Turkmenistan
 Mausoleum, Turkmenistan |
Like the other countries in the republic of Central Asia, Turkmenistan is an ancient land full of mysterious beauty, historical relics and fossils, and astonishing, bizarre natural phenomenon. Unlike some of the more well-known tourist sites in Central Asia, however, Turkmenistan is, as yet, not very well-known among the general public. Therefore it has remained a largely undiscovered treasure-cove of unusual travel delights. At one time the major city of this region was known as "The Queen of the World" among caravans that traveled through it along the Great Silk Road. Turkmenistan shares land borders with Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. Along with Iran and Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan also borders on the Caspian Sea.
Turkmenistan Travel Guide
Our Turkmenistan Travel Guide considered this country to be the most curiously intriguing of the republics of Central Asia. Roughly eighty per cent of Turkmenistan is comprised of The Kara –Kum Desert, which means Black Sand Desert. This is one of the biggest expanses of scorching desert terrain on earth. This desert creates natural other-worldly landscapes, known as "lunar landscapes", a bizarre sight that is popular among tourists travelling to Turkmenistan. In the Kara- Kum desert there are also strange gas craters burning and blazing, that seems to emerge from out of nowhere. Turkmenistan is also a land of amazing colorful, deep canyons, as well as some of the most beautiful bucolic environments in the world. This unusually exotic country is also an important site of archeologically significant dinosaur footprints, as well as anthropologically significant fossils and historic relics. Additionally, there are ancient artifacts, utensils, and even art forms preserved here, which help us to imagine the way of life of this ancient civilization that reaches back over fifty- five hundred years.
Tourist attractions in Turkmenistan
There are many wonderful tourist attractions situated along the fringes of the desert areas, particularly on the shores of the sapphire - blue Caspian Sea.
In addition to the sandy desert regions and the blooming tropical seashore resorts, Turkmenistan is also home to exhilarating mountain ranges to the south and south east borders of the country. There are several vibrantly thriving oases situated
throughout the diverse terrain of Turkmenistan. The people of this ancient land are warm and welcoming, and frequently invite travelers to Central Asia to sit at their table and share a traditional meal of plov. This customary cuisine consists of rice, mutton chunks, and grated yellow turnips. Also served at the dinner table in Turkmenistan are herbed pastries and breads, spiced pilaf, and camel milk. The Sunday Bazaars are alive and full of color, music, and the upbeat sounds of vendors and shoppers hustling and bustling about their business. Tourists to Turkmenistan can actually watch as skilled artisans create gorgeous embroidery, silver jewelry, sensational luxury fabrics like silk, and richly –colored Persian carpets and rugs.
 Historical places in Turkmenistan |
Historical monuments of Turkmenistan
There is a wide variety of memorable and unique things to do and experience on your tour to Turkmenistan. The local population is particularly proud of its ancient customs and traditions, one of which is their legendary races with the native horse breed, the Akhaltekin. According to local legend, this swift, magnificent animal is imbued with mystical magic powers that enable it to fly between the earth and the heavens. These horse races are a fun, exciting activity for locals as well as for tourists to Turkmenistan.
If you wish your tour of Central Asia to include sight-seeing, there are stunningly beautiful historical architectural wonders, such as the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, and the Kyz-Kala ancient ruins. Other historical monuments on the tours of Turkmenistan include the Kutleg Timur Minaret and the Torebeg Khanym Mausoleum. In addition, nature enthusiasts thrill to exotic flora and fauna located in the Repetek Desert Reserve’s modern research center. The mountainous regions of Turkmenistan provide wonderful hiking trails with fabulous views overlooking the towns and the Sea. It is even possible to enjoy an evening of gambling at a contemporary casino in this curious and engaging land.
More about Turkmenistan history
Other must-see places of Turkmenistan
Another must-see place for travelers to Turkmenistan is the longest canal on earth constructed specifically for irrigation purposes. Nearly six hundred and ninety miles long, this surprising irrigation feature runs from the Eastern Amu-Darya River all the way through Ashgabat, where it is then piped the reminder of the distance to the Caspian Sea.
Why travel to Turkmenistan
You know you are visiting a truly foreign land when you arrive in the hauntingly lovely, strange land of Turkmenistan. This is a country containing great stretches of dry deserts, high snowy mountains, and tropical seashore resorts. Returning tourists after travel to Turkmenistan report their delight in finding not only barren desert regions, but also beautiful, pristine natural environments with rushing waterfalls and smooth, mirror-like glacier lakes. Come see with your own eyes, and experience with your own senses, Turkmenistan, this wonderful, best-kept secret of Central Asia.
Pictures of Turkmenistan
 Historical monumets of Turkmenistan |
 Sunset in Turkmenistan |
