Ashgabat

Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, lies at the foot of the Kopetdag mountains on the edge of the Karakum Desert. The city was almost completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1948. Today it is known as the "White City": in 2013 it entered the Guinness World Records as the city with the most buildings clad in white marble.

Wide boulevards, golden domes, fountains and grand monuments give Ashgabat a look unlike any other city in Central Asia. Behind the marble there is still a lively Turkmen city, with busy bazaars, carpet weavers and the famous Akhal-Teke horses.

Highlights:
Independence Monument and the Neutrality Arch

Turkmen Carpet Museum and the National Museum

Altyn Asyr bazaar (Tolkuchka) and Gulistan (Russian) Bazaar

Ertugrul Gazi Mosque

Day trips to ancient Nisa and the Kow-Ata underground lake