Turkmenbashi (Krasnovodsk)

Turkmenbashi, formerly known as Krasnovodsk, is the only significant port city in all of Central Asia. Nestled between a crescent of low-lying mountains to the east and the turquoise-blue expanse of the Caspian Sea to the west, the city is surrounded by an arid desert landscape. Turkmenbashi serves as the starting point for many excursions into the surrounding mountains and coastal resort towns. Here, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, the sun shines warmly throughout the year, with golden sands gently crunching underfoot and the waves of the warm sea lapping at the beach.

Despite its youthful appearance, the city was founded in 1869 by Russian military forces. By the 20th century, Krasnovodsk had transformed into a vital hub for transport, trade, and oil refining in Turkmenistan.

Turkmenbashi offers a unique experience compared to Ashgabat, as it is not heavily influenced by tourism. This allows visitors to gain insight into the daily lives of ordinary people. The city is small, stretching across the coastal hills.

The name «Turkmenbashi,» which translates to «the head of Turkmens,» was a title taken by the former president Niyazov, who named the city, and even January, after himself during his lifetime.

Many tourists prefer to visit the coastal towns of Hazar and Avaza, where the resort sanatoriums in Turkmenbashi are renowned for treating pulmonary diseases.

Dekhistan

Powering over absolutely flat, waterless and clay plain of Balkan velayat which earlier was known as Misrian Valley are the mysterious and mystical ruins of ancient Dekhistan — the most remote and isolated city. Read more…

Shir-Kabir Mausoleum 

6 km from Dakhistan lies the ancient Mashad entombment — a Muslim necropolis with the well- known mausoleum of Ali ibn Sukkari or » Shir — Kabir» in the center. Read more…

Tasharvat Caravanserai 

38 km from Balkanabat near Tasharvat water spring are located the picturesque ruins of caravan serai Tasharvat. It stands on one of the ancient caravan routes — numerous branches of the Great Silk Road. Read more…

Parau-Bibi shrine

A little white mosque Para-bibi is one of the most honored pilgrim places of Turkmenistan . It stands all by itself on one of the Kopet Dagh rocks. Read more…