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: 2026-05-19
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 3.115439
AAVE 0.003202
ADA 1.134052
AED 1.047125
AFN 17.822866
AKT 0.353705
ALGO 2.655250
ALL 23.400422
AMD 104.935687
AMP 340.780189
ANG 0.513694
AOA 261.909521
APE 1.977096
APT 0.302005
AR 0.133464
ARB 2.439561
ARS 398.062230
ATOM 0.138586
ATS 3.370276
AUD 0.399500
AVAX 0.030894
AWG 0.510375
AXS 0.242820
AZM 2,423.580188
AZN 0.484716
BAKE 385.636989
BAM 0.479037
BAT 2.942980
BBD 0.570252
BCH 0.000750
BDT 35.037355
BEF 9.880351
BGN 0.479037
BHD 0.107207
BIF 849.411346
BMD 0.285126
BNB 0.000444
BND 0.364975
BOB 1.976164
BRL 1.428423
BSD 0.285126
BSV 0.018953
BSW 333.118113
BTC 0.000004
BTG 0.741196
BTN 27.483041
BTT 886,237.686802
BUSD 0.285270
BWP 3.876303
BYN 0.784093
BYR 7,840.934728
BZD 0.573883
CAD 0.391986
CAKE 0.201691
CDF 654.349897
CELO 3.543336
CFX 4.842077
CHF 0.224058
CHZ 5.799022
CLP 256.905979
CNH 1.940002
CNY 1.939333
COMP 0.012942
COP 1,083.233371
CRC 129.081156
CRO 4.080131
CRV 1.208480
CSPR 96.519746
CUC 0.285126
CUP 6.841611
CVE 27.008157
CVX 0.164279
CYP 0.143350
CZK 5.954357
DAI 0.285267
DASH 0.006647
DCR 0.016939
DEM 0.479037
DFI 290.361009
DJF 50.734991
DKK 1.830286
DOGE 2.733727
DOP 16.878275
DOT 0.228324
DYDX 1.971250
DZD 37.852762
EEK 3.832293
EGLD 0.072743
EGP 15.203619
ENJ 6.638575
EOS 3.524718
ERN 4.276890
ESP 40.752509
ETB 44.897454
ETC 0.032015
ETH 0.000134
EUR 0.244928
EURC 0.244737
FEI 0.286214
FIL 0.295465
FIM 1.456273
FJD 0.628727
FKP 0.212575
FLOW 7.901600
FLR 34.133317
FRAX 0.287132
FRF 1.606619
FTT 0.882474
GALA 84.800550
GBP 0.212575
GEL 0.761710
GGP 0.212575
GHC 32,618.176831
GHS 3.261818
GIP 0.212575
GMD 21.063220
GMX 0.043094
GNF 2,501.063951
GNO 0.002411
GRD 83.459051
GRT 11.336601
GT 0.040191
GTQ 2.173624
GUSD 0.285762
GYD 59.633134
HBAR 3.167594
HKD 2.232903
HNL 7.584991
HNT 0.346211
HOT 718.617199
HRK 1.845406
HT 1.966254
HTG 37.319467
HUF 88.319406
ICP 0.110399
IDR 5,053.891916
IEP 0.192896
ILS 0.827529
IMP 0.212575
IMX 1.674945
INJ 0.054705
INR 27.483041
IQD 373.589331
IRR 375,841.848464
ISK 35.122389
ITL 474.245798
JEP 0.212575
JMD 45.086070
JOD 0.202154
JPY 45.316197
KAS 8.250652
KAVA 4.950808
KCS 0.035594
KDA 34.277865
KES 36.872041
KGS 24.941901
KHR 1,143.553319
KLAY 5.481552
KMF 120.496438
KNC 1.985854
KPW 256.607790
KRW 429.164725
KSM 0.057260
KWD 0.087774
KYD 0.237154
KZT 133.789746
LAK 6,254.095722
LBP 25,560.950464
LDO 0.800574
LEO 0.028264
LINK 0.029418
LKR 94.957892
LRC 17.593249
LRD 52.257542
LSL 4.747147
LTC 0.005251
LTL 0.845686
LUF 9.880351
LUNA 4.504872
LUNC 3,627.597179
LVL 0.172135
LYD 1.810516
MAD 2.624008
MANA 3.235234
MBX 7.281487
MDL 4.934131
MGA 1,193.065377
MGF 5,965.326886
MINA 4.991224
MKD 15.093464
MKR 0.000165
MMK 598.549382
MNT 1,020.460047
MOP 2.299890
MRO 114.000260
MRU 11.400026
MTL 0.105147
MUR 13.481622
MVR 4.403652
MWK 496.249572
MXN 4.934034
MXV 0.558337
MYR 1.133185
MZM 18,211.112888
MZN 18.211113
NAD 4.747147
NEAR 0.176706
NEO 0.098616
NEXO 0.320561
NFT 1,008,117.789591
NGN 390.925720
NIO 10.480550
NLG 0.539749
NOK 2.644149
NPR 43.993478
NZD 0.487004
OKB 0.003487
OMR 0.109679
ONE 139.100522
OP 2.220824
ORDI 0.068501
PAB 0.285126
PAXG 0.000063
PEN 0.975766
PEPE 77,424.719841
PGK 1.259721
PHP 17.595445
PI 1.878426
PKR 79.437817
PLN 1.039073
POL 3.136695
PTE 49.103558
PYG 1,735.402967
QAR 1.037859
QNT 0.003811
QTUM 0.315766
ROL 12,759.383453
RON 1.275938
RPL 0.164287
RSD 28.747023
RUB 20.664493
RUNE 0.637102
RVN 51.590707
RWF 416.886659
SAND 3.959247
SAR 1.069222
SBD 2.282765
SCR 4.185821
SDD 17,114.142783
SDG 171.141428
SEK 2.682769
SGD 0.364975
SHIB 49,466.811971
SHP 0.212575
SIT 58.694430
SKK 7.378686
SLE 6.530774
SLL 6,530.773647
SNX 0.920470
SOL 0.003355
SOS 162.931235
SPL 0.047521
SRD 10.613758
SRG 10,613.758454
SSP 1,344.263133
STD 6,065.412954
STN 6.065413
STX 1.193605
SUI 0.269478
SVC 2.494852
SYP 31.516587
SZL 4.747147
THB 9.300898
THETA 1.444228
TJS 2.654042
TMM 5,000.000000
TND 0.828037
TON 0.141696
TOP 0.678293
TRL 12,997,033.991490
TRX 0.799389
TRY 12.997034
TTD 1.934022
TUSD 0.285473
TVD 0.399500
TWD 9.020750
TWT 0.596706
TZS 741.903701
UAH 12.585905
UGX 1,074.553391
UNI 0.080752
USD 0.285126
USDC 0.285222
USDD 0.285418
USDP 0.285512
USDT 0.285387
UYU 11.428884
UZS 3,430.643373
VAL 474.245798
VEB 14,750,311,648.1416
VED 147.496536
VEF 14,749,653.588665
VES 147.496536
VET 42.328035
VND 7,507.483108
VUV 33.854129
WAVES 0.750189
WEMIX 1.055494
WOO 16.883248
WST 0.768430
XAF 160.661918
XAG 0.003746
XAU 0.000063
XAUT 0.000063
XBT 0.000004
XCD 0.771936
XCG 0.513694
XCH 0.102728
XDC 9.172202
XDR 0.208587
XEC 38,869.910837
XEM 428.416142
XLM 1.942164
XMR 0.000738
XOF 160.661918
XPD 0.000203
XPF 29.227627
XPT 0.000145
XRP 0.206282
XTZ 0.833889
YER 68.036740
ZAR 4.747147
ZEC 0.000498
ZIL 72.522201
ZMK 5,388.880206
ZMW 5.388880
ZWD 103.187090
ZWG 7.387677
ZWL 18,459.767771

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.