Want to see more deserts? Kara-Kum is one of the largest sand deserts in the world and covers about nine tenth of the Turkmenistan country. Once a component of the antediluvian Persian Empire, Turkmenistan was referred to as Turkmenia during the earlier times and is also one of the Turkic states found in Central Asia. It is situated just east of the Caspian Sea, south of Kazakhstan, north of Afghanistan and Iran and west of Uzbekistan. Being a Stalinist country, the Turkmenistan government has control over almost everything. This being said, should you visit the country, make sure that you won’t discuss political or military matters publicly most especially with the locals. So what attractions will you see in Turkmenistan
There are a number of wonderful cities and sights in this country. Ashgabat, the capital city, is the primary terminal for the Transcaspian Railroad and is built just along the famous Silk Road. There are a number of mosques in this area and that includes the Khrezety Omar Mosque, Azadi Mosque and contemporary Iranian Mosque. The Arch of Neutrality that features the monumental statue of Niyazov, the country’s former president, is also found in Ashgabat. It is so remarkable because it is made of pure gold and catches the rays of sun during sunrise by shifting its face to the east.
Another tourist destination in Turkmenistan is the city of Bezmein, now called Abadan. It’s situated in the Ahal Province and is teeming with culture. There are a lot of shops in this city that sell handcrafted items like carpets and other local products. In the Lebap Province meanwhile, you should find Darganata, the capital town of Turkmenistan. This is the place that nature lovers would adore with all the natural reserves established in the area. These include the Köýtendag Nature Reserve which is found in Aýrybaba Mountain, the highest peak in the country and the Repetek Nature Reserve. The town is also proud of its awesome architecture, mostly represented by its statues and mosques. There are also carpets and rugs sold in this area which are crafted and designed intricately thereby showcasing the astonishing culture of Turkmenistan. If you really love the outdoors, try going to Kerki and experience camping and trekking in its nearby mountains. There are also beaches in this town where you can relax after a hot walk or a tiring camp out.
There are many other places that you can visit in Turkmenistan. All of them have distinct cultures to showcase and sights to offer to any tourist. But if you’re not a fan of the scorching heat of the sun, you may just fly in during the colder months of the year, specifically September and November. Once there, respect the locals you meet and again, never challenge the country’s laws and regulations. This will prevent you from getting in trouble with the authorities and spoiling your long awaited vacation.
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