Things to do & places to visit in Ahal Province, Turkmenistan

Ahal Province #1 destination in Turkmenistan 2023. The average rating score is 4.26 based on 1.219 traveler reviews, of 35 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Ashgabat, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 13:21.

Ahal Province Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

85°F - 59°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze

Feels like

19%

Chance of rain

64.0 millimeters

Amount

11.0 mph

Wind speed

36%

Humidity

14.2

Daylight length

5:57 AM

Sunrise

8:08 PM

Sunset

67%

Cloud cover

T-shirt

What to wear

Top things to do (28)

Top destinations in Ahal Province 4

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Darvaza Gas Crater (168 reviews)
- Darvaza Gas Crater Van Pimpenstein Concert
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

Turkmenistan is like no other country I've ever visited. And Darvaza is like no other tourist attraction. We were in Ashgabat prepping to play a Van Pimpenstein concert for a US Embassy function when my band mates and I heard about the infamous gas crater. We decided it was a must see. The drive there is kinda long, and there's not much to see along the way, but it was totally worth it in my humble opinion. The sunset in the desert was beautiful. The crater itself is enormous and makes for some incredible photo opportunities. Me and our bass player Richard Texas put on an impromptu performance for another tourist group that was visiting the site. Be careful round the edges and enjoy your visit! -Van Pimpenstein See more..
5.0 Inspiration Square (2 reviews)
- Main Cultural Square
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Scenic Walking Areas

The Square of Inspiration is a series of four parks rather than a single square. It stretches from Magtymguly Avenue and almost reaches Seydi Street. The park opened in 2010, and each section is dedicated to famous Turkmen, who may also be from many nearby countries. The northern section, with entrance on Magtymguly Avenue includes outstanding persons in the history of Turkmenistan. This is represented by an Alley of Fame, and also a few fountains and beautiful gardens. At the end of each park is a white semi circular design of roman columns. This section of the park ends at Myati Kosayew Street. The next section is dedicated to great poets of the 11th -19th centuries. We recognised an equestrian sculpture of Zeuli and Seydi, Alisher Navoi and the expressive sculpture of Mollanepes, who we thought would not have looked out of place in a Hamlet play. At the end of this park, was an interesting sculpture of a boy in gold shoes. This park ended at Azadi Street. The third park was dedicated to famous Turkmen thinkers and scholars. We knew a few which included Biruny, Sina and Horezmi. There were other interesting sculptures including, a musician, Abu Nasr Faraby and a chess player sculpture of Muhammet As-Suly. This section of the park ended at Gorogly Street, and had the inscription stating the year of dedication of the park. The southern section had the largest fountain and body of water. Which was in the shape of a waterfall. An impressive sculpture of a musician stood in front of the waterfall. He had an instrument in his right hand and dove perched atop. In his left hand he held a rose. This is the end of the park, and you can walk a few minutes south, and then in a westerly direction to view another park of many fountains. The Russian market and Teke Bazaar are other attractions within walking distance. See more..
5.0 Statue of Lenin (2 reviews)
- A familiar statue
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

The statue of Lenin is located near to the City Center. It is easily reached by walking on Pushkin Street, and taking a left into the park, just before reaching Azadi Street. It is a little difficult to find if you are not aware of the location, as it is hidden behind the drama theatre. This is one of the only Soviet monuments that remain in the city. There are fountains and quite a few benches in the park. The statue was sculpted in the 1970's by Ernst Neizvestny. The base of the sculpture is unique, as the central asian designs and colours stand out. Lenin is in a familiar pose of pointing the way to the future. We were surprised that this statue had survived, as during our travels in Turkmenistan, we had seen where many Soviet related sculptures had been removed. Other Soviet monuments include the Pushkin monument in the adjacent park to the left, the Pushkin bust in front of Pushkin Theatre on Magtymguly Street and the WW2 monument at school # 18 on Myati Kosayew Street. Other nearby attractions include the statue of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk which is south east of the park. and the Ashgabat monument a few minutes walk north. See more..
5.0 Dvor (2 reviews)
- Friendly space
Spent 2-3 hours Civic Centres

Creative Space "DVOR” is a central location that connects diverse individuals and innovators. It is a user-friendly space where people share their knowledge, experiences, skills and passions. Overall, it is a fun and sociable place to go. See more..
5.0 Hezreti Omar Mosque (1 review)
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

See more..
5.0 St. Alexander Nevsky Church (1 review)
- The oldest church in Ashgabat
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

The St Alexander Nevsky church is a little difficult to find due to the nearby construction activities, which has resulted in temporary fences being constructed. This area can be reached by taking bus 25 or 28. After getting off the bus walk in a westerly direction past a park with fountains, until the round-about is seen. After passing the round-a-bout, take the first right on a narrow lane and then a left on another narrow lane, and the church main gate will be seen on your right. The gate is light blue in colour and has two white orthodox crosses. The pedestrian gate is to the left, but this was closed when we visited, so we were restricted to taking photos outside. We had visited the other two orthodox churches in Ashgabat the previous day. The church is built of white burnt brick. The golden onion domes were shining in the sunlight, and the mix of beige and red colours were beautiful. The bell tower design was unique, with a series of arches topped by a red roof. Construction started on this church in 1882, and the church was formally dedicated in 1900. As with other religious institutions during the Soviet period, it was closed in 1918. The bell tower and dome were destroyed, and the church was used as a military warehouse. The church was reconsecrated in 1993. As churches are not supported by the government in Turkmenistan, this is a rare view of a religious institution and Russian architecture. Other nearby attractions include the Iranian mosque, which is opposite the round-a-bout, the Pushkin Theatre and 2nd Park which are a short walk east. See more..
4.5 Gypjak Mosque (114 reviews)
- beautiful
Points of Interest & Landmarks

White marble at its best. a very beautiful Mosque the detail is stunning. surrounded by lovely water features. See more..
4.5 Turkmen Carpet Museum (90 reviews)
- Go Before You Buy a Carpet
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

I came to Turkmenistan with buying a carpet in mind and through the guided tour was able to get all the information to make an informed purchase. The guide will give some tips on what to spot in the carpet shops, dye, regional designs, materials etc, and that will give you a great advantage in choosing the right carpet. Besides the research point of view you'll see every carpet imaginable, including some very impressive 3D carpets and some that are optical illusions, not to mention the world's largest carpet, hanging in the lobby. If you don't buy from a government carpet shop you may find yourself back here to get the export certificate. Otherwise there is a wide selection of carpets to choose from in the museum, the last display as you finish the tour. See more..
4.5 Ertugrul Gazi Mosque (48 reviews)
- Beautiful Mosque
Religious Sites

This mosque was one of the first attractions that we saw while flying over Ashgabat on a night flight. We thought that it was very beautiful at night and just had to visit. The mosque is easily reached by taking bus 22 or 40. If you are in the city center, this will be a 15-20 minute walk. Take a left turn on Gorogly Street, and a road which is opposite a park leads to the mosque. Access is free, and the we took photos from the opposite side of the road, as due to the height of the minarets, it is difficult to capture the entire building in a photo. The four part minarets are topped by a grey pointed roofs. The mosque itself had a huge central grey dome, with other smaller domes surrounding it. If you walk to the left rear of the building, this is the area for the best photos. This was one of the most beautiful mosques that we saw during our visit. It is an easy walk back to the town center where there are many attractions which can be visited on foot. See more..
4.5 Turkmen Museum of Fine Arts (22 reviews)
- Excellent Comprehensive Collection
Speciality Museums

This museum has a fine mix of Turkmen and Russian paintings, ranging from superb 19th C works of the greats to impressionists and contemporary work. There are also some sculptures and a few sections devoted to archeological finds. One section includes European (mostly Flemish, Italian, Dutch etc) classic paintings. A room is devoted to lovely felt wall hangings of contemporary and novel designs as well as some traditional felts and traditional carpets. One room is devoted to Horses as well it should be in a Turkmen museum, and these include fine formal portraits as well as horses in landscapes. The staff are all friendly and some are eager to use their excellent English, while others are best addressed in Russian or Turkmen. The museum unfortunately has no catalog for sale so if you like what you see and want to remember it, buy a photo pass. I spent 3 hours here but some might go through it more quickly, depending on your interests. See more..
4.5 Ashgabat Cable Car (21 reviews)
- Super fun!
Trams

The cable car is fun! It takes you up the mountain where you can see spectacular views of Ashgabat. The air is amazing up there, so clean and fresh. There is a little restaurant that seems accommodating though there weren’t many people in it. Foreigners have to pay $5.00 for the ride and you must take a taxi or have a car to get to the cable car. See more..
4.5 Geokdepe (16 reviews)
- A piece of history of Turkmen people one has to know
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

Built in 1996 by the first president of the country, I consider this mosque as the most beautiful and really represents unique Turkmen architecture. Inside the mosque you can see tiles with Turkmen carpets on the wall, something you will never see anywhere in the world. The mosque is located inside the fortress of Gokdepe, a place of important battle for annexation of Turkmen land by Russian Emperor. You should visit the museum locared 50 m from the mosque (to southeast, 5 USD per foreigner) and learn the history of the battle, go to the north of the fortress to see traditional Turkmen cemetery and walk around to have a feeling how was it. About 5 km from the fortress, you may want to visit the private horse farm where you can have one hour lecture with Ahalteke show and ride. About one kilometer to southwest there are several cafe lined up, where you can eat famous local fried fish, caught from the large water reservoir located nearby. See more..
4.5 Halk Hakydasy Memorial Complex (7 reviews)
- Excellent place with good view
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Visited this rather unknown place and were the only visitors - in addition to two guards at their post. A fine place to spend some hour, just some 15 min out of town. The most interesting thing is probably the "bull statue" with the president and the top. You will probably never see the same! See more..
4.5 Abiverd Ruins (6 reviews)
- Need more than Nissa and Merw? Come to Abiwert!
Ancient Ruins

The ancient city of Abiwert (Abiverd/Abiwerd) is also known as "Peshtak" (local word for "portal" - in honor of the now-vanished city gates). It dates to the 12th Century AD. Located about 130 km east of Ashgabat on the M-37 highway, Abiwert is a "self-service" tourist attraction - there are no tourist amenities - other than the outhouse, which is very handy. If you can contact Akhmet Halmyradov, though, you will have a GREAT time learning (you need to either speak Russian or have an interpreter). Mr. Halmyradov is the director of the historical preserve that stretches about 100km each direction from Kaakhka - and he knows EVERYTHING about it. A pleasant fellow and font of knowledge. You can drive around to the back side of the ruins, but if you see a herd of sheep, don't get too close, the Central Asian Alabay (shepherd) is pretty territorial, and you don't need a dog mauling in your travelog. See more..
4.5 Palace Complex Oguzkhan (3 reviews)
- PRESIDENTIAL PALACE AND COMPLEX
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

While the photo that you show is beautiful ( I have been to Ashgabat on 12 occasions with my groups), it Is NOT the current presidential palace, The President's actual palace (with its 3 golden domes) and surrounding complex is magnificently beautiful and SHOULD NOT BE MISSED. Ashgabat as a whole is just astonishingly beautiful, like no other city in the world See more..
4.5 Hezreti Osman Mosque (3 reviews)
- Long trip but worth it!
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The Hezreti Osman mosque is a long trip by bus but it was worth it. We took bus # 28 from the Kopet Dag Stadium Bus stop on Magtymguly Avenue. The bus turns on B. Annanov Street, and then Atamurat Nya Nang Avenue, where you should disembark at the second stop on the street. The two minarets of the mosque will be seen from a distance. There is a single grey dome, and white windows against a brown background beneath the dome section. The green pedestrian gate is on Atamurat Nya Nang Avenue. The main gate is on Erinlik Avenue. The place to wash before prayers was an interesting design. It was a six columned white structure with a peach roof. The washing section also had a peach roof, green middle and red border at the base. This colourful design was repeated under the external arches. The main colour in the designs was light blue, but there was a mix of other bright colours. We didn't enter the mosque. A nearby attraction, includes the Ak Yol Bazaar, which is to the left of the mosque. See more..
4.5 Ferris Wheel (2 reviews)
- Largest indoor Ferris wheel
Observation Decks & Towers

This is fun and strange at the same time. When we went, we were the only people there! We ride the Ferris wheel which is indoors so the views were through the windows but still there were scenic views. If you like Ferris wheels, you will want to be there. We were three adults who enjoyed it. I’m not sure why locals don’t come. I’m sure there would be long lines in other places. I would definitely go back if I have time. See more..
4.5 Pushkin Bust (2 reviews)
- The other Pushkin bust in Ashgabat
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

We visited the Pushkin bust which is located in front of the Pushkin (Russian) Theatre. This area is easily reached by taking bus 25 or 28, to the intersection of Magtymguly Avenue and 2060 Street. It was the second Pushkin bust that we had seen in the city, as there was another in a small park to the left of the Lenin statue on Azadi Street. This bust was set atop a square designed column. The column was on a tiled base which had a perimeter chain around it. The bust is always accessible, as it is located in front of the Theatre. We were hoping that there would have been an image of Pushkin at the theatre, and were not disappointed. This is one of the few Soviet related monuments that remain in Ashgabat. Other nearby attractions include the Iranian Mosque and Saint Alexander Nevsky Church at the western end of Magtymguly Avenue. The 2nd Park is to the right of the theatre and is a good place to relax. See more..
4.5 Magtymguly Pyragy Monument (2 reviews)
- 18th Century Poet & Philosopher
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Magtymguly Pyragy Park is located on the street named in his honour. It is at the intersection of Magtymguly Avenue and Bitaraplyk şaýoly. It is a small but well maintained park with a sculpture of Magtymguly at the northern section. The sculpture is placed as a centerpiece of a fountain. There is a bridge which leads over the fountain where you can take great photos. It is a very busy area and may be easily reached by bus, or a short walk from the city center. The sculpture shows Magtymguly seated with book in hand. Magtymguly lived between 1724-1807, and was a philosopher and poet. He used the Chagatai language in his poems that sought to secure independence and autonomy for his people, who were ruled by the Khanate of Khiva. His birthday, 18th May, is now a national holiday. We thought this was a great place to relax from the heat while waling though the city. Other nearby attractions include the Square of Inspiration, a short walk in a westerly direction and Puskin Park, Lenin Park and Ataturk Park a short walk south east. See more..
4.5 Berkarar (2 reviews)
- Great shopping centre
Shopping Malls

Nice and big shopping centre (european style). Big choice of shops and restaurants. Worldwide brands and also small Turkmen gift shop. Free parking. See more..
4.0 Parthian Fortresses of Nisa - UNESCO World Heritage Site (175 reviews)
- Third Century BC Stronghold in the desert
Ancient Ruins

This is an unmissable sight. No more than an hour's drive from Asgabat it is set beneath high mountains in a desert setting. A UNESCO site, it is now quiet and tranquil, and it is difficult to believ that Parthian Empire, was a major power from the mid 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD. On-site guides at Old Nisa will expertly show you the extensive remains of this ancient civilization. Nisa was at the crossroads of commercial and strategic axes, and formed a barrier to Roman expansion. I was at the same time moved and impressed; it's a unique and extensive stronghold well worth a visit See more..
4.0 Ashgabat National Museum of History (114 reviews)
- Excellent tour
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

The museum guide was very helpful an d spent time explaining the history of the region and the Turkmen people. There were findings from Paleolithic times, etc. the entrance fee was $10 per person and a group of five was needed for a tour. I recommend the tour with a guide even though there are explanations in English. See more..
4.0 Turkmenistan Independence Monument (106 reviews)
- Strangely beautiful
Monuments & Statues

One of a kind. We have never seen anything like it, and we highly recommend that any visitor take a look at it. See more..
4.0 Monument Arch of Neutrality (88 reviews)
- nice monument
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers • Monuments & Statues

This is a nice tall white and gold monument to take pictures of. The whole city is made of white marbles. See more..
4.0 Tolkuchka-Basar (41 reviews)
- The New and Improved Market Outside Ashgabat
Flea & Street Markets

While I am nostalgic for its old location (ok, I don't miss the jostling and the dust), the new Tolkuchka bazaar, aka the shopping mall of Central Asia (ok, the Bishkek bazaar may be larger), is really nicely modernized and even more monumental than before, but still some distance outside of Ashgabat. You can find pretty much whatever you are looking for, ranging from clothes to carpets and even camels! You really need more than a single day to explore all of the offerings. Check the central directory, if you are looking for something in particular. And, be sure to take a break at one of the cafes--the samsa are really good. See more..
4.0 Ashgabat Train Station (33 reviews)
- REDONE
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The train station is redone on a grand scale to show off the gas wealth like other buildings in Ashgabad.When you see this building this is similar to the other building on Ashgabad. See more..
4.0 Wedding Palace (29 reviews)
- A must see when in town
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Ashgabat has many charms. This hotel is so completely out of the ordinary that it certainly counts as one of those. See more..
4.0 Ashgabat hippodrome (25 reviews)
- Hippodrome, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Horse Tracks

This is a fabulous place to watch horse racing. A magnificent stadium and everyone gets to sit down. The winning horses are paraded for the public to see The horse is led by two men dressed in traditional costumes and the horse has his prize on his back. The prize is a beautiful Turkmenistan carpet for which they are world famous. The people are so friendly that it makes for a wonderful day at the races. See more..
4.0 Kow Ata Underground Lake (19 reviews)
- Ata Kow
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Mysterious Sites

The Kow Ata underground Lake in Bahardenskaya Cave is a sulphurous warm spring that (don’t think about it too much but probably lots of bat guano so not sure I would drink it) supposedly offers healing properties. We took a dip in it and it really made us hotter than before we went in, probably an awesome dip in the winter not when it’s +35C plus humidity in the cave haha. Fun for a quick splash then get out and get a shashlik hot off the grill outside the cave and a drink. See more..
4.0 Russian Bazaar (11 reviews)
- Good place for a quick lunch
Farmers Markets

The market is divided in different sections like fruits, fish, flowers, clothes etc. We stopped there around noon and it was a good place for a quick and cheap lunch. Baklava was delicious and there are also several Kebap stalls and Cafés available. Plan around 1 hour to see everything and to have a quick bitte. See more..