Turkmenistan is not well-known as a travel destination.
So far, the main reasons for visiting have been the difficult visa process, the astounding marble capital of Ashgabat and the flaming gas crater known as the Door to Hell.
There are other sights to see, detailed below, but for us, much of Turkmenistan’s charm lies in meeting its people. We love them for their unassuming manner, their openness despite the intense scrutiny from the top. Turkmenistan is much more fun than you would imagine.
Official name: The Republic of Turkmenistan
Capital: Ashgabat
Area: 488,100 km2
Population: 7,057,841
Official languages: Turkmen
President: Serdar Berdimouhamedov
Currency: Manat
Climate: Arid continental
Geography: Desert
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz, European plug