Top 10 Cities of Turkmenistan to Visit

Turkmenistan, a country in Central Asia bordered by the Caspian Sea to the west and the vast Karakum Desert to the east, is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

From the ancient ruins of Merv to the modern architecture of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan's cities offer a fascinating glimpse into its past and present.

1. Ashgabat - The Capital City

Brief History: Ashgabat, the capital and largest city of Turkmenistan, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was an important stop along the ancient Silk Road and has been ruled by various empires, including the Parthians, Sassanids, and Arabs. In the 19th century, it became part of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union. Today, Ashgabat is known for its modern architecture, marble-clad buildings, and grandiose monuments.

Best Places to Visit:

• Independence Monument: Admire the towering monument, topped with a golden statue of Turkmenistan's first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, and surrounded by fountains and gardens.
• Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center: Visit this futuristic complex, featuring an observation tower, shopping mall, and entertainment facilities, offering panoramic views of the city.
• National Museum of Turkmenistan: Explore exhibits showcasing Turkmenistan's history, culture, and natural heritage, including artifacts, artworks, and historical documents.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Ashgabat is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.

2. Mary - Gateway to Ancient Merv

Brief History: Mary, located in southeastern Turkmenistan, is known as the gateway to the ancient city of Merv, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a history dating back over 2,000 years and was an important center of trade, culture, and religion along the Silk Road. Mary reached its peak in the 12th century as the capital of the Seljuk Empire, known for its magnificent architecture and thriving bazaars.

Best Places to Visit:

• Ancient Merv: Explore the ruins of this ancient city, which was once one of the largest and most prosperous cities in the world, and discover its historic landmarks, including fortresses, mausoleums, and mosques.
• Mary History Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Mary and the surrounding region through exhibits showcasing artifacts, manuscripts, and archaeological finds.
• Gurbanguly Hajji Mosque: Visit this modern mosque, named after Turkmenistan's current president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, and admire its elegant design and decorative elements.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Mary is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.

3. Turkmenabat - City on the Amu Darya River

Brief History: Turkmenabat, formerly known as Chardzhou, is located in eastern Turkmenistan near the border with Uzbekistan. It has a history dating back over 2,000 years and was an important trading post along the Silk Road. Turkmenabat reached its peak in the 10th and 11th centuries as the capital of the Khorezmshah dynasty, known for its wealth, culture, and architectural splendor.

Best Places to Visit:

• Amu Darya River Promenade: Take a stroll along the picturesque riverfront, lined with parks, cafes, and recreational facilities, and enjoy views of the Amu Darya River.
• Rukhabad Mausoleum: Visit this historic mausoleum, dating back to the 14th century, and pay homage to the legendary Sufi saint Rukhabad, believed to be buried here.
• Central Bazaar: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Turkmenabat's central market, where you can find a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, textiles, and handicrafts.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Turkmenabat is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.

4. Balkanabat - Gateway to the Desert

Brief History: Balkanabat, located in western Turkmenistan near the Caspian Sea, is known as the gateway to the vast Karakum Desert. It has a history dating back over 2,000 years and was an important center of trade and culture along the Silk Road. Balkanabat reached its peak in the 9th and 10th centuries as a flourishing oasis town, known for its agricultural wealth and strategic location.

Best Places to Visit:

• Turkmenbashi Ruhy Mosque: Visit this modern mosque, named after Turkmenistan's first president, Saparmurat Niyazov (Turkmenbashi), and admire its grand architecture and decorative features.
• Magtymguly Museum: Learn about the life and works of Magtymguly Pyragy, Turkmenistan's most beloved poet and philosopher, at this cultural institution dedicated to his memory.
• Balkanabat Bazaar: Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Balkanabat's bustling market, where you can find everything from local produce to traditional handicrafts.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Balkanabat is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.

5. Dashoguz - City of Ancient History

Brief History: Dashoguz, located in northern Turkmenistan near the border with Uzbekistan, is known for its rich history and archaeological sites. It has a history dating back over 2,000 years and was an important center of trade and culture along the Silk Road. Dashoguz reached its peak in the 9th and 10th centuries as a thriving oasis town, known for its wealth, culture, and architectural splendor.

Best Places to Visit:

• Konye-Urgench Archaeological Site: Explore the ruins of this ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover its historic landmarks, including mausoleums, mosques, and fortresses.
• Dashoguz History Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Dashoguz and the surrounding region through exhibits showcasing artifacts, manuscripts, and archaeological finds.
• Dashoguz Central Park: Relax in this scenic park, featuring walking paths, fountains, and green spaces, ideal for picnicking and outdoor recreation.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Dashoguz is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.

6. Türkmenbaşy - Port City on the Caspian Sea

Brief History: Türkmenbaşy, formerly known as Krasnovodsk, is located on the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea in western Turkmenistan. It has a history dating back to the 19th century when it was founded as a Russian military outpost. Türkmenbaşy became an important port city and gateway to Central Asia with the construction of the Trans-Caspian Railway in the late 19th century.

Best Places to Visit:

• Türkmenbaşy Port: Explore the city's port, one of the largest in the Caspian Sea region, and watch ships come and go while enjoying views of the sea and coastline.
• Avaza Resort: Relax at this coastal resort, known for its sandy beaches, clear waters, and modern amenities, including hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities.
• Türkmenbaşy History Museum: Learn about the history and development of Türkmenbaşy and the surrounding region through exhibits showcasing artifacts, photographs, and archival materials.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Türkmenbaşy is during the summer (June to August) when the weather is warm and ideal for enjoying the beach and outdoor activities.

7. Tejen - Oasis in the Desert

Brief History: Tejen, located in southeastern Turkmenistan near the border with Iran, is known for its fertile oasis and agricultural production. It has a history dating back thousands of years and was an important stop along the ancient Silk Road. Tejen reached its peak in the 12th and 13th centuries as a flourishing oasis town, known for its orchards, vineyards, and gardens.

Best Places to Visit:

• Tejen Mosque: Visit this historic mosque, dating back to the 14th century, and admire its beautiful architecture, including intricate tilework and ornate domes.
• Tejen Bazaar: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Tejen's central market, where you can find a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, textiles, and handicrafts.
• Tejen Oasis: Explore the lush greenery of Tejen's oasis, with its palm groves, fruit orchards, and vegetable gardens, and enjoy a peaceful escape from the desert landscape.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Tejen is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.

8. Atamurat - City of Historic Sites

Brief History: Atamurat, located in eastern Turkmenistan near the border with Uzbekistan, is known for its rich history and archaeological sites. It has a history dating back over 2,000 years and was an important center of trade and culture along the Silk Road. Atamurat reached its peak in the 9th and 10th centuries as a flourishing oasis town, known for its wealth, culture, and architectural splendor.

Best Places to Visit:

• Atamurat Fort: Explore the ruins of this ancient fortress, which dates back to the 9th century, and discover its historic landmarks, including walls, towers, and gates.
• Atamurat Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Atamurat and the surrounding region through exhibits showcasing artifacts, manuscripts, and archaeological finds.
• Atamurat Central Park: Relax in this scenic park, featuring walking paths, fountains, and green spaces, ideal for picnicking and outdoor recreation.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Atamurat is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.

9. Türkmenabat - City of Cultural Heritage

Brief History: Türkmenabat, located in eastern Turkmenistan near the border with Uzbekistan, is known for its rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks. It has a history dating back over 2,000 years and was an important center of trade, culture, and religion along the Silk Road. Türkmenabat reached its peak in the 9th and 10th centuries as a thriving oasis town, known for its wealth, culture, and architectural splendor.

Best Places to Visit:

• Türkmenabat Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Türkmenabat and the surrounding region through exhibits showcasing artifacts, manuscripts, and archaeological finds.
• Atamurat Palace: Visit this historic palace, which dates back to the 19th century, and admire its beautiful architecture, including ornate facades and decorative elements.
• Türkmenabat Central Park: Relax in this scenic park, featuring walking paths, fountains, and green spaces, ideal for picnicking and outdoor recreation.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Türkmenabat is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.

10. Serdar - City of Cultural Diversity

Brief History: Serdar, located in western Turkmenistan near the border with Iran, is known for its cultural diversity and historic landmarks. It has a history dating back over 2,000 years and was an important center of trade, culture, and religion along the Silk Road. Serdar reached its peak in the 9th and 10th centuries as a flourishing oasis town, known for its wealth, culture, and architectural splendor.

Best Places to Visit:

• Serdar Mosque: Visit this historic mosque, which dates back to the 14th century, and admire its beautiful architecture, including intricate tilework and ornate domes.
• Serdar Bazaar: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Serdar's central market, where you can find a wide range of goods, including fresh produce, textiles, and handicrafts.
• Serdar Oasis: Explore the lush greenery of Serdar's oasis, with its palm groves, fruit orchards, and vegetable gardens, and enjoy a peaceful escape from the desert landscape.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Serdar is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.


Turkmenistan's cities offer a fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making them must-visit destinations for travelers seeking to explore the heart of Central Asia. With their ancient ruins, modern architecture, and vibrant bazaars, these cities provide a glimpse into Turkmenistan's rich heritage and dynamic present. Whether you're exploring the ancient streets of Merv, marveling at the marble-clad buildings of Ashgabat, or relaxing on the shores of the Caspian Sea in Türkmenbaşy, each city has its own unique charm and allure. With a diverse array of attractions and activities, Turkmenistan's cities are sure to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world.