Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan
One of the world's most secretive countries. Bring a corkscrew.
Turkmenistan is one of the least visited countries on Earth, and once you arrive you start to understand why that's a shame. The capital, Ashgabat, holds a world record for the most white marble buildings, the streets are spotless and strangely empty, and somewhere in the middle of the Karakum Desert a giant crater has been on fire since the Soviet era. There's an underground lake you can swim in, a luxury seaside resort waiting patiently for tourists and a drinking culture that nobody outside the region has heard of. It's beautiful, baffling and unlike anywhere else we go.
Featured Tour
Our expert-led small group tour in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan Highlights
Wine on the Silk Road
Grapes have been grown in the oases of Central Asia for thousands of years, and the ancient Silk Road city of Merv in Turkmenistan was a major stop for traders moving goods between China and the Mediterranean. Under the Soviet Union, the region's vineyards supplied sweet and fortified wines to thirsty comrades across the USSR. Today a small number of state-linked wineries still produce wines, alongside local beers and vodkas. They're not trying to impress Bordeaux. They're simply there, waiting to be discovered by the few visitors curious enough to ask. That would be us.
Ashgabat was officially named the city with the highest density of white marble buildings in the world by Guinness World Records in 2013.
Why Tipple Tours Goes to Turkmenistan
Because we asked "where is the strangest place we could possibly take people for a drink?" and this was the answer. Getting into Turkmenistan takes paperwork, patience and a licensed guide, which is exactly why so few people go. We handle all of that. You get the marble city, the flaming crater, Silk Road ruins and the chance to taste local wines, beers and Soviet-style spirits that almost nobody back home has ever tried. It's the ultimate "you went where?" holiday, and it makes a superb story at the pub.
Weird Facts & Local Legends
The Gates of Hell
The Darvaza gas crater in the Karakum Desert has been burning since the Soviet era, when a gas-drilling site collapsed and was set alight. It's best seen at night, preferably with a drink in hand.
Months Named After a President
Turkmenistan's first president renamed the months of the year, including one after himself and one after his mother. The original names were later restored.
The Dentist President
The country's second president trained as a dentist before entering politics. He's also a keen racing driver, DJ and author.
A Golden Dog
Ashgabat has a giant golden statue of an Alabai, the country's beloved shepherd dog breed. Yes, really.
Things to Do in Turkmenistan
See the Gates of Hell at Night
A blazing crater in the middle of the desert. One of the most surreal sights on the planet.
Explore Marble-White Ashgabat
Gleaming palaces, golden statues and wide empty boulevards. It feels like a film set, because in a way it is.
Swim in an Underground Lake
Kow Ata is a warm mineral lake deep inside a cave. Ordinary swimming pools are for amateurs.
Taste Turkmen Wines and Spirits
Local wines, beers and vodkas almost nobody outside Central Asia has heard of. Even Google looks confused.
Walk the Silk Road at Merv
The ruins of an ancient Silk Road city, once among the largest in the world, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Time to Visit Turkmenistan
April - May, September - October
Warm days, cooler nights and comfortable desert temperatures. Our October departure lands right here.
March, November
Cooler and quieter, with chilly desert nights. Bring a jacket for the crater.
July - August
Desert summer regularly tops 40°C. The Gates of Hell are hot enough without the weather joining in.
Getting to Turkmenistan
By Air
- Airport
- Ashgabat International (ASB)
- Flight Time from London
- Around 8-10 hours from London with one connection
- Airlines
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, flydubai via Dubai
- Visa
- Most visitors, including UK citizens, need a letter of invitation arranged through a licensed tour operator before getting a visa. We sort this out for you once you book.
Pro Tip
Leave plenty of time at the airport. Arrival formalities can be slow, so pack patience along with your passport.
Local Tips for Turkmenistan
Travel with your guide. Independent wandering is limited for tourists, and your guide will make everything easier.
Photography is restricted around government buildings and in some public places. Always ask first.
Carry some US dollars in clean, undamaged notes. Card payments are not always accepted.
Internet access is limited and many apps are blocked. Download maps and entertainment before you go.
Dress modestly in towns and at religious sites.
Pack layers. Desert days are warm but nights at the crater can be surprisingly cold.
Turkmenistan Travel FAQs
Can tourists actually visit Turkmenistan?
Is it safe?
Is there really wine and beer?
Will my phone work?
How hot does it get?
Ready to Explore Turkmenistan?
Join one of our small group tours and experience Turkmenistan like a local.
