Ashgabat


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
Explore Ashgabat
14 days
Essential Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan
Explore the historical heritage of Persian Central Asia
21 days
The Silk Road Trail
Explore Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan
Ashgabat Tours

Best of Central Asia
Experience the people, history and nature of the 'Five Stans
22 daysFrom €5,360Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan | |
|
Small group tour, Private guided tour |
|
Active, Walking, Culture, Cities, Museums & Galleries, History, Solo Travel |
Ashgabat Travel Companies


Kalpak Travel
Small group tours of Central Asia
Central Asia | |
Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour | |
Adventure, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Overlanding, Camping, Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Culture, Archaeology, Cities, Museums & Galleries, History, Solo Travel |
Why Horizon Guides?

Impartial guidebooks
Our travel 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
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
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.