Travel with Amateur Traveler Podcast AT#958 - Travel to Turkmenistan
Aug 23, 2025
Join Abdylla Geldiyev, Managing Director of Undiscovered Frontiers and an expert on Central Asia, as he reveals the allure of Turkmenistan. Discover surreal landscapes like Yangykala Canyon, the burning Darvaza gas crater, and ancient Silk Road cities. Abdylla also shares a fascinating itinerary, highlighting the bustling Tolkuchka Sunday market in Ashgabat and the archaeological wonders of Ancient Merv. Learn why this seldom-visited destination is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking the unusual!
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Start On A Sunday
- Arrive in Ashgabat on Sunday to experience the Tolkuchka-Basar Sunday market before it gets hot.
- Visit the National Carpet Museum and Fine Arts Museum the same day for local culture and handicrafts.
Choose The Right Season
- Travel in spring (March–May) or fall (September–mid-November) to avoid extreme heat or cold.
- Avoid June–August due to temperatures that can reach dangerously high levels.
Parthian Nisa Reveals Cultural Mix
- Old Nisa offers hands-on access to Parthian ruins and rare ivory rhytons with Hellenistic features.
- The site suggests religious rituals mixing Hellenistic and Zoroastrian elements.