"Ashgabat" Top 5 Page for this destination Ashgabat by sachara

Ashgabat Travel Guide: 129 reviews and 284 photos

will add more text and tips later

In summer 2008 we started our silkroad trip in Ashgabat in Turkmenistan. I spent only two days in Ashgabat, but tried to experience as much as possible of this white marble city in a desert country with a nomad culture.

We walked around downtown to feel the atmosphere. We visited the several enormous monuments in the south of the city, we strolled around at the russian market and visited the Parthian World Heritage Site outside the town.

Russian market

Walls around the Parthian ancient city Nisa

Last visit to Ashgabat: Jul 2008
Intro Updated Sep 1, 2008
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Reviews (19)

Where is the vendor behind those piled cans ? - Ashgabat

Piling up, higher and higher... Local Customs (1)

In the Russian Market I saw several stalls with all kind of food and goods piled up. Sometimes the piles of cans were so... more travel advice

Moneychanger at the entrance of the Russian Market - Ashgabat

Kiosks for money change Favorites (2)

In former years you could change you money at the black market or at the bank with huge differences in the rates. It was... more travel advice

Visa and other papers you get. Favorites (2)

For Turkmenistan you need a visa. Turkmenistan was part of my Silk Road trip visiting 5 different countries. Because of... more travel advice

For food, drinks, clothes and more Shopping (1)

In the south part of town between all the white marble buildings is also a huge shopping centre, called yimpas. If you... more travel advice

Things to Do (8)
See All Russian market
Restaurants (3)
See All Restaurant at the Russian Market

Comments (13)

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yumyum Aug 16, 2012 at 10:11 AM

Great page Ali. Love the market! Would like to visit one day.
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hunterV Apr 17, 2010 at 7:54 AM

Who would have thought! It's an amazing city! Thanks for your story and splendid pictures, Ali!
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mizzzthanggg Mar 10, 2010 at 9:59 AM

you have inspired me to write my own tips about Ashgabat! i've been taking it for granted, or just plain too lazy to make tips :) wish i knew u were coming in Nov 2008 i was already living here!
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BruceDunning Aug 16, 2009 at 2:56 PM

Is it really neutral today? I think there is a lot of beauty in this country and a proud heritage. Great job of presenting.
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starship Jan 11, 2009 at 7:43 PM

Your trip sounds fascinating! The markets & way of life seems interesting and to travel the "silk road" must be the adventure of a lifetime! Nice page!! Sylvia
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songlines Oct 12, 2008 at 8:42 AM

Great pics Ali! Heel mooi. Kijk vooruit om je te ontmoeten in Cork. Heb je al een hostel gevonden? Groetjes van Agnes
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kenHuocj Sep 14, 2008 at 2:56 AM

always enjoy your many visits to all niches of the less visited world ;-)))
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Sputnikboy Sep 11, 2008 at 7:49 AM

Very helpful page about Ashgabat, thanks for the effort. I envy your amazing "silk road" experience!
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TheWanderingCamel Sep 5, 2008 at 10:45 AM

It's impossible to imagine the size of a building that can accommodate 10 million people! and the hubris that created all those marble buildings is pretty mind-boggling too! Fascinating. leyle
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toonsarah Sep 2, 2008 at 12:43 PM

So many grand monuments in one city! A fascinating start to your Silk Road adventures Ali - I look forward to reading more :-)