Turkmenistan – top 5 Places to Visit
If you are planning to explore Turkmenistan, do not miss these natural and cultural highlights:
#1 ASHGABAT – MONUMENTAL CAPITAL CITY FULL OF MARBLE AND GOLDEN ARCHITECTURE
Ashgabat is the capital city of Turkmenistan, and it is one of the most interesting places that you can visit! Did you know that Ashgabat holds a Guinness record for the highest density of white marble-clad buildings in the world? The city also holds the record for the greatest number of fountain pools in a public space and many other curiosities. There are several options for a day trip from Ashgabat, such as visiting the ancient ruins of Old Nisa or visiting a horse farm with the famous breed of Akhal Teke Horses.
#2 DARVAZA – GAS CRATER ALSO KNOWN AS A “GATE OF HELL”
One of the most unusual touristic highlights around the world is this burning gas crater also known as the “Gate of Hell.” Darvaza from Turkmen means Gate, and the flames from the huge crater in the middle of the desert evoke the imagination of both travelers and locals. The history behind this mysterious crater is remarkably simple, as in 1971 Soviet geologists had been drilling for gas at the site of a cavern. The cavern collapsed, releasing the gas. Nobody was injured; however, fearing getting poisoned, the gas was set on fire on purpose. There are no accurate records of the event, but the fact is that this gas cavern has been burning since then. The diameter of the crater is 69 meters and the depth is 30. You can go around it, and since 2018, there is even a fence installed for travelers’ safety. You can visit this amazing site in the Karakum desert, and it is impressive to stay overnight and see it at night. In 2013, there was another Guinness record set by the first man to get down to the bottom of the gas crater. This was part of the National Geographic Channel series Die Trying, but as the name of the show says, you better not try to go down, unless you also want to set a World Record.