Turkmenistan is one of the most enigmatic and least explored countries in Central Asia, where the Karakum Desert sits alongside a white-marble capital and the ancient cities of the Great Silk Road. It is a destination for true adventurers, ready to be amazed at every step, from otherworldly landscapes to architectural fantasies.
The country's calling card is the Darvaza gas crater, nicknamed the Gates of Hell: a fiery pit blazing in the middle of the desert, especially spectacular at night. The capital, Ashgabat, holds a Guinness World Record for its abundance of white marble and astonishes with its sheer scale. History lovers can explore the ruins of ancient Merv and Konye-Urgench, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
When to go and what to see
The best time to travel is spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the heat subsides and desert travel is comfortable. Be sure to taste pilaf, lamb kebab and the fragrant melons the country is famous for, and browse the eastern bazaar for the celebrated handmade Turkmen carpets.
A trip to Turkmenistan requires a special approach because of the visa formalities, and this is where Suzane Travel is indispensable: we help with documents and the letter of invitation, plan the itinerary, book hotels, arrange desert transport and licensed guides. With us, discovering this closed country is easy and safe.