Travel ideas for Turkmenistan - unique sights, worth Guinness records

Gas crater of Derweze, which is better known to travelers under the dramatic name ‘Gates of hell’, is in Turkmenistan. Its diameter is about 60 meters and the depth is more than 20 meters. This natural phenomenon was discovered in 1971. Soviet geologists have discovered a large accumulation of gas and decided to drill an exploratory well. Contrary to the expectations of scientists, there was a void under the ground, which collapsed engulfing all equipment and machinery.
It’s notable that no people were injured in such a large-scale incident. Surface formed a hole, which continued to exude a gas, which it was decided to burn. Scientists believed that the fire would burn out within a couple of days, but the crater is still lit after 40 years. The crater looks incredibly appealing and frightening at the same time and you feel like you can enjoy wandering flames forever.
The height of some flames is 10-15 meters, so it’s very dangerous to come close to them. The crater has won its frightening name not accidentally, as it’s really impossible to get out of it, if someone has stumbled and fell inside. Exuded gas is also very dangerous, so the government of the country intends to bury the flaming crater. Every day, curious travelers come to the flaming crater. The most courageous approach to the steep slope and watch the gates of hell in all their awesome glory. ... Complete sights collection

Aktchakaya Valley is the lowest point of Turkmenistan, the depth of which is 81 meters. The valley is located in the north of the country, on the territory of the legendary Karakum desert - one of the most interesting and visited by tourists the most visited deserts in the world. The drainless valley is impressively large. Its length reaches 50 km, and the maximum width is 6 km. The absolute depth of the sink compared to the level of the global ocean is half as large as the relative depth, which is about 200 meters.
The researcher geographer EMMurzaev was the discoverer of this depression. He made his unique discovery during an expedition through the Karakum Desert in 1935. The main feature of the valley is the surrounding mountain massifs. As mentioned above, its height reaches 200 meters. The slopes are reminiscent of a series of multi-colored steps - the desert floor is rich in metals and minerals.
In the rainy season, when the precipitation is maximum in the desert, thousands of small brooks flow along the steep slopes of the valley. On the fragile lime and sand deposits they leave the deep throats, which make the mountains even more unusual and impressive. Thousands of travelers and researchers come to this area every year to see these wonders of nature wandering in one of the deepest valleys in the world and perhaps a sensational discovery. ... Complete sights collection

In Ashgabat you can see a wonderful Artogrulgazy Mosque. It is the largest mosque in the town. The religious building was made in the best national traditions within five years and was finished in 1998. The prime minister of Turkey Suleyman Demirel ordered to build there a mosque. Today locals have a number of beliefs about the mosque.
During the building as a per infortunium several workers died. That’s why some locals believe that this mosque brings misfortune. The main part of pilgrims and tourists who gain to visit this mosque don’t believe these prejudices. The Artogrulgazy Mosque resembles the Blue Mosque in Istambul. The mosque is situated on the territory of the historical Ashgabat district, near the religious building you can find a wonderful park.
Inexperienced travellers can meet difficulties with finding this mosque. It is surrounded by houses and you can see its high minarets that will bring you to the mosque. The nearby mosque’s territory has a nice decoration. There you will see a lot of trees, staircases and even natural stone fountains. The building has a marvellous inner yard with a marble fountain and columns. This mosque is open for everybody. That’s why if you are not Muslim you still can adore the wonderful inner decoration. Walls and ceilings are decorated with a delicate painting. The best time for visiting the mosque is a bright sunny day. This conditions will help you to see the whole beauty of the stained-glass windows. ... Complete sights collection

You can see the ruins of the ancient city of Merv in Tajikistan. They are also a landmark of world significance. The results of the study showed that the very first city was founded in these places in the era of the Margian civilization. This corresponds to the beginning of the 2nd Millennium BC. The city was called Mouru initially. Its area has expanded to 60 square kilometers over hundreds of years. The city has had to endure many devastating battles over the years. It fully recovered and continued to develop after each of them.
Merv suffered a major defeat from the Mongol invaders only in the early 13th century. The city was almost completely in ruins after a series of battles. The citizens managed to partially restore their homes and irrigation systems only by the 15th century. But the ancient city never managed to achieve its former greatness. Archaeological research of the ancient city began in the late 19th century. It was impossible to assume before they started that Merv was one of the oldest cities on our planet.
You can see the ruins of both very ancient structures and younger buildings on the territory of the archaeological area today. They are well preserved after hundreds of years. One of the main sites of the ancient city is considered to be Erk Kala Citadel. Its area is 12 hectares. The most interesting architectural structure is the mausoleum of Sanjar Dar-al-Akhir. It was built in the first half of the 12th century. One of the most ancient areas of development is Gyaur-Kala. The age of the ruins preserved here is more than 3,000 years. An impregnable fortress with an area of about 300 hectares was once located in this area. ... Complete sights collection