Turkmenistan-2-day-itinerary

August 8, 2024

Turkmenistan Travel Itinerary (2 Days)

9:00 AM: Start your day with breakfast at a local café. Try some traditional Turkmen dishes such as plov or shashlik.
10:00 AM: Visit the National Museum of History of Turkmenistan to get an overview of the country’s history and culture. The museum showcases artifacts from ancient times through the Soviet era.
1:00 PM: Take a lunch break at a local restaurant that serves traditional meals. Some popular spots include Plovovyj Zal (a restaurant serving various types of plov) or Korobka for a variety of traditional food.

2:30 PM: Head to the Monument to Neutrality, an impressive monument that celebrates Turkmenistan’s neutrality policy. It’s located outside Ashgabat.
4:00 PM: Drive to Darvaza Gas Crater, a natural gas field that has been burning since 1971. The crater is about 70 meters in diameter and can be seen from afar. Enjoy the sunset at this unique site.

7:00 PM: Return to Ashgabat for dinner. Try some local cuisine or visit a café for snacks.
9:00 PM: Spend your evening exploring the city, perhaps visiting the Carpet Museum for an overview of Turkmen carpet weaving traditions.

8:00 AM: Depart from Ashgabat towards Mary (the drive can take around 4 hours).
12:30 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant in Mary. Try some of the city’s specialties.
1:30 PM: Visit the Mary State Historical and Cultural Museum, which houses artifacts from ancient times up to the Soviet era.

3:00 PM: Explore the old town (Medieval) and its surroundings for a glimpse into historical architecture. The old part of Mary is interesting for its well-preserved buildings.
5:00 PM: Visit the Abiwertan Mausoleum, a beautiful example of medieval Turkmen architecture.

7:00 PM: Return to Ashgabat in the evening and spend some time relaxing or exploring the city further if you like.
9:00 PM: End your tour with dinner at one of Ashgabat’s many restaurants, trying a new type of cuisine.

Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need to obtain an e-visa for Turkmenistan. Check the official government website for requirements.
Transportation: Use licensed taxi services or hire a car with a driver in Ashgabat and Mary. Be aware that taxis do not have meters; negotiate prices beforehand.
Safety: Turkmenistan has strict rules against photography of military, security, and certain government buildings. Be respectful and aware of these restrictions.

Dress modestly for any visits to mosques or cultural sites.
Learn a few basic phrases in Turkmen such as “Dag” (hello), “Raxat!” (goodbye), and “Shukurja!” (thank you).
Carry cash as credit card acceptance can be limited, especially outside major cities.