Places / Asia / Turkmenistan
Ashgabat
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At a glance
- Country
- Turkmenistan
- Region
- Ashgabat
- Population
- 1 million
- Best time to go
- April to May, September to October
- Main airport
- Ashgabat International (ASB)
- Coordinates
- 37.96°N, 58.33°E
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Overview
Ashgabat is one of the strangest capitals on earth, a city rebuilt in gleaming white marble, with gilded statues, wide empty boulevards and fountains set against the Kopet Dag mountains.
Turkmenistan requires a visa, and most visitors travel with a licensed agency. Photography near government buildings can attract attention, so ask your guide. Beyond the monuments, the bazaars and nearby ruins of Parthian Nisa are fascinating.
Things to see
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Photo: Hans Birger Nilsen, CC BY 2.0 Independence Monument
A tall monument in a park surrounded by statues of national heroes, one of the city's grandest set pieces.
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Photo: John Pavelka from Austin, TX, USA, CC-BY-2.0 Neutrality Monument
A tripod tower topped with a golden statue, moved to the southern edge of the city.
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Photo: David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada, CC-BY-2.0 Türkmenbaşy Ruhy Mosque
One of Central Asia's largest mosques, at Gypjak just outside the city.
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Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 4.0 Nisa
Earthen ruins of an early Parthian capital on a hill at the edge of the city, a UNESCO site.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: David Stanley, CC BY 2.0 Altyn Asyr bazaar
The vast Tolkuchka market on the outskirts, best for carpets, textiles and people-watching.
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Photo: Artur Baboev - give free of charge right for promouting of A, CC BY-SA 3.0 Meet Akhal-Teke horses
Visit a stable to see these sleek, metallic-coated horses, a source of huge national pride.
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Photo: Tormod Sandtorv, CC BY-SA 2.0 Overnight at Darvaza
Many tours include a night camping beside the burning gas crater in the Karakum Desert.
Find tours -
Photo: David Stanley, CC BY 2.0 Russian Bazaar
A central covered market for bread, fruit and dried goods, good for a lively morning.
Where to stay
City centre
Near the Russian Bazaar, with most international and mid-range hotels.
Hotels in City centreSouthern districts
Newer hotels closer to the foothills and big monuments.
Hotels in Southern districts
Getting around
Licensed taxis are cheap and plentiful. Guided tours usually include transport, and walking the long boulevards in summer is tiring.
The airport is a short taxi ride from the centre, about 15 minutes.
When to go
Spring and autumn bring the most pleasant weather. Summers are extremely hot, and winters can be cold.
Plan your trip to Ashgabat
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.