Turkmenistan is a small country in Central Asia. This is a place where there is a good blend of old time leftovers and newly built infrastructure. Historically and culturally an important place on the Silk Road, Turkmenistan has its own charm to attract visitors. Read about best things that you can do in the country. ASHGABAT Ashgabat was rebuilt in the 1990s after the earthquake of 1948. White marble buildings, boulevards and fountains give it a Vegas feel, while its numerous monuments are futuristic and flat-out weird! Visit the excellent National Museum, the Carpet Museum – see the world’s biggest carpet! – and the open-air Tolkuchka bazaar, which sells red Turkmen rugs and camels. DARVAZA GAS CRATER In the midst of the magically bleak Karakam desert, the Darvaza gas crater has been nicknamed ‘the door to hell’. The origin of this 30m-deep pit of flaming methane is shrouded in mystery, but it’s been burning for some 40 years. KONYE-URGENCH This ancient capital of the land of Khorezm was once the centre of the Islamic world. The old town contains incredible architecture, with a series of monuments, including a mosque, fortresses, mausoleums and a 60m minaret. KUGITANG MOUNTAINS Near the border with Uzbekistan, the western slopes of the Kugitang Mountains are a nature reserve with a unique ecosystem. Deep canyons and mountains with walnut, maple and juniper forests are home to rare mountain sheep and markhour, an endangered mountain goat, while the Dinosaur Plateau contains more than 400 dinosaur footprints. MERV Near the city of Mary, the Silk Road metropolis of Merv dates back 2,500 years. In the 12th century, at its height, it was a place of palaces, irrigation channels and fertile gardens. Today its windswept ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage site, consisting of five walled cities from different periods. #turkmenistan #ashgabat #doortohell #solotravel #darvaza #mountains #travelphotography #tourist #helintotours #pic #picture #nature #naturephotography #adventure #bestplacestogo #tourism #helintotourism To Find more ideas and inspiration follow us @helinto_official 😉 All in one Place - Best Package in your budget 😃 www.helinto.com (at Turkmenistan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CByXJ2oDAfZ/?igshid=hhlt9onu1a6x