There are definitely countries that are more famous, more visited, more entertaining. Indeed, Turkmenistan is not very open to the world and to tourism. However, visiting a so strange and restrictive dictatorship can be an interesting experience, not to mention the charm of the post-Soviet country and of the historical Silk Road that passed here centuries ago. I don't know if this can be enough to attract tourists, but, certainly, we are going to talk about a really original country.
By the way, if one doesn't get discouraged by the lack of activities, the censorship on Facebook and the internet, the curfew of 11 pm and from the need of an entry visa, it is possible to meet nice and kind people.
Here below some photos taken during a "holiday" to Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea and in the capital Ashgabat; under the photos, you'll find trip report, information and travel itinerary. They go for work, because they have to cross it, or because they have already traveled, as tourists, in almost all other nations on the Earth. Of course, also Turkmenistan has its own charms. However, it is more likely that a stay here is combined with a journey along the Silk Road to the other "Stans" especially Kazahkstan and Uzbekistan , maybe coming by sea from Baku Azerbaijan.
Turkmenistan consists largely of large flat deserts. To the west, Turkmenistan is right on the Caspian Sea and here the main town is Turkmenbashi, an industrial and commercial town here arrive the ships from Baku. Turkmenbashi Turkmenbashi In Turkmenbashi modernity comes mainly in the form of highly polluting factories that spread disturbing odors.
The most fascinating part, to be visited, is the bazaar. Bazaar of Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan Near Turkmenbashi the government is building Awaza, a touristic area with modern hotels build as Dubai-style skyscrapers. This was, at least, the idea. Work is still ongoing and the hotels for now are sort of white elephants. Yes, there are fake-luxurious rooms, and, even swimming pools, bars and pool tables. However, outside the hotels there is nothing.
