Hidden Gems in Turkmenistan You Didn’t Know Existed

Being one of the forgotten destinations on the travel map of Central Asia, Turkmenistan is a place shrouded in mystery, culture, and stunningly beautiful nature. To those travelers who prefer off-beat destinations, this country boasts of the kind of lesser known places, which extend well beyond the more commonly known ones such as the Darvaza Gas Crater or the marble draped monuments of Ashgabat. In case you are in need of the escape to something extraordinary and non-standard Turkmenistan gems will provide you with an experience of a new world, rich historical and cultural experience, and natural wonders without tourists. 

 In case you are doing your planning in the UAE, the initial step is to Apply Turkmenistan visa in Dubai. Obtaining a Turkmenistan visa has never been simpler due to the support of the most convenient travel agency that knows all the particularities of the travel in the Central Asia. Here is a chance to take a look at some of the most beautiful and less famous tourists destinations in Turkmenistan that will inspire your imagination. 

 1. Yangykala Canyon -the Grand Canyon of Turkmenistan 

The jaw-dropping geological phenomenon is the Yangykala Canyon located in the west of Turkmenistan that is little-known among the travelers. The canyon is a surreal spectacle of reds and oranges and pinks carved by thousands of years of wind and water erosion, and which become dramatically illuminated during sunrise and sunset. The place had no tourism infrastructure and as such there is a pure touch with the nature. 4WD Adventure is an inter-planetary trip here. 

 2. Nokhur Village the place of ancient traditions 

Nokhur Village is a cultural gem hidden in the Kopet Dag mountains, where time does not run. This village is famous to have traditional stone houses, the particular graveyard decorated with skulls of horned goats and extremely spiritual people. One can observe the traditions of ancient Turkmen that has been preserved till our time, carpet weaving, herb treatment, etc. It is the best place any cultural tourist can visit to get a true village taste in an otherwise modernized world. 

 3. Kow Ata Underground Lake-an Unknown Thermal Miracle 

Under the Karakum Desert there is one of the most unusual natural attractions in Turkmenistan- the Underground Lake Köw Ata. It is a warm sulfuric Lake that is believed to be therapeutic and found inside the Bakharden cave. You will take a staircase down to darkness in which you will be welcomed by lit up warm mineral-rich waters where you can take a soak. It is a laid back and an adventurous destination, where one can spend a break in the desert journey. 

 4. Dehistan (Misrian) Ruins The lost Glory of the Silk Road 

The ruins of Dehistan (and formerly Misrian) is a former prosperous Silk Road city in the arid western plains near the Caspian Sea. The place boasts of tall minarets, old mosques, and a grave yard with finely carved tomb stones. There is hardly more than a handful of tourists in Dehistan as it is in Samarkand or Bukhara, which makes you have the surrealistic effect of walking in a ghost city consigned to the dust of times. It features silent, haunting beauty that will be valued by history buffs. 

 5. Dinosaur Plateau- Prehistoric Footprints 

The Dinosaur Plateau in the Koytendag region of eastern Turkmenistan, is one of the richest spots on the planet with preserved dinosaur footprints. These primordial footprints are about 150 million years old and they run along the limestone facies along the mountains. To reach it, a hike and some local direction are needed, but such is worth-visiting to any adventurous person as well as anyone interested in paleontology. 

 6. Shasenem Desert- A Paradise of Wildlife 

Deserts are not all lifeless. In the northeast has the Shasenem Desert which is a biodiversity hotspot and is a member of the Repetek Biosphere Reserve. Among other rare animals, here you can see wild cattle, wild desert cats and monitor lizards as well as central Asian gazelle. It is an excellent alternative to those who want to eco-tourism and wildlife photography in a dry climate, nevertheless, still breathing with life. 

 7. Ancient City of Merv -UNESCO Off-the-Radar Site 

Although it is a UNESCO World Heritage site Merv is a fairly untapped destination in comparison to the other Silk Road destinations. This once massive antique city that was close to Mary has once been the size and influence of Baghdad and Damascus. It has tall mausoleums, ancient forts and the ruins of one of the first metropolis in the world present today. One stroll in Merv is associated with a thousand-year-long journey in history. 

 8. Balkanabat -City Atmosphere with Local Colour 

Frequently overlooked by foreigners on their way to the Caspian seashore, Balkanabat is a nice city that provides you with the flavor of the genuine, common Turkmen life. It is famous by its colorful bazaars, Soviet style architecture and location in the vicinity of Kopet Dag mountain range. Although it cannot be called traditionally touristic, it will give you a more down-to-earth experience of the country, which is ideal in case you like to feel like a part of the surrounding rhythm. 

 Conclusion 

Turkmenistan is a gem itself, and it is unexplored, full of layers of history, beautiful landscapes and cultural authenticity that can rarely be matched. Whether it is the extraterrestrial-looking shapes of the Yangykala Canyon and the ancient ruins of Dehistan or the caves housing underground lakes of Kow Ata, each of them unveils a little bit of this mysterious and breathtaking nation. These underrated places are ideal destinations of those who feel to travel in unexplored territory and have a memorable experience without people. 

 When you get a feeling that you want to visit this mysterious country, it will be the best idea to begin your adventures with getting a Turkmenistan visa in Dubai. It is not the time to apply a Turkmenistan visa with the assistance of the Best Travel Agency and make it a smooth process. It does not matter whether you want to follow dinosaur footprints, explore lost cities or bath in thermal cave lakes; Turkmenistan is the mesmerizing adventure that you can expect nowhere.