Best things to do in Ashgabat
Find out more about those top places in Ashgabat
Ashgabat: Turkmenistan’s White Marble Wonderland
Looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination that’s got places to visit unlike anything you’ve ever seen? Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, should definitely be on your radar. With its rapid growth, thanks to the country's oil boom, this once relatively unknown city has turned into one of Central Asia’s top attractions. Forget the traditional capital cities of Europe or Asia—Ashgabat is like walking into a marble dream, where even the streets feel like they're shining in the sun. So buckle up for a travel guide to one of the world’s most unique—and let’s be real, bizarre—destinations.
A City Made of Marble: A White Wonderland
Let’s talk about Ashgabat’s signature feature: white marble. No, this is not some designer trend, it's the city’s entire aesthetic. Everywhere you look, the buildings, statues, and even the roads are draped in gleaming white marble. In fact, Ashgabat holds the world record for the most white marble buildings in one city! It’s like the city is trying to outdo the rest of the world in sophistication—and succeeding. This is the place for anyone who loves a good dose of architecture sightseeing, or maybe just loves to get their Instagram game on point with endless pristine backdrops.
Monuments, Monuments, Everywhere
If you're a fan of monuments, then Ashgabat is your playground. The city has them in abundance—each more grandiose and intricate than the last. Not only are they architectural feats, but they are also quite symbolic, celebrating Turkmenistan’s history, culture, and leadership (cue the ever-present nod to the late President Saparmurat Niyazov, also known as “President for Life,” who, among other things, declared himself immortal).
The Monument of Neutrality stands tall like a beacon in the city, a tribute to the country’s proclaimed neutral stance in international politics. But the real showstopper might just be the Arch of Neutrality, a giant golden statue of the former president, who is posed soaring toward the skies (because why not?). There’s something oddly mesmerizing about a 75-foot statue of a man striding towards eternity, and it’s definitely a must-see for your things to do list in Ashgabat.
Top Attractions: From The Futuristic to the Historical
If you thought Ashgabat’s futuristic, marble-covered aesthetic was its only charm, think again. The city also has a rich and quirky history that’s worth checking out. Here are some top attractions you should not miss:
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The National Museum of Turkmenistan: Dive into the past with artifacts that date back to the ancient Silk Road. From bronze sculptures to intricate carpets (which Turkmenistan is renowned for), this museum gives you a taste of the country's cultural legacy—without the marble overload.
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The Turkmen Carpet Museum: For those who like their history with a splash of color and craftsmanship, this museum is a must. You’ll be greeted by carpets so exquisite they’ll make you want to roll out one for yourself and live like royalty.
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The Ashgabat Cable Car: If you're tired of walking through all that marble, why not get a bird's-eye view? The Ashgabat Cable Car offers a panoramic view of the city, and it's a fantastic way to spot the city’s sprawling marble architecture and see how vast the capital is becoming.
The Presidential Palace: No Big Deal, Just Another Monumental Building
You’ll want to take a few selfies in front of the Presidential Palace, but be warned: the guards take their job seriously. This Palace is so large, so grand, and so white, that it could probably house an army of presidents. It stands as a prime example of Ashgabat’s commitment to, well, luxury. Every corner and every column looks as if it was designed to leave an impression—whether that’s through sheer size or sparkling white marble.
The People of Ashgabat: Welcoming You to Their White City
Despite the city's more grandiose aspects, Ashgabat is home to a warm and friendly local population who, like the city itself, are always striving for perfection. While the city may have a totalitarian history tied to the era of Niyazov, these days the local people are incredibly hospitable and proud of their unique city. Don’t be surprised if a local invites you to join them for tea or a traditional meal—you’ll get a glimpse of the true spirit of Turkmenistan beyond the marble.
Things to Do: Beyond the Marble
Ashgabat might be famous for its monuments, but there’s more to the city than meets the eye. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, take a day trip out to the Koytendag Mountains for some hiking. Or head to Yangykala Canyon to witness the striking landscape that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. Trust us, Turkmenistan’s natural beauty is as jaw-dropping as its man-made wonders.
Conclusion: Ashgabat – An Over-the-Top Gem in Central Asia
So, whether you’re a history buff, architecture aficionado, or just someone in search of a truly unique adventure, Ashgabat is definitely a place to visit. The city might just be one of the most bizarre, fascinating, and fun places to tick off your bucket list. Marble monuments, quirky history, and unforgettable views await. Come for the top attractions, stay for the endless photo ops, and leave with a story to tell. Ashgabat is ready for you!
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Arch of Neutrality
Popularly called as the “tripod”, the Arch of Neutrality was the symbol of Ashgabat during the totalitarian rule of then President Saparmurat Niyazov. Built to commemorate the country’s position on neutrality, the monuments stand at a height of 912 ft (277.98 m), with a rotating gold statue of Niyazov crowning it. After the death of Niyazov, his successor President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow facilitated the dismantling of the arch and it's exiling to the city’s outskirts. Although the statue on top the monument no longer rotates, it has a lift that takes visitors to the top for a decent view of the city.
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Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex
Established in 2014, the Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex known as the People’s Memory, is a large complex built to honor those that died in battle during World War II and to commemorate the victims of the Ashgabat earthquake of 1984. The complex consists of three monuments (each representing different significant events) and a museum. The first monument Ruhy Tagzym is dedicated to the 1948 Ashgabat victims, the second Monument Baky Sohrat is for the patriots of the Great Patriotic War and the last one is the Monument Milletin ogullary dedicated to the heroes of other battles for Turkmenistan.
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Carpet Museum
Turkmenistan is well-known for its love of carpets - the Carpet Museum established in 1994, features the largest collection of Turkmen carpets that can’t be found anywhere else in the country. It has carpets from medieval times to modern types, with different shapes, sizes and colors. It famous attraction is the Guinness book of records largest carpet (14 by 21.2 meters) made in 2001 to mark the 10-year anniversary of the country’s independence from the Soviet Union.
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National Museum of Turkmenistan
The National Museum is a combination of the country’s former museums (ethnography, history, nature and presidential). With 7 exhibition halls, it has over 5000 items displayed, including weapons, musical instruments, paintings, sculptures and ancient Turkmen rugs and carpets. The Hall of Independence and Hall of Ancient History are a must see.
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Parthian Settlement of Nisa
Take a trip down Nisa, to get an insight on ancient Turkmenistan. Now in “ruins”, Nisa was first inhabited by the Iranian people and was said to be the royal residence of the Parthian kings. The former trading hub was destroyed by an earthquake but several excavations has shown what the settlement looked like in the past. The best way to visit Nisa is to go with a guide that has good knowledge about Nisa’s history.