Why visit
Ashgabat is Turkmenistan's marble-heavy capital, known for grand avenues, monuments, fountains, and tightly planned urban spectacle. It is one of Central Asia's most unusual cityscapes.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Ashgabat is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Turkmenistan. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Ashgabat, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Turkmenistan better matches the trip style.
Ashgabat at a glance
City population
1.0 million
Elevation
219 m
719 ft
Time zone
UTC+5
Asia/Ashgabat
Airport
ASB
Ashgabat International Airport
Turkmenistan at a glance
Country center
40.0°, 60.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
488,100 km²
188,456 mi²
Subregion
Central Asia
Currency
Turkmenistan manat (m)
TMT
Dial
+993
Languages
Russian, Turkmen
Demonym
Turkmen
Internet
.tm
UN
Member state
ISO code
TM / TKM
Where in the world
40.0° - 60.0°
Turkmenistan
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Ashgabat is known for large public buildings faced with white marble.
- The city lies between the Kopet Dag mountains and the Karakum Desert.
- The Arch of Neutrality once carried a gold statue of the first president that rotated to always face the sun.
- Turkmenistan's Darvaza Gas Crater: "Door to Hell": has been burning since 1971 when Soviet engineers set it alight to burn off methane.
- Ashgabat holds the Guinness record for the city with the most white-marble buildings.
Bordering Turkmenistan
Traveler notes
- The city is famous for white marble public architecture
- The National Museum gives context on Merv and ancient sites
- Darvaza gas crater trips usually start from Ashgabat
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Ashgabat
What currency is used in Ashgabat?
Ashgabat uses the Turkmenistan manat (m), ISO code TMT.
What languages are spoken in Turkmenistan?
The primary languages are Russian and Turkmen.
What is the international calling code for Turkmenistan?
The calling code is +993.
When is the best time to visit Ashgabat?
Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Ashgabat?
Ashgabat International Airport (IATA: ASB).
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