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Today a growing number of travelers decide to discover the East rather than go to tourist-crowded Europe. That stands to reason: since early childhood, we are used to thinking of the East as of a distant, fabulous and undiscovered land. From an early age we have been dreaming of traveling to where fascinating palaces dazzle the eye, the winds wave the desert dunes, rich bazaars buy and sell every item imaginable, and Oriental wise men indulge in philosophizing while drinking tea. Well, it's time to book tickets to the very heart of the East, the stronghold of the great dynasties of the past, the home to Arabian horses, handmade carpets, skullcaps and delicious pilaf. Let`s fly to the country of Turkmenistan and discover its numerous wonders!
First off, let us find “the heart of the East” on the map. Turkmenistan is a country of Central Asia bordering on Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the north, Iran and Afghanistan – in the south. Once it has been one of the least famous and advanced republics of the former USSR. Today Turkmenistan is a fascinating country full of contrasts: it is progressive but conservative, it develops tourism but demonstrates strictness of visa policy, it actively introduces cutting-edge technologies but treasures the age-old oriental color. It will just suffice to mention the city of Ashgabat – the country`s capital and main gateway. In just two decades a small town nestled on the border of Karakum Desert has turned into an amazing futuristic city. Skyscrapers and avenues, parks and gardens, luxurious hotels and restaurants, as well as impressive fountain complexes (including the world`s largest one) were built from scratch. Simply put, another Asian Miracle has happened. Ashgabat welcomes, feasts, entertains and leaves every guest open-mouthed. The city exceeds expectations manifold! We offer you to see it with your own eyes!
Please note that Turkmenistan is equally interesting outside the capital. The country is the cradle of cultures and civilizations. The ruins of numerous ancient cities annually attract historians, archaeologists, travelers and tourists from around the world. For example, traveling just 18 km from Ashgabat, one can discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the city of Nisa – the ancient capital of the Parthian Empire (I millennium BC). The city of Merv is another Turkmen historical treasure and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once it was one of the major “stops” on the Silk Road and one of the largest cities of the Islamic world on a par with Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus. However, to see this ancient masterpiece with their own eyes, travelers will have to go to the suburb of Mary town covering nearly 400 km. Still the site is worth the effort as Merv is the golden dream of all history fans! According to the Turkmen beliefs, Merv holds the Universe in place. The city boasts the remains of at least five ancient settlements of different periods. Here every stone has a millennial history, each building reveals an entire epoch of great victories and defeats, rich feasts and hard times. Therefore, if you are looking for the quintessential history of humankind, you should definitely visit the legendary Merv.
If traces of lost civilizations and white-hot ruins do not take you off your feet, discover the natural wonders of Turkmenistan. Adrenaline addicts can make a trip to the planet`s youngest desert – Karakum Desert – to reach Derwese village and the Door to Hell – a 70-meter wide hole “breathing” with heat and fire for over 40 years. According to local stories, the area was discovered in 1971 and was thought to be a substantial oil field site. The engineers set up a drilling rig and camp nearby, and started drilling operations to assess the gas reserve available. Suddenly the ground beneath the drilling rig and camp collapsed into a wide crater and disappeared. Fearing further release of gases from the cavern, the engineers decided to burn the gas off. At that time, expectations were that the flame would die away within a few weeks, but it is still burning! It turned out to play into hands of travelers who are traditionally attracted by all sorts of natural anomalies. Those wishing to lower extreme and experience something unique should make a 100 km-long trip from Ashgabat. This adventure suits amateur cavers. They are offered to cover 265 steps, go 120 meters underground and swim in a warm (38 – 40 degrees Celsius) underground Kow Ata Lake. The water of this unique reservoir is believed to possess healing properties, so swimming in Kow Ata Lake is both a pleasure and a health benefit. Be careful and do not swim far away from the shore cause the scientists haven`t figured out where the water goes to. Having taken the “underground bath” get back to the sun and go up the mountains to discover the so-called Dead City. Just imagine pin-drop silence, the shining sun, rustle of the wind, millennial ruins and deserted streets, sand dunes covered with saksaul and hazed hills stretching as far as the eye can see… This site is a must!
In case contemplation and bathing are not enough to relax completely, go to the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea to the national tourist zone of Avaza. It took the Turkmen just 7 years to build an excellent resort. Apart from the traditional mix of wide accommodation opportunities and well-developed leisure infrastructure, the resort has its own modern international airport and navigation channel with car and pedestrian bridges thrown over it. Avaza guests will also be impressed with the large-scale complex of 100-meter high instrumental marine fountains. Moreover, a water park, aquarium, carting space and golf center, cycling track, dolphinarium, planetarium, theater and an amusement park are soon-to-be. By the way, Avaza has just started to gain popularity, which mean no long queues, no numerous beach goers and no crowds during evening promenades – nothing will take the shine off your beach vacation. Hurry up to enjoy!
Let us sum up what has been said above. Turkmenistan is the country of underworld wonders, ancient mountain fortresses, picturesque Caspian coast, boundless steppes and eternal “black sands”, tempting Turkmen way of life, delicious cuisine, Akhal-Teke horses, colorful folk weddings and so on and so forth. The number of the Turkmen miracles is endless! Just visit the heart of Central Asia, extend our list or make your own!