Turkmenistan is rapidly gaining popularity among foreign travelers seeking authentic experience and new discoveries.
Visitors from abroad highlight the country’s unique character, where Eastern luxury blends seamlessly with modern architecture and a rich cultural heritag The Caspian Post reports via Turkmen media.
Ashgabat - the Pearl of Central Asia
The capital city leaves a lasting impression with its striking architecture. Often called the “city of white marble,” Ashgabat amazes guests with its grand-scale projects and carefully planned urban design.
Foreign tourists frequently single out the Monument of Independence - a majestic white column symbolizing the country’s sovereignty - the Neutrality Arch with its iconic golden statue, and the Alem Cultural and Entertainment Center. Its giant Ferris wheel is recognized as the tallest in the world and is listed in the Guinness World Records.
Natural Wonders: The Karakum Desert
Covering more than 80 per cent of Turkmenistan’s territory, the Karakum Desert is a vast natural expanse of endless sand dunes, salt lakes, and picturesque oases.
The desert’s main attraction is the world-famous Darvaza gas crater, officially known as the “Shining of Karakum.” This extraordinary natural phenomenon has been burning for over 60 years, drawing photographers and adventurers from around the globe. The Karakum Nature Reserve offers a chance to see rare wildlife, including the Turkmen kulan (wild ass) and the goitered gazelle, while the Yangykala Canyon captivates nature lovers with its multicolored cliffs and surreal landscapes.
As local guides note, “The Karakum Desert is not just sand and heat - it is a place of deep history and unique nature.”
Turkmen Cuisine: A Discovery for Food Lovers
Turkmenistan’s national cuisine is another highlight for international guests. Traditional dishes, prepared according to ancient recipes, reflect the rich culinary traditions of the East.
Tourists especially praise Turkmen pilaf (rice cooked in spicy liquid, often with vegetables or meat), dograma (flatbread, sliced onions, mutton, beef, or lamb), and ishlekli (a meat pie that is traditionally baked by burying it in hot sand and embers). Visitors can enjoy authentic meals in Ashgabat’s national restaurants, sip tea with freshly baked flatbread in desert teahouses, or explore the vibrant markets of the capital.
Turkmenistan offers travelers a journey into a special atmosphere where modern life harmoniously coexists with centuries-old traditions. This distinctive blend of originality and authenticity is what makes the country an increasingly attractive destination for international tourism.
