TURKMENISTAN TRAVEL GUIDE
Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia bordered by the Caspian Sea and largely covered by the Karakum Desert. It’s known for archaeological ruins including those at Nisa and Merv, major stops along the ancient trade route the Silk Road. Ashgabat, the capital, was rebuilt in Soviet-style in the mid-20th century and is filled with grand monuments honouring former president Saparmurat Niyazov.
Turkmenistan is a very unusual regime. The government is in firm control of nearly everything. Officially tourism is welcomed, but the requirement for expensive guided tours may discourage visitors. The presence of police and military personnel which will watch your every move and prohibit photographing of even mundane objects, make Turkmenistan the least friendly of the Stans.
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TURKMENISTAN QUICK FACTS
- Capital: Ashgabat
- Currency: Turkmen manat (TMT)
- Area: 488,100 km²
- Population: 5,851 million (2018)
- Language: Turkmen 72%, Russian 12%, Uzbek 9%, Kazakh 7%
- Religion: Muslim 89%, Eastern Orthodox 9%, unknown 2%
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TURKMENISTAN PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 12 January, Memorial Day
- 19 February, Flag Day
- 8 March, Turkmen Women’s Day
- 20/21 March, Nowruz
- 9 May, Victory Day
- 18 May, Day of Revival, Unity, and the Poetry of Magtymguly
- 6 October, Earthquake Commemoration Day (1948)
- 27 October, Independence Day
12 December, Neutrality Day
Also, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
FESTIVALS IN TURKMENISTAN
BEST TIME TO VISIT TURKMENISTAN
TURKMENISTAN WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Turkmenistan experiences a continental climate. Winter months can be extremely cold and by contrast, July and August are boiling hot, particularly in the desert regions. Ashgabat can soar to well over 40°C in July and drop to -5°C in winter. You might catch a shower in early May or November, but Turkmenistan is typically very dry. Nights in the desert can be chilly, so be prepared with extra layers if you’re camping.
TURKMENISTAN TOURIST SEASONS
Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off Peak Season
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MARCH
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APRIL
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AUGUST
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SEPTEMBER
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OCTOBER
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SPORT & ACTIVITIES
SNOW SPORT IN TURKMENISTAN
HIKING & CYCLING IN TURKMENISTAN
The best time to enjoy outdoor activities in Turkmenistan is from March to May and again from September to November, when the temperatures are somewhat more moderate. The winter months can be extremely cold and in contrast, July and August are boiling hot, particularly in the desert regions.
BEACH OPTIONS IN TURKMENISTAN
Despite its location on the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan is not a beach holiday destination!
SURFING IN TURKMENISTAN
KITESURF IN TURKMENISTAN
Kitesurfing spot details and weather
HEALTH RISKS IN TURKMENISTAN
Be aware of possible health risks in
Turkmenistan
Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.
Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
For the latest travel health notices and recommended precautions click
TURKMENISTAN TRAVEL TIPS
SIGHTS & HIGHLIGHTS OF TURKMENISTAN
WHAT TO PACK FOR TURKMENISTAN
WHAT TO EAT IN TURKMENISTAN
LGBTQ IN TURKMENISTAN
WHERE TO STAY IN TURKMENISTAN
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