Turkmenistan Vacations

Turkmen people have been nomads and horsemen throughout their early history. Some are still nomadic to this day. Turkmen are famous for their colourful handmade rugs made to distinguish between different clans. Carpet weaving is an important part of the country's culture and an economic sector.

Turkmen clothing and jewelry are designed to reflect a person's region of origin and social status. Many still wear the traditional costume, comprising of embroidered shirts, custom shoes, and sheep hats for men, and a robe and headdress for women. Shades of red dominate in clothing as red is believed to ward off evil eye. Jewelry, a symbol of social status and an amulet among Turkmen, is typically made of silver.

Nearly 93% of the population practices Islam, with Sunni Muslims representing a higher percentage of the Muslim population. Islam was re-introduced in the country after the fall of the Soviet Union. Eastern Russian Orthodox is the minority religion in the country, and a small portion of the population remains unaffiliated with any religion.

Turkmen music and dance reflect the local culture and figure prominently during national celebrations. The dance movements convey a special meaning and showcase many traditions through the ages. The most ancient Turkmen folk dance is kushtdepdi, characterized by flowing moments of a girl and boy who are encircled by other dancers clapping their hands. National instruments and traditional polyphony accompany the folk dances. The ritual instruments include the tambourine, Jew's harp, flute, a stringed, plucked instrument called durat, and a stringed, bowed instrument called gidjak. 

Turkmenistan is best visited in the months of March to May and September to November. During the spring months of March-May, the weather is mild and the occasional showers add a refreshing touch to the warm outdoors. From June to August, Ashgabat can get scorching hot. This, along with low humidity, can make the city feel drier than it is. The fall season between September and November sees gradually decreasing temperatures, increasing humidity, and rainfall of 3mm to 19mm. If you plan to camp in the desert, wear extra layers as the nights get chilly. Winter months are best avoided due to the extremely cold temperatures. Snowfall makes an appearance in December and temperatures drop below freezing in January, which is easily the country's coldest month. 

You need a visa for Turkmenistan. The government imposes penalties for overstaying your visa. Inter-regional travel can be restricted on short notice.

Avoid public displays of affection as it may offend the locals and attract attention from the police. Turkmenistan's authoritarian regime has clamped down on political rights and civil liberties. It's best to avoid discussions on political matters with the locals.

It is illegal to photograph sensitive areas, so follow the rules of taking photographs of sites and infrastructure. Smoking in Turkmenistan is illegal in all public places. You must declare any foreign currency when you arrive and depart. If travelling with a child, you may need to show evidence of parental or custodial rights. A letter of consent from a non-travelling parent may also be necessary.

Bar fights and alcohol-related incidents are common in nightclubs. Avoid keeping your drinks left unattended and accepting drinks from unknown people.

Demonstrations are a regular occurrence in Turkmenistan. Peaceful demonstrations can take a violent turn, disrupting public transportation and traffic. Avoid areas where large gatherings and demonstrations are taking place.

Make sure to book licensed taxis and don't get into already occupied taxis. These general precautions apart, the country is safe to explore. You may feel more confident travelling in a group or with a local guide.  

Turkmen cuisine is similar to that of the rest of Central Asia. The food is not heavy on spices but makes generous use of cottonseed oil. The primary food, pilaf, is cooked with rice, lamb, carrots, and onions. Often considered the national dish of Turkmenistan, pilaf is served at special occasions and celebrations.

Shurpa is a thick mutton soup with vegetables and served with a dollop of sour cream that you can try during Turkmenistan vacations. The fried dumplings manti and somsa contain different kinds of fillings, from pumpkin to ground meat. Some restaurants serve Russian delicacies.

Melon production in Turkmenistan contributes to the national economy. The country produces around 400 varieties of the fruit.

Bread is a staple food in the country. Different types of bread are eaten regularly. Meals and teas are served with corek, the local flatbread. Turkmen consider it disrespectful to mishandle bread or turn it upside down. They drink a lot of tea, and at all times of the day. Another popular beverage, chal, is fermented camel milk, which has a sour flavour. A salty yogurt drink called ayran, is served chilled along with meals in the summer months. Vodka is the most popular liquor among locals and priced affordably.