Asia · Central Asia

Turkmenistan

Flag of Turkmenistan
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+05:00
🏛️ Capital
Ashgabat
👥 Population
7,057,841
📐 Area
488,100 km²
💱 Currency
Turkmenistan manat (m)
🗣️ Languages
Russian, Turkmen
📞 Calling Code
+993
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+05:00
🌐 Region
Asia / Central Asia

About Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is one of the most enigmatic and least-visited countries on Earth, a Central Asian nation defined by surreal contrasts between ancient Silk Road heritage and the marble-clad megalomania of its capital, Ashgabat. Covering vast tracts of the Karakum Desert — one of the world's largest sand deserts — Turkmenistan is a place where few travelers venture, which makes those who do feel like true pioneers. The country's extraordinary isolation means that genuine curiosity and careful preparation are the essential tools for exploring it.

You'll find Ashgabat to be unlike any other capital city in the world. Built almost entirely from white Carrara marble and gold, the city glitters in the desert sun with monumental statues, gigantic government ministries, and perfectly manicured boulevards that seem to stretch to infinity with barely a pedestrian in sight. It holds multiple Guinness World Records, including the highest density of white marble-clad buildings in the world — a product of oil and gas wealth poured into architectural spectacle during the rule of the eccentric former president Saparmurat Niyazov (who called himself Turkmenbashi, "Father of all Turkmen"). Wandering Ashgabat is like visiting a set from a science fiction film.

Beyond the capital, Turkmenistan opens into ancient landscapes of extraordinary historical and geological significance. The ancient city of Merv, once among the largest cities in the medieval Islamic world, rises from the desert near the city of Mary. The Darvaza Gas Crater in the Karakum Desert — a burning pit of natural gas that has been ablaze since the 1970s — is one of the most surreal sights on the planet, and spending a night beside its infernal glow is an unforgettable experience that defines the Turkmenistan adventure.

History & Background

The territory of modern Turkmenistan sits at the heart of the ancient Silk Road, the trade network that connected China to the Mediterranean for over a thousand years. The city of Merv — known in antiquity as Margiana and later Marv — was one of the great cities of the medieval Islamic world, at times considered the largest city on Earth, a center of scholarship, commerce, and culture under the Seljuk Turks in the 11th and 12th centuries. The Mongol invasions of Genghis Khan in 1221 devastated Merv catastrophically, massacring its population and destroying the irrigation systems that had sustained the city for millennia — the ruins that remain today tell the story of a civilization abruptly ended.

Russian imperial forces conquered the region in the late 19th century, incorporating it into the Russian Empire after the Battle of Geok Tepe in 1881, where Turkmen resistance was brutally suppressed. Soviet rule transformed Turkmenistan from 1924, imposing collectivization, sedentarizing nomadic tribes, and developing the Karakum Canal — one of the world's longest irrigation canals — to expand agriculture in the desert. Independence came with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, and Saparmurat Niyazov declared himself president-for-life under the title Turkmenbashi, ruling until his death in 2006 under a cult of personality that included renaming months after himself and his mother. His successor, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, has maintained authoritarian control while gradually dismantling some of Niyazov's more eccentric policies.

Culture & People

Turkmen culture is rooted in the traditions of the nomadic Oghuz Turk tribes who have occupied this region for a thousand years. The Akhal-Teke horse, one of the oldest and most revered horse breeds in the world, occupies a near-sacred place in national identity — images of these gleaming, metallic-coated horses appear on the national flag, currency, and public art throughout the country. You'll find that the equestrian tradition remains very much alive, with horse races and festivals celebrating the bond between Turkmen people and these extraordinary animals throughout the year.

Carpet weaving is the supreme art form of Turkmen culture, with tribal carpet patterns representing family lineages and regional identities that have been passed down through generations of women. The carpet designs are so central to national identity that the state flag itself features a strip of carpet patterns on its green field. Music plays an important social role — the dutar (a two-stringed lute) and the gopuz (a jaw harp) are traditional instruments played by bakhshis, itinerant poet-musicians whose oral tradition carries historical epics and spiritual teachings. Islam, practiced by the majority Sunni Turkmen, intersects with older shamanistic traditions in a syncretic folk spirituality that reveals itself in healing practices, festivals, and the reverence shown at ancient mazar (shrine) sites.

Food & Cuisine

Turkmen cuisine reflects both the nomadic heritage of its people and the agricultural richness of its oasis regions. You'll find plov, the Central Asian rice pilaf cooked with lamb, carrots, onions, and cumin in a large kazan (cast-iron cauldron) over an open fire, is the definitive dish of Turkmen hospitality — prepared for every important gathering from weddings to national celebrations. Shurpa, a hearty lamb soup with vegetables and chickpeas, provides sustenance in the nomadic tradition, and çorba, a broth-based soup, appears daily at mealtimes. Unleavened bread baked in a tandoor clay oven is a staple present at every meal.

Lamb and mutton dominate meat dishes — shashlik (grilled skewers of marinated lamb) cooked over charcoal is found at every chaikhana (teahouse) and is the standard street food of Ashgabat and provincial cities. You'll find samsa (baked pastries filled with lamb and onion) sold fresh from bakeries throughout the day. Watermelon, grown in the desert with exceptional sweetness due to the extreme temperature differences between day and night, is practically a national symbol — Turkmenistan hosts an annual watermelon festival. Camel milk, consumed as a fresh drink and fermented into a mildly alcoholic beverage called çal, is a traditional food that remains part of rural Turkmen life. Green tea (çay) is the constant companion to all social interaction.

Top Attractions

  • Darvaza Gas Crater ("Gates of Hell") — A collapsed natural gas cavern in the Karakum Desert that has been burning continuously since around 1971, glowing like an infernal portal at night in one of the world's most surreal sights.
  • Ancient Merv (UNESCO) — The ruins of one of the ancient world's greatest cities near Mary, with centuries of Silk Road history visible in its vast mudbrick walls, mausoleums, and palace remains.
  • Ashgabat White Marble City — The capital's extraordinary marble-and-gold architecture, monumental statues, and Guinness-record-holding building density make it perhaps the world's most surreal capital city to walk through.
  • Nisa (UNESCO) — The ancient Parthian capital near Ashgabat, with 2,200-year-old remains of palaces and wine rooms revealing the power of the Parthian Empire that challenged Rome.
  • Yangykala Canyon — A dramatic canyon of brilliant red and orange sedimentary rock formations in western Turkmenistan, one of Central Asia's most spectacular natural landscapes.
  • Turkmen Carpet Museum, Ashgabat — Home to one of the world's largest hand-woven carpets and a stunning collection of tribal carpet art spanning centuries of Turkmen craftsmanship.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Organize your visa and letter of invitation well in advance — independent tourist visas are available but require sponsorship from a registered Turkmen tour operator in most cases.
  • Hire a licensed local guide or join an organized tour — some sites and areas require official accompaniment, and navigating the country's bureaucratic requirements is significantly easier with local expertise.
  • Carry US dollars in small denominations as your primary currency — exchange only what you need locally, and keep all currency exchange receipts for customs on departure.
  • Dress conservatively, particularly outside Ashgabat — modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected in traditional communities and at religious or historical sites.
  • Photography restrictions exist near government buildings and in some areas of Ashgabat — ask your guide before photographing official or sensitive structures.
  • Book the Darvaza Gas Crater overnight camping experience through a reputable operator — camping beside the "Gates of Hell" at night under a sky full of stars is the trip's highlight.

Visa Overview

Turkmenistan requires a visa for almost all foreign nationals, and obtaining one requires advance planning. Most travelers need a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a registered Turkmen tour operator or sponsor, which is then used to apply for a visa at a Turkmen embassy. Tourist visas are typically issued for 10 to 30 days. Some nationalities can obtain a transit visa more easily. An e-visa system has been introduced for some nationalities but remains limited. Processing times can be lengthy, and denial without explanation does occur. Working with a reputable tour operator specializing in Central Asia is by far the most reliable way to secure entry.

Getting Around

Turkmenistan's transport infrastructure is developing but limited. Ashgabat has modern roads and affordable state-run taxis. Inter-city travel relies on domestic flights (Turkmenistan Airlines), trains, and shared taxis called marshrutkas. The train network connects Ashgabat to Mary, Turkmenbabat, and Turkmenbashi. Renting a car independently is not practically available — most visitors travel by arranged transport with their tour operator or guide. Roads in the desert and rural areas can be rough and poorly marked. Having a local guide handle all logistics is strongly recommended, as navigating the country independently without local language skills and permits is extremely challenging.

Safety Notes

Turkmenistan is physically safe for visitors in terms of crime — the authoritarian state maintains tight control that keeps violent crime extremely low. However, the country is closed and tightly monitored — travelers may find their movements tracked, and photography of certain subjects can attract official attention. Avoid any political discussion or criticism of the government and leadership. The Karakum Desert presents genuine physical dangers — extreme heat, dehydration, and disorientation in featureless terrain. Always travel with an experienced guide in desert areas and carry ample water. Medical facilities outside Ashgabat are very limited, so comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan manat (TMT) m
Updated: 2026-07-07
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 3.987970
AAVE 0.003118
ADA 1.580531
AED 1.049277
AFN 18.176596
AGIX 3.749506
AKT 0.457856
ALGO 3.311229
ALL 23.485075
AMD 104.955836
AMP 646.051971
ANG 0.514031
AOA 262.137881
APE 2.107645
APT 0.460924
AR 0.143143
ARB 3.658416
ARS 424.490022
ATOM 0.179293
ATS 3.437488
AUD 0.411415
AVAX 0.042072
AWG 0.511424
AXS 0.285438
AZM 2,428.550600
AZN 0.485710
BAKE 381.918143
BAM 0.488590
BAT 3.265930
BBD 0.571424
BCH 0.001200
BDT 35.169853
BEF 10.077391
BGN 0.488590
BHD 0.107428
BIF 849.904248
BMD 0.285712
BNB 0.000494
BND 0.369119
BOB 1.977517
BRL 1.468208
BSD 0.285712
BSV 0.020164
BSW 848.473408
BTC 0.000005
BTCB 5.443268
BTG 0.830255
BTN 27.240358
BTT 1,067,818.517765
BUSD 0.285630
BWP 3.852932
BYN 0.826312
BYR 5,601.522007
BZD 0.574814
CAD 0.406233
CAKE 0.200080
CDF 659.208680
CELO 4.030651
CFX 6.479506
CHF 0.230169
CHZ 16.061663
CLP 264.843651
CNH 1.941573
CNY 1.940955
COMP 0.016611
COP 958.778626
CRC 130.093264
CRO 4.935392
CRV 1.376666
CSPR 150.527721
CUC 0.285792
CUP 7.573486
CVE 27.546770
CVX 0.226085
CYP 0.146208
CZK 6.038115
DAI 0.285877
DASH 0.008230
DCR 0.025929
DEM 0.488590
DFI 390.300330
DJF 50.840196
DKK 1.867319
DOGE 3.808882
DOP 16.872024
DOT 0.333183
DYDX 2.235187
DZD 38.054079
EEK 3.908719
EGLD 0.101583
EGP 13.957020
ENJ 9.561567
EOS 3.826275
ERN 4.285678
ESP 41.565221
ETB 45.877969
ETC 0.040715
ETH 0.000161
EUR 0.249812
EURC 0.249971
FEI 0.285911
FIL 0.367369
FIM 1.485315
FJD 0.639433
FKP 0.213370
FLOW 10.292903
FLR 42.066366
FRAX 0.288722
FRF 1.638659
FTT 1.232462
GALA 127.594614
GBP 0.213370
GEL 0.752290
GGP 0.213370
GHC 32,557.410809
GHS 3.255741
GIP 0.213370
GMD 21.121804
GMX 0.048898
GNF 2,505.023585
GNO 0.002717
GRD 85.123442
GRT 15.833474
GT 0.042580
GTQ 2.178602
GUSD 0.286288
GYD 59.663962
HBAR 3.960326
HKD 2.240869
HNL 7.641930
HNT 1.207578
HOT 827.713252
HRK 1.882209
HT 8.267906
HTG 37.274056
HUF 88.387103
ICP 0.131041
IDR 5,139.308046
IEP 0.196743
ILS 0.855088
IMP 0.213370
IMX 2.059579
INJ 0.060280
INR 27.240358
IQD 373.727021
IRR 393,163.970656
ISK 35.974368
ITL 483.703499
JEP 0.213370
JMD 45.109933
JOD 0.202570
JPY 46.249072
KAS 9.593160
KAVA 6.336878
KCS 0.040808
KDA 45.764831
KES 36.944652
KGS 24.990448
KHR 1,144.860116
KLAY 8.227026
KMF 122.899452
KNC 2.570700
KPW 257.212845
KRW 435.071741
KSM 0.083225
KWD 0.088634
KYD 0.237601
KZT 134.933642
LAK 6,445.679799
LBP 25,572.079222
LDO 1.026406
LEO 0.030416
LINK 0.036283
LKR 95.532501
LRC 22.806754
LRD 51.765004
LSL 4.637615
LTC 0.006486
LTL 0.862551
LUF 10.077391
LUNA 5.784407
LUNC 4,685.613643
LVL 0.175568
LYD 1.830113
MAD 2.675030
MANA 4.103523
MBX 11.165715
MDL 5.028280
MGA 1,211.660340
MGF 6,058.301698
MINA 5.765181
MKD 15.396734
MKR 0.000204
MMK 599.937293
MNT 1,023.555151
MOP 2.308095
MRO 113.830628
MRU 11.383063
MTL 0.107244
MUR 13.447468
MVR 4.416975
MWK 494.511192
MXN 4.969776
MXV 0.566847
MYR 1.164551
MZM 18,248.050204
MZN 18.248050
NAD 4.637615
NEAR 0.141559
NEO 0.145545
NEXO 0.382573
NFT 1,078,789.667157
NGN 390.825655
NIO 10.505502
NLG 0.550513
NOK 2.799788
NPR 43.605003
NZD 0.501351
OKB 0.003597
OMR 0.109957
ONE 231.543840
OP 2.713362
ORDI 0.082537
PAB 0.285712
PAXG 0.000069
PEN 0.971380
PEPE 106,934.826985
PGK 1.253937
PHP 17.544434
PI 2.553153
PKR 79.310732
PLN 1.071576
POL 3.848381
PTE 50.082811
PYG 1,728.655598
QAR 1.039991
QNT 0.004356
QTUM 0.409505
ROL 13,064.788591
RON 1.306479
RPL 0.156793
RSD 29.315604
RUB 22.034077
RUNE 0.721610
RVN 75.355267
RWF 418.690157
SAND 5.790673
SAR 1.071419
SBD 2.312022
SCR 4.173752
SDD 17,147.974960
SDG 171.479750
SEK 2.752815
SGD 0.369119
SHIB 65,979.920812
SHP 0.213370
SIT 59.864950
SKK 7.525837
SLE 6.561833
SLL 6,561.832934
SNX 1.290851
SOL 0.003528
SOS 162.865572
SPL 0.047619
SRD 10.795814
SRG 10,795.813729
SSP 1,357.728864
STD 6,159.970242
STN 6.159970
STX 1.712592
SUI 0.389222
SVC 2.499979
SYP 31.589183
SZL 4.637615
THB 9.520457
THETA 2.001048
TJS 2.639784
TMM 5,000.000000
TND 0.842256
TOP 0.688123
TRL 13,381,292.022937
TRX 0.867003
TRY 13.381292
TTD 1.936236
TUSD 0.286276
TVD 0.411415
TWD 9.165774
TWT 0.825660
TZS 750.308905
UAH 12.743363
UGX 1,042.558669
UNI 0.091375
USD 0.285712
USDC 0.285847
USDD 0.286282
USDP 0.286652
USDT 0.286018
UYU 11.474885
UZS 3,437.342845
VAL 483.703499
VEB 19,121,975,762.3635
VED 191.233306
VEF 19,123,330.611633
VES 191.233306
VET 57.991072
VND 7,514.719823
VUV 34.381161
WAVES 1.092437
WEMIX 1.078290
WOO 24.139211
WST 0.790792
XAF 163.865936
XAG 0.004682
XAU 0.000069
XAUT 0.000069
XBT 0.000005
XCD 0.773663
XCG 0.514031
XCH 0.178146
XDC 10.352836
XDR 0.210470
XEC 54,533.651273
XEM 681.075670
XLM 1.459271
XMR 0.000877
XOF 163.865936
XPD 0.000226
XPF 29.810502
XPT 0.000177
XRP 0.253541
XTZ 1.161251
YER 67.737679
ZAR 4.637615
ZEC 0.000637
ZIL 93.530985
ZMK 5,242.621261
ZMW 5.242621
ZWD 103.399124
ZWG 7.684452
ZWL 19,201.325380

No currencies match your search.

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Turkmenistan needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Turkmenistan?
The capital of Turkmenistan is Ashgabat.
What currency does Turkmenistan use?
Turkmenistan uses the Turkmenistan manat (m) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Turkmenistan?
The official language(s) of Turkmenistan include Russian, Turkmen.
What is the population of Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan has a population of approximately 7,057,841 people.
What region is Turkmenistan in?
Turkmenistan is located in Asia, specifically in the Central Asia subregion.
What is the international calling code for Turkmenistan?
The international dialing code for Turkmenistan is +993.
What time zones does Turkmenistan observe?
Turkmenistan observes the following time zone(s): UTC+05:00.
What is the current time in Turkmenistan?
The local time in Turkmenistan is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan covers a total area of 488,100 km².
How many states or provinces does Turkmenistan have?
Turkmenistan is divided into 8 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Turkmenistan in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Turkmenistan in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Turkmenistan?
Visa requirements for citizens of Turkmenistan vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.