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: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 2.695374
AAVE 0.001568
ADA 1.057477
AED 1.046482
AFN 18.411026
AKT 0.372351
ALGO 2.218767
ALL 23.372866
AMD 103.088547
AMP 444.390013
ANG 0.512404
AOA 261.018543
APE 1.778543
APT 0.347073
AR 0.063212
ARB 1.397750
ARS 433.102855
ATOM 0.156508
ATS 3.496259
AUD 0.408897
AVAX 0.025097
AWG 0.510062
AXS 0.217581
AZM 2,422.114893
AZN 0.484423
BAKE 1,110.168537
BAM 0.496943
BAT 2.701396
BBD 0.569902
BCH 0.000902
BDT 35.028998
BEF 10.249686
BGN 0.496943
BHD 0.107142
BIF 856.112366
BMD 0.284951
BNB 0.000365
BND 0.364589
BOB 3.418237
BRL 1.424390
BSD 0.284951
BSV 0.014270
BSW 692.471816
BTC 0.000003
BTCB 4.078317
BTG 0.431926
BTN 27.474401
BTT 766,473.486120
BUSD 0.284903
BWP 3.921847
BYN 0.869306
BYR 5,585.808331
BZD 0.573063
CAD 0.406585
CAKE 0.116520
CDF 658.520088
CELO 2.739942
CFX 5.193095
CHF 0.237008
CHZ 17.034765
CLP 277.265414
CNH 1.910031
CNY 1.910642
COMP 0.011626
COP 911.454776
CRC 130.389746
CRO 4.196157
CRV 0.772965
CSPR 111.710122
CUC 0.284990
CUP 6.825657
CVE 28.017741
CVX 0.128727
CYP 0.148708
CZK 6.215881
DAI 0.285067
DASH 0.005027
DCR 0.015452
DEM 0.496943
DFI 311.779326
DJF 50.693021
DKK 1.899028
DOGE 3.005243
DOP 17.077415
DOT 0.230306
DYDX 1.950275
DZD 38.304921
EEK 3.975546
EGLD 0.063756
EGP 14.939421
ENJ 8.607534
EOS 2.804027
ERN 4.274262
ESP 42.275867
ETB 46.350639
ETC 0.032111
ETH 0.000106
EUR 0.254083
EURC 0.254049
FEI 0.285075
FIL 0.238718
FIM 1.510709
FJD 0.641166
FKP 0.215644
FLOW 9.006150
FLR 39.532001
FRAX 0.287836
FRF 1.666676
FTT 1.103082
GALA 117.610456
GBP 0.215644
GEL 0.739586
GGP 0.215644
GHC 33,500.684518
GHS 3.350068
GIP 0.215644
GMD 21.089505
GMX 0.032454
GNF 2,505.335374
GNO 0.002347
GRD 86.578810
GRT 9.786317
GT 0.025454
GTQ 2.174580
GUSD 0.285538
GYD 59.483319
HBAR 2.830599
HKD 2.236138
HNL 7.640623
HNT 0.549147
HOT 622.218056
HRK 1.914389
HT 7.812508
HTG 37.235083
HUF 93.338197
ICP 0.081725
IDR 5,104.961858
IEP 0.200107
ILS 0.871423
IMP 0.215644
IMX 1.554036
INJ 0.037592
INR 27.474401
IQD 372.527134
IRR 512,491.501748
ISK 34.791933
ITL 491.973445
JEP 0.215644
JMD 45.092184
JOD 0.202030
JPY 45.053970
KAS 6.642059
KAVA 4.110337
KCS 0.037536
KDA 29.186294
KES 36.989150
KGS 24.921419
KHR 1,154.365253
KLAY 6.841823
KMF 125.000681
KNC 1.989363
KPW 256.491290
KRW 382.536186
KSM 0.055619
KWD 0.088080
KYD 0.236884
KZT 129.732072
LAK 6,393.933957
LBP 25,697.606271
LDO 0.622054
LEO 0.032044
LINK 0.020602
LKR 93.985983
LRC 27.754544
LRD 48.626539
LSL 4.744115
LTC 0.004090
LTL 0.877298
LUF 10.249686
LUNA 5.580062
LUNC 5,389.060010
LVL 0.178570
LYD 1.828275
MAD 2.844001
MANA 2.755499
MBX 9.634628
MDL 5.106922
MGA 1,261.888336
MGF 6,309.441678
MINA 2.114993
MKD 15.632849
MKR 0.000142
MMK 598.161469
MNT 1,024.448133
MOP 2.303222
MRO 114.085616
MRU 11.408562
MTL 0.109078
MUR 13.507302
MVR 4.405244
MWK 493.201231
MXN 5.150553
MXV 0.585516
MYR 1.164210
MZM 18,188.194386
MZN 18.188194
NAD 4.744115
NEAR 0.054530
NEO 0.112429
NEXO 0.335086
NFT 1,194,132.958881
NGN 376.717685
NIO 10.475693
NLG 0.559925
NOK 2.734917
NPR 43.979648
NZD 0.509087
OKB 0.002185
OMR 0.109666
ONE 1.945534
OP 2.119730
ORDI 0.062628
PAB 0.284951
PAXG 0.000069
PEN 0.981121
PEPE 65,887.114714
PGK 1.283782
PHP 17.908111
PI 3.264322
PKR 78.788973
PLN 1.113044
POL 2.605732
PTE 50.939084
PYG 1,664.679459
QAR 1.037221
QNT 0.001102
QTUM 0.290693
ROL 13,581.627303
RON 1.358163
RPL 0.149018
RSD 29.843179
RUB 24.175180
RUNE 0.367026
RVN 116.139503
RWF 420.009161
SAND 4.333293
SAR 1.068565
SBD 2.299180
SCR 4.035969
SDD 17,102.195037
SDG 171.021950
SEK 2.862236
SGD 0.364589
SHIB 48,678.303682
SHP 0.215644
SIT 60.888469
SKK 7.654507
SLE 6.569509
SLL 6,569.509184
SNX 1.138093
SOL 0.002375
SOS 162.123444
SPL 0.047492
SRD 10.744303
SRG 10,744.302675
SSP 1,631.809405
STD 6,269.150227
STN 6.269150
STX 0.760406
SUI 0.238759
SVC 2.493319
SYP 3,705.442925
SZL 4.744115
THB 9.591345
THETA 1.230585
TJS 2.622584
TMM 5,000.000000
TND 0.852807
TOP 0.686289
TRL 14,012,623.782319
TRX 0.847978
TRY 14.012624
TTD 1.929328
TUSD 0.285176
TVD 0.408897
TWD 9.056264
TWT 0.499153
TZS 751.810565
UAH 12.833983
UGX 1,145.543693
UNI 0.032164
USD 0.284951
USDC 0.285028
USDD 0.285153
USDP 0.286645
USDT 0.285095
UYU 11.510897
UZS 3,351.906114
VAL 491.973445
VEB 24,811,365,164.0586
VED 248.113652
VEF 24,811,365.164059
VES 248.113652
VET 32.653127
VND 7,407.400677
VUV 34.254522
WAVES 0.955147
WEMIX 1.487949
WOO 20.817003
WST 0.793073
XAF 166.667575
XAG 0.004710
XAU 0.000069
XAUT 0.000069
XBT 0.000003
XCD 0.771339
XCG 0.512404
XCH 0.182079
XDC 8.479412
XDR 0.210624
XEC 35,733.142923
XEM 453.866973
XLM 1.320328
XMR 0.000508
XOF 166.667575
XPD 0.000244
XPF 30.320177
XPT 0.000167
XRP 0.189654
XTZ 0.852858
YER 67.304725
ZAR 4.744115
ZEC 0.000213
ZIL 78.088242
ZMK 5,633.577111
ZMW 5.633577
ZWD 103.123690
ZWG 7.628568
ZWL 19,061.688090

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.