all citizens of all countries of the world. To obtain a tourist visa all foreign citizens should have an invitation issued by a travel agency licensed in Turkmenistan.
Climate of Turkmenistan is acutely continental, arid. It is the hottest country in Central Asia. Summer temperatures in Ashgabat reaches 50 degrees Celsius. The best time to travel across the country from April to June and from September to early November.
Akhal-Teke horses and carpets of great beauty are two main riches of Turkmenistan. Greatest choice of carpets you will find in bazaars of Ashgabat, as well as in a shop at the Museum of carpets. If you want to export any Turkmen carpet, you will need to obtain a certificate from the Turkmen Carpet Museum in Ashgabat by the fact that the age of the carpet does not exceed 50 years and that it does not represent a historical value. Also you have to pay the tax, depending on the size of the carpet. Therefore, it's much better to buy carpets in the state store. In this case, all taxes are included to the price and you just have to produce the receipt at the border.
Attractions of Turkmenistan: Ashgabat, Balkanabat, Caspian Sea, Darvaza Gas Crater, Dashoguz, Dekhistan, Ekedishik, Gaurdak, Gonur-Tepe, Kunya-Urgench, Mary, Merv, Nisa, Nokhur, Serakhs, Serhetabat, Turkmenabat, Turkmenbashi.
In Turkmenistan, there are many places of tremendous historical significance. Merv. During the 10th century, Merv was one of the largest cities in the world, earning a reputation for being a religious, trade, and military hub. Bursting with life and possibilities, it was a major destination along Silk Road trade routes. Due to the relentless environment surrounding the city, it has been added to the World Monuments Watch List, labeled an endangered city. In Turkmenbashi, you will see the mausoleum of Shir-Kabib 10th century, mosque Parau-bibi, a caravanserai Tasharvat, Dehistan valley and the ruins of the medieval city Misrian with two well-preserved 20-meter minaret. In Turkmenabat, you can visit the nature reserve Repetek; part of the Karakum Desert (the hottest place in Central Asia); the ancient settlement in Amul-Charjuy; the city museum Atamyrat with the mausoleum of Almutasira and Astana-baba; and the ancient caravanserai Bay-Khatyn.
Do not be afraid of often unfamiliar name and come to explore Turkmenistan. You will amazed by its unique beauty!