Menu
Ashgabat Turkmenistan
Alem Cultural and Entertainment Centre is a cultural center in Ashgabat Turkmenistan

Ashgabat is a wonder, in that it is a huge, richly decorated, marble clad capital city that’s streets are largely empty of people.

Extravagant monuments and the golden statues of Turkmenbashi are key highlights of the city which holds the world record for the largest architectural star, among many other records including the world’s highest concentration of white marble buildings.

There are a number of museums, although entry prices can be high, such as the The Turkmen Carpet Museum, Fine Arts and the National Museum of History. There are also mosques and churches across the city with highlights being Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque and Ertugrul Gazi Mosque.

Any visit to Turkmenistan is necessarily guided, but Ashgabat is a place where rules are more relaxed. Budget an extra day here to wander unaccompanied and do some souvenir shopping. Besides sheepskin hats and intricate carpets, Turkmens are also famous for their ornate jewellery and their cognac.

Ashgabat

The marble capital

Described as the city “where Las Vegas meets Pyongyang”, nothing can prepare you for the desert mirage that is Ashgabat. Rows of marble-clad tower blocks descend down brand new (and empty) highways, flanked with gilded lantern posts. Immense monuments to Turkmen pride dot the city...read more

14 days

Essential Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan

Explore the historical heritage of Persian Central Asia
View itinerary
21 days

The Silk Road Trail

Explore Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan
View itinerary

Ashgabat Tours

Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan (and 1 more)

Best of Central Asia

Experience the people, history and nature of the 'Five Stans

22 daysFrom $6,230

Ashgabat Travel Companies

Central Asia

Kalpak Travel

Small group tours of Central Asia

Why Horizon Guides?

Impartial guidebooks

Impartial travel guides

Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for impartial travel advice.

Expert itineraries

Expert itineraries

Suggested itineraries and routes to help you scratch beneath the surface, avoid the tourist traps, and plan an authentic, responsible and enjoyable journey.

Specialist advice

Specialist advice

Get friendly, expert travel advice and custom itineraries from some of the world's best tour operators, with no spam, pressure or commitment to book.