Louvet Travel: Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan Flag

Why visit Turkmenistan?

Only ideal for experienced adventurous travelers seeking to experience archaeological sites, desert, markets, and museums.

At a Glance

Souvenirs to Buy: Belts, cotton yarn, cushions, carpets, daggers, embroidered skull caps, fur, furniture, handbags, metal sculpture, robes, silver jewelry, and wool stockings.
Local Cuisine to Try: Churek (flat bread). Fitchi (meat pies). Manty (steam dumplings). Yarma (porridge).
Local Drink to Try: Agaran (camel cream). Chal (camel milk). Chok-Chai (green tea). Gatyk (yogurt). Kara-Uzyum (wine). Yasman-Salik (wine).

Fun Facts

First rail line was built (18) from the eastern shore of the Caspian Sea to Mollagara.
Second largest of Soviet Central Asian former republics.
Culturally women with one braid and a big handkerchief are married and two braids and a small scarf are not.
Yurts (tents) in front yards are used as summer houses.
World's 10th largest cotton producer.
Turkmen are known for their horse breeding, horsemanship, and training.
One of the driest places in the world.
Most sparsely populated nations in Asia.
Education was reduced from 10 years to 9 years.
Karakum Desert is one of the driest deserts in the world.
Merv is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia.
Considered the 4th largest reserves of natural gas in the world.

Special Holidays/Occasions

Annual Events: (March) Novruz Festival, (April) Turkmen Horse Festival, (August) Melon Fest, and (October) International Festival of Craftsmen & Masters of Applied Art.
Holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Defender of the Fatherland Day, International Women's Day, Nowruz, Day of Remembrance of National Heroes of Turkmenistan, State Flag & Constitution Day, Day of Revival, Carpet Day, Day of Turkmen Workers of Culture & Art, Day of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Border Guards Day, Independence Day, Turkmen Bakhshi Day, Day of the Worker in the Organs of National Security, Day of the Navy, Day of Remembrance, Health Day, Day of Neutrality, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.

Good to Know

Letter of invitation is required for entry.
Foreigners are forbidden to travel to “restricted zones” without special permission from the State Migration Service (SMS).
Remains one of the world's most repressive countries.
Internet access is filtered.
Websites to which the government objects are blocked.
Avoid rail service due to frequent delays, theft, and unsanitary conditions.
Turkmen is the official language.
Illegal to photograph anything military or security related, certain buildings. food markets, or government buildings.
Staying at a different location than conveyed to the State Migration Service (SMS) will lead to being arrested.
Illegal to use foreign currency.
Customs Regulations are strict.
Same-sex sexual contact between men is illegal.
Not wheelchair accessible friendly destination.
Medical care is limited and well below western standards.
Driving intoxicated imposes a fine, incineration, and your drivers license being revoked.
Negotiate taxi fares before departure.
Avoid evening exploration.
“Ferries” crossing the Caspian Sea are cargo ships taking passengers as space permits. Food and water are not typically provided. A vacant dock is known to take a week or so.
Tourism is unevenly regulated and inspections do not commonly occur.

This international destination requires:

A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
Tourist VISA required.
Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $3,000TKM.

Subject to four seasons.

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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.

Tuesday, February 14, 2023