Turkmenistan is the country where the past infuses so well in perfect harmony with the present. Though the country is historically interconnected with its neighbouring countries, it stands out from the rest of them. The country is densely populated and inhospitable to plant and animal life. Many of its cities were the main point of the Silk Road Trade linking worlds together. There are three World heritage sites in the country namely the Nisa, Merv and Konye-Urgench. The country has been a very popular destination, especially for its architectural and agricultural sites.
1. Experience the Akhalteke Horses
The Akhalteke horses are a real pride to the Turkmen as they are famous all over the world. These horses are no ordinary horses; they are well maintained and gifted to queens and presidents of the world. They play a major role in the export of the country. These horses have always been war horses and they are perfect for falconry riding as they ride as fast as a bird and take over a falcon.
2. Explore the Dinosaur Fossil and Tracks
The Dinosaur plateau has gained worldwide fame for the footprints of the dinosaur on a large limestone slab. These large tracks of the three dinosaurs are in the western slope of Kugitan range. This range is not only the reserve for the dinosaur tracks but also has the longest fossils paths stretched few kilometres. So if you are looking for things to do in Turkmenistan, experience this historic event which you will never find in any part of the world.
3. Visit the Gates of Hell
In the hot Karakum desert, there’s a 230 ft wide crater that has been burning on fire for almost 40 years up to date. The crater is technically called the Darvaza gas crater, but locals’ call it “Gates of Hell” Its fiery glow can be seen from miles away. It was created in 1971 by the Soviets when they accidentally drill rig the natural gas cavern which causes the entire rig to fall and poisonous fumes have been leaking out. Travellers travel far to this desert to see this site, and if thinking of something crazy of what to do in Turkmenistan, see the Gates of Hell.
4. See Turkmenistan’s Natural Wonder “Yangykala Canyon”
The Yangykala Canyon is a natural wonder very few people have heard about and maybe even seen. Its vast landscape with pink, red and yellow rock wall of 60-100 meters created about 5.5 million years ago. If you are in Turkmenistan, you should not miss out on visiting this site as it’s so intriguing. Once upon a time, this site was an old sea, and it’s sad that it’s dried up but it leaves beautifully cut rocks.
5. Take a Tour into Kow Ata Underground Lake
In a land covered with deserts, finding a place to swim can be quite a challenge. Luckily, there’s an underground lake to steam off the heat. In the Barkharden Cave, there’s a long metal staircase which leads down to the long lake where the waters are warm with high amounts of salt and minerals. The cave has a very strong distinct smell from Sulphur. Still have a thought of what to do in Turkmenistan? Experience the Underground Lake.
6. Delve into 2300 Years Back in Time
There’s an ancient ruin which used to be a settlement for the Iranian peoples in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan called the Old Nisa. The fortress was included in the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was ruled by the Parthian Empire, a complex fortress with 43 rectangular towers. Its architecture is beautifully absorbed with the traditions of the Roman Empire and of Ellada.
7. Go and Observe a Revived City
There are no cities that were wiped off from the map and revived again, but Ashgabat, the Capital of Turkmenistan rose from its ashes and stands out strong today. In the year 1948, it was awfully destroyed by an earthquake and took the lives of about 10,000 people. It was a very horrific time and people of Ashgabat remembers the date till today, and thus erected expressive monument as a modern city with modern cities, fountains, shopping places, business centres etc.
8. Catch a Glimpse of Cemetery Adorned with Goat Horns
There’s a cemetery in the village of Nokhur where every grave is marked with a horn of a mountain goat. It’s believed that the goat horns keep the evil spirit off the souls of the deceased so that they can go safely to heaven. The people of this region have always considered the goats to be a sacred animal for their endurance and strength.
9. Feast one's Eyes on Thousand Years of History in Kunya-Urgench Air
For many centuries, the ancient capital of Northern Khorezm has been a flourishing state with great buildings everywhere. There was a great cultural and medieval centre for the famous Academy of Sultan Mamun ibn-Mamun. Many great scientists and other significant thinkers of that time lived and worked in this ancient city. The monuments are a symbol of achievements in craftsmanship and architecture whose influence, later on, reaches Iran and Afghanistan.
10. Visit the Ancient City of Central Asia “Merv”
Merv was once the biggest city, the Silk Road metropolis of Merv never fully recovered after the city’s destruction by Genghis Khan and his son. Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India at that time called its world’s greatest vanquished cities. Throughout history, Merv had gone through many up and downs which now turn out to have an interesting history to the city. It was the Parthian Empire centre and then conquered by Arab and many others in the line. There are many archaeological findings discovered in this city.
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