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: 2026-07-06
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 3.975456
AAVE 0.003225
ADA 1.518052
AED 1.046538
AFN 18.117837
AGIX 3.652486
AKT 0.454345
ALGO 3.183351
ALL 23.359098
AMD 104.859007
AMP 638.878512
ANG 0.513891
AOA 261.711166
APE 2.032806
APT 0.455653
AR 0.142758
ARB 3.562758
ARS 425.330068
ATOM 0.180212
ATS 3.429839
AUD 0.411366
AVAX 0.041275
AWG 0.510089
AXS 0.282208
AZM 2,422.210838
AZN 0.484442
BAKE 379.248637
BAM 0.487503
BAT 3.235691
BBD 0.569932
BCH 0.001181
BDT 35.128757
BEF 10.054966
BGN 0.487503
BHD 0.107147
BIF 848.345787
BMD 0.284966
BNB 0.000488
BND 0.368321
BOB 1.974005
BRL 1.472728
BSD 0.284966
BSV 0.019301
BSW 851.420426
BTC 0.000005
BTCB 5.377330
BTG 0.987561
BTN 27.150092
BTT 1,074,487.777126
BUSD 0.284723
BWP 3.846110
BYN 0.827519
BYR 5,585.873545
BZD 0.573940
CAD 0.404931
CAKE 0.196784
CDF 657.485833
CELO 4.241582
CFX 6.369498
CHF 0.229238
CHZ 15.784637
CLP 262.510621
CNH 1.935311
CNY 1.934544
COMP 0.017003
COP 952.507584
CRC 129.855235
CRO 4.767535
CRV 1.333002
CSPR 146.729128
CUC 0.284993
CUP 7.552329
CVE 27.485471
CVX 0.236936
CYP 0.145883
CZK 6.028570
DAI 0.285101
DASH 0.008101
DCR 0.025672
DEM 0.487503
DFI 342.997058
DJF 50.750420
DKK 1.863168
DOGE 3.687532
DOP 16.888883
DOT 0.326669
DYDX 2.157796
DZD 37.898759
EEK 3.900021
EGLD 0.103104
EGP 13.998093
ENJ 9.846579
EOS 3.934257
ERN 4.274490
ESP 41.472726
ETB 45.581890
ETC 0.040123
ETH 0.000160
EUR 0.249256
EURC 0.249438
FEI 0.285067
FIL 0.360904
FIM 1.482009
FJD 0.639893
FKP 0.213575
FLOW 10.168548
FLR 40.996906
FRAX 0.288069
FRF 1.635013
FTT 1.196349
GALA 124.389559
GBP 0.213575
GEL 0.748476
GGP 0.213575
GHC 32,374.924691
GHS 3.237492
GIP 0.213575
GMD 21.014628
GMX 0.048087
GNF 2,498.450592
GNO 0.002711
GRD 84.934017
GRT 15.019924
GT 0.042034
GTQ 2.175159
GUSD 0.285342
GYD 59.647747
HBAR 3.773893
HKD 2.235000
HNL 7.629175
HNT 1.189149
HOT 789.681641
HRK 1.878020
HT 7.953547
HTG 37.300526
HUF 88.137724
ICP 0.129271
IDR 5,127.250256
IEP 0.196305
ILS 0.855942
IMP 0.213575
IMX 2.062529
INJ 0.058329
INR 27.150092
IQD 373.645702
IRR 392,136.872538
ISK 35.893264
ITL 482.627115
JEP 0.213575
JMD 45.145052
JOD 0.202041
JPY 46.121677
KAS 9.289739
KAVA 6.315899
KCS 0.039471
KDA 48.892297
KES 36.843494
KGS 24.924333
KHR 1,142.665684
KMF 122.625964
KNC 2.556461
KPW 256.494293
KRW 436.812964
KSM 0.080870
KWD 0.088425
KYD 0.237069
KZT 134.715701
LAK 6,442.809977
LBP 25,590.921067
LDO 1.054914
LEO 0.030446
LINK 0.035688
LKR 95.433735
LRC 23.193296
LRD 51.756659
LSL 4.631778
LTC 0.006313
LTL 0.860631
LUF 10.054966
LUNA 5.802737
LUNC 4,641.505643
LVL 0.175177
LYD 1.827877
MAD 2.668321
MANA 4.095350
MBX 11.330839
MDL 5.015723
MGA 1,209.261065
MGF 6,046.305324
MINA 6.010835
MKD 15.354611
MKR 0.000199
MMK 598.236749
MNT 1,021.357691
MOP 2.302050
MRO 113.806971
MRU 11.380697
MTL 0.107006
MUR 13.395305
MVR 4.405400
MWK 494.312405
MXN 4.981012
MXV 0.564800
MYR 1.161880
MZM 18,199.783498
MZN 18.199784
NAD 4.631778
NEAR 0.143021
NEO 0.144067
NEXO 0.370423
NFT 1,075,261.234965
NGN 390.483019
NIO 10.489847
NLG 0.549288
NOK 2.803047
NPR 43.460510
NZD 0.500871
OKB 0.003573
OMR 0.109678
ONE 227.987621
OP 2.650665
ORDI 0.087786
PAB 0.284966
PAXG 0.000069
PEN 0.970390
PEPE 104,476.646264
PGK 1.253648
PHP 17.529087
PI 2.519069
PKR 79.280322
PLN 1.069972
POL 3.874859
PTE 49.971362
PYG 1,733.342130
QAR 1.037276
QNT 0.004256
QTUM 0.400884
ROL 13,026.147844
RON 1.302615
RPL 0.140746
RSD 29.235740
RUB 21.958818
RUNE 0.689053
RVN 74.772440
RWF 417.723401
SAND 5.711495
SAR 1.068623
SBD 2.305962
SCR 4.072106
SDD 17,104.949011
SDG 171.049490
SEK 2.750730
SGD 0.368321
SHIB 65,086.278528
SHP 0.213575
SIT 59.731733
SKK 7.509089
SLE 6.508610
SLL 6,508.609747
SNX 1.244466
SOL 0.003532
SOS 162.727205
SPL 0.047494
SRD 10.727437
SRG 10,727.436891
SSP 1,353.356615
STD 6,152.089716
STN 6.152090
STX 1.666509
SUI 0.381433
SVC 2.493453
SYP 31.500935
SZL 4.631778
THB 9.472349
THETA 2.031332
TJS 2.641431
TMM 5,000.000000
TND 0.840062
TOP 0.686286
TRL 13,340,811.517623
TRX 0.867733
TRY 13.340812
TTD 1.930926
TUSD 0.285563
TVD 0.411366
TWD 9.144628
TWT 0.828942
TZS 748.779270
UAH 12.699679
UGX 1,041.412743
UNI 0.090167
USD 0.284966
USDC 0.285054
USDD 0.285256
USDP 0.285828
USDT 0.285274
UYU 11.469616
UZS 3,410.415592
VAL 482.627115
VEB 18,364,308,329.6821
VED 183.626734
VEF 18,362,673.359763
VES 183.626734
VET 60.406608
VND 7,494.666377
VUV 34.250615
WAVES 1.072392
WEMIX 1.100693
WOO 24.066876
WST 0.788163
XAF 163.501286
XAG 0.004615
XAU 0.000068
XAUT 0.000069
XBT 0.000005
XCD 0.771367
XCG 0.513891
XCH 0.180817
XDC 10.141689
XDR 0.210187
XEC 53,646.632420
XEM 665.665604
XLM 1.427410
XMR 0.000881
XOF 163.501286
XPD 0.000224
XPF 29.744165
XPT 0.000174
XRP 0.248929
XTZ 1.145244
YER 67.535077
ZAR 4.631778
ZEC 0.000626
ZIL 92.377449
ZMK 5,228.929698
ZMW 5.228930
ZWD 103.129203
ZWG 7.643808
ZWL 19,099.768776

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.