Why does Turkmenistan remain one of Asia's most undiscovered destinations?
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Why does Turkmenistan remain one of Asia's most undiscovered destinations?
Why does Turkmenistan remain one of Asia's most undiscovered destinations?
was posted by Batyr Rahmanov
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Featured on Jun 9, 2026 (1 month ago).
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Turkmenistan is one of the least-visited countries in the world, yet it offers some of the most unique travel experiences in Central Asia.
From the famous Darvaza Gas Crater ("Door to Hell") to the ancient Silk Road city of Merv, travelers can explore remarkable history, vast desert landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.
As a tourism professional based in Turkmenistan, I have seen growing interest from travelers looking for authentic and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Visitors are often surprised by the modern architecture of Ashgabat, the hospitality of local people and the diversity of experiences available across the country.
I'm curious to hear from other travel professionals:
What do you think is the biggest challenge when promoting lesser-known destinations to international travelers?
Greetings from Turkmenistan and looking forward to connecting with the Travel Massive community.
Having grown up in Tasmania (a small island at the bottom of Australia with about half a million population), the tourism challenges as a "lesser known" destination have been mostly about how people can get here.
For example — to get to Tasmania from anywhere other than New Zealand, you have to first arrive in Melbourne or Sydney (or another mainland capital) and then take a domestic flight, or a ferry to the island. This is friction that deters a lot of people, who after already having travelled for 20+ hours to get to Australia, don't want to spend another half a day getting to our beautiful island.
However — I'm kind of glad it's hard to get here. It means people make an effort to visit, and I'm sure it makes it feel like a more worthwhile experience when they finally get here. Plus, we're a small island and in some places are already seeing signs of overtourism.
For Turkmenistan, it seems like visa requirements are your friction? If you want more visitors, you need to make it easier. Any news on that?
Thanks, Ian. Tasmania is actually a great comparison.
Like Tasmania, part of Turkmenistan's appeal comes from the fact that it remains off the beaten path and attracts travelers looking for something unique rather than a mainstream destination.
I would say that visa requirements have traditionally been the biggest barrier for international visitors. However, there have been some positive changes recently, and the process is becoming more accessible than it was in the past.
In my experience, many travelers are genuinely interested in visiting Turkmenistan, but the visa process has often discouraged them before they even start planning their trip. If accessibility continues to improve, I believe we'll see growing interest from travelers seeking authentic and less-crowded destinations.
Like Tasmania, the challenge is finding the right balance between making a destination more accessible and preserving what makes it special in the first place.
Hi Batyr!
I hope all is well in incredible Turkmenistan! Are you based in Ashgabat? To this day it is one of the most fascinating places I have visited. I was blown away. It's such an interesting country, with incredible history and living traditions.
I'm going to respond from my point of view as someone who works in public relations and had Turkmenistan as one of many destinations to promote, plus I have travelled to TK and loved it. There are a few challenges, but these weaknesses can also double as strengths - imo TK just needs just the right amount of attention / tourism support at a national government level to attract the right kind of traveller...and to be able to promote itself accordingly and responsibly.
- Access - As Ian mentioned, the visa situation is tough and access is limited. This is a huge deterrent as it creates uncertainty. Even the most seasoned traveller wants to know they can enter a country at least a few months in advance. I went through a tour operator and was booked, but did not get my visa until three days before I was due to cross the border from Uzbekistan. It was the same for my Uzbek tour guide. Fortunately, we were both chill and it all worked out, but that border crossing is nerve-wracking :) Our guide was SENSATIONAL and I was so happy to see females running tours in TK! We became friends in time I was there.
- Infrastructure - Adventurous travellers don't mind bumpy roads, but many do. Hotels vary in terms of services and sometimes there is no service at all haha. I'd say this is the sign of an immature tourism industry and I personally enjoy the charm of that, but many "mainstream" travellers may not. Obviously options are better in ASB (and WHAT an insanely beautiful airport) but it's very different to what many travellers are used to.
- Promotion - TK is extremely tough to promote from a PR pov as the government actively seeks out journalists and creators (even if they are just tourism reporters looking to write an inspiring travel story) and denies them entry. Even me writing this post give me a bit of fear for future visits. I am sure you are familiar with Owadan, but I met their founder at his offices. It was an interesting chat when it comes to media! There's definitely a movement of people who would like to see Turkmenistan open up further and ease entry for travel press.
What I would preface this with is it needs to be carefully managed and taken slowly. It's such a precious place...so I'd say all parties proceed with caution to keep the desire for discovery high but in a way that can be delivered respectfully and responsibly. Where else can you be the only people on an active archaeological dig at a UNESCO world heritage site, or on one of the most epic ferris wheels in the world?!
I hope this helps! I can't wait to come back and see more and hopefully meet you. I have a couple of friends there now as we went off piste from the tour for a couple of days after ;)
Happy to chat anytime about one of my fave countries!
Best
Casey
Yeah, for someone like me who has never been there and only knowing what I've seen on TV from Turkmenistan it's a bad place to end up in a hospital, especially if you don't speak the language. Internet censorship is a big thing with VPN being illegal. Curfews applying to tourists and them being heavily monitored by the authorities. Tourists generally need to be accompanied by a certified local guide.
It sounds a bit like visiting North Korea. Destination for hardcore travelers who really want to be able to say they've seen it all might go there.
This might be untrue, but this is what the internet / TV tells me.
Hi Menno,
Thank you for sharing your honest perspective. I completely understand why many people have this impression, as most information about Turkmenistan available internationally tends to focus on politics rather than travel experiences.
Interestingly, many travelers arrive with similar expectations but leave with a completely different impression of the country. They are often surprised by the hospitality of local people, the safety, and the unique cultural and historical attractions.
Of course, Turkmenistan is not a typical mass-tourism destination, and there are visa requirements and travel regulations that make it different from many other countries. However, this is also part of what makes it such a unique destination for travelers seeking authentic and less-explored experiences.
Visitors come to see places such as the Darvaza Gas Crater, the ancient Silk Road cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Karakum Desert, and the remarkable architecture of Ashgabat.
I hope one day you will have the opportunity to visit and experience the country for yourself. It would be interesting to hear how your impressions compare with what you've seen on TV and online.
Best regards,
Batyr
Thanks for your response, Batyr, and yeah, I completely agree that what one sees on TV or that one "captures" from what the media shares isn't always the right image. Hospitality in seemingly hostile countries is often very pronounced even though you wouldn't have expected it.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
I think that's very true. Some of the most memorable travel experiences happen when reality turns out to be very different from our expectations.
Many visitors come to Turkmenistan with a certain image in mind, but what they often remember most is the warmth of the people, the sense of safety, and the opportunity to experience a culture that has preserved many of its traditions.
Travel has a unique way of breaking stereotypes and helping us better understand places and people beyond headlines and media narratives.
Hopefully one day you'll have the chance to visit Turkmenistan yourself and see it through your own eyes.
Best regards,
Batyr
Hi Casey,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful message and for sharing your experience in Turkmenistan.
Yes, I am based in Ashgabat, and it means a lot to hear such kind words from someone who has actually visited and taken the time to understand our country beyond the stereotypes.
I completely agree with many of the points you mentioned, especially regarding visa procedures, accessibility, and international promotion. These are challenges that we face, but I also believe that Turkmenistan's uniqueness and authenticity are what make it so special for travelers seeking genuine discovery.
I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed Ashgabat, Darvaza, and our UNESCO sites. Your comment about being alone at an archaeological site perfectly captures what makes travel here so different from many other destinations.
Thank you as well for your balanced perspective on tourism development. I also believe Turkmenistan should be introduced to the world carefully and responsibly, preserving its culture, traditions, and unique atmosphere.
I would love to stay in touch and continue exchanging ideas about tourism promotion and destination development. Hopefully, on your next visit, we will have the opportunity to meet in person and explore even more of Turkmenistan together.
Please send my regards to your friends currently traveling here.
Looking forward to staying connected.
Best regards,
Batyr
My pleasure, Batyr! The reality is certainly very different to the stereotypes!
Thank you, Casey! That's exactly what many visitors discover when they come here. The best way to understand Turkmenistan is to experience it in person. With its unique culture, rich history, and genuine hospitality, it often surprises first-time travelers. Thanks again for your support!
I would love to experience this place for a week